The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 29, 1990
Filed:
May. 04, 1989
William A Patterson, Charlotte, NC (US);
Dien H Tong, Charlotte, NC (US);
James R Wooden, Charlotte, NC (US);
International Business Machines Corp., Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
This invention relates to printing elements for use in a serial wire matrix printer having a plurality of driven wire printing elements. Each printing element has actuating means associated therewith to drive the elements against a ribbon from a retracted position to an actuated position and returned. Each actuating means includes an elongated drive element anchored at opposite ends thereof to piezoelectric crystal stacks. The piezoelectric stacks have electrical supply means for causing expansion of the crystal stacks responsive to an electric signal. The drive element is normally maintained in a taut bowed position and is secured to the piezoelectric crystal stacks so as to be driven toward a straightened condition upon actuation to the piezoelectrical crystal stacks to thereby drive the printing element axially to the printing or actuated position from the retracted position upon actuation of the crystal assembly. Spring biasing means are provided which coact with the printing element to return the printing element to its retracted position when the electrical signal is removed or reversed in polarity.