Abstract: A high-speed print hammer and magnetic actuator is provided which operates with a minimum of power dissipation, can achieve high speed, and has very little flux leakage beyond the mechanical structure. The magnetic actuator is made up of two pole pieces having a high magnetic permeability, with a permanent magnet therebetween. A print hammer, also having a portion constructed of a material with a high magnetic susceptiblity, is pulled away from its unsprung position by the permanent magnet and contacts the faces of the pole pieces, providing a very low reluctance magnetic path between them. The print hammer is released from this cocked position by a pulsed electromagnetic field applied in a direction opposite that of the permanent magnet, the pulse pattern corresponding to the desired impact pattern of the print hammer.

Abstract: An electromagnet and a permanent magnet are arranged in parallel between first and second pole pieces having a metallic spring tine coupled to the first pole piece and disposed to be attracted to the second pole piece by the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. A sensing coil is positioned to sense magnetic flux changes resulting from changes in position of the metallic spring tine. In operation the spring tine is displaced to the second pole piece and captured at a home position by field energy from the permanent magnet. When there is a demand for printing, the electromagnet is energized in a first polarity such that its reluctance to the field of the permanent magnet is minimized and the flux from the permanent magnet is attracted to pass through the core of the electromagnet thereby nullifying the traction between the spring tine and the second pole piece and the spring tine is released.

Abstract: A carrier is suspended and moves on two shafts. The carrier includes a plurality of sealed roller bearings which form openings approximately equal to the dimensions of the shaft. One or more of the bearings is mounted on a leaf spring to provide a predetermined contact pressure between the bearings and the shaft. In addition, damping elements may be substituted for one or more of the sealed roller bearings to minimize interference from vibrations.