Automatic pen capping mechanism

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. A plurality of pivotably supported pen capping doors are coupled to the pen shuttles such that the pen capping doors cover the pen tips when the pen shuttles are raised and expose them when the pen shuttles are lowered.