Plotter pen up/down control system
US4777727A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 1987 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01D15/22
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for accurately raising and lowering the pen and for generating a positional signal for control use in a graphics plotter having a penholding mechanism slidably and rotationally mounted on a beam for longitudinal positional movement along the beam and rotational movement around the beam to affect raising and lowering of a pen held by the penholding mechanism under the control of plotter control logic. There is an actuator rod disposed parallel to the beam for rotational movement about a longitudinal axis. A spring biases the penholding mechanism to the raised position. A ball bearing linkage is provided for smoothly and slidably linking the actuator rod to the penholding mechanism so that as the penholding mechanism is smoothly moved longitudinally along the beam, rotation of the actuator rod will cause corresponding rotation of the penholding mechanism towards the lowered position. Finally, there is powered rotation apparatus connected to the plotter control logic to receive control signals therefrom for accurately rotating the actuator rod in small increments in response to the control signals whereby the penholding mechanism can be rotated to raise and lower a pen held …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.