Importance

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Abstract

A paper feed and drive mechanism for use in a high speed printer comprises a pair of arms which may be selectively positioned in a first lowered position, or in a second raised position. When the arms are in the lowered position, a line of contact is formed between a pressure roll and a drive roll and a narrow printing gap is formed between the platen and the inked ribbon. Spring means bias the pressure roll onto the drive roll and clips mounted on the arms hold the arms in the lowered position against the bias. Allowing the arms to raise to a second position in response to the spring bias creates a gap between the pressure roll and the drive roll and a wide non-printable gap between the platen and the inked ribbon. Additionally, a narrow tear bar slot formed between a fixed saw tooth tear bar and a backing plated attached to the arms opens to form a wide space when the arms are raised. The wide space eliminates the necessity to thread the paper tape through the narrow tear bar slot.

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First Claim