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. 23, 2001
Filed:
Dec. 23, 1998
Matthew Levine, Parkland, FL (US);
Other;
Abstract
A single actuator moves the chart and the marking implement in a chart recorder. A first drive means is used for advancing the chart to be recorded upon, a second drive means is used to move the marking implement, and an electromechanical actuator, responsive to an input signal, coupled to both the first and second drive means, exhibits 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. The electromechanical actuator preferably takes the form of a bidirectional stepper motor, though other types of motors and actuators such as solenoids may alternatively be utilized. Although 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. A ratcheting mechanism is used to ensure that the chart advances in a single direction. Methods of operation are also disclosed.