Chart recorder with single actuator for paper and pen movements

Details Chart recorder with single actuator for paper and pen movements Chart recorder with single actuator for paper and pen movements

1998-12-23

2001-10-23

Barlow, John (Department: 2853)

Recorders

Writers

Receiver and marker movable

C346S112000, C400S185000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06307577

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to chart recorders and, in particular, to a recorder wherein a single motor or other actuator is used to advance the chart paper and move the pen or other marking implement(s).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Chart recorders such as circular chart recorders have evolved from the use of purely mechanical configurations to low-voltage electronic versions. In units manufactured by CoBex, Inc., for example, an individual stepper motor is used to advance the chart paper, with another stepper motor being used for pen movements. Although the use of separate electromechanical actuators offers advantages in terms of functionality, the stepper motors are, also, one of the most expensive components of the chart recorder system. Accordingly, any arrangement which might make better use of a stepper motor or combine electromechanical functions into a single actuator would be of economic benefit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention improves upon the prior art by providing a chart recorder apparatus wherein a single actuator is employed to move the chart and a marking implement, thereby alleviating the expense of an additional actuator. In a preferred embodiment, apparatus according to the invention includes first drive means for advancing the chart to be recorded upon, second drive means for moving the marking implement, and an electromechanical actuator coupled to both the first and second drive means, the actuator having a first direction of movement causing the marking implement to move and the chart to advance, and a second direction of movement causing only the marking implement to move.
In the preferred embodiment the electromechanical actuator takes the form of a bidirectional stepper motor, though other types of motors and actuators such as solenoids may alternatively be utilized. In addition, though useful with other types of chart recorders such as strip-chart recorders, the invention is particularly well suited to circular charts, since the shaft of the motor may be coupled to the chart movement mechanism by way of a rotatable disk. A second rotatable disk may be coupled to the same shaft to move the marking implement, typically a pen supported on a pivoting arm though the invention is not restricted in this regard. In this embodiment, a ratcheting mechanism is used to ensure that the chart advances in a single direction.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3573843 (1971-04-01), Solley
patent: 3845850 (1974-11-01), Herr et al.
patent: 2052063A (1981-01-01), None

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