| abstract |
A multi-purpose facsimile machine (2) can be used either as a fax machine or a photocopier, at the user's choice. The machine (2), when used as a facsimile machine, eliminates the synchronization of the transmission and reception units by storing data transmitted before printing in a memory. The facsimile machine (2) comprises a linear motor for driving the printer head (48) and the scanning head (38) in a single block. The linear motor comprises at least one electric coil (32, 34, 36) driven along at least one lateral guide member (8) formed from intertwined magnetic (68) and non-magnetic (70) materials. By selectively exciting the coil (32, 34, 36), the motor advances along its guide (8) by magnetic interactions. The electrostatic printer head of the facsimile machine comprises at least one thin conductive electric wire fused in at least one glass envelope (54) forming a solid block structure protecting and supporting the wire. |