Rotatable print head for a multiple print station printing apparatus

Claim 1

A rotatable print head in combination with a multiple print station printing apparatus comprising: a. a print head; b. a movable carrier to which said print head is pivotally coupled so that said print head may rotate substantially an angle of 90°; c. a frame; d. first driving means for bi-directionally and laterally moving said movable carrier in a direction which is parallel to the axis of rotation of said print head; e. a first platen which is rigidly coupled to said frame and the print surface of which is disposed in a first plane which is substantially vertical and parallel to the axis of rotation of said print head; and f. a second platen which is rigidly coupled to said frame and the print surface of which is disposed in a second plane which is substantially horizontal and parallel to the axis of rotation of said print head; g. an axial rod fixedly coupled to said print head and pivotally coupled to said movable carrier with said axial rod being aligned with the center of gravity of said print head; and h. rotating means for rotating said axial rod in order to rotate said print head mechanically coupled to said movable carrier; i. first latching means for latching said print head in its printing alignment with said first platen; j. second latching means for latching said print head in its printing alignment with said second platen; k. first impacting means for impacting said print head so that said print head is pushed free from said first latching means; and l. second impacting means for impacting said print head so that said print head is pushed free from said second latching means whereby said print head may rotate independently of said first driving means into printing alignment with either said first platen or said second platen.