Wire matrix printer printhead assembly

Claim 1

In a matrix printer mechanism having a printhead-carriage assembly and a print medium, the printhead comprising: (a) a plurality of print members, each having an impression end and an activation end; (b) a front bearing array through which the impression ends pass, disposed in confronting relation to the print medium; (c) drive means operatively connected to the activation ends to selectively drive the impression ends into contact with the print medium; and (d) a body assembly, terminating at one end in the front bearing array and mounting the drive means at the opposite end, having integral therewith a plurality of print member channels communicating with the front bearing array and the drive means, each channel containing one print member and each having a path consistent with the elastic curvature of the member contained therein, the body assembly comprising an upper section having a generally flat lower surface, a center section having generally flat upper and lower surfaces, and a lower section having a generally flat upper surface, the print member channels being formed as grooves in the respective flat surfaces with the non-grooved portions of the flat surfaces completely enclosing the grooves to form the print member channels.