Abstract: A penstocker for an automatic drafting machine in which a shutter 15 is slidably mounted on a peripheral wall 13b of the penstocker's main body 10 such that a desired one or more slits 20, 21 and 22, formed on the peripheral wall 13b, are shielded thereby forming a predetermined pattern indicative of a presence or absence of the penstocker main body, a type of pen held by the penstocker main body and an origin of the penstocker main body.

Abstract: A housing for a light emitting diode recording head used for linewise recording information on a photoreceptor in a recording apparatus is constituted by elongated extrusion molded base and cover sections held together in a unitary structure by injection molded and closure members. The cover section has opposed inclined side walls engaged at their diverging margins on the base section and defining at their converging margins an elongated slot for receiving the lens array of the head. Preferably, the cover section is formed of two identical subsections with their converging margins held apart by an inner leg on each end member to define said slot. The end members and/or the ends of the base section can carry projections to facilitate accurate mounting of the head in the apparatus. The inner surfaces of the cover section can be contoured to provide sealing surfaces for cooperation with a sealing bead of resilient material surrounding the electrical components within the head.

Abstract: A light emitting diode print head has an aluminum substrate or mother plate. A plurality of stainless steel tiles are assembled in a row on the substrate. Each of the tiles has a row of dice, each of which has a row of light emitting diodes. The tiles are assembled so that the LEDs are in a row extending across the print head with the adjacent LEDs at the edges of each of tile being a short distance apart. Compensation for differences in coefficient of thermal expansion between the tiles and substrate is provided by a pair of stainless steel strips adhesively bonded between the tiles and substrate. Each strip is bonded along an edge of the row of tiles away from the row of LEDs by a compliant adhesive. A thermally conductive compliant adhesive is provided between the tiles and substrate beneath the LEDs for heat transfer. The stainless steel strips serve as compensation for the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between the tiles and substrate.

Abstract: An ink jet printer (10) having a print head (14) for directing an ink jet toward a sheet of paper (16) includes automatic print head spacing apparatus (80) that holds the print head apart from the sheet of paper by a preselected distance. In a preferred embodiment, the printer includes a rotatable drum (20) for supporting the sheet of paper and media securing system (24) of a first predetermined thickness for securing the paper to the drum. The print head is positioned at the preselected distance after a major surface (130) of the print head engages and is pushed back by the media securing system.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a source of light movable with respect to an image carrier element and projectable thereon to generate an image, and an auto-focusing system for focusing the image-generating light source. The auto-focus system includes a second beam of light of a wavelength selected not to be actinic with respect to the image carrier element. The initial set up of the auto-focus system is enhanced by the use of the focusing system and a sensor for indicating the output of the focus photodetector to register a zero output which indicates the initial set position.

Abstract: In a pen plotter having a plotting head carrying one half of a pen exchanging mechanism including a holding plate pivotally attached to a plotting head for pivotal movement to raise and lower a pen gripped therein and carried thereby a spring-biased gripping finger pivotally carried by the holding plate for releasably holding a pen, this is a dual-function sensing apparatus for providing a single output signal indicating pen presence and pen up/down position. There is an optical sensor comprising a light source and a light detector separated from the light source by a space and having a sensing surface upon which a beam of light impinges and wherein the level of signal output is a function of the amount of light impinging on the sensing surface.

Abstract: A belt drive tensioning system for a motor drive positioning system, especially for X-Y digital plotters. The tensioning system employs spring-loading involving pivoting motion of a motor-mounted plate relative to a fixed plate to accurately preset and maintain constant the desired belt tension. A preferred embodiment provides a self-contained modular unit using two pivot bushings interconnecting the two plates.

Abstract: Positioning of a scan line (L) relative to a recording medium drum (15) of a polygon printer is established by independently adjusting blocks (35, 36) mounted on a scan line generating optics module (10) through adjustments made to an external beam sensing fixture (52). Inverted V-notches (38) used for nesting the blocks (35, 36) onto cylindrical surfaces of drum bearings (33) are nested onto corresponding cylindrical surfaces of fixture ends (54, 55). X, z, .theta..sub.x and .theta..sub.z positions are then set by x and z direction adjustment screws (44, 45, 49, 50) mounted on a support structure (73) to make adjustments in the fixture positions against the bias of springs (100). Clamping screws (45, 46) pass through oversized holes (47, 48) on blocks (35, 36) to releasably lock blocks (35, 36) after adjustment. The z direction adjustment includes levers (85) and dual ball socket assemblies (95, 96, 97) so that adjustment of the .theta..sub.

Abstract: The carriage is configured for interchangeably holding pens of different sizes at the same position relative to a circuit that is mounted to the carriage. In a preferred embodiment, a black-ink pen or a relatively large color-ink pen may be carried by the carriage. The size of the carriage opening into which the pen is inserted is reduced by a spacer mechanism to accommodate the smaller pen, which spacer mechanism is retracted from the opening upon insertion of the larger pen.

Abstract: A rolled paper supporting means 12 rotatably supporting a rolled paper is connected to a rotary drive system and arranged under a platen 2. In a paper sheet conveying route between the rolled paper supporting means 12 and the platen 2, pairs of tension rollers 20 and 24 are arranged leaving gaps a little larger than a thickness of the paper sheet. When a paper sheet passes through the gaps between these tension rollers 20 and 24, a weak braking force is given to the paper sheet in order to prevent the paper sheet from snaking. A sheet holding plate 29 is swingably arranged on the tension roller 24 of the pairs of tension rollers 20 and 24 so as to come in contact with and detached from the tension roller 24.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for effecting recording on a recording medium includes a recording head, a reversible motor, a force transmitting pulley for transmitting the drive force of the motor, a timing belt having a toothed portion engageable with teeth of the force transmitting pulley to receive the transmission of the force in order to move the recording head and an untoothed portion for idly rotating the pulley, and a controller for controlling the motor. The toothed portion of the belt includes two teeth at opposite ends of the untoothed portion, one of which is formed into such a shape that it is difficult for a tooth of the pulley to run thereon.

Abstract: A recording method and apparatus for effecting recording on a recording medium includes elements and steps which recognize a recording width over which recording is to be effected and effecting recording on a recording medium at a movement velocity selected in conformity with the recognized recording width by first accelerating a recording unit along the conveyance path of the recording medium, then moving the recording unit along the conveyance path with a uniform velocity and then decelerating the recording unit, and by effecting recording when the recording unit moves at a constant velocity and when the recording unit is accelerating or decelerating.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus includes a recording device for depositing ink onto a recording medium with relative movement therebetween to effect recording on the recording medium; a shaft engageable with a part of the recording device and rotatable about an eccentric axis; and a member for supporting the shaft adjacent longitudinal ends thereof for eccentric rotation of the shaft to change relative positional relation between the recording device and the recording medium.

Abstract: A drawing head 11 of a pens exchanging mechanism has a pair of stationary arms 12 and 13 attached at one edge of a drawing head and a pair of rotary arms 14 and 15 pivotably attached at opposite edge of the head. In order to hold stably and surely the writing instrument 10, a spring force of the lower rotary arm 15 deflecting toward the stationary arms 12 and 13 is designed to have a strong one. When the drawing head 11 comes near a stocker in order to carry out writing instruments exchanging operation between the stocker 19 and the drawing head 11, an extruding arm 18 on the lower rotary arm 15 hits a securing member 24 installed on the stocker 19. Further movement of the drawing head 11 rotates the rotary arm 15 and the rotary arm 15 goes away from the writing instrument 10. Then the upper rotary arm 14 engages with a rotary arm 21 of the stocker 19 and rotates going away from the writing instrument 10, thus a holding of the instrument 10 is transferred from the drawing head to the stocker.

Abstract: An automatic lead feeding apparatus is used in an automatic drafting machine adapted to exchange pencil holders between a line drawing head and a writing instrument stocker. The automatic lead feeding apparatus has a unit holder moving in a direction of approach and separation from the writing instrument stocker to take a writing instrument or pencil holder removably arranged on the stocker. In consequence, the pencil holder is exchanged between the writing instrument holder and a writing instrument holder of the stocker. A lead feeding reservoir-stocker has a plurality of lead reservoirs containing plural leads. The lead feeding reservoir-stocker is arranged above the travelling path of the writing instrument holder. Lead is fed one by one from the reservoir-stocker by a shutter placed under the stocker and the lead is pushed in the pencil holder by a predetermined distance by a lead pusher.

Abstract: What is required for the arrangement of modules (11) on a module carrier (13), for example in an optical character generator (1), is that the modules (11) be positively and non-positively fixed on the module carrier (13), particularly given the occurrence of thermal expansions. In accord with the invention, a fastening means (7) is provided for that purpose that is arranged in a bore (135, 135) inclined relative to the contacting surface of the module (11) and of the module carrier (13) and thereby detachably fastens the module on the module carrier (13). Arrangement for detachably fastening modules (11) on a module carrier (13), particularly for the character generator (1) of a non-mechanical printer.

Abstract: This is an apparatus and associated method for rolling large pieces of a flexible media such as completed plots produced by a plotting pen plotter. The rolling mechanism is placed adjacent an exit of the pen plotter to received ejected media pieces therein. Upon detecting the leading edge of a media piece while in an open position, the mechanism closes to form a guide slot to a cylindrical rolling chamber. The media piece is then urged along the guide slot and into the rolling chamber where it is rolled by a drive roller. Upon detecting the trailing edge of the media piece, the mechanism opens allowing the rolled media piece to fall into a receiving bin. The stationary portion and the rotating portion are formed of a plurality of slats having low contact area edges disposed for media pieces to move along whereby the media pieces move along a low friction path.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for positioning a reciprocally movable member, such as a guide member for a sheet of recording paper, between a reference position and a predetermined position. The apparatus includes a detector for detecting that the movable member is in the proximity of the reference position, and a counter for counting the amount by which the movable member is shifted while the detector is detecting that the movable member is in the proximity of the reference position. A controller stores the value counted by the counter, and controls drive of the movable member when the movable member is being returned to the reference position based on the count in the counter and the stored count value. A second counter may be provided to count the amount by which the movable member is shifted from the reference position to the predetermined position.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled signmaking machine (1) including a reciprocating plunger (210) that impacts adhesive sheet material (46, 46a-d) to form a sign (48) including one or more characters separable from the sheet material (46, 46a-d) that can be adhered to the surface of an object.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for performing recording on a recording medium repeatedly includes a plurality of recording heads each capable of conducting recording on the recording medium, a carriage incorporating the plurality of recording heads, a motor for generating a driving force, and a driving force transmission device for transmitting the driving force from the motor to the carriage to move the carriage in a predetermined direction. The spacings between the plurality of recording heads are made substantially equal to either the distance through which the plurality of recording heads are moved in one transmission period of the driving force transmission device or an integral multiple of that distance.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus includes a shaft for receiving rotational driving force; a clutch gear mounted on the shaft rotated by rotation of the shaft and movable in a longitudinal direction of the shaft; a transmission gear engageable with the clutch gear in accordance with movement and rotation of the clutch gear, wherein a predetermined mechanism is operated by rotation of the transmission gear by engagement with the clutch gear. The clutch gear includes a flange disposed at a position engageable with a portion of the transmission gear to prevent rotation of the transmission gear before the movement of the clutch gear for the engagement with the transmission gear; a starting tooth for engagement with a predetermined tooth of the transmission gear in accordance with the movement and the rotation; and a non-engagement portion faced to the transmission gear before the engagement of the starting teeth.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus comprising a rotating carrier member arranged to carry a writing element, with the carrier member having an axially extending indicia on the surface thereof, light producing means is provided which is movable with respect to the writing element and is projectable thereon to generate an image. The light producing means is arranged as a linear array in a housing member, with the housing member having an axis disposed substantially perpendicular to the axis of the carrier member. Means is provided for selectively angularly positioning the housing member and the linear array with respect to the carrier member. The positioning means comprises light sensing means disposed on opposite sides of the axis of the housing member in a predetermined relationship with respect to the linear array and facing the carrier member.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for effecting recording on a recording medium has a recording head for effecting recording on the recording medium, a reversible motor, a force transmitting device for transmitting the drive force of the motor, a belt having both an engagement portion engageable with the force transmitting device to receive the transmission of the force in order to move the recording head, and an area in which the engagement portion is not provided, and a control unit for controlling the motor so that the motor is rotated in a reverse direction and thereafter rotated in a forward direction when the engagement portion of the belt is brought into engagement with the force transmitting device.

Abstract: A plotter wherein, while a sheet is being moved on a recording surface, figures, characters etc. are automatically depicted on the surface of the sheet, or the contours of figures, characters etc. are automatically cut in the surface of the sheet. In the plotter, both the side edges of the sheet are respectively held between drive rollers and corresponding pinch rollers mounted at both the sideward parts of the recording surface in opposition to each other, and the drive rollers at both the sideward parts of the recording surface are rotated synchronously to each other, whereby the sheet is moved in the rotating direction of the drive rollers on the recording surface. Each of the drive rollers is formed at its peripheral surface with milling or ruggedness for preventing the sheet from slipping.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for performing recording on a recording medium includes a feed roller for feeding a recording medium, a recording head reciprocally movable along a feed path of the recording medium conveyed by the feed roller, the recording head being arranged to perform recording on the recording medium, a motor rotatable in a forward and a reverse direction, a first driving force transmitting unit for driving the feed roller upon rotation of the motor, and a second driving force transmitting unit capable of not receiving the driving force when the driving force is transmitted from the motor to the first driving force transmitting unit. The second driving force transmitting unit is arranged to reciprocate the recording head upon reversible rotation of the motor. A particularly configured drive belt with toothed and non-toothed portions accomplishes this operation.

Abstract: For projecting optical images onto a transfer printing drum of a non-mechanical printer, an apparatus is used with which the optical character generators can be introduced and removed adjustment-free. To that end, two fastening elements are provided in the printer housing and are adjusted at a constant spacing from the transfer printing drum. For the acceptance of the character generator these fastening elements comprise tapering guide slots that are each respectively fashioned ramp-shaped and into which guide pins of the character generator can be inserted, the character generator being fixed parallel to the rotational axis of the transfer printing drum as a result thereof. The apparatus provides for the adjustment-free integration of optical character generators, particularly for non-mechanical printers.

Abstract: This invention maintains a selected printed ink drop density in an image recording device such as an X-Y plotter having a cartridge of the type which emits discrete ink droplets onto a recording medium and wherein the cartridge is transported along two axes with respect to the medium. There is sensing apparatus for sensing the two-dimensional velocity vector of the cartridge and control apparatus for regulating the rate at which the cartridge emits the droplets in accordance with the two-dimensional velocity vector. Thus, a given printed dot density on the medium is maintained for different angles of travel of the cartridge.

Abstract: A writing-pressure changing device for use in a recording device or the like in which when one end of a pen holder is caused to ascend by a device such as a plunger. In this device the pen holder is pivotally moved with respect to a pivot, so that a recording pen supported on the other end of the pen holder is caused to descend to be brought into contact with a recording surface to make a drawing. The writing pressure-changing device includes a first cylinder which has an inclined guide groove formed in a side wall thereof, and where the first cylinder is adapted to be mounted around the plunger; a second cylinder is slidably fitted in the first cylinder and has a switch lever formed on an outer peripheral surface of the second cylinder, the switch lever projects from the guide groove in the first cylinder, and the second cylinder is adapted to be mounted around the plunger. A spring is engaged with an inner side of an upper end of the second cylinder and carried by a lower end of the plunger.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and associated apparatus for allowing the carriage shafts of a pen plotter to be mounted and aligned quickly and accurately without the introduction of any bending stresses or intra-shaft misalignment. The shafts have conical indentations in the ends thereof. Laterally slidable end caps are bolted over the shaft ends and bolted in place in proper alignment with the shafts. An end cap on one end of the shafts has conical projections in the bottoms of bores therein aligned with and fitting into the shaft ends. An end cap on the other end of the shafts has bolts with conical ends threaded through the bottoms of bores therein aligned with and fitting into the shaft ends. The bolts through the end cap are tightened to hold the shafts in place. An alignment fixture holds the shafts in proper alignment while the end caps are aligned and tightened.

Abstract: In a plotter or other device for drawing inked lines on a receiving surface, an ink reservoir holding a large quantity of ink is provided to attain a long operational life for the associated pen. The reservoir includes a piston or other moveable working member to which air pressure is applied for pressurizing the ink, and the ink reservoir and associated pen are permanently connected with one another and with a few ancillary parts to provide a unit assembly readily connected to and disconnected from a pen head to permit quick exchange of units without danger of ink spillage. The ink reservoir is transparent or translucent to give the operator a visual indication of when the unit assembly is in need of replacement because of imminent ink exhaustion, and sensor may also be provided for automatically producing an electrical "out of ink" signal which appears upon the complete exhaustion of ink from the unit.

Abstract: This device relates to graphics apparatus of the pen-plotter type comprising a plotter head which is moveable in a horizontal direction Y and supports a writing instrument which is vertically moveable (Z direction) on the head. Each writing instrument bears an identification surface the location of which along the Z direction depends on the instrument type. The apparatus further includes a fixed abutment. The instrument type is identified by detecting the vertical position of the instrument when the identification surface is brought into contact with the abutment. For greater accuracy, a differential measurement can be obtained between this vertical position and a reference position obtained by bringing a reference surface of the instrument into contact with a reference abutment.

Abstract: The present invention entails an accurate, sensitive, and stable means of mounting a print head to a movable carriage assembly of the type used in computer output printers. The invention uses one pair of planar mounting surfaces and one pair of angled mounting surfaces between the print head and the carriage of a print head assembly. A pair of pivoting clamping plates apply a force that urges both pairs of mounting surfaces together while simultaneously providing adjustment of the translation of the print head relative to the carriage. The translation across the oppositely angled surfaces on two of the four mounting surfaces provides an accurate azimuthal angle adjustment for the print head. Because the other mounting surfaces are in the same plane, the translation affects only the azimuthal angle.

Abstract: A portable, X-Y plotter capable of plotting on any sized medium and work surface comprises a generally T-configured instrument transport assembly for controllably imparting a dual (X-Y) axis translation to an instrument (e.g. plotting pen) across a workpiece (paper) and controllably engaging the plotting pen with the paper during its translation. The transport assembly includes a first, generally cylindrical translation arm, which forms the top of the T-configuration and extends in a first axial direction. This first translation arm is supportable at its opposite ends on a work surface, such as a table top, upon which plotting paper is disposed. A second, generally cylindrical translation arm, which forms the vertical leg of the T, is coupled through a T-joint coupler to the first translation arm, so that the second translation arm extends in a second axial direction, orthogonal to said first axial direction. The opposite end of the second translation arm free wheels on the support surface.

Abstract: This device relates to graphics apparatus of the pen-plotter type comprising a plotter head which is moveable in a horizontal direction Y and supports a writing instrument which is vertically moveable (Z direction) on the head. Each writing instrument bears an identification surface the location of which along the Z direction depends on the instrument type. The apparatus further includes a fixed abutment. The instrument type is identified by detecting the vertical position of the instrument when the identification surface is brought into contact with the abutment. For greater accuracy, a differential measurement can be obtained between this vertical position and a reference position obtained by bringing a reference surface of the instrument into contact with a reference abutment.

Abstract: A rotary optical head apparatus comprises a first rotary member carrying an objective lens and a second rotary member carrying an image rotator. The two rotary members are supported for rotation by means of a single common support shaft so that the axes of rotation of the two rotary members coincide with each other with a high degree of accuracy. Consequently, the linearity of a scanning line of a beam spot which is scanned on an optical magnetic tape is ensured with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: A system and method of applying marking fluid using plotter driven marking instruments for drawing images onto a large sheet in a minimal amount of strokes with the aid of a computer. The system includes providing the computer with data defining the desired images, and providing a preselected plurality of marking instruments having different diameter tips and stroke widths. The computer is also provided with data corresponding to and representing the stroke width for each of the preselected plurality of different diameter tip marking instruments. The computer calculates the coordinates which each instrument is to fill in on the sheet. This is based upon the size, shape, and location of the image as compared to available stroke widths. The computer provides control signals to the plotter for controllably selecting and causing each different diameter tip marking instrument to fill in the sheet at locations according to the calculated stroke coordinates.

Abstract: An image forming member, e.g. a pen or a cutter (for cutting image patterns), which member requires to be lowered onto and applied with a given pressure to a writing surface, is controlled in two modes. In a position control mode, the image forming member is controlled by means of a closed loop circuit by which it is lowered and positioned at a very small distance off of the writing surface. In accordance with a second, pressure control mode, the image forming member is controlled by means of an open loop circuit. With the aid of the open loop circuit the member is lowered and then applied with a given pressure to the writing surface. Thus, accurate and rapid controlling of such an image forming member is achieved.

Abstract: An optical printhead for use in electrophotographic copiers and printers. The printhead is constructed of a linear LED array and a linear fiber optic lens mounted above the LED array. The lens mounting structure provides a floating support for the lens at the two end regions of the lens. The floating mount provides for temperature-induced dimensional changes and prevents distortion and stress in the structure. The end mounted supports permit relative movement betweeen the end regions of the lens and the LED array in two dimensions, but restrict movement in the third dimension.

Abstract: A paper advance control for a progressive X,Y plotter with unidirectional paper movement senses the actual advancement of the paper and controls the drive to a take-up roll in such a way as to keep the speed of advancement constant over the major portion of its advancement. It also through the same sensor keeps informed of its actual paper position and stops the paper with accurate positioning at the end of an advancement, its stopping procedure including a pre-stop slow down of the paper speed.

Abstract: A mirror mounting structure with low thermal drift is enabled by providing a mirror mounting structure which vertically and/or horizontally aligns the mirror by providing two point forces against the mirror holding structure. The mirror holding arm is connected to a thick more rigid arm by resilient narrow slightly flexible neck portion. Screws threaded through the large arm contact alignment points on the mirror mount portion and permit accurate alignment in a desired plane. Thermal drift and hysteresis is minimized, since the alignment forces are acting upon the mirror mount portion in the same direction and minimize the deviations caused by thermal expansion.

Abstract: Oscillating and fixing apparatus for oscillating and fixing the recording head in an image forming machine. A recording head records an image on a recording medium which is fed to the record location by a recording medium feeding device. The feeding device has a reference surface. Oscillating apparatus oscillates the recording head toward and away from the recording medium and causes the recording head to abut the reference surface following the forward movement. A fixing device prevents the oscillation effected by the oscillating apparatus and fixes the recording head with respect to the recording medium to protect the recording head from vibration and shock.

Abstract: A hand recording apparatus for recording images on a recording medium by manual operation has an encode plate and a photosensor for detecting the movement of the apparatus body, a thermal head driven so as to record an image conforming to an image signal on the recording medium correspondingly to the movement of the apparatus body detected by the encode plate and the photosensor, and a driver for displacing the thermal head to a recording position in response to the contact of the apparatus body with the recording medium.

Abstract: A lead automatic supply device for an X-Y plotter has a writing implement stocker connected to a first rotary drive device, and a lead supply stocker rotatably disposed above the writing implement stocker. The lead supply stocker is connected to a second rotary drive device, and a circular line passing through lead storage containers provided in the lead supply stocker and a circular line passing through writing implements retained on the writing implement holding portion of the writing implement stocker lie in the same cylindrical plane. A lead fall hole is provided in the bottom portion of each lead storage container, and an opening/closing mechanism is provided at the lower part of the lead fall hole for opening and closing the lead fall hole. An opening/closing control for controlling the opening/closing mechanism and a lead push down mechanism for pushing the lead downward from the mechanism are also provided.

Abstract: A device for supporting a print head includes a tabular print head capable of contacting a platen, the print head being mounted on a head-supporting plate retained by a supporting shaft. A central part of the supporting shaft is supported on a fixed receiver plate. The head-supporting plate is subjected to spring forces from two springs on both sides of the receiver plate. Side plates are provided with elongated grooves extending normal to a tangential direction at a contact point of the platen with the print head, and both ends of the supporting shaft extend through the grooves. Displacement takes place at both ends of the supporting shaft, corresponding to distortion and deflection of the platen in cooperation with the grooves. The laterally elongate print head uniformly contacts over its entire length against the platen with automatic equilibrium requiring no adjustment.

Abstract: A writing tool (30) carried by a write head (10) of a drawing machine is transferred to an empty station in a storage turret by bringing the write head carrying the writing tool to a transfer position, engaging the writing tool in the station of the storage device by lowering the tool, and disengaging the writing tool from the write head by moving the write head away from the transfer position. A writing tool is transferred from a station of the storage device to the write head by engaging the writing tool on the write head by bringing the write head into the transfer position, disengaging the writing tool from its station in the storage device by raising the tool, and displacing the write head together with the writing tool away from the transfer position. Tool transfer is thus provided solely by a combination of the vertical tool movements and the displacement of the write head along a given direction as normally required for the purpose of plotting on a print medium.

Abstract: In a time chart plotter which uses a liquid ink supply (such as an ink jet plotter) the computer program in the plotter microcontroller is modified so that for any one increment of chart movement, each point in the other dimension (i.e., the signal axis) is plotted only once. This conserves ink and also prevents heavy buildup of ink on the chart.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus which is arranged to convert an optical image into an electrical image signal by an image pick-up and to record the image signal via a recording head on a flexible record bearing medium is provided with a head shifting mechanism which, after the apparatus is triggered, shifts the recording head from a retired position thereof to a recording (or confronting) position relative to the medium in response to the operation of the apparatus performed prior to commencement of an exposure operation by an exposure device performed on the image pick-up.

Abstract: A carriage for a scanning ink jet plotter has at least two roller supports which ride on the platen or on the drafting surface to maintain a constant spacing between an ink jet mounted on the carriage and the drafting surface to improve resolution of the plotted lines. A biasing spring may also be used the urge the roller supports into contact with the drafting surface for further enhanced resolution.

Abstract: A recorder for recording analog data on recording paper moving in a fixed direction includes a recording unit for recording the analog data on the recording paper, a setting unit for setting scale maximum value and scale minimum value of graduation lines recorded on the recording paper, a main control unit for calculating the recording position of the graduation lines determined by the scale maximum value and scale minimum value and controlling the recording means, the setting means, and a graduation line recording unit for recording on the recording paper the graduation lines based on the graduation line position calculated by the main control unit.

Abstract: An X,Y, plotter for drawing drawings of great length has a plotting area over which paper is moved in one direction parallel to the length of the paper and drawing to be produced. A pen is moved in X and Y coordinate directions relative to the plotting area, by X and Y carriages, to draw on the portion of the paper currently at the plotting area. The elongated one of the two carriages extends parallel to the length of the paper and is supported by .[.at its opposite ends.]. by .[.two.]. .Iadd.at least one .Iaddend.stationary guide .[.rails.]. .Iadd.rail .Iaddend.extending across the width of the paper .Iadd.such that the range of movement of the pen in the X coordinate direction is .Iaddend..[.and spaced by.]. less than the width of the paper to allow the carriages to be made of small size and light weight. Associated means for providing precise tracking and advancement of the paper are also described.