Abstract: A high speed desk top MICR printer for financial transaction documents and the like. The print wheel is stepped at a selectively variable rate determined by the number of required angular steps between consecutive printed characters. The step rate is selected to maximize print wheel acceleration and deceleration without loss of stepper motor synchronization.

Abstract: A compact light-weight axial-flow type hair styling appliance incorporates improved bayonet mountings between respective body housing portions of the styler, and between the air outlet port of the styler and styling attachments which are removably affixable thereto. The styler-housing bayonet mounting includes a resilient arm extending from one of the bayonet mounting members which biases the mating bayonet mounting member in a rattle-free engagment. Additional detent-indent engagement between the respective bayonet mounting members locks the styling attachment in place on the styler housing until removal of same is accomplished by a quick twist in either direction of the attachment mounted to the housing.

Abstract: A hand-held hair styling appliance incorporates an improved rotatable switch assembly which is mounted in the styler in axial alignment with the fan, thus eliminating the need for a handle in the appliance. The switch is constructed such that the heating elements are energized only when the motor is running, and the higher heat elements are energized only when the motor is operated in a high speed mode. The improved switch assembly is of an annular configuration having a central axial aperture through which a conventional electric cord is positioned. A switch housing includes a hollow annular work area in which a plurality of resilient electrical contacts are fixedly mounted. A commutator assembly includes a disc-shaped base which is rotatably mounted in a working portion of the housing. The base includes a plurality of evenly spaced detents positioned along the outer circumference thereof which engage the fixed contacts to provide discrete stopping positions during the rotation of same.