The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 03, 1995
Filed:
Sep. 30, 1992
Paul D Gast, Vancouver, WA (US);
Alan Shibata, Vancouver, WA (US);
James O Beehler, Brush Prairie, WA (US);
Thomas A Pearo, Vancouver, WA (US);
Hewlett-Packard Company, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Abstract
Methogology and apparatus are described which employ an improved modular service station design wherein a printhead-servicing sled is selectively vertically driven to effect execution of servicing tasks. In keeping with its desired modularity, the sled is made readily removable using an improved clamp and sled arrangement. The sled is driven by a unique drive system such drive system being capable of effectively selectively stalling or locking instrumentality such as the sled in various positions defined along its path of vertical movement. To save time and space, both the printhead and the servicing mechanism such as the wipers and the caps are moved so as to place them in proper relative positions for execution of a task. Precise relative positions of the servicing mechanism and the printhead are achieved and maintained during the course of a servicing task such as printhead capping by employment of an improved printhead registration system which limits relative rotation between the printhead and the servicing mechanism.