US1350174A - Automatic recording mechanism - Google Patents

Description

H. Y. NORWOOD AND F. W. STALKER.

AUTOMATIC RECORDING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED. MAY 20, I916.

1 350, 1 74:. Patented Aug. 17, 1920.

6 SHEETSSHEET I.

lNVE/V TORS Harry ZVOZW/Wd [14 Skill?! alt/,4 TTORNEYS H. Y. NORWOOD AND F. W. STALKER.

AUTOMATIC RECORDING MECHANISM.

APPLlCATlON FILED MAY 20, 1916.

Patented Aug. 17, 1920.

6 SHEE1SSHEE12.

H. Y. NORWOOD AND F. W. STALKER.

AUTOMATIC RECORDING MECHANISM. APPLICATION FILED MAY 20. 1916.

1 350, 1 74, v Patented Aug. 17, 1920.

6 SHEETSSHEET 3.

IN VE/V TORS M2 272%)! '11- 710/] if"? 1 'I k A' [L15 230M F! m f/wiurromms H. Y. NORWOOD AND F. w. STALKER.

AUTOMATIC RECORDING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 20, I916.

ugIIIIIIIIIiIIIIIII flew TTORNE m H. Y. NORWOOD AND F. w. STALKER.

AUTOMATIC RECORDING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 20. I916.

Patented Aug. 17, 1920.

6 SHEEIS-SHEEI 5 H. Y. NORWOOD AND F. W. STALKER.

AUTOMATIC RECORDING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 20. I916- 0 5 mm MW M an M4 m H wa n m WW Am /W m M- y.

n l r m aw a P H AWM UNITED STATES BATENT OFFICE.

HARRY Y. NORWOOD AND FREDERICK W. STALKER, OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK ASSIGNORS TO TAYLOR INSTRUMENT COMPANIES, OF'ROCHESTER, NEW YORK,

A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

AUTOMATIC RECORDING MECHANISM.

Application med May 20,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, HARRY Y. Non- W001) and FREDERICK W. STALKER, both of Rochester, in the county of Monroe and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Automatic Recording Mechanism; and we do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and to the reference-numerals marked thereon.

The invention relates to automatic recording mechanism with particular reference to structures such as temperature recorders, by which a temperature or other condition at a series of different points or stations may be successively recorded on a chart or other record surface, and in one well known form of this type of apparatus, there is employed a galvanometer or other electrical instrument having an arm or member that is moved to a position in accordance with the condition existing at any particular station, and when in such position, is operated to bringa recording element into engagement with the record surface. In structures of this class, as heretofore. arranged, the number of stations from which conditions may be recorded is dependent upon the number of recording elements that are used, and it is one of the objects of the present improvement to provide a mechanism operating in such a manner as to permit a single recording element to record conditions at a plurality of stations, by having the recordmg element moved into engagement with the record surface a different number of times for any given interval for the different stations, as for instance one record may be made during every thirty seconds for one station, two records during the same interval for a second station, and so on, correspondingly increasing the number of stations which can be taken care of by any given number of recording elements.

further purpose of the invention is to em- Specification of Letters Patent. Patent d Au 17 1920 1916. Serial No. 98,775.

record readings taken at the different stations.

resides in the provision of improved time controlled electrical apparatus for govern-- for supporting the paper or record sur-' fade, so as to permit readily substituting a a fresh supply of paper without interfering 'with or in any way affecting the recording elements of the temperature controlled recording arm. To these and other ends the invention consists in certain improvements and combinations of parts all as will be hereinafter more fully described, the novel features being pointed out in the claims at the end of the specification. I In the drawingsz- Figure 1 is a plan view ofan apparatus constructed in accordance with apreferred embodiment of. the invention;

Fig. 2 is an end elevation with parts ap pearing in dotted lines;

Fig. 3 is a front elevation;

' 55 of Fig. 4, except that it shows the paper supporting means in its forwardly adjusted position, as shown also in Fig. 6, to ermit removing or replacing a roll;

ig. 6 is a sectlonal V ew on line 66" of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 'is a sectional view on line 7-7 of Fig. l C r Fig. 8 is a sectional view on line 8--8 of Fig. 1; 3

' Fig. 9 is a horizontal sectional vlew, partially in elevation, of the mechanism shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a view in elevation looklng at Fig. 8 in the direction of the arrow indicated;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged detail sectional view on line 11---11 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 12 is a view in elevation showing the electrical arrangements and the movable 586 A further-object of the invention 85 Fig. 4: is a vertical sectional view taken section on line 14c 11" of Fig. 2;

Fig. 15 is a horizontalsectional View on I line 15* l5 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 16 is a view in elevation of onee nd of the supporting frame for the recording elements; y i

Fig. 17 is a sectional view on line 17*--17 of Fig. 16, and v Fig. 18 is a plan view of a portion of a chart showing the manner in which temperature records are received thereon.

Fig. 19 is a schematic view illustrating the various electrical circuits and devices for pose of the improvement is accomplished by employing a movable andpreferably an oscillatory holder on which are mounted one or more recording elements preferably in the form of threads of silk .or other ab- 'sorbent material, which are adapted to be successively brought into engagement -with a record surface by an arm'movable to different points oversaid record surface ac-' cording to varying temperature conditions at different stations, and controlled electri-' cally through a galvanometer or like instrument. The holder which supports the recording elements is moved periodically to different positions through time controlled mechanism to bring the recording elements, which are of distinguishable characteristics, as for instance of varying colors, into recording position. The electric circuits leading to the various stations from which records are to be made, are so arranged that a single record is produced from certain points or stations'durlng a given interval of time, while a plurality of records is produced for some of the other stations. In other words, each recording element, for instance, the one which ives a red imprint or record, is broughtagainstthe record surface 'once in agiven interval of time when controlled from one station and twice in a given interval of time when controlled from a second station, the records of the different stations being distinguished by the single or double impression. In this manner we are able to use, as in the present embodiment, three recording elements of distinguishable A mechanism, T he horizontal position of the recording arm is determined, in the present instance, by the temperature at any given point, and the apparatus described is arranged for cooperation with six different stations with which connection may be made through suitable terminals a, b, 0, d, e and f, and it will be understood that the measuring instrument is automatically and successively connected with the various stations through conductors g, in a manner that will appear more clearly presently, for the purpose of moving the arm 3 to different positions, and thereby obtaining the various records. The arm 3 is "brought into engagement with the recording element by an actuating device in therform of a bar 4, which is fixedly mounted on a' rock shaft 5 by the supporting arms 6, and said rock shaft is periodically oscillated balck and forthby a lever 7 2,)

pivotally mounted at 8, and carrying an extension 9, provided with an eye or loop 10 which receives the lower end of a rod 11 extending downwardly from and fixedly mounted on'said rock shaft 5. The latter also carries a weighted arm 12 which is connected with the frame "by a spring 13 and serves to return the actuating device 4 to its normal or elevated position after each downward movement thereof. Movement'ofthe .le'ver 7 is effected from a plunger 14 carrypose the plunger 14 is connected at its lower end'with a link 16. The link 16 is pivotally associated with a weighted arm 17, in'turn pivotally supported M18 in standards 19. The weighted arm 17 carries a circuit closer 20, preferably in the form of a conducting pin, insulated from the arm, and arranged for engagement between either pair of switch arms 21 and 22. The switch arms 21 i and 22 are in two independent electric circuits, eachof which is normally open, and adapted to be closed through separate time controlled switches, and when thus closed,

the solenoid 15 is energized, causing the arms 22 are connected with a conductor 23- leading to the solenoid magnet, and conductor 24 leading to switch point 25. 26 is a conductor leading from switch points 27 through a suitable source of energy, and to the solenoid magnet. 27 is a conductor which connects switch arms 22 with switch arms 21, and 28 is a conductor'leading from switch arms 21 to switch point 29. Cooperating with the switch points 25, 27 and 29 is a pair of conducting members which are mounted on switch levers 30 pivoted at 31,

- and arranged for control by a clock mechanism such as indicated generally at 32. Each of the conducting members last referred to is constructed in the manner shown in Fig. 11, and comprises a conducting band 33 in the form of a ring mounted in a recess in a supporting sleeve 34. The latter is fixed on a bushing 35 of insulating material,

which is mounted upon the outer end of the 'switch lever, the latter having an extension 36 that is bentuponitself and acts after the manner of'a cotter in for retaining the insu'lating bushing in place. The switch levers 30 carry tail portions 37, which are arranged in the path of pins 38 mounted on disks 39, which latter are driven from the clock mechanism. The pins 38' are alternately arranged on the two disks 39, which are driven in unison, so that theswitchlevers are alternately engaged to lift the conductors 33 away from the switch points and. released to permit the conducting members to close their respective circuits. With this arrangement, and it may be stated at this point that the mechanism is preferably so timed-as-to release one of the switch levers 30 every half minute, although any other interval of time .can be adopted, the solenoid circuit is normally open, and isclosed each time one of the switch levers 30 is released by the clock mechanism. As soon as this operation takes place, the solenoid is energized, causing the plunger 14 to be elevated and effecting operation of r the actuating device for the recording element. This takes place as the weighted arm 17 assumes a vertical position,

and thereafter the continued im etus of the weighted arm 17 causes it to fal of its own weight to its opposite position, thereby on the guide members 41 in the manner upon operation of the measuring instrument,

breaking the circuit to the solenoid by moving the switch 20 awa from engagement with switch arms 21. v t the same time, of course, the switch 20 comes into engagement with switch arms. 22, closing the circuit at this point, but a complete circuit is not again established until the other switch lever 30 is released by the clock mechanism in the manner already described. It will be seen, therefore, that this provides for effecting a record once every so often, which record indicates the position of the arm of the measuring instrument at the'particular moment the record is made. It is now in order to describe the means for employing recording elements having different characteristics and bringing them successively into recording position. h

To this end, we employ a holder or frame that includes a rock shaft 40, (Figs. 1 and 7,) which carries guide members 41 recessed nated with inks of different colors. Each of .the recording threads is held in position on the holder preferably by having its ends frictionally held between adjacent convolutions of coil springs 44, which are mounted shown in Figs. 16 and 17, and serve in a most effective manner to permit ready adjustme nt of the recording threads and also to retain them with the desired tension. The holder just described is so arrangedwith reference to the record surface that one of the recording elements is always adjacent thereto and in position for making a record and in order to effect movement of the recprding element holder, the following mechanism is provided: Rock shaft 40 carries an arm 45 provided with a pin 46 which engages a slot 47 in a lever 48 pivotally mounted for swinging movement about a bearing 49 on the frame. The lever 48 carries a pin or projec ion 50', which normally engages a cam designated generally at 51 and provided with stepped surfaces 51, 51" and 51, which serve, as the cam is rotated, to move the lever 48 to different positions and thereby rock the holder for the recordingielements correspondingly, and to bring different recording threads into operative position. The cam 51 is fixedly mounted on a" rotary spindle 52 which is actuated through a ratchetv wheel 53 also carried thereby. 54 is a pawl pivotally mounted on the aforementioned lever 7 as shown in Fig. 7, and ada ted to be held in proper relation to. the rate et wheel by means of an adjustable post 55. 56 is a spring connecting the outer end of the pawl 54 with the lever 7, and

. the operating stroke of the lever 7 the pawl- 54 moves downwardly, slipping over atooth on the ratchet wheel 53, and on the return stroke of lever 7, and after the recording op. eration has taken place the ratchet wheel 53 is operated one step by the pawl 54:, thus causing a partial-rotation of the cam 51 and thereby moving the holder which carries the recording elements, so as to bring a second recording element into operating position. 57 is a holding pawl controlled by a-spring 58 and serving to prevent reverse movement of the ratchet wheel 53.

In Fig. 2 and 12 are shown the difierent parts which cooperate to close the respective circuits to the diflerent stations for governing the electrical measuring instruments closer is indicated at 60, being in the form and determining the position of the recording arm. With this in view the terminals a, b, 0, etc., previously referred to, are connected in the manner shown in Fig. 12 with a series of stationary switch arms 05., b, 0', etc, and the terminals d, e and f are further connected with a secondary set of stationary switch arms d 6?, through which the various circuits are successively closed by a movable switch or circuit closer in the manner that will now be set forth. Each of the circuits just referred to generally is arranged as indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 13, in which the switch arms a\ when moved apart from each other engage cooperating switch arms 9 and close a circuit including a thermopile 59 located at the station where the temperature is to be recorded. The circuits just mentioned are successively closed by movement of a circuit closer between the switch arms a, b, etc, and such circuit of a wedge-like member fixedly mounted on the spindle 52 already referred to. As the spindle 52 isrotated step by step, the switch 60 successively engages the different circuit closer arms,' and closes the corresponding circuits, each circuit remaining closed for any predetermined interval, preferably about. thirty seconds, at the end of which interval the record is made on the record surface, and the circuit closer is moved to open the said circuit and to closethe next By arranging two sets of circuits for certain of the stations through the instrumentality of switch arms d e f and the conductors leading thereto, we are able to obtain two .records for the corre:

sponding stations during each predetermined interval or complete rotation of the spindle carrying the circuit closer, which period in the present embodiment is four and one-half minutes. By means of the dis-' tinguishable colors of the three recording elements, we obtain records for three'different stations and by means of a double record in a corresponding interval of time, we obtain distinguishable records for three additional stations, making a total of six readable records of six diflerent stations from three difierently colored recording elein Fig. 18, in which the arrow indicates the direction in which the record sheet is traveling; The dot and dash lines indicate the intervals of time at which successive records are made, as for instance, every thirty seconds, and the heavy short lines indicate the records made by the recording elements. In explanation of this view, it may be said that the stations indicated by 0, 1 and 2 have their temperatures recorded by red, green and blue inked threads for example, that is. to say, by a single impression from said threads during the interval that the instrument is set up for, while the stations designated by 8, 4 and 5 have their temperatures recorded by a double impression or record of the same inked threads. In other words,

ments. This is illustrated diagrammatically colors, while'the different records of the last three stations are distinguished by a double impressionof each of the different colors,

the? impressions of the differently colored thr ads being obtained by the automatically controlled movement of the holder for the recording elements through the instrumentality of the cam 51, the operation of which has already been fully described. In order to indicate at any moment the station from which a record is being made, the rotary spindle 52 carries a series of indicators 74: corresponding to the different circuits, and which may be inspected through an opening 75 in casing 76, as shown in Fig. 3.

While the curves corresponding to the different stations may not always be recorded way of illustration in Fig. 18, suchcurves are in practice, however, almost invariably spaced from one another when made on a properly regulated instrument, due to the differing temperatures at different stations and the spaces between curves are generally greater than the variations between successive points of the same curve taken at such short intervals as in the present instrument. In curves made by points of the same color, as curves 0 and 3, the points of curve 0 occur singly at definite spaced intervals corresponding to nine total actuations of the marker, which is in the present instance nine thirty second intervals, or four and one half minutes, while the points of curve 3 occur in pairs and in more or less alined relation, with one and one half minute intervals between the points of each pair, so that there is in practice no difficulty in distinguishing the points even of the same color and plotting the different curves. If desired, of course, the indicators 74 may be inspected to identify the different points with the differin the-uniformly spaced relation shown by the record is made is in the form of a sheet 61, a roll of which is mounted on a tubular support 62, (Fig. 4,) mounted in bearings 63 of a frame 64. The latter is pivotally mounted at the base of the main frame of the machine and adapted to be swung forwardly and downwardly to the position of Fig. 6 to permit insertion of a fresh supply of paper. When in operative relation, the record surface or paper strip is engaged with the paper supporting and feeding roll 65 (Fig. 1,) which positively engages the paper strip and is driven from the clock mechanism through a clutch 66, as usual in this type of mechanism. The paper is held in proper relation with the roll 65 by a follower and locking device which embodies a follower portion or frame 66 coiiperating with the' roll 65 and holding the paper thereagainst. The follower and locking member is designated generally by 67, and is mounted on the frame 64 at 68. '69 are looking arms carried by the locking memher and having slots 70 which engage the pins 71 of the paper roll support 62 in the manner shown in Fig. 4 and thereby hold,

the paper roll support on the frame. '72 are "legs arranged on the paper follower and locking member and acting to release the paper and the paper supporting roll 62 when the frame is thrown forwardly, in the manner shown in Fig. 6. When the parts are in operative position, asindicated in Fig. 4, the follower and locking member is held in proper cooperative relation with the paper strip by engagement of the legs 72 with the stationary stops or projections 73 on the main frame.

- dependently by releasing a clutch 77 (Figs,

1 and 9.). The latter carries a pinion 7 8by which it'is driven, and it is normally held fixed on roll 65, against a sleeve 79 by the thumb nut 80, which is in threaded engagement with a shaft 81, carried by the roll 65, and' acts to force the clutch 77 tightly against said sleeve 79. By releasing the thumb nut 80, the clutch 77 is loosened on the shaft, and the roll can be independently moved for proper adjustment of the parts.

The mechanism is o erated by placing a roll of paper in the rame 64, in engagement with the feeding roll 65, and swinging the frame upwardly from the position of Fig. 6 to the position of Fig. 4. The vari ous stations from which temperatures are to be read, of which there are six in the pres-' minals a, b, 0, 3, e and f with the switch arms a'fb, c, d, e and f. Three of the six stations are additionally connected with the supplemental switch arms d 6 and f so that during one complete revolution of the circuit closer 60, the circuits of three of the stations are closed once while the cir- .cuits of the remaining stations are closed twice. The clock mechanism is set in motion and the parts are ready for operation. Assuming that as the circuit closer 60 starts to rotate it first closes the circuit of the station represented by terminal a, the recording arm 3 is moved over the record surface in accordance with the temperature at the particular station. By the time the recording arm has become sufiiciently stationary to give a proper reading the solenoid circuit is closed through one of the switch levers 30, causing the plunger 14 to be elevated and thus operating the actuating device 4 which engages the recording arm and this produces a record upon the paper through the instrumentality of the inked thread extending under the recording arm,

the paper strip. The solenoid circuit is immediately broken after which the record thread holder is rocked by cam 51, to bring a recording thread of a distinguishing color into position. This operation is repeated for the entire six stations as the clock mechanism continues to operate. As the last three stations are connected with two sets of contact arms as before mentioned, a double reading from these stations will be given during each predetermined interval, or during each complete rotation of the switch. This distinguishes fromthe single reading for each of the first three stations which are recorded by threads of the same color as the last three stations. For instance, the first station will be indicated by a single red mark, the second a single green mark, and the third by a single blue mark, while the fourth station will be indicated by a double red mark, the fifth station by a double green mark, and the laststation by a double blue mark.

Thus the six stations represented by a, b, c, d, e, and f are successively con- .nected with the galvanometer by means of moved as each station is, connected to pre1 1' sent the different colored threads in the order of red, green,blue. For the last three stations, namely d, e, f, additional contact points are provided, namely d 6 and f with which the three latter stations are then successively'connected by means of the circuit closer 60- so that two marks are made from each of these last stations in relatively quick succession for each sin 1e mark made for the first three stations. he thread caragain made rier has its operation repeated by the cam 51 so that the red, green and blue marks are for stations, d, e and f, respectively.-

We claim as our invention: 7 1

1. In a mechanism for recording conditions at a plurality of stations,thecombination with a movable record surface, of a measuring instrument adapted to be con,- trolled from said different stations, a recording arm operated by the measuring instrument in a plane parallel to said record surface and also movable toward the record surface, a recording element positioned adjacent said record surface, an actuating device operating to engage said recording arm andmove the recording element against the record surface, and means acting automatically to effect a different number of operations of the measuring instrument and of the actuating device ina given interval for the different stations, to obtain distinguishable records for said stations.

2. In a mechanism for successively recording conditions at a plurality of stations, the combination with a movable record surface, of a measuring instrument adapted to be successively controlled from said different stations, a recording arm operated by the measuring instrument in a plane parallel to the recording surface and also movable toward said record surface, a plurality of recording elements having distinguishable characteristics and mounted on a holder which is movable to successively position the recording elements adjacent said record surface, an actuating device operating to en: gage said recording arm to move a recording element positioned adjacent the record surface into engagement therewith, means acting automatically to operate the holder to a different position between successive opera-' tions of the measuring instrument to bring a different recording element into position to engage the recordsurface, and means acting automatically to effect for the same recording element a diflerent number of operations of the measuring instrument and actuating device in a given interval for different stations, to obtain distinguishable records for different stations.

3. In a mechanism for successively recording conditions at a plurality of stations, thecombination with a movable record surface, of a measuring instrument adapted to be successively controlled from said different stations, a recording arm operated by .the measuring instrument in a plane parallel to the record surface and also movable toward said record surface, a plurality of recording elements having distinguishable characteristics and adapted to be successively positioned adjacent said record surface, an actuating device operating to engage said recording arm to move a recording element ma am positioned adjacent the record surface into engagement therewith, and means acting automatically to shift the'position of the successive parallel to the record surface and also movable towar'd said record surface, a plurality 'of recording elements having distinguishable characteristics and mounted on a holder' which is movable to successively position the recording elements adjacent said record surface, an actuating device operating to .engage said arm to move a recording element positioned adjacent the record surface into engagement therewith, and means act-.

ing automatically to operate the holder to a different position between successive operations of the measuring instrument and to obtain a single impressionof each recording element for certain stations and a plurality.

of impressions of each recording element for certain other stations, thereby affording distinguishable records for the different stations.

5. In a mechanism for successively recording conditions at a plurality of stations,.the

combination with a movable record surface,

of a measuring instrument adapted to be successively controlled from said different "stations, an arm operated by the measuring instrument in a plane parallel to the record surface and also movable toward said record surface, a plurality of recording elements having distinguishable characteristics and mounted on a holder which is movable to successively position the recording elements adjacent said record surface, an actuating device operating to engage said recording arm to move a recording element positioned adjacent-the record surface into engagement therewith, electrical means governing said measuring instrument and actuating device including a plurality of circuits leading a plurality of times during a giveninterval of time to obtain distinguishable records for the different stations. i

6. In a mechanism for successively recording conditions at a plurality of stations, the combination with a movable record surface,

j to said stations, and a movable time controlled circuit closer operating to close each of said circuits once and certain of said circuitsstations, a recording arm erated b of a measuring instrument adapted to successively controlled from said difierelrlit t e measuring instrument in a p ane para lel to the recording surface and also movable toward said record surface, a plurality of recording elements having distinguishable characteristics and mounted on i a holder which is movable independently of said recording arm to position the recording elements adjacent said record surface, for cooperation, singly and successively, with said recording arm, an actuating device operating to enga e said recording arm to move a recording e ement positioned adjacent the record surface into engagement therewith,

electrical means governing s'aid measuring.

instrumentand actuating device including a plurality of circuits leading to said stations, and a rotary time controlled circuit closer operating to successively close said circuits and operate the actuating device.

7. In a mechanism for successively recording conditions at a plurality of stations, the combination with a movable record surface, of a measuring instrument adapted to be successively controlledfrom said different stations, a recording arm operated by the measurin instrument in a plane parallel to the recor ing surface and also movable toward said record surface, a plurality of recording elements having distinguishable characteristics and mounted on a holder which is movable to successively osition the recording elements adjacent sai record surface, an actuating device operating to engage said arm to move a recording ele ment positioned adjacent the record surfacev into engagement therewith, electrical means governing said measuring instrument and actuating device including a plurality of circuits leading to said stations, a movable time controlled circuit closer operating to successively close said circuits and operate the actuating device, and a solenoid operatively connected to and governing the movement of said circuit closer,

8. In a mechanism for suocesslvely'recording conditions at a plurality of stations,

the combination with a movable record surface, of a measuring instrument adapted to be successively controlled from said different stations, a recording arm operated by the measurin instrument In a plane parallel to the recor ing surface and also movable toward said record surface, a plurality of recording elements having distinguishable characteristics and mounted on a holder which is movable to successively position the recording elements adjacent said record surface, an actuating device operatingjto engage said arm to move a recording element positioned adjacent the record surface into engagement therew th, electrical means governing said measuring instrument and actuating device including a plurality of circuits leading to said stations, a movable time controlled circuit closer operating to close each of said circuits once and certain of said circuits a plurality of times during a predetermined interval of time to obtain distinguishable records for the different stations, and a solenoid operatively connected to and governing the movement of said circuit, closer.

9. In a mechanism for successively recording conditions at a plurality of stations, the combination with a movable record surface, of a measuring instrument adapted to be successively controlled from said different stations, a recording arm operated by the measuring instrument 1n a plane parallel to the recording surface and also movable toward said record surface, a plurality of recording elements having distinguishable characteristics and mounted on a holder which is movable to successively position the recording elements adjacent said record the combination with a movable record surface, of a measuring instrument adapted to be successively controlled from said different stations, a recording arm operated by g the measurin instrument in a plane parallel to the recor ing surface and also'movable toward said record surface, a plurality of recording elements having distinguishable characteristics and mounted on a holder which is movable to successively position the recording elements adjacent said record surface, an actuating device operating toenga e said recording arm tomove a recording e ement positioned adjacent the record surface into engagement therewith, electrical means govermng said measuring instru- 'ment and actuating device including a plurality of circuits leadin to said stations, a

rotary time controlled circuit closer operating to close each of said circuits once and certain of said circuits a plurality of times during each complete revolution 'to obtain distinguishable records for't'he different stations, and in'dicati means carried by the circuit closer for s owing at any moment the stations from which the circuit is closed.

11. In a recording instrument, the combination with amovable record surface, of

a measuring instrument, an arm operated by the measuring instrument 1n a plane parallel to the record surface and also movable toward said record surface, a recording element consisting of a thread or strand of absorbent material impregnated with coloring subs ance, and means for holding the ends of the thread comprising a coil spring arranged on a supporting frame and adapted to receive the ends of the thread between adjacent convolutions.

12. In a recording instrument, the combination with a movable record surface, of.a

measuring instrument, an arm operated by the measuring instrument in a plane parallel to the record surface and also movable toward said record surface, a recording element adapted to be moved against said record surface, and means for supporting the record surface including a paper carrymg frame pivoted to swing downwardly and forwardly away from said recording element and said arm to permit of removing or inserting the paper on which a record is made, a paper supporting and feeding roll carried by-the frame, and a follower movably mounted on the frame and actingto hold the paper against said feeding roll.

13. Ina recording instrument, the combination with a movable record'surface, of a measuring instrument, an armoperated by the measuring instrument in a plane parallel to the record surface and also movable carried b I so locking evice pivotally mounted on the frame and acting to look a paper roll on the frame and'to hold the paper against the feeding roll when the parts are in operative position.

14; In a recording device, the combination of a movable record surface, a recording arm movable in a plane parallel to said record surface and also toward said record surface, a recording element positionedadj acent said surface, means'controlled from a plurality of stations for positioning said arm over said record surface, an actuatingdevice for moving said arm to engage the recordingelement against the record surface, and means operating to effect a different number of operations of the actuating devvice in a given interval of time for different stations to obtain distinguishable recofds therefor.' I

15. In a mechanism for recording conditions at a plurality of stations, the combinathe frame, and 'a follower and f;

tion of a movable record surface, an arm movable in a plane parallel to the record surface, means controlled by the conditions at different stations for moving said arm, a recording element with which said arm is adapted to cooperate to make an impression on the record surface, and means for moving said arm toward said record surface to make an impression, said last named means being operated a difi'erent number of times in connection with difi'erent stations to obtain distinguishing records therefor.

16. In a mechanism for recording conditions at a plurality of stations, the combination of a movable record surface, an arm" movable in a plane parallel to the record surface, means controlled by the conditions at'diflerent stations-formoving said arm, a device for moving said arm toward the record surface to make an impression, a plunger, means for successively actuating said plunger in connection with different stations, and a different number of times in connection with different stations, and operatlve connections between sald plunger and said device.

17. In a mechanism for recording conditions at a plurality of stations, the combination of a movable record surface,,an arm movable in a plane parallel to the record surface, means controlled by the conditions 7 at different stations for moving said arm, a

device for moving said arm toward the record surface to make an impression, a lever, means for successively aetuating said lever in connection with different stations and a diflerent'number of times in eonnection with different stations, and operative connections between said lever and said device. 7 I e p 18. In a mechanlsm for recording conditions at a plurality of stations, the combi-,

nation of a movablerecord surface, anarm movable in a plane parallel to the record surface, means'controlled by the conditions at different stations for moving said arm,

a device for moving said arm toward the record surface totmake an impresslon, a series of switch arms comprlsmg a primary switch arm corresponding to each station,

and a secondary switch arm correspondingto certain of said statlons, a contact movable I to successively eooperate withsaid switcharms, an electrically controlled lever fo moving said contact, and operative connec- 4 tions between said lever and 'said device.

19. In a mechanism for recording conditions at a plurality of stations, the combinations of a movable recordsurface, an-arm movable in a plane parallel to the record sur face,'means controlled by the conditions .at different stations for moving said arm, a device for moving said arm oward the rec- 0rd surface to make an impession, a series of switch arms comprising a primary switch arm corresponding to each station, and a secondary switch arm corresponding to certain of said stations, a contact movable to successively cooperate with said switch arms, time controlled means for moving said contact, and operative connections between said time controlled means and said device.

20. In a mechanism for recording conditions at a plurality of stations, the combination of a movable record surface, an arm movable in a plane parallel to the record surface, means controlled by the conditions at different stations for moving said arm, a plurality of recording elements having distinguishing characteristics with which said arm is adapted to successively cooperate to make an impression, a device for moving said arm to cooperate with said recording elements to make an impression, a time controlled lever .for actuating said device to move the arm, and means controlled by said lever for moving a different recording element into recording position after each actuation of said arm.

21. In a mechanism for recordingconditions at a plurality of stations, the combination of a movable record surface, an arm movable over said surface in a plane parallel therewith and also movable toward said surface to make an impression, a plurality of impression elements movable over said surface and adapted to cooperate with said arm to make an impression, a pair of arms on which said impression elements are mounted, a cam for moving said arms to successively bring a different impression element into cooperative relation with said record surface, time controlled means for imparting a step by step movement to said cam, and operative connections between said time controlled means and impression arm for actuating the arm at each actuation of said impression elements.

22. In a mechanism for recording conditions at a plurality of stations, the combination of a movable record surface, a recording arm movable in a plane parallel to said surface, electrical means controlled by conditions at said stations for moving said arm, a device for moving said arm toward said record surface, a time controlled lever for actuating said device, electrically controlled means for actuating said lever, operative connections between said lever and said de vice for moving the recording arm to make an impression at each actuation of said lever, and means controlled by the lever for changing the characteristics of successive impressions.

23. In a mechanism for recording conditions at a plurality of stations, the combination of a movable record surface, a recording arm movable in a plane parallel to said surface, electrical means controlled by conditions at said stations for moving said arm, a device for moving said arm toward said record surface, a plurality of movable impression elements with which the recording arm is adapted to cooperate to make an impression, a series of switch arms comprising a plurality of primary switch arms corresponding to the stations and secondary switch arms corresponding to a part of the stations, a contact movable to successively engage the switch arms of said series to close a circuit to move said recording arm, and means operated automatically when said contact is moved for moving said impression elements to change the characteristics of the record impression.

24:. In a mechanism for recording conditions at a plurality of stations, the combination of a movable record surface, a record ing. arm movable in a plane parallel to said surface, electrical means controlled by conditions at said stations for moving said arm, a device for moving said arm toward said record surface, a series of switch arms corresponding to the stations, a movable contact adapted to successively engage said switch arms to close a circult and move said recording arm over the record surface, means movable with said contact for indicating the station with which the contact is connected, and time controlled means for moving said contact and simultaneously changing the characteristic of the impressions made on the record surface.

HARRY Y. NORWOOD. FREDERICK W. STALKER.

Witnesses:

LEWIS B. SWIFT, FRED K. TAYLOR.

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