Pen cleaning system for a pen plotter
US5245363A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 1991 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01D15/16
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In a pen plotter having a pen carriage exchangeably carrying a pen with a downward-facing plotting tip controlled in its movement over a plotting area by control logic and also having a multiple pen-holding rotating turret hub controlled by the control logic, this invention consists of cleaning apparatus for automatically cleaning the tip of a pen after pickup from the turret hub and prior to or just after use. There is a brush ring having upward-facing bristles concentrically carried by the turret hub and additional logic contained in the control logic for moving the pen carriage to the brush ring to place the plotting tip within the bristles prior to or just after plotting with the plotting tip and for rotating the turret hub and the brush ring in combination when the plotting tip is within the bristles whereby to clean the plotting tip with the bristles. The brush ring can be rotated bi-directionally for better cleaning if desired. A debris tray can also be added under the brush ring for catching debris falling therefrom to prevent its entering the working parts of the plotter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.