Abstract: A medical monitor is constructed to be coupled to a printer module for providing medical information signals to the printer module to be printed. The printer module is constructed to be used with two paper trays for accommodating two sizes of paper and includes a switch for sensing which paper tray is inserted in the printer module. The printer module is responsive to the switch to request that the medical information signals be provided in either the first or the second format. The printer module includes a thermal array printing head and is responsive to the medical information signals provided in the first format to print using substantially all of the length of the thermal array printing head and is responsive to the medical information signals provided in the second format to print using a predetermined portion of the thermal array printing head.

Abstract: A portable recorder has a pinch roller moved to engage a capstan, a recording head brought into a recording position and a motor to power the recorder switched on through the sliding movement of a slide assembly in engagement with the case of the recorder near a hinge between bottom and top portions of the case. The capstan is rotated about an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the case by a pulley arrangement driven by the motor with an axis substantially within a plane parallel to the case. The recording head is mounted to the slide assembly which includes a roller attached to the back thereof for rotating engagement with the case when it is opened and closed. Rotating movement of the roller causes the slide assembly to move back and forth within the case as the top of the case is opened and closed causing the recording head to move near or away from the tape. A spring mounted to the case and the slide assembly biases the slide assembly to a remote position when the case is opened.