Lloyd N Broome

US Patent:

45395748, Sep 3, 1985

Filed:

Oct 4, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/538863

Inventors:

Lloyd N. Broome - Fullerton CA
James Lawrence - Irvine CA

Assignee:

Sanders Associates, Inc. - Nashua NH

International Classification:

G01D 1516
G01D 1518

US Classification:

346139R

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.