Abstract: An automatic recording instrument has an array of store-pen-holders. To each store-pen-holder, a recording pen is assigned and is held when the pen is not in use. A moving pen-holder with a recording-pen, is computer-controlled to draw a desired trace on a recording-paper by the pen. In order to transfer a recording-pen from a store-pen-holder to the moving pen-holder, the latter comes to the position of the store-pen-holder from a first direction in which the moving pen-holder has an opening to admit the path of the recording-pen, holds the recording-pen by a magnetic clutch, and then recedes in a second direction in which the store-pen-holder has an opening to admit the path of the recording-pen. After the assigned pen is taken by the moving pen-holder, the store-pen-holder remains empty. In order to return the pen to this empty store-pen-holder, the moving pen-holder comes to the store-pen-holder from the second direction, releases the pen to the store-pen-holder, and recedes in the first direction.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively removing a recording means from a strip chart scale to avoid marking undesired data thereon.

Abstract: The tracing element is carried by one vertex of an articulated parallelogram, of which the arms are constituted by thin steel or glass fibres associated with a plastics coating or matrix for damping vibrations. The arms are moved by servocontrols constituted by electromagnets with moving coils having a length less than the length of the corresponding magnet pole piece. The coils are formed from a conductor of square or rectangular cross-section in order to provide maximum packing for the turns.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the stepping of a pen and chart of a recorder is described in which the data is buffered so as to free up the processor. The pen steps as fast as it can and no new data points are read until the pen-stepping data is used up. The chart stepping is keyed to the reading of data points so that while the pen is moving to a desired position, the chart stands still.

Abstract: The printer comprises a ROM recorded for each character with a set of pairs of numerical instructions, of which one represents the direction of a constant velocity vector of the tracing element for tracing a segment of the character, and the other represents the duration for which that velocity has to be applied to said element. The direction instruction is decoded by a decoder in order to generate two orthogonal components which control two servo-mechanism by way of two corresponding D/A converters. The duration of the movement is controlled by a counter loaded by the duration instruction and decremented by a clock signal. Every time the counter is emptied a logic unit responds by addressing the next byte in the ROM.

Abstract: The device comprises a box, a pencil-holder with a magnet, for sliding on the box, a carriage in the box, with a magnet, and means for moving the carriage for displacing the pencil-holder through the magnets. A drawing support is placed on the box, so that a pencil in the pencil-holder can draw a pattern on the support as the carriage is moved.

Abstract: Chart recording apparatus for use with industrial instrumentation systems and the like, and comprising memory means to maintain a signal level for long time periods without drift. An input signal level is translated into the positioning of a pen, through the use of an actuator motor controlled by the input signal and a position feedback signal. A friction device is coupled to the pen to hold it in any given position, thereby to serve as a memory for the input signal level. The friction device comprises a thin vane-like element which is secured to the movable member and disposed in the air-gap of a permanent magnet. The air-gap also includes a mass of tiny magnetizable particles which, under the influence of the magnetic field, engage the surfaces of the vane-like element to develop a frictional restraining force.

Abstract: Circuit for generating from a pair of pulse trains produced in phase quadrature both an indication of the direction of print head motion and the production of timing signals from the leading and trailing edges of the pulses of only one of the two pulse trains. A pair of transducers is used to sense a timing disk rotating in synchronism with the movement of a carrier for a plurality of print elements moving along a print line which transducers are generating respective output pulse trains which are in phase quadrature relation to the other. The circuit provides timing signals for controlling the energization of the print elements at print positions along the print line and retains the same polarity for printing in either direction.

Abstract: Recording apparatus utilizing a linear motor, provided with a member for maintaining the printing head in a particular position while the printing head is not in use.

Abstract: Recording apparatus utilizing a linear motor, having a mechanism for automatically stopping the motor in case of abnormal stopping of the carriage and an alarming mechanism for providing an alarm in the case of such abnormal carriage stopping.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recording information with a reciprocating stylus assembly provide a mass which preferably corresponds to the mass of the stylus assembly. The stylus assembly and the provided mass are jointly reciprocated in phase opposition to each other, whereby stylus assembly vibrations are practically eliminated and the recording system is dynamically balanced.

Abstract: In the disclosed apparatus, a slide is mounted on a guide bar for longitudinal as well as rotary motion. A recording instrument projects from the slide and a spring biases the slide about the guide bar so as to press the recording instrument against the record carrier. The speed measuring device moves the slide longitudinally on the basis of the measured speed.

Abstract: A printer has a print head on which a series of individually-heatable printing resistors are linearly arranged. The print head is mounted on a carriage for stepwise reciprocation in a direction parallel to the line of resistors, paper being stepwise movable in a transverse direction. The printing sequence is designed to permit the carriage stepping motor to be operating in the slew mode for maximizing print speed.

Abstract: An ink jet printer deposits ink drops from a plurality of jet drop streams along a plurality of parallel adjacent print lines on a sheet of paper. The printer includes a sheet supporting drum, means for rotating the drum, and a print head which is slidably mounted adjacent the drum for linear movement in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum. A rotatable cam defines a continuous endless camming surface with the cam being driven by a drive arrangement interconnected with the means for rotating the drum. A cam follower means follows the continuous camming surface and moves the print head in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the paper supporting drum such that jet streams are directed to deposit drops along respective ones of the print lines during successive rotations of the drum.

Abstract: A stylus changing apparatus for use in automatically controlled drafting machines utilizing a plurality of styli comprising a fixed magazine defining a plurality of compartments for receiving styli not instantaneously in use and a displaceable carriage for the stylus in use, the carriage also defining a compartment for the stylus, wherein each compartment (1') of the magazine (1) and the chamber (4') of the stylus carriage (4) each include a stylus holding device, the holding devices in the compartments (1', 4') being identical and being formed by the rear wall (6) of the compartment (1', 4') defining a fixed stop for the stylus (2) and by two resilient clips (3, 5) the free ends of which project into the compartment (1, 1') said free ends each having an inwardly directed projection on barb formed thereon, said projections abutting against the stylus (2) located in the compartment (1, 1') and resisting in use, motion of said stylus (2) away from said rear wall (6) whereby transfer of a stylus (2) between the

Abstract: A print mechanism for a wire printer has a robust single-turn closed-loop transformer secondary winding as the moving part for driving a print wire into and out of a print position. Each secondary winding threads a transformer core on which is wound a multi-turn primary winding. A stack of such secondary windings, arranged with print wires in a closely spaced print row across the stack is supported in a static magnetic field produced by a magnetic assembly. Energization of a selected primary winding induces a large current flow in its associated secondary winding which reacts with the static magnetic field to drive the associated print wire into the print position. In one embodiment, the stack of secondary windings are all mounted on a single pivot and each secondary winding swings about the pivot as a whole upon energization of its associated primary winding.

Abstract: An optical recording device comprising a rigid arm carrying an optical system generating a light beam whose characteristics are varied in response and in relationship to a signal to be recorded. The arm is driven in an oscillatory movement by a motor of circular movement associated to a crank. The device further comprises a recording support unrolled along a direction orthogonal to that of the arm oscillatory movement, and means for synchronizing the control of the optical system with the movement of the arm.

Abstract: A multi-element writing instrument is disclosed for use in computer-operated plotters or similar graphics systems. Successive applications of a linear force applied along the axis of the instrument are converted to rotary motion which is employed to select successive elongate writing elements normally positioned at a uniform radial spacing from the axis of the writing instrument. Each selected element is displaced in a substantially axial direction a distance sufficient to extend the writing point of the element through the exit opening of the instrument.

Abstract: A seismic instrument or accelerograph for recording the spectra of strong earthquake shocks or the like, having a series of mechanically-resonant recording units which trace or "scratch" linear records with styli on metallic record plates. No electrical or other power source is needed to make the records, so that the instrument may stand by for many years without attention. The case has, typically, about sixteen separate compartments with a recording unit installed in each. Each unit has a different natural (resonant) frequency, in the range between about 1 to 32 Hz. The record plates are all alike, except for keying or locating grooves, and all the recording units are made to have about the same sensitivity in terms of stylus deflection per unit acceleration. A problem addressed here is that in any simple linear mass-spring system, the static sag (deflection of the mass at 1 g) is inherently related to the natural frequency by an inverse square law.

Abstract: Recording instrument marker mounting assembly is provided so that the marker can be pivoted relative to a mounting leg of the assembly which mounting leg is to be connected to an operating shaft of the recording instrument. In this manner, the lateral position of the marker can be adjusted relative to the recorder paper or chart which is to be imprinted upon. The mounting assembly comprises a mounting leg to be connected with the operating shaft, a cam connecting a marker support arm and the mounting leg, and cam follower means positioned on the support arm. Pivotal movement of the support arm relative to the mounting leg is actuated by rotation of the cam. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cam is formed integrally with a manually engageable precision adjustment knob, which includes a notch or the like so that the operator may gauge the position of the marker relative to the mounting leg.

Abstract: A portable strip chart recorder is provided with a constant speed strip chart advancing drive powered from a clockworks and gear drive unit. The gear drive unit is sealed from the strip chart so that it cannot be tampered with when the strip chart is changed. The constant speed drive comprises a constant speed sprocket spool which engages sprocket holes in a strip chart running between a feed spool and a take-up spool. The feed spool is provided with a drag to allow variations in the rotational speed of the strip chart on the spool and provide tension on the chart whereas the take-up spool is provided with a slip clutch that allows the chart to be wrapped at a constant tangential speed even though the diameter of the chart on the take-up spool varies.

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: A lever arm adapted to hold a stylus or the like on one end is rigidly connected at the opposite end in spaced parallel relation to a second arm, and a shaft perpendicular to both arms through the rigid connection provides a pivot axis therefore. An opening in each arm in registered relation, at equal distances from the shaft, receive tabs on opposite edges of a plate-shaped pivoting armature which suspend it between the two arms and position it in a diagonal neutral position in a gap between two axially opposed, individually switched solenoids, each having a contact area and diagonally opposing abutments for contacting the armature biased against them in neutral position by at least one spring, whereby actuation of the solenoids moves the arms to three different stable positions.

Abstract: Data recording apparatus wherein the data is recorded on a sheet in a spatial arrangement or pattern corresponding to the spatial arrangement of a plurality of containers that constitute a part of a fraction collecting apparatus. The fraction collector operates by moving a nozzle carrying the discharge from a fractionating column along a path on which the containers are disposed. There is a data recording sheet and a pen supported for inscribing a graph on such sheet. The pen moves in unison with the nozzle and is displaced in a direction transverse to the path so that the spatial arrangement of the graph corresponds to the spatial arrangement of the containers.

Abstract: An improved multi-channel galvanometer assembly is disclosed particularly well adapted for use in such instruments as electroencephalographs and the like. The assembly includes a soft steel combination return path structure and frame supporting a plurality of galvanometer movements. The design employs pairs of samarium cobalt magnets held in place adjacent and on opposite sides of the coil of each galvanometer by magnetic attraction to the steel return path structure. The galvanometers themselves are each mounted on an aluminum support plate which also serves as a shield to prevent magnetic coupling between adjacent galvanometer coils when the galvanometers are assembled in the support frame. The galvanometers on their support plates are each individually removable and/or replaceable. The result is a lighter, smaller, multi-channel galvanometer assembly which is readily expandable and easily serviced.

Abstract: A device for biasing at least one thermal printhead into uniform, tangential contact with the printing media includes a shaft supported by a housing, an assembly rotatable about the shaft for supporting at least one thermal printhead, and at least one biasing spring for establishing and maintaining adequate torsion on the supporting assembly so as to substantially minimize or eliminate positional instability of the printhead. In the event a plurality of thermal printheads are utilized, the biasing spring also simultaneously compresses each of the supporting assemblies so as to substantially minimize the gap between each of the printheads while maintaining the gap dimensions substantially constant.

Abstract: An X-Y plotter is provided having an automatic pen changer comprising a pen repository, a memory for storing data identifying a pen selected by a user, a plot head for automatically fetching pens from and depositing pens into the repository, a processing means having a routine stored in a read-only-memory for providing head-movement coordinates, and a control means for moving the head to said coordinates, the pen-changing action (fetching and depositing) being performed solely by movement of the head to said coordinates. Deposited pens are automatically capped to prevent drying-out, fetched pens are automatically uncapped prior to use.

Abstract: A pen recorder driving mechanism for deflecting a recorder pen on a writing medium in response to electrical input signals is disclosed. The improved pen recorder driving mechanism includes a novel laminar coil assembly rotatably mounted in a precision air gap between a permanent inner core magnet and a highly permeable outer shell. The coil assembly comprises a coil frame having an inner frame around which the windings of a driving coil are wound and an outer frame overlayered on the windings and the inner frame. The coil frame laminations are rigidified by a bonding material applied to the windings during their assembly. The coil frame is subsequently shaped into a generally rectangular concave convex configuration by stretching the laminations during manufacture with a forming tool. Half shafts and end pieces are attached to the transverse legs of the coil frame after shaping to define the rotational axis of the coil assembly and to provide a mounting structure.

Abstract: A galvanometer mechanism including a circuit board having an electrical circuit printed thereon and defining a plug portion for insertion into a galvanometer control console receptacle. The circuit board further includes a magnet fixed thereto. A torsion bar secured between legs of the magnet supports an electrical coil which is responsive to an applied signal and is operatively connected to printing apparatus.

Abstract: A device for recording measuring values on a record carrier by means of two approximately parallel, linear motors which are pivotably connected to two arms which are both connected to a single recording head. A signal generator produces signals which indicate the position of the recording head and a control device controls the motors so that the recording head is moved, without a mechanical guide, along a straight line which is perpendicular to the transport direction of the record carrier.

Abstract: A liquid jet recorder having a capillary tube with one end connected by a filter to a liquid pump and the other end formed in a nozzle for directing a recording jet of liquid onto a recording carrier, an electromagnet having a core and winding and a permanent magnet carried by the capillary tube and arranged in an air gap of the electromagnet characterized by the core of the electromagnet comprising an inner tube having the winding arranged thereon with the inner tube and winding coaxially surrounding the capillary tube. Preferably, the electromagnet includes an outer tube having an extension and the inner tube has an extension which forms the poles of the electromagnet and includes a centering sleeve of non-magnetizable material arranged between the inner and outer tube to determine the air gap between the two extensions.

Abstract: In a device such as a spectrophotometer with an associated chart recorder in which the speed ratio between a first displaceable member and a second displaceable member may be selectively changed within a predetermined range of speed ratios, in a first embodiment of invention which is mechanical in nature, a number of gear trains in constant mesh with each other are provided to obtain the different speed ratios. Each of the gear trains has associated therewith a rotary disc with circumferentially even spaced apertures, the gear train obtaining an input from the first displaceable member by means of arms rotatable concentric with the discs, the arms carrying a pin adapted to enter into positive engagement with any one aperture, the number apertures depending on the scale served by the associated gear train.

Abstract: In an ink jet system printer of the charge amplitude controlling type, wherein a printing head is transported in a horizontal direction and vertical deflection is achieved by a pair of high voltage deflection plates, it is required to transport the printing head at a fixed velocity in the printing process. More particularly, in order to execute intermittent printing by repetition of the transporting and stopping of the printing head in response to intermittent input signals, it is necessary that printing is restricted during the time required for increasing the velocity of the printing head to a desired level and then permitted after that time. The present invention provides a system wherein the generation of printing start signals is delayed by a predetermined period following the application of input signals, and also a system wherein printing start signals are generated when the actual velocity of the head has been sensed as reaching the desired velocity.

Abstract: A sphygpressure graph of the aneroid gauge type including a housing, connected with a sphygmocuff, supporting a series of telescoping tubes, connected in right angular relation, and a stylus, mounted on the endmost tube, movable over a chart to scribe the blood pressures. A ratchet and pawl arrangement engaging the telescoping tubes prevents reciprocating action of pulse pressure moving the stylus in a to and fro movement transversely over a graph paper but records the pulse by longitudinally scribing a graph paper during release of pressure from the sphygmocuff.

Abstract: A pivoted pointer or stylus is mounted for actuation by reciprocatory plunger action. It has a stop associated with the plunger to hold the stylus locked in a neutral position until the plunger is actuated. The stylus has a cam action surface for cooperating with another part of the stop after the stop has moved to release the stylus. The cam action causes pivotal movement of the stylus to indicate an event.

Abstract: The recording system has a plurality of recording elements pivotally mounted to make marks in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of transport of the record carrier receiving the marks. Each recording element has a rigid electrically conductive L-shaped supporting member and an electrode mounted on the supporting member. The supporting members are mounted in recesses in a base of an electrically insulating structure. Specifically one leg of each supporting member has two supporting edges separated by a recess. The two edges are accommodated in corresponding openings in the base. An eccentric drives a drive arm having a plurality of plugs. A spring keeps the supporting member of each recording element in contact with the corresponding plug throughout the pivoting of the recording element.

Abstract: A three-axis instrument for recording peak accelerations in earthquakes and like kinds of shocks. Recording is by scratches made by hard styli on small metal record plates. No power source and no maintenance are required. The seismic recording elements have novel configurations of mass, spring, and lever arm which permit improved combinations of sensitivity and natural frequency for any given magnitude of stylus friction. For example, a sensitivity of 0.25 cm per g with a natural frequency of 32 Hz may be attained, where error due to a stylus frictional force of 70 mg is less than 1 percent of full-scale. Both hydraulic and magnetic dampers are employed. The latter also provide motional electrical signals for use in calibration.

Abstract: The temperature Recording instrument contains the usual thermal measuring system consisting of a bellows assembly, a temperature sensitive bulb and capillary tubing between the bellows and bulb and a recording system including a marking element which is responsive to the energization of the bellows for permanently indicating the temperature sensed by the bulb on chart paper mounted on a base plate located in the instrument housing. A fulcrum having an axis extends through the base plate and carries a bracket which is provided with one slot or with a pair of slots on opposite sides of the axis. A spool is located in one or the other of the slots. An adjusting screw is carried by the bracket and is threadedly connected to the spool. Rotation of the adjusting screw is effective to move the spool in the corresponding slot relative to the fulcrum's axis. The marking element is located on the chart side of the base plate and is secured to the bracket.

Abstract: A graphic recorder for use in recording information on a strip chart. The recorder includes a housing having a pair of rollers mounted at opposite ends of an opening across which the strip chart moves. Radially outwardly extending pins are mounted at opposite ends of each of the rollers for registering with and engaging positioning holes formed along the edges of the strip chart. Drive apparatus is provided for reversibly turning the rollers conjointly to move the strip chart along an X-axis. Apparatus is provided for creating a partial vacuum in a chamber within the housing so as to tension the portion of the strip chart suspended between the rollers along a curved path for properly positioning the chart with respect to the pins on the rollers. A recording head is mounted on the cover of the housing for movement along a Y-axis for marking the strip chart.

Abstract: An electronic printer comprising a printing head having two straight grooves perpendicular to each other, a pin provided on a carriage and engageable with one of the two grooves, and a plate spring secured to the carriage and engageable with the other of the two grooves to hold the printing head on the carriage, in order to facilitate the attachment of the printing head on the carriage. The plate spring can also hold a flat cable connected to the printing head.

Abstract: A liquid jet recorder with at least one nozzle, which is connected to a pressure medium conduit for ejection of an electrically-conductive recording liquid onto a recording carrier, with at least one control electrode encompassing the liquid jet for disintegrating the liquid jet into drops, and a signal source for charging the liquid drops which is connectable between the control electrode and the liquid jet, so that the drops repel each other and disintegrate into a vapor cloud, and including means for generating a relative motion between the jet nozzle and the recording carrier in two mutually perpendicular directions in the context of forming a linewise image recording, in which a recorder unit consisting of the nozzle and control electrode is a component of a recorder carriage movable along rails.

Abstract: An automatic thermograph comprising a means for sensing a variation of temperature by use of a gas and a gas absorbing substance container therein; a recording section including a means for coverting said variation of temperature into a variation of pressure, a means for counteracting said converting means for actuating a lever according to the variation of pressure to turn a nib fixed on an extension of said lever and record the variation of temperature; and a cartridge containing therein a chart paper and removably attached to the recording section. With this invention, collecting data for controlling temperature in a cooled show-case or in a reservoir of perishable foods, blood or vaccines can be done with a thermograph which is low-priced, small-sized and easy to handle.