Shuttle for matrix printers

Claim 1

In a matrix line printer having a printing platen, a plurality of electromagnetic actuators and a plurality of print elements actuated by the actuators, all being mounted in chains the improvement comprising: a reciprocating carrier and shuttle element of elongated construction and essentially L-shaped cross-section having an upright wall and an essentially horizontal bottom wall integral therewith, the carrier element positioned so that the upright wall faces the platen; a plurality of projections extending from said carrier in a rearward direction away from said platen; there being guide rollers journaled in the chassis of the printer engaging the projections for holding the carrier in an upright position; a plurality of bores accurately spaced and arranged along a line in said upright wall; a plurality of fastening means arranged in said bores and being accessible from the side of the upright wall facing the platen; the electromagnet actuators and print elements being secured to said fastening means and located in a space as defined between said bottom wall and said upright wall, the print elements projecting through the upright wall and in a direction toward the platen that is opposite a direction of extension of the bottom wall of the L-shaped carrier; and means for reciprocating said L-shaped carrier in a direction of the line as established by said bores.