Abstract: A linear motor conveyor system having a moving element comprising a first and a second magnetic element on opposite sides; a first track comprising a first linear motor configured to generate a dynamic magnetic field which acts on the first magnetic element to provide a first dynamic lateral force and a first dynamic longitudinal force; a second track with a transfer region adjacent to the first track, the second track configured to generate a magnetic field that acts on the second magnetic element to provide a second lateral force; and a controller to control the first linear motor such that the first dynamic lateral force is configured to bias the moving element toward the first linear motor until the moving element reaches a switch point in the transfer region, after which the dynamic lateral forces are selectively adjusted to bias the moving element toward the first or second track.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for printing directly onto textiles including pre-treating a textile with a liquid solution to improve the quality of the printed image. The systems and methods prevent over saturation of the fibers of the textile by the ink thereby reducing undesirable mixing of the ink and blurring of the printed image.

Abstract: Ruled lines printed on a graph paper g are optically detected by a vertical ruled line reading sensor and a horizontal ruled line reading sensor. Ruled line spacing Dp in a plotter coordinate system P is measured and compared with ruled line spacing Dg in the a coordinate system G of a given graph paper, and the correspondence relationship between coordinate system G of the graph paper and coordinate system P of the plotter is determined. When a drawing command is inputted, a coordinate Zc in the drawing command is treated as a coordinate Zg in the coordinate system G of the graph paper, and this coordinate Zg is converted to coordinate Zp in the coordinate system P of the plotter, using the correspondence relationship. The drawing command is then executed with respect to the converted coordinate Zp. As a result, figures or waveforms that match the ruled lines of the graph paper can be drawn. Ordinary graph paper can be used because the ruled lines are read, contributing to ease of use.

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: An automated dye pattern application system includes a support bed to support a mat or other dye receiving medium; perpendicular guide tracks supporting a carrier on which a dye spray head is mounted; stepper motors engaged between the tracks, the support bed, and the spray head carrier and forming an x-y plotter apparatus to move the spray head in two dimensions over the mat; and a pneumatic dye supply mechanism to supply liquid dye to the spray head and including control valves to actuate the spray of dye from the spray head. A dye control computer is interfaced to the stepper motors and valves and controls their operation. Data representing a digitized image is converted to a file of plotter commands to control the motors to scan the spray head over the mat and spray dye from the spray head at selected picture element locations to reproduce the digitized image in a colored dye pattern on the mat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for automatically writing a polychrome graphic on a fixed support, comprising a tool-holder which bears a plurality of nozzles perpendicular to the support, each projecting a liquid of determined color and a computer which controls the displacements of the tool-holder, in the memory of which are recorded the coordinates and color of a network of dots comprising said polychrome graphic.

Abstract: A pen exchange mechanism is disclosed, by which a plurality of pen chuck mechanisms holding pens on a carriage are disposed, and a slider is engaged with the carriage at a position corresponding to a pen, which should print, among said pens, printing being effected while driving a pen chuck mechanism at a position corresponding to the slider together with the pen by means of a pen driving mechanism.

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: 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: A symmetrical braking system for a graphic recorder includes a generally cylindrical brake support supported by a carriage drive and having a combination of cam surfaces. A brake rotor is rotatable supported upon the brake support and defines an arrangement of captivating notches which receive a pair of brake shoes in an overlying arrangement. Bearing means are coupled to each of the brake shoes and are driven by the cam surfaces of the brake support. A coupling arrangement is secured to the brake rotor and provides a coupling for rotational forces between the brake rotor and an actuator beam extending through the brake structure. Rotational forces applied to the actuator beam are coupled to the brake rotor and the bearing means cooperate with the cam surfaces to move the brake shoes into or out of engagement with the actuator beam as a function of rotational position.

Abstract: A data plotter includes a table for supporting a record sheet, a carriage movable thereon along one orthogonal axis, and a recording device carried by the carriage and movable with respect thereto along the other orthogonal axis. Relative movement is effected between the carriage and table by means of a drive including a pair of spaced racks mounted on one, each meshing with a motor-driven pinion mounted on the other. The data plotter further includes an electronic synchronizing system for synchronizing the operation of the two motors driving the two pinions along the two racks.

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: In a multi-position graphics plotter pen carousel system employing a pen capping mechanism therein at each pen position for capping and uncapping pens held by the carousel, an improvement for allowing the sensing of pen presence at the pen positions and the indexing of the carousel with a single sensor. Each pen capping mechanism is adapted to assume a first position with a pen in the pen position and assume a second position with no pen in the pen position. A plurality of first sensible attributes are associated with respective ones of the pen capping mechanisms for exhibiting a first characteristic when a pen is contained at the associated pen position and for exhibiting a second characteristic when no pen is contained at the pen position. A plurality of second sensible attributes are associated with respective ones of the pen positions for constantly exhibiting the first characteristic.

Abstract: The body of a writing member is movable in translation between a rest position and a work position, at least partly under the action of a magnetic force, and is permanently held against at least one guide element carried by the support, by means of a magnetic attraction force acting transversely relative to the direction of displacement in translation of the writing member.

Abstract: A plotter for causing a pen carriage to pick up a drawing needle pen from a pen socket so as to perform drawing, comprises: a support plate located immediately under the pen socket and biased toward a pen tip; and an anti-dry pad formed on an upper surface of the support plate, having elastic and hermetic sealing properties, the pen tip being inserted into the pad.

Abstract: A pen-lift system is provided which can achieve high speed plotting while maintaining line definition of drafting quality. The system includes a pen-lift mechanism for raising and lowering the pen, a pressure control system in order to provide a constant pen force for different kinds of pens, a velocity controller for varying the vertical velocity of the pen in response to changes in platen height and relative lateral pen position, and a position controller for sensing the present pen height relative to the platen and for actuating the pen-lift mechanism to achieve the desired pen-lift heights for different plotting situations.

Abstract: Improved plotting and printing apparatus has a writing surface for supporting a printing medium and which has an opening for exposing the underside of the medium. A transparent plate is mounted to the supporting surface so as to permit placement onto that surface of a printing medium such as a plural leaf form set whose area is larger than that of the plate so that one portion of the medium extends across the opening under the plate and can be printed on by a printer positioned under the surface opposite the opening, while another portion of the medium lies on the surface beyond the plate so that it can be written on from above the surface.

Abstract: In the calligraphic printing apparatus disclosed herein, a writing stylus is carried by a flexing suspension including a pair of generally orthogonal arms, each arm being driven by a respective servo system which responds to stored data representing characters to be written. The naturally arcuate path defined by each arm is substantially linearized by mixing into the drive signal for each servo system a compensating signal which is a function of the absolute value of the position signal controlling the servo system for the other arm.

Abstract: A graphic recording system wherein multiple recording elements are moved relative to a recording medium. The recording elements are selectively actuated for recording on the medium. A carriage supports the recording elements with the carriage and a recording element actuator being supported for movement relative to the recording medium and each other. During recording on the medium, the relative movement between the carriage and actuator is prevented.

Abstract: In a device for exchanging objects, in particular writing instruments, two substantially identically embodied holders (5, 5') which are open at one side are provided. These holders are movable relative to one another in a plane extending substantially at right angles to there longitudinal axes (12, 12'). The object to be exchanged is held in a receptacle (20), which in cross section has substantially the shape of a regular, convex n-gon having an uneven number of sides. At each corner of the receptacle (20), there is an element of ferromagnetic material (22, 23, 24), and there is a permanent magnet (6, 6') on the inner face, located opposite the open side, of the receiving area of each holder (5, 5'). The receptacle (20) is positionally fixed in a holder (for instance, 5') by means of the aligned position of an element (23) of ferromagnetic material and of a permanent magnet (6', for example).

Abstract: An automatic drafting device has a carriage with toothed wheels in meshed engagement with toothed racks extending across a planar support surface. A pressure regulation device is mounted on the carriage and regulates the pressure applied to a stylus holder held by the device. The stylus holder containing a writing instrument can be lifted and lowered by a direct current motor with an eccentric disc. The writing tip of the instrument held in the stylus holder, when not in use, is supported on a soft resilient material, such as rubber, to form a seal preventing air from reaching the tip. When the writing instrument is lifted off the resilient material it is ready to write.

Abstract: A bi-directional pen changer for use in an X-Y plotter is disclosed which requires only a single axis of motion for pen snatch, pen re-insertion, and plotting. The device is made up of two pen stables, one on each side of a pen carriage, for holding pens when not in use, and a pen holder located between the two pen stables which holds a pen during plotting. The pen holder is mounted on the pen carriage and is a symmetric device configured to snatch and re-insert a pen from either side. The snatch and re-insertion of pens by the pen holder is accomplished by co-acting clamp arms on the pen holder and on each pen stable. The pen holder clamp arms are configured such that the pen tip is always at the same location relative to the clamp arms when the pen holder is holding a pen, regardless of the side from which the pen is snatched.

Abstract: A plotting system (10) including a plotting device (40) for plotting on paper (52) is provided. The plotting system (10) includes a work surface (28). A supply source (50) of paper (52) to be plotted is disposed adjacent the work surface (28). A take-up roll (56) is disposed adjacent the work surface (28) opposite the supply source (50). A supply source (64) of carbon paper (66) is disposed adjacent to the work surface (28). A take-up roll (72) is disposed adjacent the work surface (28) opposite the supply source (64). Structure (60) is interconnected to the first take-up roll (56) for periodically advancing the paper (52) across the work surface (28) from the supply source (50) to the take-up roll (56). Structure is interconnected to the second take-up roll (72) for continuously advancing the carbon paper (66) across the work surface (28) from the supply source ( 64) to the second take-up roll (72) while the plotting device (40) plots on the paper (52).

Abstract: A recording or plotting apparatus has a writing device which comprises a pen holder carrying a plurality of pens. A penholder assembly is movable from end to end of a gantry which is itself movable across a record surface such as a record sheet or card along an axis perpendicular to the axis of movement of the pen holder. Thus, for example, the gantry can move in an X-axis and the penholder can move in a Y-axis. The pen holder is provided with a plurality of writing tips supported in a rotatable turret. The turret is rotated by rotation of a ratchet provided with a plurality of ratchet teeth. The ratchet and therefore the turret is rotated when, in response to movement of the gantry or pen holder, a pawl is engaged with one of the ratchet teeth. When the gantry or pen holder is moved to disengage the pawl from the ratchet tooth the ratchet, and therefore the turret, is rotated, for example, by a defined angle of about 60.degree., to place a desired one of the pen tips in contact with the record surfaces.

Abstract: An interactive graphic system is provided for automatically recording lines, symbols or marks by inputting plotting information in a step-by-step mode in an interactive system. The systems comprise a data setter for specifying, among various predetermined graphs, a graph to be plotted and for setting plotting data concerning the graph thus specified, a plotter for providing records in association with input signals, a display for requiring the plotting data inputs, and a controller for suitably controlling the various sections. The system is formed into one unit, so that the plotter can directly plot the necessary records with plotting data given by the data setter, and that the plotting operation is simplified and the system itself is small in size and low in manufacturing cost.

Abstract: An inscribing system that is electronically automated for transcribing onto miniature carriers character information which will positively identify the human, animal or valuable article in which the carrier is embedded. The automated inscribing system includes a microprocessor with memory and a plurality of peripheral interface adapters for interfacing between the microprocessor and other elements of the system. In the operation of the system, the character or characters to be inscribed on the carrier are selected from a keyboard which calls into operation the microprocessor program, and which thereby converts the designated character electrical signal received from the keyboard into a coded pulse train which operates stepping motors in an inscribing assembly for the inscription of the selected character or characters on the carrier chip surface. Also, display means are provided for the visual disclosure of the character or characters inscribed on the carrier chip.

Abstract: The apparatus is used for the automatic marking of drawings with alphanumeric and other drawing symbols. A carriage is designed to travel over the drawing without damaging the drawings. Means are provided to rigidly hold the carriage in place over the point on the drawing to be marked. Stylusses of varying sizes are interchangeably fitted on the carriage. Flexible cables connect the carriage to a control unit. Stored programs of the control unit are used to direct the marking operation. The unused stylusses are stored in appropriate receptacles in the control unit. A keyboard can be used to select the desired marking program.

Abstract: This tracing table of the type having two tracing arms, namely an upper arm and a lower arm, has the upper arm mounted in a plane located above that of the lower arm, in relation to the tracing plane, and the upper arm, in addition to the pen lifting mechanism comprises a pen retraction mechanism adapted to retract the tracing pen of the upper arm up to a level higher that of the lower arm, so that the two arms can cross each other. Each arm may comprise two ink pens, and each pen of the upper arm is provided with a corresponding retraction mechanism.

Abstract: A writing head overlying a recording medium, in the form of a sheet with edges respectively extending in mutually orthogonal directions X and Y, carries a linear array of equispaced electrodes extending in the X direction over a fraction of the width of the sheet. The writing head is displaceable in the Y direction along a supporting bar which in turn may be moved in the X direction. A control unit commands the selective energization of these electrodes to record a dot pattern as the writing head moves in the Y direction to sweep a column of dot positions, the column being wide enough to accommodate several alphanumerical characters and/or graphic symbols read out on a line-by-line basis from a plurality of memory sections. With at least one additional linear electrode array on the writing head, generally transverse to the X direction, heavy lines or curves may be traced on the recording medium.

Abstract: A graphic recording technique is disclosed for the enlargement of a relief configuration. A micro-stylus is used to scan the configuration laterally while measuring vertical irregularities in the surface; and a recorder stylus is synchronized therewith to record the scan. A series of scans are provided where each successive scan is offset from the previous scan to produce a topographical representation of the relief configuration from the recorder stylus. Vertical movements of the micro-stylus along the surface of the relief configuration are reproduced by the recorder stylus as movements on the ordinate axis in combination with the scan offset thus producing a two dimensional graphical display of a three dimensional relief configuration. Hidden contours of the relief configuration are accurately suppressed by causing the recorder stylus to stop recording at the boundary of a previously written scan area and to begin recording once the previously recorded area has been departed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a machine for applying characters to a structural component, such as an automotive chassis, engine block, or the like, and includes first and second means for moving marking means along first and second paths substantially normal to each other, means for vibrating the marking means along a third path substantially normal to the first and second paths, and control means for selectively energizing and deenergizing the first and second moving means as well as the vibrating means for selectively marking a structural component during movement of the marking means along the first and second paths.

Abstract: A plotter system is provided having an adaptive velocity means for improving plotted line quality by selectively varying the velocity of the plot head to produce smooth, substantially continuous motions of the plot head between data points, in accordance with changes in the data input rate or changes in the distance between data points. This reduces the time that the plot head remains stationary during plotting, thereby reducing excess deposits such as ink pools that may be applied to a portion of a surface when the plot head becomes stationary waiting for data. The system includes a motor unit, a plot head with a pen, and an adaptive velocity means comprising a random access memory (RAM) unit for storing data values to be plotted, a processor unit, and a read only memory (ROM) unit having a stored routine. The plot head is driven by the motor unit under control of the processor operating in accordance with the stored routine and control and data values stored in the RAM.

Abstract: An encoder for converting a distance to an electric signal is connected with a computer to put a distance signal into the computer. Th encoder is put on a moire pattern obtained by interference between a standard grating and a deformed image of the standard grating deformed by the surface of a three dimensional object. The distance between moire fringes is put into the computer. The computer is supplied with a signal indicting whether the surface is convex or concave. The depth or height of a point on the moire pattern is calculated by the computer, and a contour of the three dimensional object is obtained. An X-Y recorder is connected with the computer to draw the contour of the object.

Abstract: An X-Y plotter which effects non-impact recording by the application of a jet of liquid marking medium to a recording medium while the amount of liquid marking medium to be jetted towards the recording medium is controlled in accordance with the recording velocity. To this end, a signal generator is employed for generating an output signal in response to receipt of signals respectively indicative of the velocity of an X-axis carriage of the X-Y plotter and of the velocity a Y-axis carriage of the X-Y plotter. The output signal emerging from the signal generator indicates the recording velocity which is defined by the square root of the sum of the second power of the velocity of the X-axis carriage and that of the velocity of the Y-axis carriage. The amount of liquid marking medium to be jetted is controlled in response to the recording velocity so that the liquid marking medium can be jetted in an amount proportional to the recording velocity.