Mimic gauge for a chart recorder
First Claim
1. A mimic gauge for recording positions of a motional member in a chart recorder, comprising:
- a mechanical-to-electrical converter for converting spatial positions of a motional member in a chart recorder into electrical signals related to the spatial positions, said mechanical-to-electrical converter comprising a spatial coupler for securing at least a portion of the mechanical-to-electrical converter to the motional member of the chart recorder, a position sensor for measuring spatial positions of the motional member and generating respective electrical position signals, and a signal connection for conveying the electrical position signals from the position sensor; and
a field processor electrically coupled to the mechanical-to-electrical converter comprising a data processor for transforming the electrical position signals into data representative of the spatial position of the motional member, and a memory.
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a data logger for electrically recording positions of a motional member in a chart recorder. A mechanical-to-electrical converter translates the mechanical positions into electrical position signals. The mechanical-to-electrical includes a mechanical coupler for securing at least a portion of the converter to a motional member in a mechanical chart recorder and a position sensor for measuring the spatial positions of the motional member as it moves in response to movements generated in a mechanical measurement instrument. The position sensor generates electrical position signals that are fed to a field processor. The field processor transforms the electrical position signals into position data representative of the spatial position by applying a calibration algorithm that uses calibration coefficients determined for the particular position sensor being employed. The position sensor may measure rotational movement, such as from a shaft in the chart recorder, or linear movement, such as from a linkage in the chart recorder. Angular sensors include inclinometers, potentiometers, magnetic field sensors and optical sensors, while linear sensors include potentiometers, magnetic field sensors and optical sensors. Also provided in the field processor is storage capacity for storing data relating to the raw electrical signals or the measurement data, as well as for application software. Optionally, a transmitter may be incorporated in the field processor for transmitting the position information to a remote location.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A mimic gauge for recording positions of a motional member in a chart recorder, comprising:
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a mechanical-to-electrical converter for converting spatial positions of a motional member in a chart recorder into electrical signals related to the spatial positions, said mechanical-to-electrical converter comprising a spatial coupler for securing at least a portion of the mechanical-to-electrical converter to the motional member of the chart recorder, a position sensor for measuring spatial positions of the motional member and generating respective electrical position signals, and a signal connection for conveying the electrical position signals from the position sensor; and a field processor electrically coupled to the mechanical-to-electrical converter comprising a data processor for transforming the electrical position signals into data representative of the spatial position of the motional member, and a memory. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification