US 4,539,574 A · Pen capping mechanism

Abstract

A pen capping mechanism for use in an X, Y graphics plotter, or the like, having a plurality of pens with writing tips requiring sealing between periods of use. A flat bar of plastic is provided as a slider member with an upper surface adapted to sealably mate with the tips of the pens. The slider member is supported for longitudinal movement on a support track and is moved between positions by an operator connected thereto. The member has a plurality of bores therethrough through which respective ones of the pen tips can pass in order to write. The bores are positioned such that as the member is moved through the various operative positions, respective ones of the bores come into alignment with a pen tip such that only one pen tip at a time is in alignment with one of the bores. For minimum required movement, the bores are all of a diameter d and are offset from one another in equal steps of distance d so that moving the member a step of distance d will seal one pen tip which had been exposed and seal the next adjacent one thereto.

Claims16

Dependent claims

In a graphics plotter having a writing head adapted for traverse movement and holding a plurality of pens with writing tips, a pen capping mechanism comprising:

(a) a slider member adapted to move through an operative path and having an upper surface adapted to sealably mate with the writing tips of the pens, said member having a plurality of bores therethrough through which respective ones of the writing tips can pass to write, said bores being positioned such that as said member is moved through said operative path respective ones of said bores come into alignment with a pen tip such that only one pen tip at a time is in alignment with one of said bores;
and,
(b) support means operably connected to the writing head for supporting said slider member for sliding movement adjacent said pen tips.

In a graphics plotter having a writing head adapted for traverse movement and holding a plurality of pens with writing tips and including a pen capping mechanism for selectively sealing and unsealing the writing tips, the improvement comprising:

(a) a track portion carried by the writing head;
and,
(b) a slider member adapted to slideably mate with said track portion and move through an operative path, said member including an upper surface adapted to sealably mate with the writing tips of the pens and further including means for selectively sealing and unsealing the writing tips, comprising:
said slider member having a plurality of bores therethrough through which respective ones of the pen tips can pass to write, said bores being positioned such that as said member is moved through said operative path respective ones of said bores come into alignment with a pen tip such that only one pen tip at a time is in alignment with one of said bores.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Pen capping mechanism

Life of this patent

Pen capping mechanism

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16