Matrix printer having detachable elements

Claim 1

A matrix printer for cooperation with an associated recording sheet which comprises: an elongated bar-shaped member; means for moving said member across the associated recording sheet; a plurality of holders carried by said member; a plurality of straight mutually parallel recording stylus assemblies each being carried by one of said holders and each including one stylus, each stylus being elongated and disposed in a common plane with the axis thereof at the same predetermined distance from each adjacent stylus, each stylus assembly including means for moving each stylus perpendicular to the recording sheet responsive to electric energization; and means for moving the recording sheet in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of said bar-shaped member; each of said holders comprising a seat and a back surface disposed in orthogonal relationship; each stylus assembly being detachable and having a substantially cylindrical housing; each of said holder seats having an arcuate surface having a cross-section in a plane normal to the axis of the styli which is arcuate; and each of said stylus assemblies including a bearing for support of said stylus at the end of said stylus which is closest to the recording sheet, each of said back surfaces being dimensioned and configured for engagement with the exterior of said bearing of the stylus assembly carried by any one of said holders, said back surface limiting axial movement of the stylus assembly disposed therein toward the associated recording sheet.