US2838361A - Time recording apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Jane 1o, 195s Filed April 22. 1955 A. J. FINDLAY ETAL TIME RECORDING APPARATUS l2 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 10, 1953 A. J. FINDLAY ETAL 2,838,361

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TIME RECORDING APPARATUS Filed April 22, 1955 l2 Sheets-Sheet 11 /aL-Rr J F/Np/.HY Joy/v Af Mac www. a ZEOHG'E C; /pp up June 10, 1958 A. J. FINDLAY ETAL 2,838,361

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United States Patent O TIME RECORDING APPARATUS Albert James Findlay, Montreal, Quebec, John Archibald MacDonald, City View, Ontario, and George Craven Widdup, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, assignors to Canadian Patents and Development Limited, ttawa, u tario, Canada Application April 22, 1955, Serial No. 503,302

8 Claims. (Cl. SMS-83) This invention relates to a method of recording time in such form that it may be read by a tabulating machine and to apparatus for so automatically recording time.

For many years there has been a demand wherever labour is employed either on a paid for time basis, or for salaried employees, for a time recorder capable of preparing a card which will enable a tabulating machine to automatically extend and compute both time elapsed and money values based on the elapsed time for both job costs and payrolls. Heretofore, it has always been necessary to obtain from the usual time recording apparatus the starting time and the finishing time, compute the elapsed time and then compute the resultant hours and minutes worked on any assignment with respect to an hourly rate to obtain the money value. Thus, for example, one machine provides for punching at the appropriate point a card printed with divisions representing hours and minutes, the result being read by a worker who must subtract the starting time from the finishing time and calculate the wages due for the elapsed time manually or by machine.

It has been proposed to eliminate the manual steps of subtracting the starting time from the finishing time by so punching a card in fractions and multiples of hours that the punched card may be read directly by the tabulating machine; but this proposal suffers from several disadvantages. Firstly, the machine must be set back to Zero at the beginning of each day. Secondly, it is accurate only to tenths of hours so that only an approximation is possible in the recording of minutes. ln addition it involves a complicated arrangement for selecting the proper punches to be actuated in accordance with the actual time. Finally, it involves a complicated and expensive arrangement of machinery for shifting from the punching of in to out and on to the next work period and as a result of this complicated arrangement, together with the fact that the machine lacks any means for punching a job code on the card, the machine is suitable only for recording time in and out on one job.

The present invention aims to provide a time evaluating method and an apparatus for carryinU out the method whereby certain manual operations are eliminated. The present invention embodies the use of a time recording clock card that is perforated automatically to provide a series of holes which represent the starting and stopping times of any job assignment, in such manner that the card is adapted for subsequent direct use in conjunction with certain British and American types of tabulating machine.

One difficulty encountered in extending time records manually from the printed record of the regular time recorder is the common use of the actual time recorded in hours and fractions thereof, minutes or in decimals, e. g. S50-12:45, making an elapsed time of 4 hours and l mins., which complicates future calculations since they must be reduced to minutes for the calculation of elapsed time.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a time f. ICC

recording method and an apparatus for carrying out this method which includes means for automatically obtaining lapsed time by punching holes in a card designed for this purpose or otherwise marking a card in a manner adapted to be sensed by a particular tabulating machine. In the preferred construction of the apparatus means are provided whereby sets of punches are automatically selected as time progresses so that when the card is inserted the elapsed time is automatically recorded.

In the successful carrying out of the present method, it is essential to have extreme accuracy in locating the consecutive perforations in the card so that they will function accurately in the tabulating machines utilized for further computations stemming from the time recording. In the present apparatus, this is accomplished by the co-action of a card guiding means, and a series of selectively driven rollers which operate in conjunction with an electrical sensory operated card locating device. In general terms it may be stated that the card guiding means supports the card and maintains it in exact alignment during its passage through the punching machine, that the card locating device acts to stop the card at the exact spot which permits the punches to perforate it in the correct location, and that the rollers are adapted to exert no force upon the card at the time of the punching operation.- The machine is arranged so that all these operations take place automatically and while the card is out of reach of the employee. The exact manner in which these features act to insure the required extreme accuracy of the card perforating will later be discussed in greater detail.

Apparatus This invention simplifies the calculation of hours and minutes by a system of one minute periods, these periods starting from zero at any pre-arranged time during a calendar or fiscal year, the machine being adaptable to be re-set to Zero daily at the start of the ollicial starting time in the morning; alternatively, the clock can be arranged to run continuously from midnight on December 3l and re-set at the end of the year period. Gr, again, it may operate continuously year after year without having to be reset at all.

Another feature of the invention is to have a uniform time for recording purposes across the country neglecting the different time zones. For example, December 3l would be Zero Greenwich time and all time records made on the time card would be based on Greenwich time in any part of the United States or Canada. it is contemplated that adjustable means would be provided to show local time at any Zone in addition to the basic Greenwich time. The advantage of using this system is the convenience of reading or interpreting time records from any place in the country, say for example, one that was made simultaneously in New York city and another that was made in Vancouver. The time record would be identical, that is, for any particular time period. While Greenwich time is mentioned, it will be appreciated that any other time base location can be used and one of the two hour hands on the time recording clock adjusted to suit the difference in time according to the locality in which the clock is being used.

Detailed description Having thus generally described the nature of the invention, particular reference will be made to the accompanying drawings where there is shown by way of illustration a preferred embodiment of a time recording apparatus by means of which the present time evaluating method may be carried out, and in which:

Figure l is a front view in perspective elevation of a preferred construction of a lapsed time recorder in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 is Ia diagrammatic showing of a sample time card adapted for use in combination with the present apparatus.

Figure 3 is a front view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 with the cover removed to show the inner construction more clearly.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the construction shown in Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a side elevation of the construction shown in Figure 3.

V Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of the construction shown in Figure 4 along the line 7-7.

Figure 8 is an enlarged detail view of the main actuating cam as it would appear in operative position..

Figure 9 is a sectional view of the portion of the apparatus shown in Figure 8 along the line 9 9 to show the alternative position of the two cam portions and the actuating lever.

Figure 10 is a further detailed view corresponding to Figure 8 With the cam shown in lever operating position, with the main cam portion shown in released position and the oatingfcam portion still holding the lever.

Figure ll is a sectional view of Figure 4 along the line 11-11.

Figure 12 is an enlarged detail view of a typical set of punch selecting lever assemblies showing in more detail the relative position of the actuating cams and driving mechanism. f

Figure 13 is a side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 12 as it Would appeal along the line 13-13.

Figure 14 is a diagrammatic view of a typical punch Y selecting lever and cam arrangement shown with a portion of the punches to illustrate the relative position when the punch selecting cam isV in position to select a punch designating a rive (5).

Figure 15 is a diagrammatic View corresponding to Figure 14 showing the relative positions of the punch selecting cams and associated levers when the selector cam is in position to actuate the selector levers'into position where a rst punch indicating a five (5) and a second supplementary punch indicating a unit (1) will be actuated, the desired punch reading being six (6).

Figure 16 is a fragmentary view in plan of the clutch controlling solenoid and clutch arrangement on the punch actuating shaft.

Figure 17 is an enlarged diagrammatic view of the clutch arrangement of the punch actuating shaft showing the inner rotating portion of the clutch in free position.

Figure 18 is a View corresponding to Figure 17 with the solenoid arm shown in activated condition releasing the clutch outer portion pawl for engagement with the rotating inn-er clutch section.

Figure 19 shows the entire clutch section from the exterior as it would appear in non-operative condition corresponding to Figure 17.

Figure 20 is a further diagrammatic view of the ex terior of the clutch arrangement showing it in operating or punch actuating position corresponding to Figure 18.

Figure 2l is an enlarged diagrammatic View to illustrate in more detail the relative position of the sensing pin solenoid and associated switch, these elements being shown in operative position relative to a card section.

Figure 22 is a view corresponding to Figure 21 with the sensing solenoid being shown in released position causing the pin to be raised from contact'with the card.

, Figure 23 shows on a more enlarged scale the sensing pin as it would appear when passing through the punched hole in a card.

. Figure 24 is an enlarged detail view showing a typical punch selecting cam.

Figure 25 shows in enlargeddetail a typical pin gear operating from the counting mechanism in'conjunction with the punch selecting cam.

Figure 26 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of the apparatus'shown in Figure 4 along the line 26--26 to illustrate in more detail the relative position of the control switches contacted by the passage of the card.

Figure 27 is a view corresponding in location to Figure 26 with the card shownA in position for contact with the sensing pin Voperating in conjunction with the punch actuating mechanism.

Figure 28 is an enlarged view of a portion of the construction shown in Figure 27 to illustrate in more detail the motion of the double-acting toggle switch controlling the initial movement of the sensing pin mechanism controlling the movement of the punch actuating mechanism.

Figure 29 is an enlarged detail view of the final switch arrangement over which the card passes as it is discharged from the machine with the switch being shown in active condition.

Figure 30 is an enlarged detail view illustrating the mechanism for raising the card-advancing rollers at the entry portion of the card receiving chute.

Figure 31 is a view corresponding in location to Figure 30 with the card-advancing rollers being shown in upper Vthe result is nine (9).

or card moving position.

Figure 32 is a sectional View of a portion of the construction shown in Figure 4 to illustrate in more detail the mounting of the lever transmitting the motion from the roller raising solenoid to the card-advancing rollers.

Figure 33 is a circuit diagram of the apparatus shown diametricallyV with the main elements positioned in the same relative spacing as in the actual construction.

In accordance with the present invention, a set of tabulating cards adapted for use in combination with the apparatus of the invention are pre-punched with all the classified information, such as employees number, his occupation, his rate and the shift number and any other fixed classication that is related to either payroll or job assignments. These cards form the basis of a set of master cards.

From the master cards duplicate cardsare automatically made for either daily or weekly records and in addition to the classified information that is pre-punched on the tabulating card, a locating hole is punched in the top margin of the card that will correspond to the ruling on the card YWhere the rst registration will be made. By way of an example, a typical card is shown in Figure 2.

The sample card shown in Figure 2 is ruled off to provide a `plurality of spaced apart columns giving starting and stopping times whereby the employees time record can be indicated by punched o ut openings as shown.

It should be explained that thepunching apparatus is provided with sets of ve punches each Vadapted to punch at one of tive locations or stations in a vertical column of the card, which locations or stations may be considered as representing the iive odd numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, 9. When it is desired to punch an even number, a' second punch in the column is operated to indicate one unit (l) to be added to the punched odd number. For this pur# pose, the nine (9) punch` is chosen, so that if nine is punched as well as another odd number, such as three (3), the result is four (4), but if the nine alone is punched,

It no location in a vertical column is punched, Zero is indicated. For further details, reference should be made to the description below headed Punch selecting cams.

Accordingly, in the sample card shown the starting time shown is 1457 minutes as calculated from zero. The first time out or off (third column) is shown as being 1517 minutes or 60 minutes later than the starting time. The third punching record shows the total 1557 minutes or 40 minutes later than the rst off. The diierence between the various columns will be, of course, the time elapsed or taken for a particular job or operation by an employee. The lower rowof columns and punchedrec ords show the job number given to the operation re-V corded above which are also recorded by preset supplementary punches when the time elapsed is recorded. The job numbers shown, following the same system, is as follows:

The first job number corresponding to the starting time is 37, while the second, job number corresponding to the first off time is 57. As will be appreciated the Off punching in this case gives the starting time of the job 57 while the finishing time of the job is shown by the second Off punching which also gives the job number 32 of the next job and so on.

The first row of holes indicated at A are those which serve to locate the card accurately within the apparatus the first hole B being prepunched for this purpose and the holes C and D and E being punched in correct spaced apart sequence by the apparatus. The location of the first hole B is of a prime importance since it serves to initially register the card in punching position relative to the pre-printed columns ruled on the card.

As will be appreciated, the card shown is illustrative only as a sample and other cards having varying column rulings and uses can be utilized in accordance with the present invention.

ln order that the operation and construction of the time recording apparatus in accordance with the invention be more clearly understood it will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

With particular reference to Figure l of the drawings,

the preferred construction shown has an overall housing I Operation upon card insertion The housing (Figure l) is provided with a time card receiving slot 111 having an attached entry tray 11 and i..

with a card exit slot and attached discharge tray 13 leading into and out of the housing respectively. The employee takes the prepared card, for example that shown Yin Figure 2, places it on the card entry tray 11 and inserts its end within the card receiving slot 10.

With reference to Figure ll, the base plate 147 with the side member lift-7a together with the lower punch holding plate 145 and the side plate 147b define a space of denite fixed dimension which is seen in the end cross sectional elevation of Figure 1l. The base plate 147 exi tends the full length of the machine as seen in Figure 26. The card entry tray 11 and the card receiving slot 10 Figure l) are so placed that entry of the card within the card receiving slot l@ places the card on top of the base plate 147 and between the side member 147@ and the side plate 14717 (Figure ll) which also extend the full length of the machine. The distance between the side member 147e and the side plate 147b is exactly fixed so that the card will just pass between them with no possibility of lateral play. Thus the card is provided with fixed longitudinal alignment during its entire passage through the machine on base plate 147. This is essential to insure the accuracy of punching location required for subsequent use of the card in a tabulating machine. The co-operation of the base plate 147 with the side member 147e' and the side plate 14712 constitutes the card guiding means referred to above.

The rollers which drive the card through the machine will presently oe described. it should be noted that the card receiving slot il@ in the housing 46) (Figure l) is so placed that the card is beyond the reach (and hence the control) of the operator of the card i. e. the employee, by the time the irst sets of rollers have driven the card forward to the position where it is punched. The card is drawn into the machine by the rollers rather than being forced in by the employee.l This prevents distortion of the card. It is necessary that the card be not distorted as this would result in an improper registration during the punching operation. Since the card is entirely within the housing during the punching operation, the employee is prevented from disturbing the card during punching which would result in an improper registration.

Thus the machine possesses the distinct advantage of providing means (to be described) whereby the card, once it is inserted within the card receiving slot, is automatically advanced, stopped in proper position for punching, punched, and ejected.

Card advancing mechanism Entry of the card within the card receiver 10 brings the leading edge of the card into engagement with a lever 12 (Figures 26 and 27) positioned in the path of the card, and pivoting of the lever by the card operates a micro switch 14. The micro switch 14 is connected to and controls a relay coil 13 (Figure 33) connected to a solenoid 16 mounted on the under part of the apparatussee the bottom plan View in Figure 5. The plunger of the solenoid 16 is pivotally connected to a lever 18 which is mounted to pivot about axis 20. The other end of the lever 18 is pivotally connected to a bar 22 mounted for sliding movement along the edge of the frame of the apparatus. The movement of the bar 22 in turn acts on two pairs of roller-operating yokes 24-24a, 26-26a to raise or lower spaced apart pairs of card-engaging rollers 28, and 30 towards or away from corresponding pairs of fixed rollers 32, 34 mounted above the card guiding means. Referring to Figures 26 and 27 the rear yoke of each pair is seen, yoke 24a being to the left and yoke 26a to the right. Referring to Figures 30 and 31, the front yokes 24 are seen. Rollers 28 and 30 are mounted on shafts 28a and 30a journalled in yokes 24-24a and 26-26a respectively.

In the construction illustrated, the yokes 24-24a, 26-26a are disposed in spaced apart pairs adjacent the ends of the apparatus with a transverse shaft 24x, 26x extending between each pair so that movement of the front yoke 24 or 26 adjacent the sliding bar 22 is transmitted to the other yoke of the pair (24a or 26a) between which the rollers are mounted. The front yoke of each pair has one end pivotally connected to the frame of the apparatus and each is provided with a cam slot 24y-26y into which fits a pin 23 (Figure 30) one of which is `disposed adjacent each end of the bar 22.

Roller driving mechanism Simultaneously with the closing of the micro-switch 14 and also through the relay coil 13, a further circuit is completed to the electric motor 36. A Worm 38 (Figure 7) is secured to the shaft of the motor 36 and is in meshed engagement with a worm Wheel 40 mounted on a shaft 42 extending obliquely upwards from the base plate of the apparatus. Also attached to the shaft 42 is a bevel gear 43 which is in meshed engagement with a bevel gear 44 mounted on the end of the shaft 46 supporting the rollers 32. A corresponuding drive is applied to the rollers 34 through a shaft 67 and bevel gears 43a, 44a. The gear 44a is connected to the shaft 46a of the rollers 34. The drive is transmitted from the shaft 42 to the shaft 67 by a spiral gear 64 which is in meshed engagement with a large spiral gear 68. A further Spiral 66 is mounted on the end of the shaft 67 and is in meshed engagement with the gear 68.

Card sensing mechanism When the pairs of card-engaging rollers 28 and 30 are raised and the pairs of rollers 32 and 34 are rotated by actuation of the switch 14, the card is engaged by the pairs of rollers 28 and 32 and moved forward within the card guiding means described above to a point where it contacts and..depresses a toggle lever 50 pivotally mounted inthe path of the advancing card, as shown best .in Figuresr26, '27." The depression of the lever 50 acts to closethe micro-switch 52 positioned beneath the lever so as to complete an electrical circuit to a solenoid 54 mounted on an upper portion of the apparatus, see Figure 11.

` An armature 56 is mounted above the solenoid 54 and a card sensing rod 58 is connected to the armature 56. When the coil 54 is energized, the armature56 is attracted depressing the sensing rod S into engagement with the margin of the card. TheA length ofthe rodSS is such that the armature 56 is prevented from operating the full stroke so that a resilient magnetic tension is maintained. As the rollers 32, 34,'con`tinue to drive the card forward the end of the sensing rod 5S locates the first of the row of holes A shown in the card sample of Figure 2. 'The magnetic tension applied to the rod 58 causes it to fall into the hole in the Vcard as shown on Figure 23 allowing the armature 56 to complete the full stroke. As it doesrso it releases the arm 79 of the switch 60 (Figures 21, 22, 33), thereby opening the circuit to the solenoid (Figure 5) releasing its armature plunger so that the'lever 18, under the influence of a coil spring 19 moves the bar 22'in the opposite direction thereby dropping the pairs of card-engaging rollers 28 and 3i) to normal position so that the pairs of rollers 23 and 32 no longer act to advance the card now held against forward movement by the rod 53. The dropping of the card-engaging rollers follows instantaneously the locating of the hole by the sensing Vrod 58. Y

It has been stated that the sensing rodis maintained in a state of resilient magnetic tension during the time it is locating the irst of the row of holes A shown in Figure 2. The sensing rod may be said to be resiliently biased electrically. It is in fact an electrically operated card sensing rod mounted above the path of travel of the card and adapted for resiliently biased movement toward `and away from the card. The electrical biasing gives the rod its sensitive feeling action which is essentiai for its card sensing operation. VThis type of biasing is superior to ordinary spring biasing which would tend to cause the rod to deform the circumference ofthe hole located by the rod. Such a deformity would `result in an inaccurate registration during the punching operation. The sensing rod is actually spring biased in the direction away from the card, as will be described later. This spring bias is purely for the purpose of holding the rod up against the force ofVv gravity when the solenoi 5d is not energized. It is the electro-magnetic biasing just described which gives the rod its superior card sensing properties. Deformity of the locating hoie is further prevented by the fact that the sensing rod moves in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane ot 'the card and by the tapered end of the rod as shown inV Figures 22 and 23. The tapered end also ensures properI centering of the rod in the hole and hence proper positioning of the card for punching. `l`

The instantaneous disengaging of the driving rollers upon completion of the sensing operation acts tri-prevent deformity of the locating hole which might otherwise occur if the card were urged forward against the stopping action of the sensing rod.

l The micro-switch 60 is a double pole switch and when operated it simultaneously opens the circuit for the solenoid 16 and also closes a circuit to a clutch solenoid 62 (Figures 16, 21 and 22),

The clutch mechanismY During this period 'when the solenoid 16 is in a non- Y operating position the motor 36 (Figures 3 and 4) is still gear 68 is mounted on a shaft 70 which is supported for .8 1 rotation between bearings mounted on the upper portion of the frame. It should be noted that the motor 36 continues to drive the shaft 70 during the entire time that a card is passing through the machine. VWith particular reference to Figures 16 through 20, a clutch mechanism, new to be described, is driven by the shaft 70. A ratchet 73 is secured to the shaft '70 so that it too rotates continuously while the motor 36 is in operation. The ratchet 73 is surrounded by an annular retaining pawl 76 which is pivotally mounted at 74a lon a further clutch section 74.

he clutch section 74 is integral with a bearing portion 32 mounted on the shaft 70 in such manner as to be normaliy stationary as the shaft 70 rotates. The clutch section 74 is formed with a notch 74b through which extends one end of a pin 76a of the pawl 76. The amount of pivotal movement of the pawl 76 (about the point 74a) is thus limited by the contact rnade between the abovementioned end of the pin 76a and the sides of the notch ie-b. To this same end of pin 76a is attached a coil spring 7S which extends around the bearing S2 and is fastened at 74e. Thus the pawl 76 is constantly urged to pivot downwardly about the point 74a.

The other end of pin 76a, however, extends to the other side of pawl 76 and is normally retained and prevented from moving downward by the arm 72 forming a lateral extension of the solenoid plunger 71 of the clutch solenoid 62. When the pin 76a and the pawl 76 are held in this position (Figures 17 and 19), the pawl cannot engage the ratchet 73. Whenthe pawl 76 does pivot downwardly (Figures 18 and 20) it does engage ratchet 73 and is then rotated and causes the clutch section 74 to rotate by vir- Vtue of its attachment at 74arand the contact of pin 76a with the lower Vside of notch 7417.

When the circuit to the clutch solenoid 62 is closed by the micro-switch 6i) (-as described above), the solenoid plunger 71 and arm 72 are withdrawn thereby releasing pin 76a. Pawl 76 then pivots downwardly under the iniluence of coil spring as already described, engages the rotating ratchet '73, and the clutch section 74 (as well as the pawl 76) make one complete revolution.

During the rst half of the revolution the clutch operates the punch mechanism in the manner to be described. During the second half of the revolution the I clutch performs various functions to be described, one

of which is to break the circuit to the clutch solenoid 62, thus allowing the plunger 71 and arm 72 to be restored by the spring 71a to their original (and normal) position. Thus when the pin 76a has revolved to its former position it is engaged by arm 72 and held against further movement. The clutch section 74 continues its rotation until the parts are in the relative positions illustrated in Figure 19. At this point the pawl 76 is raised out of contact with ratchet 73 and the movement of pawl 76 and clutch section 7e is confined to one complete revolution.

Punch operating mechanism `with particular reference to Figures 1l and 16, a pressure arm 3ft is eccentricallyV mounted on the bearing 82 in such manner that during the iirst half revolution of the clutch section 74 the pressure arm S4 descends and depresses a press plate 86 which is mounted for resiliently biased sliding movement between pairs of vertical supporting standards S9 and 91. The depression of the press plate S6 acts on the punches adapted to perforate the card as will be described in more detail later. During the second half revolution, of course, the pressure arm $4 and the press plate 86 ascend to their original position.v

Second half of clutch revolution As is shown in Figures 17 through 22, as the clutch section-74 together with the pawl 76 rotates, the end of pin 76a which normally engages arm 72 engages a pivotally mounted lever arm 78 at a point indicated at 78a (Figure 22). This contact raises the lever arm 73 so as 9 to bring a pin 83 into contact with an arm 85a of a kick off switch 85. The switch S controls a circuit to a solenoid coil 88 disposed beneath the toggle arm 50 (see Figure 27). An armature ad mounted over the coil 88 is attracted by energization of the coil 88 raising a projecting portion 92 into contact with the upper arm of a double-armed pivotally mounted latch 94 associated with the toggle arm S0 so as to kick off the latch 94 and release the operating arm of switch 52 from the shoulder 94a thereby deenergizing the coil 54 (Figures 2l and 22). The de-energization of the solenoid 54 releases the armature 56 so that it may be moved upwardly to lift the sensing rod S8 clear of the card. Sensing rod 58 is biased upwardly by spring 58a and is positively mechanically raised by an extension 78h of the lever arm 7S which is adapted to engage the armature 56 as shown in Figure 22. The mechanical raising is necessary to overcome any residual magnetism in the coil of the solenoid 54. The spring 58a then holds the sensing rod 58 up against the force of gravity. As the armature is so raised to its top position, the double pole switch 60 is reversed by arrn 79.

An extension 57 mounted beneath the solenoid coil 54 prevents the lever arm 78 from dropping too far below the armature 56. The raising of sensing rod 58 clear of the card leaves the latter free for further advancement.

Since the punching operation has now been completed, by the depression of the press plate 86, and the card is now free for further travel the abovearnentioned reversal of the switch 60 closes the circuit to the solenoid 16 thereby acting to again raise the pairs of card-engaging rollers 28 and 30 into card-engaging position. The reversal of double pole switch 60 simultaneonsly breaks the circuit to the clutch solenoid 62 which arrests the movement of the clutch are previously described.

Card advance (second stage) As the card is advanced by the pairs of rollers 2S and 32 it is now fed forward to a point where it is engaged by the second pairs of rollers and 34 before leaving the pairs of rollers 28 and 32. Under the drive of the pairs of rollers 30 and 34 it is then driven out of the card receiving slot. The leading edge of the lcard after passing between the pairs of rollers 30 and 34 comes into contact with and depresses a pivotally mounted switch lever 98 which is mounted adjacent to and controls a micro-switch 96. With reference to Figure 33, the switch 96 is wired in parallel with the starting switch 14 op erated by the entry of the card and is arranged so that it makes contact before the switch 14 breaks. As the card continues to advance the lever 98 is released actuating the switch 96 opening the main control circuit, thereby restoring all circuits to normal. Since either the switch 14 or 96 was maintained until the card was ejected the motor 36 remains in operation throughout.

T me recording and punch selection The main controlling element of the present apparatus is comprised of a synchro-nous motor 100 (Figure 7) which operates as a timing device and has a driving shaft 101 which makes one revolution per minute. A cam 102 (Figure 7), is mounted on the shaft 101, 4and is in contact with the end of a lever 104- pivot-ally mounted as indicated at 106, so that on each revolution of the cam 102 the lever 104 raises a push pull rod 108 of a conventional counting unit 110 (see Figures 7 and 12). The lever 104 is spring biased by a coil spring 105 keeping it in contact with the cam 102.

To prevent a shock to cam 102 and shaft 101 through contact of the end of the lever 104 with the cam 102, the cam includes a pivotally mounted supplementary cam portion 103 (Figures 8 to l0) which lags slightly behind the main cam surface to prolong the contact between cam 102 and lever 104 preventing a quick slip-off as would occur with the cam surface 102.

Clt

The counting unit (Figure l2) is of conventional construction and a further gear 112 is connected to each digit wheel. In the constrfltion illustrated the counter 11u utilizes four (4) digits so that there are four gears i12 disposed in side by side relationship.

For the purpose of ciarity, however, Figures l2 through 15 show one unit only, it being understood that the other units are identical.

With particular reference to Figures 12 and 13, each gear 112 is in meshed engagement with an intermediate get Each intermediate gear 114 in turn is in meshed engagement with a gear wheel 116. Mounted on a common shaft with each gear 116 is a cam 118, and the four cams control the selection of the punches actuated by depression of the press plate 86.

Punch selecting cams Each cam 113, one of which is shown in detail in Figure 24, is for use in conjunction with a card as shown and described with respect to the sample shown in Figure 2 and controls the selection of the particular punch of the row of punches with which it is associated.

it should be explained that when the Switch 14 is closed by the insertion of a card it also closes a circuit controlling a solenoid positioned beneath the apparatus, see Figure 5. When the solenoid 126 is operated a pivotally mounted lever arm 128 is pivoted by the plunger or' the solenoid so as to apply tension to spaced apart coil spring 130. Each of the coil springs 130 is connected to one of the pivotally mounted levers disposed beneath the cams 118 in the punch selectin.o arrangen-ient, see Figures 12 through 15. The thus tensioned levers 132 move into contact with the lever arms which are pivotally mounted in alignment with the cams 11S. A punch selecting arm 136 is pivotally connected at one end to each of said lever arms 134 with the other end 138 being shaped for engagement in any seletced one of the punch guiding openings 143 of the upper punch holding plate 140, in the particular row of such punch openings associated with that particular arm 134 and end 138. The punch selecting arms 1.36 are guided and maintained in accurate alignment during their forward and backward movement by the slotted gate 13361 (Figure 1l). The gate is formed with four slots, one slot to accommodate each arm 136. Arms 134 and 136 are biased by springs 136g so that the ends are normally retracted as shown in Figure ll and the pins are held out of engagement with any of the surfaces of cams 118.

The punches 142 are resiliently supported between the upper and lower punch holding plates and 145 in alignment with corresponding die openings 146 provided in a oase plate 147 so that their upper ends normally extend within the openings 143.

The distance the punch selecting arms 136 will travel, and the posiiicn of the openings 143 selected will depend on the relative position of the respective cams 118 contacted by pins provided on the arms 134.

Each cam 118 has ve cam surfaces (Figure 24) which determine the position of its punch selecting arm 136 (Figure 14). The highest cam surface provides for the digits nine (9) and zero (0), and when in contact with the pin 139 its cooperating arm 134 holds the punch selecting arm 136 in the retracted position to which it is biased by spring 136e' between the guide plate 162 and the Supporting standard 91 (see Figure 11). In this position the end 133 of the punch selecting arm 136 is out of alignment with any of the punches 142 and will be untouched by the descent of the press plate 86 whose central portion is cut away at this position. Thus the highest surface of a cam 118 permits no operation of the punches associated with that cam. The other four cam surfaces control the selection of punches 142 as already described.

In meshed engagement with and also driven by each gear 114 is a further selection gear 120 (Figures 12 and 25) each of which is adapted to act`on a lever 122 by the contact of spaced apart pins 121 extending from the surface of the gear.V In the construction shown in detail in Figure 25 there are five (5) such pins located on the gear 120 so that they will engage the lever arm 122 (see Figure 14) when the cam 118 is in the position corresponding to 2, 4, 6, 8, and 9. There are no pins for zero, l', 3, 5 or 7. When an of these pins is engaged with its cooperating lever arm 122, the latter pivots and advances a rod 160 which is supported in a guide plate 162 fastened rigidly to the press plate 86 (see Figures 14, l). When a cam 118 is in the postion .of an odd number except 9 the pins in the gear 120 will not be in a position to contactV the lever arm 122 (Figure 14) and therefore the rod 160 will ynot be advanced to cause the punch 164 to operate. Y

When advanced bythe contact of any of the pins 121 of the gear 120 the end of a rod 160 causes a punch 164 to be depressed when the press plate 86 descends. With reference to Figures 26 and 27, the end of the pressure arm S4 is pivotally connected at 8412 to a U-shaped foot 84a which is secured to press plate 86. The upper ends of punches 164 extend into the recess within the U-shaped foot 34a (Figure 26), with sufficient clearance so that when pressure arm 84, foot 84a, and press plate 86 descend, none of punches 164 is depressed. When retracted, the ends of the rods 160 lie within the recess in foot 84a but are not extended far enough to assume a position over the punches 164. If, however, any of the rods 169 is advanced as described above, its end assumes a position over the top of its corresponding punch V164. When foot 84a descends and depresses press plate 86, the downward movement of the press plate is imparted to all the rods 160 but only those whose ends have been advanced over their corresponding punch 164 will cause that punch to be depressed. Figure 27 shows one of the punches 164 depressed in this manner.

Although not shown in Figures 26 or 27, it is desirable to have the side of the recess in foot 84a adjacent to 'guide plate 162 in the form of four vertical slots each placed in alignment with one of the punches 164 and the corresponding rod 160, the height of each slot being such that all of rods 160 are depressed each time the foot 84a and plate 86 are depressed. Each slot should preferably be of just sucient width to accommodate its corresponding rod, thus ensuring the proper alignment of each rod with respect to lits corresponding punch.

Any of the punches 164 is adapted to punch a nine (9) and when depressed will perforate Vthe card. This action takes place simultaneously with the depression of punches 142.

The selection of punches 142 through the cams 118 'takes place only when actuation of solenoid 126 places tension on springs 130, whereas selection of punches 164 takes place continuously. VWhen solenoid 126 is not actuated, springs 13611 hold pins 139 out of engagement with cams 118, and hold ends 138 in the position shown in Figure 11.

The selection of odd and even numbers will now be described with reference to Figures 14 and l5. Referring to Figure 14, the arm 134 has been pivoted by the arm 132 so that the pin 139 is in contact with the cam 113. The cam 118, as rotated by the time recording mechanism, is in position corresponding toran odd number, in this case a tive (5 Accordingly, the punch selecting arm'136 through the movement of the lever 134 has proceeded to a point where the end 138 is in alignment with the punch opening 143 corresponding to a number five (5) punch. Since the cam 118 is in position for an odd number (5 the pins of the gear 120 are not in position to contact the lever 122 and therefore the rod 160 is not advanced. Upon depression of the press plate 86, the (5 punch only will be actuated since the rod 160 is clear of the nine (9) punch 164.

In the illustration of Figure 15, the cam 118 is in a position indicating anv even number, Vin this case a (6)A so that while the punch selecting arm 136 is extended to the same position as shown in Figure 14, the gear 120 has moved to a position where a pin has engaged the lever 122 Vso that the rod 160 is in position to cause the punching of a nine (9). Therefore, in the card, with reference to -Figure 2, a (5 is punched and also a (9) is punched. In this case, as Vpreviously explained, the 9 serves as a unit (l) so that 5 and l are punched giving the correct reading of (6).

It will be evident from the foregoing that when any of the cams 118 is in the position of Zero (0) no punch will be activated, and the particular column (Figure 2) in question will record a zero (0) by virtue of its not being punched.

Supplementary punching arrangement In order to ensure the proper alignment and proper spacing between each punching of the card it is necessary, as previously explained, to punch an additional hole along the margin of the card in advance of the prepunched master hole for consecutive registrations. This is accomplished by a separate punch 144 mounted between the upper and lower punch holding plates 140, 145 with the upper end protruding in a position for Contact with the press plate. 86 (see Figure 15). This hole punched in the margin of the card by punch 144 will be the hole sensed by the sensing rod 58 upon the next subsequent insertion of the card into the machine.

The distance between the centre of the hole in the base plate 147 into which the sensing rod 58 passes upon locating and passing through a locating hole in the card and the centre of the hole in the base plate 147 into which punch 144 passes upon punching a subsequent locating hole is therefore a critical distance.Y There must also be a close tolerance between the sensing rod and its base plate hole and the punch 144 and its base plate hole to prevent any movement of either the rod or the punch which would cause a variation in the critical distance between the holes. Only by accurately maintaining this distance can the accurate registration of subsequent punchings be maintained. Any error in this respect would tend to accumulate as the punching operations were repeated, and would render the card inoperable in the tabulating machine.

Any locating perforation must of course be prepunched inline with the sensing rod intended to sense it on the next insertion of the card into the machine. However, the invention contemplates more than one row of cooperating sensing rods and punches 144, and the selective actuation of the sensing rod or the punch 144 of any row as required.

For the purpose of punching job numbers, as is shown in the sample card of Figure 2, removable punches 150, 152 (Figures 6 and 1l) are placed in the desired sequence between the press plate 86 and the top punch holding plate 140. The upper ends of the punches 150, 152 extend above the press plate 86 where they are retained by a plate 154 held in position relative to the press plate 86 by a thumb screw 156 (Figure 6). By loosening the Ythumb screw 156 the plate 154 can be revolved and the punches 150, 152 placed in any desired location (see Figure 5) to locate a particular job or situation. `It is also contemplated that the selection of these job indicating punches could be effected automatically for example by suitable push button or telephone type dial control in combination with punch selecting elements similar to that described in the present apparatus.

General arrangement The clock showing behind the clock dial 402 (Figures 1 and 6) is of the conventional synchronous type which is connectedto the main timing motor 100. The recorder 404 shows the recorded digits of the digit wheels of the AUA.;

Electrical circuit ln order that the overall electrical circuit by means of which the various elements are controlled may be more clearly understood, particular reference will be made to the diagrammatic illustration in Figure 33 of the drawings.

A line line Ztl-ll lead from a suitable power source. The line leads to the initial micro switch ld, under the control of the lever i2 in the path of the inserted card, so that closing of the switch 14 makes contact with the relay coil l3. The circuit is then completed t the line The actuation of the relay coil i3 closes the contacts Zl and completes a circuit, via line 26;' to the diving motor 36, and from the contact 2.13 to line 2%. The relay contact 2l3 also completes a circuit the punch selector solenoid 12d, via line Zil to contact Zil, to line ther, closing of the contact 2ll3 also closes a circuit operating the roller raising solenoid le, via line 'lill to the swit h fl controlled by the contact spring '79, through the switch through the coil of the solenoid lr6, and from the solenoid i6 through the relay contact 2l3 to line Ztlll.

As the driving motor 3d is now actuated and through the card advancing rollers the card is now being driven `ward so as to contact the lever arm Sil closing the trigger switch so as to complete the circuit to the .,'ng solenoid 5d, via line Zilli to the coil ot the solenoid 513-, and from the coil to the switch contacts $3. previously described, partial actuation of the solenoid causes the sensing rod 5S to descend and apply light pressure to the margin of the card. As the card is driven forward the sensing rod d will come into alignment with, pass through the iirst perforation in line along the of the card. When this occurs, the sensing rod descends to its full extent through the action of the solenoid el so as to release the spring 7) breaking the contact of the switch releasing the circuit controlling the roller solenoid le. The rollers are thus released preventing iurther movement of the card. Upon full travel ci the rod 58 and the associated armature 5'6 through the solenoid '12, the spring 79 is caused through the lower contact 6i of the switch 6@ to close the circuit to the clutch solenoid d2, via the line Zilli through the contact of the switch dit, through the coil of the solenoid 62, to line 2%.

As previously described, upon operation of the clutch solenoid the clutch makes one complete revolution depressing the punch pressure plate for 1/2 of the revolution due to the eccentric mounting of the pressure arm luring the last l/2 or" the clutch revolution the pin t ot the clutch engages the lever arm 73 at the point :on bringing the pin into contact with the contact (25a of the kick oil switch 85 closing the contact momen- 'ly. This causes the kick oli solenoid coil S8 to operate bringing the armature projection 92 into contact with the latch releasing the switch contact 53 thereby deactivating the sensing solenoid o- As previously debed, the armature Se of the sensing solenoid 54 is at moment mechanically raised by the lever arm 7S to rmer position which reverses the switch breaking circuit to the clutch solenoid d?, and again closing circuit to the roller solenoid lo, vis, line Zul through Y "73' of the switch ed, through the coil of the solenoid le, through the relay Contact 2l.: and back to line When the rollers, under the intluence of the solenoid 16,

again urge the card forward, the leading edge of the card contacts the lever 93 controlling the switch 96 closing the contact 96a. SinV the switch 96 is wired in parallel with the switch 14 and as it is closed before the switch t4 opens, the circuit to the motor 36 is maintained until the card is ejected by the rollers and releases the switch lever 98. Once the switch 96 is released the circuit to the relay coil 13 is opened thereby restoring all circuits to normal.

"rl/hat we claim as our invention is:

l. ln an electrically operated card punching corder ci' the card actuated type having means for progressively selecting a series of time indicating punches in time related sequence and means to actuate said punches inch o a control relay and a circuit connecting said relay to a driving motor; a card advancing means comprising in combination, a card receiver having an entry end and a discharge end, a control switch having a lever arm disposed in the path of a card passing into the entry end of said card receiver, a relay coil connected to said switch and controlling a rst solenoid disposed beneath aid card receiver, spaced apart opposed pairs of fixed and movable card engaging rollers mounted above and below said card receiver respectively, linkage means between said iirst solenoid and said movable card engaging rollers adapted to move said rollers towards and away from said lixed rollers, roller driving means connected to said xed rollers, a driving motor connected to said roller driving means and to said relay coil, whereby entry ot a card into said card receiver is adapted through said switch to actuate said driving motor and rst solenoid to move said card towards said discharge end.

2. ln an electrically operated card punching time recorder as claimed in claim l, a yperforated card locating mechanism comprising, a lever disposed in the path of said card passing along said receiver, a control switch connected to said lever and a second solenoid disposed above said card receiver, an armature connected to said second solenoid, a resiliently biased card sensing rod con` nected to said armature, a switch including a switch arm in the path of said armature and being connected to said second solenoid, whereby actuation of said lever by move ment o'r said card causes said sensing rod to move into contact with said card and on said sensing rod passing through said card perforation said armature contacts said switch arm to operate said first solenoid moving said movable rollers away from said card.

3. An electrically operated card punching time recorder as claimed in claim 2 wherein said punch actuating means includes a rotary clutch driven by said driving motor, a lever arm disposed adjacent to and contacted by said rotary clutch, a switch disposed in the path of said lever arm and connected to a third solenoid, an armature having a proiecting arm pivotally mounted on said third solenoid, a double armed latch connected to the lever mounted in the path of said armature arm whereby closing of the switch deactivates the second sole noid releasing the sensing rod and allowing the armature to be raised into contact with the said switch arm to operate the Vfirst solenoid raising the movable rollers towards said card.

4. ln an electrically operated card punching time rccorder of the card actuated type having means for progressively selecting a series ot time indicating punches in time related sequence, a punch operating mechanism, comprising in combination, a control means embodying a sensing rod mounted for movement towards and away from a card entering said recorder' and means to actuate said rod; a shaft mounted for rotation above said time indicating punches, shaft driving means between said shalt and a driving motor adapted to continuously rotate said shaft during actuation of said motor, a clutch aving a rst portion fixed to said shaft for rotation therewith and a second portion freely mounted on said shaft and a resiliently biased pawl between said lirst and time re- 15 second clutch portions, arpress plate mounted for resiliently biased sliding movement above said punches, a Connecting arm connected to said press plate and eccentrically connected to said second clutch portion, a solenoid including a plunger adapted normally to engage said Yresiliently biased pawl and adapted to release said pawl in claim 4, a further plurality of punches mounted in the path of said punch plate for interchangeable selection, and *meansvr adapted on depression of said press plate to also depress said additional punches into punching operation.

6. An electrically operated card punching time recorder adapted for use with a time card having a least one pre-punched locating perforation, comprising in combination, a card receiver, card advancing means including spaced apart card engaging rollers mounted above and below said card receiver, a driving motor connected to said card engaging rollers and to a control relay, a irst switch means disposed in the path of said card receiver and connected to said control relay, a first plurality of punches mounted above said card receiver and at least one additional punch mounted above said card receiver in spaced apart relationship from said rst punches, punch actuating means connected to said control relay and adapted to simultaneously act on said `first and second punches, card locating means including a reciprocating electricallyr operated armature and sensing rod adapted to engage with a card passing through said card receiver and locate said card relative to said punches by said perforation, a second switch means connected to said control relay and disposed in the path of said armature, said second switch means adapted on engagement by said sensing rod to release said punching means whereby said card is moved into said time recorder, located and punched to provide a plurality of perforations indicating a code time record and a subsequent card locating po sition.

7. In an electrically operated card punching time recorder of the card actuated type having means for progressively selecting a series of time indicating punches in time related sequence and means to actuate said punches including a control relay and a circuit connecting said relay to a driving motor; a card advancing means comprising in combination, a card receiver having an entry end and a discharge end, a control switch having a lever arm disposed in the path of a card passing into the entry end of said card receiver, spaced apart opposed sets of fixed and movable card engaging rollers mounted above and below said card receiver with one of said sets of rollers mounted for movement towards and away from the other set, electrically controlled means for moving said one set of rollers, circuit means connected to said switch and controlling said roller moving means, roller driving means connected to one set of said opposed rollers, a driving motor connected to said roller driving means and to said switch controlled roller moving means, a further lever disposed in the path of said card passing along said receiver, a control switch connected to said lever and a solenoid disposed above said card receiver, an armature connected to said solenoid, a resiliently biased card sensing rod connected to said armature, a switch including a switch arm in the path of said armature and being connected to said solenoid, whereby entry of a card into said card receiver is adapted through said irst switch to actuate said driving motor and roller moving means to cause said rollers to engage and move said card towards said card receiver discharge end, and actuation of said further lever by said card causes said sensing rod to Ymove into contact with said card and on said sensing rod passing through said card perforation said armature contacts said switch arm to operate said roller moving means'moving said movable rollers away from said card.

8. An electrically operated card punching time recorder as claimed in claim 7, wherein said punch actuating means includes a rotary clutch driven by said driving motor, a lever arm disposed adjacent to and contacted by said rotary clutch, a switch disposed in the path of said lever arm and connected to a further solenoid, an arma- 'ture having a projecting arm pivotally mounted on said solenoid, a double armed latch connected to the lever mounted in the path of said armature arm whereby closing of the switch deactivate the rst named solenoid releasing the sensing rod and allowing the armaturetto be raised into contact with the said switch arm to operate the roller moving means raising the movable rollers towards said card.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,171,167 Streckfuss Aug. 29, 1939 2,172,329 Bryce Sept. 5, 1939 2,421,697 Hobby June 3, 1947 2,454,711 Odell Nov. 23, 1948 2,558,947 Furman July 3, 1951 2,645,551 Sprecker July 14, 1953 2,705,105 Paschen Mar. 29, 1955 2,736,023 Williams Feb. 21, 1956

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