Abstract: A paperless recorder for recording pressure and alarm condition data from a fire controller for a fire pump control system. The fire pump is connected a pipe network which has a pressure sensor for sensing pipe pressure. The recorder is connected to the pressure sensor and checks for pressure changes. When a pressure change is detected, it is stored in an electronic memory. Pressure readings are also periodically stored in the electronic memory. The recorder may also monitor alarm voltages and alarm contacts which may also be stored in the electronic memory. The stored data may be transmitted to a computer via modem or port connection for further analysis.

Abstract: A chart recorder of simple construction is provided for moving a strip of chart paper past a marker, the recorder providing a final marked chart strip which is not tightly rolled so it can be easily handled and viewed, with the recorder constructed so the marked chart strip can be viewed prior to opening a security-sealed housing. The chart strip (26) has a leading portion (30) connected to a first end (44) of a long string (42), with the second end (46) of the string mounted on a windup drum (52) that is driven by an ordinary clock drive (56). Thus, as the string is slowly wound up, the string pulls the chart strip along the string path. The recorder includes a guide (64) with a wide guide surface (100) that includes a narrow groove portion (102), and with the guide surface extending in a loop (62) of at least about 180.degree.. The housing (12) can be largely transparent so the marked chart can be viewed from outside the housing prior to opening the housing.

Abstract: A refrigerated vehicle system is particularly adapted for use with refrigerated tractor/trailer and rail car vehicles to provide data on the operation of the vehicle and to monitor and provide a record of the operation of ancillary equipment important in the proper refrigeration of the vehicle. With refrigerated vehicles, the system can provide records of the temperatures of articles when loaded into the refrigerated vehicle, throughout their transportation and upon delivery from the vehicle and can monitor refrigerated vehicles, store information on the refrigeration of the vehicles, including time/temperature records and information of the operation and status of refrigeration system components, and output such information to remote and distant locations.

Abstract: A data gathering computer and host data display computer interface system, methodology and protocol are described that utilize a shared control program. The data gathering computer uses this program to determine what measurements are to be made and when and how the data is to be compressed into its data storage. The host display and analysis computer receives and utilizes the control program and the stored data from the data gathering computer, and expands the stored data responsive to the control program, and reconstructs the value and engineering units of the values measured as well as the time that the measurements were made. By passing the control program gathered by the data gathering computer, a single display computer program is all that is needed to display any number of completely different data streams from any number of data gathering computers.

Abstract: A hot melt ink comprising, a eutectic composition and an image-forming agent, wherein the melting point of the eutectic composition is from about 80.degree. C. to about 130.degree. C. and the compounds present in the eutectic compositions have melting points of at least about 100.degree. C. Also disclosed is a method for ink jet printing comprising:(a) providing a thermally reversible hot melt ink which is a solid at ambient temperature and a liquid at temperatures between about 80.degree. C.-130.degree. C., said ink comprising:(i) a eutectic composition; and(ii) an image-forming composition;(b) elevating the temperature of said eutectic composition to between about 90.degree. C. and about 140.degree. C., to cause said ink to form a liquid solution or suspension of said image-forming composition;(c) jetting said ink onto a substrate in the form of images;(d) allowing said ink to crystallize upon cooling on said substrate.

Abstract: A pneumatic or hydraulic pressure sensor is connected in parallel with the vehicle braking system and the sensor is connected to a computer system which periodically samples the sensor output. Other sensors can be used to detect other quantities such as engine speed, vehicle speed, wheel rotation or transmission speed, and other brake units and their outputs can also be periodically sampled. Under control of the computer, the samples are stored on a magnetic disk. The computer can then be instructed to interrogate the samples stored on the disk to produce charts of various quantities versus time which objectively indicate driver performance. The device can also be used to synchronize individual brake units in a multiple brake vehicle by simultaneously displaying the brake pressures in each brake unit, thereby enabling the relative application timing of the brake units to be measured.

Abstract: A recorder is disclosed for producing a continuous data record and comprises a case, a strip chart which is wound from a chart storage compartment onto a spring-driven take-up spool, and a speed-reducing governor comprising a gear train which is operatively connected to a hub and spoke assembly immersed in small spheres or balls, preferably of environmentally impervious material such as glass. The sphere-immersed paddle wheel approximates the drag of viscous fluid systems, with advantages which include independence of drag characteristics from temperature variation, simplicity, and easy speed adjustment, that is, the size of the spheres can be used to change the speed of the recorder.

Abstract: An improvement is provided for printer such as the dot matrix or thermal type, in which the printhead is stepped across the paper over a multicolor ribbon supplied from a pivotally mounted cartridge and transported through a plane between the line of traverse of the printhead and the surface of the paper. The ribbon is guided by guiding surfaces positioned on each side of the printhead, close to the printhead, and mounted to move with the printhead across the paper so that the guide surfaces will guide the path the ribbon takes to one which passes between the printhead and the paper with the guide being moveable in steps in a direction normal to the traverse of the printhead and parallel to the plane of the ribbon so as to position a selected color band of the ribbon under the printhead to select the color to be printed as the printhead traverses the paper.

Abstract: A turbine engine monitoring system is provided which disposes a data storage device in permanent association with an engine being monitored. The data storage device comprises an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory which is contained in an enclosure and permanently attached to the engine. A connection link is provided to connect the memory device in signal communication with an external device, such as an engine control unit. The engine control unit is connected in signal communication with a plurality of transducers that enable the engine control unit to monitor the operational status of a plurality of parameters relating to the turbine engine. By permanently attaching the data storage device to the turbine engine, a lifetime information of the turbine engine can be maintained in permanent association with the turbine engine regardless of replacement of the turbine engine or its related engine control unit.

Abstract: A printer for recording an image on a recording medium comprises a recording head for recording an image on a recording medium, a thermocouple for detecting a temperature, a control circuit for controlling the recording head in accordance with a detection result of the thermocouple, recognizing circuit for a recognizing an end of an image and an operating circuit for operating the control circuit in accordance with the end recognition of the recognizing circuit.

Abstract: A mechanism for obtaining a strip record of an environmental measurement. The mechanism is used in conjunction with a clock drive which advances a recording strip and with a stylus which marks an indication of the environmental status on the recording strip. The mechanism includes a housing having an exterior and interior portion which encloses the marking stylus. The recording strip is supported by a holder to permit marking by the stylus. An element is connected to the recording strip and fixed relative to the housing for permitting marking of the recording strip by the stylus. The element is removed from the housing by movement away from the marking stylus.

Abstract: A strip chart recorder has a chart dispenser, a platen, a writing table, and a chart advancing mechanism mounted in its base and a temperature-sensitive transducer having a bimetal coil mounted in its cover. The transducer is attached to a stylus that is mounted in the cover and marks the chart when the cover is closed as the chart that is being advanced across the platen. The cover includes a window and a lid for closing the window. The window is disposed over the writing table for enabling that portion of the chart that has been advanced over the writing table to be written upon after the cover has been closed. The cover is shaped for preventing access to the transducer and the marking means when the cover is closed with the window open. A detachable form is attached to the cover over the writing table and disposed in position for preventing closure of the lid prior to detachment of the form from the cover.

Abstract: A device for indicating the time integral of a monitored parameter comprising a strip of electrochromic material (2), e.g. tungsten trioxide, an electrode (3) at one end of the strip and an electrolyte (4) arranged so that, upon activation, electrons pass from the electrode (3) to the electrochromic material (2) causing the latter to change color so that a color change boundary (7) advances along the strip, the rate of advancement being determined by the supply of electrons between the electrode (3) and the color change boundary (7), which in turn is responsive to changes in the monitored parameter. The device may be used in the form of a self-powered cell needing no power source, as a time temperature indicator suitable for application to perishable commodities.

Abstract: A recorder is disclosed for producing a continuous data record and comprises a case, a strip chart which is wound from a chart storage compartment onto a spring-given take-up spool and a speed-reducing governor comprising a paddle wheel, immersed in viscous fluid, operatively connected to the driven take-up spool by a gear train. The paddle wheel contains temperature-responsive paddles which extend or retract in response to increases and decreases in the temperature to compensate viscosity changes in the fluid. Also, the drive spring is mounted within the take-up spool inside a free-rotating sleeve which prevents spring distortions from interfering with the smooth operation of the take-up spool.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sub surface pressure gauge comprising an axially displaceable drum with a chart disposed within a housing and having a selective axial movement, rotatable stylus for recordal of pressures on said chart provided on said drum. A motor actuates the drum through a programmable switch, the output shaft of said motor providing for linear displaceable movement of the drum controlled by said switch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method control the pressure in a system by continuously measuring the pressure and comparing it to a desired set pressure. The apparatus and method record a history of the measured pressure as a function of time and calculate the rates at which the pressure changes. The rates at which the pressure changes are recorded and the rate at which the rates change is also calculated to determine the rate at which the apparatus and method can vary the rate of change of pressure. The apparatus and method calculate the amount of time required to reach the desired set pressure and compare it to the amount of time required for the rate of change of the pressure to become zero and adjust the flow of a gas in the system so that the desired set pressure is achieved at substantially the same time as the rate of pressure change becomes zero.

Abstract: A portable temperature data recorder for temporarily storing plural sets of temperature data representative of temperatures at a single location or at different locations, and automatically transferring the stored temperature data to a data processing unit. The portable recorder has a connector for connection thereof to the data processing unit. The portable recorder may further have a connector for connection thereof to a stationary temperature detector or thermometer installed at each measurement location. Alternatively, the temperature recorder incorporate a temperature detector for measuring the temperatures at the measurement locations. A clock circuit may be provided in the portable recorder, so that the temperature data may be stored together with measurement time data. The temperature detector may be a radiation thermometer provided at the measurement location, or built in the portable recorder.

Abstract: A system for providing X-Y trace coding of multiple parameter recordings through use of a single stylus, single trace recorder by multiplexing multiple signals to the recorder with given time intervals for each multiplexing channel, and in a separate mode by superimposing predetermined waveforms upon the signal information, which superimposed waveforms in coordination with the time the signals are supplied to the recorder and the time of movement of the recorder, moves the stylus to record a given indicia or design, identifying a given channel of information on the single trace recording.

Abstract: A turbine engine monitoring and recording system includes an engine mounted unit which contains at least a non-volatile memory and a data-processor, and a remote unit suitable for either cockpit mounting or for accessing by a ground portable unit including an additional data-processor and a display unit. Thermocouples and other sensors mounted on the engine supply raw data to the engine mounted electronics unit, and this input information includes temperature data. Elevated over-temperature levels are segregated and the time during which the engine is within each of the over-temperature bands is measured, and is recorded in a non-volatile, electronically alterable memory which is periodically updated during operation of the aircraft. The number of starts is also counted and stored, and the total running time of the engine is also recorded.

Abstract: A thermometer capable of providing temperature measurement over a wide temperature range comprises at least one temperature detection unit consisting of a first superconductor as a core, and a normal conductor and a second supercondutor sequentially superposed coaxially on the first superconductor; a first power source disposed to pass electric current between the first and second superconductors, a second power source disposed between the opposite terminals of the first superconductor, and a voltmeter connected to the first and second superconductors. This thermometer effects measurement of temperature by fixing the value of the electric current from the first power source and changing the value of the electric current from the second power source thereby causing cyclic change of the voltage and measuring the increment of electric current from the second power which is required to cause one cycle of change of the voltage.

Abstract: A thermocouple open-circuit detector is made insensitive to noise pick-up in the thermocouple by increasing the bias on the detecting amplifier beyond the point where it would be affected by the noise and providing a means for reducing that bias during the period when the pulses that test the thermocouple are present. The test pulse will then trigger the detecting amplifier on when the thermocouple is open.

Abstract: Transient change in heat flux due to ultrasmall variation in flow conditions (say from NO-FLOW-to-FLOW) within a series of flowlines to pinpoint sources of plant upset is achieved, by carefully positioning a series of M transducer-meters for sensing transient heat flux, each meter being disposed at a selected location completely exterior of a flowline, and recording in sequence at a central control center for each of the M meters at least a transient signal indicative of a FLOW condition. For each meter, signals are generated by a thermopile attached to each flowline in a heat flux sensing relationship. Location takes into account the type of fluid being monitored, and the temperature gradient existing across the relief valve. Recordation of the sensed signals is via a series of M recorders and alarm circuits at the control center.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer includes a memory system for storing the body temperature data measured by a temperature sensing element. The memory system has ten memory sections for storing the temperature data of each of last ten days. A graphic display system is associated with the memory system for displaying the temperature data stored in the memory system in a bar graph fashion, thereby indicating the temperature variation of these ten days.

Abstract: A system for photographically displaying the magnitude of a physical variable. In one embodiment, a sensor mounted on a movable probe produces an electrical signal indicative of the physical variable. The electrical signal then drives a lamp which is also mounted on the movable probe. A photographic time exposure of the lamp made while the probe scans an area provides a two-dimensional map of the physical variable. In another embodiment, a position transducer measures probe movement to provide an output indicative of the position of the sensor. The transducer output drives a positioning mechanism on which the lamp is mounted so that movement of the lamp corresponds to the movement of the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermographic apparatus intended in particular for diagnosing disturbances in circulation in the extremities of a patient, by recording the temperature distribution along a selected line extending from the ankle of a patient up to the thigh on both legs of the patient, whereafter any asymmetry in the two registered temperature profiles is used for the basis of a diagnosis. The apparatus comprises a temperature transducer (4), preferably an IR-detector, which is carried on one end of an extendable and retractable arm (6), so that the transducer can be moved manually along a selected line on the leg (2) of the patient. Coupled to the arm (6) is a position transducer (11) for generating an electric signal representative of the distance moved by the temperature transducer. The apparatus also includes a recorder (10) to which both the temperature signal and the position signal are transmitted and which is arranged to record the measured temperature profile simultaneously.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with a novel digital multi-point recorder that is microprocessor-controlled and enables impact printing from in back of the recorder paper to provide a front visible flat print-out of pages of on-line running summary data suited for operator viewing in industrial and similar locations, and providing a record for direct use in reports and logs.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention are particularly adapted to monitor for leaks from a fluid container which is situated in a porous or semiporous medium, such as earth. A series of sensors is placed in the medium at a position which would intercept the path of fluid leaking from the container. The sensors react to the presence of fluid thereby providing an indication of the presence of a leak and the approximate location of the leak.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with a novel digital multi-point recorder that is microprocessor-controlled and enables impact printing from in back of the recorder paper to provide a front visible flat print-out of pages of on-line running summary data suited for operator viewing in industrial and similar locations, and providing a record for direct use in reports and logs.

Abstract: A self-registering temperature control device in which an electronic control section for controlling air temperature in a refrigerated container and an automatic temperature recording section are accommodated in a housing is provided. This structure permits easy survey of all the units concerned with temperature controlling and recording.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recording the compression pressure of internal combustion engines, wherein a pair of recording elements, such as a stylus and a recording sheet, are movable relative to each other by a pressure sensitive element, and the compression pressure acts upon one of the recording elements to first move the recording element from a position of rest, after which the two recording elements are brought into contact with each other, and the pressure is then relieved from the one recording element, resulting in a line being drawn while the recording element returns to its position of rest.

Abstract: A speed governor for a disposable spring motor driven data recorder of the type which is used, for example, in a railroad car to graphically record, on a traveling tape, the temperature in the car at all times during a transit period of several days; the speed governor comprising a mechanical-hydraulic mechanism associated with the spring motor and operative to control--to a constant but extremely slow rate--the speed of travel of the tape.

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: A thermograph adapted to be pre-loaded with chart paper upon which shipping information can be written, and comprising an instrument unit enclosed in an expendable container for automatic operation and security assured by a seal, the instrument being operated horologically in combination with a thermometer and all of which is electro-mechanical wherein solid state circuitry powers prime movers to advance the chart on a time basis while servo positioning a recording stylus by means of interval pulses, and responsive to a temperature sensing transducer means cooperating with the solid state circuitry comprised of a comparator means, and discriminator means operable to actuate switch means to "power-up" or "power-down" prime movers that position said stylus according to temperature sensed by said transducer means.

Abstract: A portable strip chart recorder includes a programmable electronic drive circuit to drive an electric motor and a means for identifying the strip chart as having been recorded on a specific recorder, said strip chart incorporating graphic means of identifying the time interval programmed by the electronic drive circuit with points for identifying which specific time interval has been selected. The case of the recorder consisting of a base and a top having a self-locking hatch. The hatch in the top provides access for the operator to actuate electric switches which program the drive circuit to move the strip chart at a selected rate versus time. The surface over which the strip chart moves has an identifying number, or symbol, which can be reproduced on the chart by applying friction or heat. The hatch in the top of the case in self-locking and when closed operates an electric switch to close the battery-operated circuit.

Abstract: Means for measuring the flow of a stream of fluid and the resistance to said flow. The means can be powered by the fluid whose flow is being measured. First axis motor means moves a chart in response to total flow, and second axis motor means moves marker means on said chart in response to variations in backpressure caused by resistance to flow out of the means. Examples are measuring the muscular response of the urethra and of the bladder.

Abstract: An airborne geophysical measurement and recording system and apparatus in which radar signals are focused onto terrain below an aircraft flying in a straight line between microwave tower sites. The echo signals are detected and signals produced and recorded on a strip chart recorder indicating path profile and terrain reflectivity. In addition, atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity data are recorded as functions of aircraft altitude, so that atmospheric refractivity gradients can be calculated, either by an on-board computer or later, and this factor taken into account during path design or performance simulation.

Abstract: A recording instrument for accompanying a cargo to record an environmental variable such as temperature, the housing of the instrument containing a removable chart pack with two spools and the chart pack being retained in the housing by two lugs located on a motor case in the housing lid. The battery circuit that drives the electric motor for the spools is activated by pulling an exposed non-conductive strip out from between two terminals.

Abstract: A time temperature recording device especially adapted to the business of transporting perishables and characterized by a preloaded returnable instrument of permanent nature packaged in a protective liner held secure and warranted by a sealed box that is expendible, with separate access openings for exclusive use of shipper and receiver respectively, and wherein a logic means permits depression of a stylus onto a pressure sensitive chart when instrument operation is started by the shipper, and lifts said stylus and releases said chart when stopped by the receiver. The used instrument is especially adapted to be returned by the Postal Service.

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.

Abstract: A thermograph for automatically recording variations of temperature correlated with the passage of time and characterized by a light weight and durable construction protectively combined with a shipping container which serves as a housing enclosing the instrument while exposing a heat transfer element for quick response and a direct recording of prevailing temperature upon a chart. The instrument is a permanent and reuseable unit that is carried within the expendible shipping container to produce a thermogram from a prepared chart of pressure sensitive material that is transported over a thermometer stylus by means of a clock motor drive.