Inventors:
Gerald A. Angelichio - Ilion NY
Frank A. Digilio - Acton MA
Assignee:
Mohawk Data Sciences Corp. - Herkimer NY
International Classification:
B41J 936
Abstract:
A print hammer mechanism with a flexible interposer selectively moveable from a normal position into the path of a rotating impeller tooth which engages the interposer driving it and the associated hammer toward a print line to impact a print medium with a type die on a moving carrier. The interposer is flexible in the plane of motion of the hammer and the impeller tooth which allows slower and more controlled acceleration of the hammer and enhances the wear of the materials used to fabricate the hammer, interposer and impeller tooth. Uncontrolled oscillation of the flexible interposer and, hence, multiple strikes and multiple rebounds from the print hammer backstop are prevented by means of a mechanical linkage which captivates the interposer to the hammer for travel with the hammer but also allows the interposer to move from its normal position into the path of the impeller tooth and to return to its normal position.