Abstract: A method of providing a predetermined backlash for a transmission comprising at least a first and a second interlocking toothed gear, the backlash being provided by positioning the first and second gear with respect to each other by means of spacer material applied to at least part of an upright sidewall of at least one first tooth, the upright sidewall facing a second tooth of the second gear adjacent to the first tooth, the layer of spacer material being pressed in between the first and the second tooth, the thickness of the layer of spacer material determining the predetermined backlash between the first and the second tooth.

Abstract: A rope load detecting device for detecting total rope load in multiple elevator ropes, includes a frame held on the multiple elevator ropes, and a force sensing element. The frame includes a tension beam, a first and second connecting bars, a movable member and a supporting beam, one end of the first and second connecting bars is fixed to the tension beam, the other end is fixed to the supporting beam, one end of the movable member is connected to the tension beam, the other end freely passes the supporting beam. The frame is configured to enable the part of each elevator rope passing through the first and second connecting bars and the movable member of the frame to be bent so that enable the force caused by each loaded elevator rope to act on the force sensing element by means of the movable member of the frame, whereby the total rope load in multiple elevator ropes can be detected by a single force sensing element.

Abstract: An illumination system comprising an array of controllable mirrors configured to direct radiation towards a pupil plane and an array of lenses configured to direct radiation sub-beams towards the array of controllable mirrors, wherein a first lens of the array of lenses and a controllable mirror of the array of controllable mirrors forms a first optical channel having a first optical power and a second lens of the array of lenses and a controllable mirror of the array of controllable mirrors forms a second optical channel having a second optical power, such that a radiation sub-beam formed by the first optical channel has a first cross-sectional area and shape at the pupil plane and a radiation sub-beam formed by the second optical channel has a second different cross-sectional area and/or shape at the pupil plane.

Abstract: An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display that includes a panel assembly outputting an image, an electrode part formed at one side of the panel assembly, and a connection member connected to the electrode part, wherein the connection member includes a body part having a plane shape, a plurality of first electrode lines and a plurality of second electrode lines extending in a longitudinal direction, being wire bonded to the electrode part, spaced apart from one another in a lateral direction in an alternating manner and electrically connecting an external device to the panel assembly.

Abstract: A marking head of a marking device comprises: at least one marking pin; a heater that heats the marking pin; a support base that supports a first marking tape and a second marking tape in such a manner that the first marking tape and the second marking tape line up in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the marketing pin; a driving device that is capable of moving the support base to a first position at which the first marking tape faces the marking pin, and a second position at which the second marking tape faces the marking pin; and extrusion devices that extrude the marking pin out toward the marking tape facing the marking pin in order to press the marking tape facing the marking pin against a tire and print on the tire.

Abstract: The inside of a housing of a printer device is cooled by the air from a ventilation port and, consequently, the temperature of solder SP on a mask surface supported by a mask holding frame inside the housing can be kept low. Moreover, provided is a mask cover for blocking the air flow from the ventilation port toward the mask, and the drying of the solder SP caused by the wind from the ventilation port is thereby inhibited as a result of the wind from the ventilation port not coming into contact with the solder SP on the mask surface. In this way, the solder SP is cooled while inhibiting the drying of the solder SP and, consequently, it is possible to appropriately inhibit the change in viscosity of the solder SP, and favorable printing can be realized.

Abstract: An inner peripheral surface of a tube-shaped inner casing has a regular hexagonal shape when viewed from the axial direction, a plurality of pins are arranged in the inner casing so as to take a posture parallel to the axial direction of the inner casing, and in this arrangement, a plurality of rows of the pins arranged in a predetermined direction are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the row direction of the pins, the adjacent pins of the adjacent rows are offset from each other in the row direction of the pins, and each pin contacts the pins adjacent thereto.

Abstract: The present invention discloses micro-stamp array supported on a substrate comprising a plurality of micro-stamp sticks. Each of the micro-stamp sticks includes a micro-stamp-stick head having a channel opened through a central portion in each of the micro-stamp sticks. Each of the micro-stamp-stick heads is attached to a tapered guide tube surrounded by tapered guide-tube walls wherein the tapered guide tube is in hydraulic communication with the micro-stamp-head channel. The micro-stamp array further includes a filler chip that includes a filler reservoirs disposing on top of the tapered guide tubes, each of the filler reservoirs having a refill channel opened to the tapered guide tube for refilling the tapered guide tube and the channels.

Abstract: A medication dispenser includes a thermal drop generator ejector head. Medication is maintained in a pressurized container connected to a valve under the control of control electronics and to a compliant chamber. Fluid flows from the container to the chamber and to the ejector head. In a first mode the dispenser is operable to dispense aerosolized medication. In a second mode the ejector head is purged with fluid from the container to maintain the ejector head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for digitally printing a polymer-coated paper or board (1), to a paper or board suitable for the method and to the production of a product package equipped with digital prints. During digital printing, printing ink particles are applied in an electric field to the printing surface formed of a polymer coating at locations corresponding to the print, and the printing ink is adhered to the printing surface by fusion with the aid of infrared radiation. In accordance with the invention, the paper or board (2) to be printed is equipped with an inner coating layer (3) containing electrically chargeable ethene acrylate copolymer, such as ethene methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA), and with a polyolefin-based outer shield layer (4) on top of this, which contains e.g. low-density polyethene (LDPE) and provides mechanical strength, forming the printing surface receiving the printing ink.

Abstract: The invention relates to a digital printing method and a paper or board applicable thereto. In digital printing, the surface of a paper or board is charged electrically, toner particles are brought to the surface in an electric field in accordance with the printing, and the particles are melted fast to the surface with the help of heat for forming the printing. According to the invention, the paper or board (2) is provided with a coating layer (3) containing an electrically chargeable acrylate copolymer of ethylene, which receives the toner that is fused to the coating with the help of infrared radiation. Suitable coating polymers are especially methyl, ethyl and butyl acrylate copolymers of ethylene (EMA, EEA and EBA). Especially in packaging boards, besides the digitally printable layer, the polymer coatings can comprise a water vapor or oxygen barrier layer for protecting the packed product, and a heat-sealable layer on the opposite side of the board for sealing the package.

Abstract: The invention relates to a digital printing method and a paper or board applicable thereto. In digital printing, the surface of a paper or board is charged electrically, toner particles are brought to the surface in an electric field in accordance with the printing, and the particles are melted fast to the surface with the help of heat for forming the printing. According to the invention, the paper or board (2) is provided with a coating layer (3) containing an electrically chargeable acrylate copolymer of ethylene, which receives the toner that is fused to the coating with the help of infra red radiation. Suitable coating polymers are especially methyl, ethyl and butyl acrylate copolymers of ethylene (EMA, EEA and EBA). Especially in packaging boards, besides the digitally printable layer, the polymer coatings can comprise a water vapour or oxygen barrier layer for protecting the packed product, and a heat-sealable layer on the opposite side of the board for sealing the package.

Abstract: A pin-in-capillary apparatus for depositing droplets of fluid onto a surface is described. The apparatus has an off-axis channel for supplying fluid to the capillary. In the capillary the fluid wets the tip of the pin and is delivered to the surface when the pin is extended from the capillary. The capillaries and pins are flexible, allowing spatial reformatting for fluid delivery. Methods of delivering fluid to a surface are also described.

Abstract: An inking apparatus including an inking head which is manually adjustable in the X, Y and Z directions to facilitate quick and easy positioning of an inking probe in proximity to a defective die on a semiconductor wafer to ink and mark the die for exclusion from further processing. A horizontal positioning plate is horizontally adjustably mounted on a base plate, and an angular adjustment arm is angularly adjustably mounted on the horizontal positioning plate. The inking head is vertically adjustably mounted on the end of the angular adjustment arm and carries an ink reservoir from which ink is dispensed through an inking probe to the dies on the wafer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a marking apparatus which comprises a frame, a marking tool and at least one drive carriage, mounted to slide with respect to at least two guiding members. A first guiding member is housed in an opening made in the carriage, a slide bearing comprising a sheath formed from a resin polymerizable to the solid state being interposed between this first guiding member and the opposite walls of the corresponding opening, while means are provided for holding the other guiding member with respect to the carriage, while allowing a transverse clearance between the carriage and the other guiding member, the holding means defining a volume for receiving the other guiding member which opens out on one side of the carriage.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary methods and apparatus for dispensing liquids as an atomized spray. In one particularly preferably method, a liquid is dispensed as an atomized spray from a vibratable member having a front surface and a rear surface, with the member having at least one tapered hole between the surfaces for dispensing the liquid. The tapered hole has a larger cross-sectional area at the rear surface than at the front surface. The liquid is delivered from a supply container to the rear surface of the vibratable member in an amount sufficient to cover the hole with liquid. The vibratable member is then vibrated to dispense at least a portion of the liquid through the hole and from the front surface. Additional liquid is delivered from the supply container and to the rear surface in volumes that are substantially equal to the volumes dispensed.

Abstract: An electron-emitting device having an electron-emitting region between electrodes on a substrate where the electron-emitting region contains fine particles dispersed therein at an areal occupation ratio of the fine particles ranging from 20% to 75% of the electron-emitting region is disclosed. The other electron-emitting device where the electron-emitting region contains fine particles being arranged at gaps of from 5 Å to 100 Å and having average particle diameter of from 5 Å to 1000 Å is also disclosed. Electron beam-generating apparatus and image-forming apparatus comprise one of the electron-emitting regions and a modulation means for modulating the electron beams emitted from the electron-emitting devices in accordance with information signals.

Abstract: An image input/output apparatus is capable of image printing and reading with simple controls, and a cartridge reads an original with a simple control. When a removable printhead or image reading head is attached to a common carriage to print an image on a print medium or read an original, a flip-flop in an image processing IC inputs a printing period signal, and generates a reading period signal to control a reading operation in synchronization with an internal clock of a scanner unit. A line sensor is controlled based on the generated reading period control signal.

Abstract: A drive arrangement, for example for a writing head, comprising a piezoelectrically actuated lever arrangement (1d) for moving a writing tip (21) in the direction of a recording medium when writing on the recording medium. This drive arrangement is characterized in that a piezoelectric actuator (4) is used, which is separate from the lever arrangement (1d) and in that the lever arrangement (1d) exerts a compressive force on the piezoelectric actuator (4), which is supported against a rigid abutment (section 1b). This drive arrangement can be used for a series of other applications as a positioning drive. Inverse arrangements are also described.

Abstract: A process chart recorder for the on-line recording of process measurement data that has a dot-printing head. In order to develop a chart recorder arrangement having a dot-printing head of the generic type to the extent that the overall printing operation can be effected more easily using mechanically or electromechanically simple means, the printing actuation of the dot-printing head and the actuation of the pen wheel is effected through a common stepping motor. The stepping motor is provided with mechanical means through which the stepping motor is coupled to the pen wheel in a manner causing rotation in one direction and blocking rotation in the opposite direction, with the result that, in one direction of rotation of the stepping motor, only the pen wheel can be actuated and, in the other direction of rotation, the entire dot-printing head can be lowered for printing.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary methods and apparatus for dispensing liquids as an atomized spray. In one particularly preferably method, a liquid is dispensed as an atomized spray from a vibratable member having a front surface and a rear surface, with the member having at least one tapered hole between the surfaces for dispensing the liquid. The tapered hole has a larger cross-sectional area at the rear surface than at the front surface. The liquid is delivered from a supply container to the rear surface of the vibratable member in an amount sufficient to cover the hole with liquid. The vibratable member is then vibrated to dispense at least a portion of the liquid through the hole and from the front surface. Additional liquid is delivered from the supply container and to the rear surface in volumes that are substantially equal to the volumes dispensed.

Abstract: A diode laser source including a laser diode whose emitting element or elements is divided into a plurality of concurrently driven laser segments. Beam filling and focusing optics are disposed in front of the segments so that light from the segments in each element converges to a single overlapping spot. The optics include a beam filling lens array collimating the light from the segments and either a single focusing lens or a second lens array focusing the collimated light to corresponding spots. In the case of a multi-element laser diode array, each multi-segment element of the array is individually addressable so as to be driven independently from the other array elements. The segmentation of laser elements improves laser life by reducing thermal gradients and isolating any local failures to a single segment, while the focusing of the segments to overlapping light spots increases the tolerance of the source to local failures.

Abstract: A mailing machine includes a digital printer for printing a postage indicia on a mail piece. The mailing machine including a controller for controlling the operations of the mailing machine and a printer transport for transporting the digital printer to a cleaning station when the printer is not in use. A sensor is positioned at the cleaning station for sensing the presents of the printer and generating an output to the mailing machine controller in response. The mailing machine power supply includes a main transformer and a plurality of secondary transformer in parallel electrical communication over first and second electrical lines. A single-pole-double-throw switch has its first input and output stage interposed between the first electrical line between the main transformer and one of the second transformers.

Abstract: An ink jet recording head wherein a substrate with a groove for forming an ink pathway connected to an orifice for discharging ink and a plate member are bonded so as to form the ink pathway bycharging the recessed portion of groove with a filling material;evening the upper surface of the substrate and the upper surface of said filling material;bonding the substrate and said plate member to the evened surface; andremoving said filling material therefrom.

Abstract: Brochures, pamphlets, books, and the like containing a plurality of laser-perforated paper which has been folded and bound (in either order) on the lines of perforation have, among other things, substantially improved compressed, lay-flat properties (i.e., significantly reduced bowing) as compared to conventional perforated paper containing books, pamphlets, and the like. Additionally, the inventive articles have surprisingly high strength on the lines of perforation and low paper slippage as well. The inventive processes provide for an easy and efficient way to produce brochures, pamphlets, signatures, and other paper-based products which are easy to handle, store, and transport.

Abstract: In a thermal recording apparatus using a thermo-sensitive recording medium, a semiconductor laser outputs a laser beam modulated according to a gradation signal of an image to be recorded for a first time interval required to scan an image region of the recording medium, and an acousto-optic modulator modulates a laser beam generated by a gas laser to supply the image region with heat energy less than a coloring energy of the recording medium for the first time interval, and to supply a region other than the image region with a high energy exceeding the coloring energy for a time interval required to scan the other region, to draw black borders surrounding the image recorded on the recording medium.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel raster output scanner (ROS) configuration that employs modulated laser diodes as the light source. Each laser diode is coupled to a dedicated driver that modulates the light beam according to digital video signal data. The present invention employs a single-channel acoustic-optic cell that deflects the multiple beams to maintain proper facet tracking. A single transducer is coupled to the single-channel acoustic-optic cell that generates the necessary acoustic wave to maintain proper tracking.

Abstract: A demand ink jet employs removable cartridges of hot melt ink. When the temperature of the ink within the cartridge is raised, the ink melts and drains from the cartridge into the supply system.

Abstract: There is disclosed a driving device for a recording head such as a thermal head or an ink jet head driven in plural blocks, which is capable of avoiding formation of division lines, or low-density streaks, in the recorded image at the boundaries of the driving blocks of the head. In this driving device, the time difference between the start of pulse application to a heat generating element of the recording head and that of an adjacent element is maintained so as not to exceed the maximum pulse duration to the heat generating element. Also, a group of plural heat generating elements positioned at the boundary of two divided blocks is activated simultaneously with each of the two divided blocks.

Abstract: A resistive element film-forming paste includes (1) an organic metal compound, (2) at least one organic non-metal additive, and (3) a solution of asphalt in a solvent. A resistive element is formed by coating the paste on a substrate followed by calcining.

Abstract: A print head is made from an electronic circuit having a pattern of electric conductors embedded in a dielectric substrate. The conductors are formed by depositing a cermet material in grooves in the substrate, and heating the substrate in a kiln so as to make the cermet electrically conductive, and to form a very tight bond between the conductors and the substrate. The resulting circuit is stable, rugged, and capable of withstanding a wide range of adverse environmental conditions. The print head can be used in a thermal or electrostatic printer, or other type of printer using a print head powered by electric circuitry. The rugged, high-density circuit of the present invention can generate a set of very closely-spaced conductors which are then used to produce a high-density image. The invention also includes a multi-layered version of the print head, and permits the production of black and white or color halftone images having very large numbers of grey scale levels, and exceptional resolution.

Abstract: Inker apparatus includes an ink reservoir and a chamber communicating with the reservoir and in which chamber there is a piston movable against a spring bias. The chamber in which the piston is disposed is in turn connected to a needle through which ink is delivered. A solenoid is adjacent to the reservoir and chamber and is actuated in response to the finding of a defective die under test. The piston moves along with the reservoir and the chamber, and continues to move by inertia or kinetic energy after the reservoir and chamber have ceased their movement. The continued movement of the piston causes the displacement of ink from the chamber and from a hollow needle extending from the chamber and which in turn results in ink being placed on the defective die.

Abstract: In a recording apparatus with an ink jet print head which forms dots on a recording sheet by ink jets shot from an array of nozzles, a microcomputer determines whether a printing defect is a light printing defect caused by paper particles and dust adhering to the nozzles or a heavy printing defect caused by the entry of air bubbles into the ink flow paths. The determination is made on the basis of intervals of operating a print recovery button mounted on a chassis of the recording apparatus. For the light printing defect, the computer puts a cap member to the front face of the nozzles of the print head and applies a negative pressure to the nozzles, thereby to reduce the amount of ink emitted from the nozzles. For the heavy printing defect, the computer increases the amount of ink.

Abstract: A page wide ink jet printhead body is formed using first and second series of identically configured rectangular piezoceramic blocks having widths not greater than about one inch. The individual blocks are poled in widthwise directions and secured to one another and to an upper side surface of a nonpoled piezoceramic lower body section. Horizontally equally spaced saw cuts are then made downwardly through the first and second block series, with the block width being an even multiple of the horizontal saw cut pitch, and saw cuts extending vertically through the aligned side junctures of each block series. A top, nonpoled piezoceramic body section is then secured to the top side of the second block series, the saw cuts forming within the resulting printhead body a spaced series of parallel ink receiving channels interdigitated with a spaced series of piezoelectrically deflectable sidewall actuator sections.

Abstract: Apparatus especially X-Y plotters having a marking device for marking a surface. A support is provided for supporting the marking device. The support is movable along an axis of the housing while the marking device can be selectively raised and lowered relative to the surface. The raising and lowering is carried out by means of a flexible driving element, for example, a cable, connected to a pivotable link on the support and activated by a motor. The marking device support is freely translatable relative to the flexible driving element.

Abstract: A marking device which includes a hand-held housing and electrically powered means for vibrating the housing. An ink cylinder having a writing tip at its end is slidably supported within a cartridge casing, and a spring biases the cylinder outwardly on the casing. The casing is supported on the housing of the marking device.

Abstract: The linear drive motor is based around a proportional solenoid L1, to which is connected a velocity transducer F1. The velocity output of the transducer F1 is compared to a reference voltage V1 by an error amplifier/driver A1, which in turn drives the solenoid L1. This gives velocity control to the linear motor, without the usual disadvantageous rotary to linear conversion mechanisms. The linear motor therefore has a higher bandwidth, and is free from mechanical vibrations and resonances, and from backlash.

Abstract: A low profile inker for use in a semiconductor testing apparatus. A probe test head of the apparatus detects defective circuits on a semiconductor wafer and generates control signals in response thereto. The inker is connected to the testing apparatus by means of a support arm beneath the probe test head. An inker reservoir is connected to the support arm and has a substantially vertical needle extending therefrom with a tip thereof proximate the semiconductor wafer circuit under test. A solenoid activated plunger arm is connected to the support arm in parallel with the reservoir and an angle pin connects the plunger to an inker filament disposed within the reservoir. The angle pin converts vertical movement of the solenoid operated plunger into parallel movement of the inker filament within the reservoir for forcing liquid onto the semiconductor wafer in order to mark defective circuits.

Abstract: A rotary action graphic recording system includes a pen carriage supporting a linear array of moveable pen shuttle assemblies each of which support recording pens together with means for moving the pen carriage in a carriage path. Rotary actuation means are supported by and operative upon the pen carriage to engage selected ones of the recording pens for movement into contact with the recording media. The rotary actuating means are operated by an elongated actuator beam supported in parallel with the carriage path and coupled to the rotary actuating means. Brake means within the rotary actuator are provided which are operative to engage the actuator beam and permit alignment of the rotary actuator with a selected pen within the pen carriage array by movement of the pen carriage. The moveable pen shuttle assemblies are slideably captivated within pen channels formed in the pen carriage and are supported by interposed bearings. Spring returns bias the pen shuttle assemblies to their nonrecording positions.

Abstract: A rotary action graphic recording system includes a pen carriage supporting a plurality of recording pen shuttles in a linear array together with means for moving the pen carriage in a carriage path. Each pen shuttle supports a recording pen having a downwardly extending tip. Rotary actuation means are supported by and operative upon the pen carriage to engage selected ones of the recording pen shuttles for movement of the pen tips into contact with the recording media. The rotary actuating means are operated by an elongated actuator beam supported in parallel with the carriage path and coupled to the rotary actuating means. Brake means within the rotary actuator are provided which are operative to engage the actuator beam and permit alignment of the rotary actuator with a slected pen within the pen carriage array by movement of the pen carriage.

Abstract: A pen plotter employs a cable-driven carriage which carries the writing pen and includes a pen-lift mechanism. A shifting idler pulley system located at one side of the plotter returns a pair of drive cables from the opposite side of the carriage to a rotatable drive drum located on the opposite side. The idler pulleys are shiftable equally and in opposite directions toward and away from the pen carriage. One cable is connected to the carriage by being tensively trained about a pen-lift mechanism drive wheel on the carriage. Shifting the idler pulleys causes said drive wheel to rotate without affecting the lateral position of the pen carriage and, therefore, the shifter mechanism independently controls the up/down motion of the writing pen. One drive cable, therefore, accomplishes the functions of both pen carriage movement and writing pen up/down motion control.

Abstract: An improvement to graphics pen plotters including a pen gripping mechanism for gripping a cylindrical bodied pen in a generally vertical orientation for sensing the presence and type of a pen in the gripping mechanism with a single sensor. There is a multi-channel sensor adapted for producing and sensing a plurality, "n+1", of parallel light beams disposed one above the other to produce a binary number at an output thereof indicating the ones of the light beams sensed by the sensor. The sensor is disposed to shine the light beams at a position past which the pen is moved by the gripping mechanism. There is also a cylindrical reflective surface disposed about a portion of the body of the pen so as to be struck by the light beams when the pen is being gripped by the gripping mechanism at the position and reflect the light beams back towards the sensor to be sensed thereby.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for sensing whether a pen is in the grasp of a pen claw of a drawing arm or a plotter or other graphics mechanism. More specifically, the present invention comprises a pen claw movable between an upward position and an downward writing position, the pen claw being connected to a detector which detects both upward and the downward movements of the pen claw. The pen is provided with an annular ring extending therefrom and the plotter mechanism has a stop provided thereon.

Abstract: In a device for exhanging objects, in particular writing instruments, between two holders (4, 5) open on one side, in which the object (6) is retained at least in one holder (4) by the cooperation of two retaining elements, one of which is a permanent magnet and the other is a ferromagnetic element. The retaining element provided in the one holder (4) is connected to a raceway mechanism and in the retaining position is disposed at least near the receiving zone of the holder (4), and in the separating position is located farther away from the receiving zone of the holder (4).

Abstract: The present invention comprises a mechanism for incrementally rotating a plotter carousel holding a plurality of pens around its perimeter. The rotational increments of the carousel are spaced to present any of the plurality of pens to a drawing arm on the plotter, or other graphics. A non-servo, non-stepper electric motor, such as a DC motor commonly used in slot cars, provides the rotational power to rotate the carousel. A control device switches the motor on or off with an output connected to the base of a driver connected between the power supply and the motor. The motor, when on, rotates an incremental indexing mechanism that in turn rotates the carousel in increments, each increment being a fraction of one full rotation. A switch is provided which detects that the carousel has been rotated one increment.

Abstract: A moveable pen carriage for use in a graphic recording system supports a plurality of recording pens in a linear array together with means for selectively engaging any one of the plurality of pens. Means are provided for imparting the desired motion to the pen carriage as well as the media upon which the recording is made. A pen carriage suspension system comprises a pair of wheel supports, each supporting a pair of grooved wheels which engage the upper and lower tracks within the pen carriage track system. Flexible members within the wheel supports provide resilient compensation for variations in track spacing while maintaining the correct angular position of the pen carriage.

Abstract: A following error limit system is operative within a graphic recording system having a pen carriage moveable along a first path and a media moveable along a second path. A closed loop servo system is operative upon the pen carriage motor and is controlled by a position information processor. A following error processor is coupled to the servo system and compiles a periodically sampled table of absolute position, commanded position and following error for the servo system during the initialization process. The carriage is moved in a first direction at a constant velocity until it impacts a fixed limit stop which impeads further carriage motion. The following error processor determines the absolute or limit position of the pen carriage on the basis of the information derived from the servo system. The system functions without the use of external limit switches and limit detectors.

Abstract: A pen type sensor for use in a graphics pen plotter wherein plotter pens are moved along a pre-established path between a pen holding area and a plotting area for reading a plurality of vertically oriented reflective indicia positions thereon to create a binary logic output signal representative of the pen type. There is a hollow body member having a pair of angled front surfaces. Light emitting apparatus is associated with one of the pair of angled front surfaces for directing a light beam to simultaneously strike the indicia positions at a point on the path of pen movement. A plurality of light detectors are associated with the other of the pair of angled front surfaces for receiving on respective sensing surfaces thereof the light beam as it is reflected by reflective indicia on a pen at respective ones of the positions and for creating respective bi-stable output signals reflecting the presence and absense of reflected light on the sensing surfaces.

Abstract: This specification discloses a recording apparatus for recording an image corresponding to image information on a sheet. More particularly, the specification discloses a recording apparatus for recording an image corresponding to image information on a sheet which apparatus has a head for effecting recording in the form of a dot matrix, a support device for movably supporting the head, a conveying device for conveying the sheet, and a drive source for imparting a drive force for causing the head to scan a plurality of times each time one line is recorded and a drive force for driving the conveying device.

Abstract: A rotary action graphic recording system includes a pen carriage supporting a plurality of recording pens in a linear array together with means for moving the pen carriage in a carriage path. Rotary actuation means are supported by and operative upon the pen carriage to engage selected ones of the recording pens for movement into contact with the recording media. The rotary actuating means are operated by an elongated actuator beam supported in parallel with the carriage path and coupled to the rotary actuating means. Brake means within the rotary actuator are provided which are operative to engage the actuator beam and permit alignment of the rotary actuator with a selected pen within the pen carriage array by movement of the pen carriage.