Graphic recorder with pen driving and actuating mechanism

Claim 1

In a graphic recorder, a framework having a table adapted to carry a strip chart, means mounted on the framework adapted to engage the strip chart for causing movement of the strip chart on the table along an X-axis, a mounting block, at least a portion of which is formed of insulating material, means on said framework for mounting said block on said framework for movement along a Y-axis, a pen holder carried by said mounting block, a pen mounted in said pen holder, means secured to said block and said pen holder for yieldably urging said pen out of engagement with the strip chart, solenoid-operated means carried by the mounting block and adapted to cause movement of the pen into engagement with the strip chart against the force of the yieldable means and means for moving the mounting block and the pen carried thereby along the Y-axis and for simultaneously supplying electrical energy to the pen, said last named means including a pair of flexible elongate elements formed of conducting material insulated from said framework and secured to the insulated portions of said mounting block and electrically connected to said solenoid operated means to serve as the sole electrical path for supplying electrical energy to the solenoid operated means and also to serve as the sole means engaging said mounting block for moving the mounting block along the Y-axis, said last named means including a drum formed of insulating material, said flexible elongate elements being wound on spaced apart positions on said drum, and means for engaging said drum for causing rotational movement of said drum, said means for causing rotational movement of said drum including a stepper motor and means for supplying electrical energy to said flexible elongate elements wound on said drum.