Computer Peripherals, Inc.

Centronics Data Computer Corporation

James R Moss

Disclosed is a free-flight hammer, impact-printing apparatus including a shifting hammer bank having a plurality of interchangeable hammer modules. Each hammer module includes a plurality of individual linear motion, slidable hammers which are mounted in a side by side relationship in a hammer housing. Each hammer housing also includes a hammer-return spring mounted adjacent a hammer for causing the hammer to return to a set position. The hammers are caused to strike a moving record medium by a plurality of interchangeable actuator modules which each include an actuator assembly. Each actuator assembly comprises a stator housed in a stator housing, a solenoid assembly and an armature. The solenoid assembly is mounted between the stator and the armature. The armature actuates pushrods, which are slidably mounted in the stator housing, in order to cause a hammer to strike. A second actuator assembly can be mounted behind the first actuator assembly relative to the hammer modules so that the first actuator assembly can actuate two hammers through the interaction between the two adjacent actuator modules.

Print hammer bank

A plurality of clamping members are disposed along a recording line against the record media, and a cable, secured at the ends thereof, is trained in a path engaged with the clamping members and with movable bearing members spaced between the clamping members. Actuation of a solenoid causes a rocker arm to pivot and through a cable tension control member carried thereby cause tightening of the cables on the clamping members and on the bearing elements thereby changing the force on the clamping members and against the record media for holding the media in precise position while recording thereon.

Record media clamping mechanism

A ribbon tracking system includes guide means and roller means thereon which automatically tilts in the proper direction to correct for errors in tracking of the ribbon. A crowned pulley is floatingly supported and journaled on a curved guide post or shaft wherein the pulley is caused to be axially moved along the post or shaft by reason of corrective forces, in a direction opposite the tracking error for correcting the attitude of the ribbon.

Growing community of inventors

Lum, MI, United States of America

James R Moss