US3588910A - Machine operation recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

AN ARRANGEMENT FOR RECORDING MACHINERY OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS IN THE FORM OF OPERATING TIMES, PRODUCTION QUANTITY, AND BASES FOR INTERRUPTING PRODUCTION AND OPERATION. RECORDINGS ARE MADE THROUGH A MOVABLE PEN ON A RECORD CARRIER WHICH IS ROTATED AS A FUNCTION OF TIME. THE PEN IS MOVABLE IN A RADIAL PATH WITH RESPECT TO THE ROTATABLE RECORD CARRIER. SIGNAL TRANSMITTERS ARE COUPLED TO THE MACHINE FOR THE CHARACTERISTICS TO BE RECORDED. A PULSE TRANSMITTER IS USED FOR TRANSMITTING A PULSE FOR EACH UNTI PRODUCED, WHEREAS A TIME INTERVAL TRANSMITTER IS USED FOR OPERATING TIMES AND MANUAL SWITCHES ARE PROVIDED FOR RECORDING THE BASES OF OPERATING INTERRUPTIONS. A ROTARY SWITCH HAS CONTACT SEGMENTS CONNECTED TO THE PULSE TRANSMITTER, TIME INTERVAL TRANSMITTER AND MANUAL SWITCHES. RECORDINGS ARE MADE IN THE FORM OF RADIAL LINES AND ARE-SHAPED STRIPES ON THE RECORD CARRIER FOR DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN THE MACHINE CHARACTERISTICS TO BE RECORDED.

Description

United States Patent Primary Examiner-Joseph W. Hartary Attorney-Michael Sr Striker ABSTRACT: An arrangement for recording machinery operating characteristics in the form of operating times, production quantity, and bases for interrupting production and operation. Recordings are made through a movable pen on a record carrier which is rotated as a function of time. The pen is movable in a radial path with respect to the rotatable record carrier. Signal transmitters are coupled to the machine for the characteristics to be recorded. A pulse transmitter is used for transmitting a pulse for each unit produced, whereas a time interval transmitter is used for operating times and manual switches are provided for recording the bases of operating interruptions. A rotary switch has contact segments connected to the pulse transmitter, time interval transmitter and manual switches. Recordings are made in the form of radial lines and arc-shaped stripes on the record carrier for distinguishing between the machine characteristics to be recorded.

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sum 7 or 7 W 27 /?/o/ l V 29 INVENTORS OSKAR ZUMKELLER WERNER ROTH MACHINE OPERATION RECORDER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention resides in registration apparatus for recording machine operating times, operating modes, piece counts, reasons for interruption in operation, and similar such machine characteristics. It is a particular object of the present invention to achieve that the recording of such registration apparatus be automatically evaluatable. in particular, it is the aim of the present invention to apply such automatic evaluation not only to a limited portion of the data, but instead to the entire data contained in the recording. Such automatic evaluation is of significance, because the machine recordings can be, in this case, further processed through a computer, so that it is possible to realize information on the loading of machine installations, as well as their production quantities and bases for interruption in operation, etc.

Registration apparatuses are known in the art, which are designed for recording piece counts. operating times, and interruption bases. in these conventional registration apparatuses, however, it is not possible to evaluate automatically the recordings. Thus, in such known apparatuses, heretofore, it was always required to occupy a staff for translating the recordings of the registration apparatuses into effective or comprehensible data, so as to make possible to obtain feedback from the operating lines associated with the business and production results.

A further object of the present invention is to design the registration apparatus so that it is flexible to the extent that different tasks may be adapted to the recorded data obtained from the registration apparatus. Accordingly, the following tasks or requirements are, for example, set:

The piece count data is to be recorded in one track, whereas in a further track, the operating time of the machine is to be recorded. In still further tracks, the reasons for interrupting the operation of production and of the machine, are to be recorded. Each basis or reason for interruption is associated with a separate track. A combination of a number of different tracks can also be used for this purpose. By resorting to this method of recording, the means for evaluating purposes is maintained in simplest form, since a separate recording track is used essentially for each characteristic.

Complex problems which are solvable but which require somewhat more equipment for purposes of evaluation, are also to be solved. Thus, the operating times of the'machines are to be recorded, on the one hand, by the registration apparatus. It is also to be evident or recognizable, on the other hand, whether, from such entire operating time of a machine, particular partial time intervals correspond to different modes of operation. in such different modes of operation, it is possible that under particular circumstances, different operating processes are associated with one and the same machine. it can also occur, at the same time, that the same machine may be used, for example, with a larger number of tasks on a particular day. When, therefore, the record carrier is layer design, then it must be evident from the record carrier that a number of tasks are processed during the particularly designated operating layer. it is also to be possible, for example, to record not only the operating time of the machine along particular circumferential orders, but instead to also record the task, so that it is possible to determine from the recording the type of work or operation that is performed. Consequently, it is to be possible to provide additional characteristics to the operating time transmitter, in the form of the mode of operation, in operating process, or the machine operator, etc.

Another possible task of the present invention resides in providing a single recording device for a group of machines, for example, which is served by a single operator. In this arrangement, each individual machine is provided with a transmitter which generates signals of selected characteristics of the machine. The signals are recorded in their entirety upon the record carrier with identifications of the different machine records which are associated with the registration apparatus.

Thus, if, for example, an operator serves five machines, then these five machines can be associated with a registration apparatus, and the transmitters of the machines associated with this registration apparatus have an identification symbol applied simultaneously with their timing signal. In this manner, the records for these five machines may be then readily and automatically recognized, and it is possible to determine or identifying the registration apparatus associated with these five machines.

A further task of the present invention resides in the feature that in addition to representing the operating times in each case, it is also to be possible to record the reasons or bases of interruption in operation, by the registration apparatus. Production or operation interruptions may result, for exampie, from breakage of the tool, lack of raw materials, and operating cost, change in shift, change in production order, etc. These recordings must, of course, also be evaluatable machinewise, so that it is possible to determine directly which machine has incurred tool breakage, or the like, and has dropped out of production.

Within the frame of the tasks outlined above, lies also the feature of recording the production quantity or piece count of each of the machines. This results from the condition that the recording of the pure machine operating time is not a genuine indication of the productivity of the machine. In connection with the difi'erent time registrations, the piece counts and production quantities are also, therefore, to be recorded, and are to be automatically evaluatable.

For the purpose of solving all of these tasks through means of a device of apparatus, it has been found advantageous to produce all of the recordings with only a single recording pen or scriber. If the registrations are carried out with different recording pens, the required amount of equipment becomes extremely large. it is also not possible with such plurality of recording pens to produce too many recording tracks upon a circular-shaped record carrier, which are concentrically dis placed from each other, since the individual recording pens would interfere with each other. When using a plurality of such recording pens, a predetermined spacing or minimum spacing must be maintained, in any event, between the recording pens.

For the purpose of solving of the aforementioned tasks, the present invention provides a registration apparatus for the recording of machine operating times, modes or operation, piece counts, reasons for operating interruptions and the like. The recording is made through a single recording pen which is moved back and forth radially along a circular-shaped recording plate or record carrier which is driven as a function of time. The motion of the recording pen is made dependent upon the data which is to be recorded upon the record carrier. The recordings are made in a plurality of concentric tracks, and the recording pen is actuated as a function of one or more piece count pulse transmitters of one or more machines, and represents the piece counts by individual lines. The recording pen is also actuated as a function of the time transmitters actuated by their respective machines, and in addition, the recording pen is influenced by the manually operated switches for recording different characteristics in the form of stripes.

In a further design of the present invention, the circuit connection between the different transmitters in the form of a piece count transmitter, operating time transmitter, and hand switches, with the recording pen for the purpose of applying the recording pen to the record carrier, is accomplished through a rotary switch. This rotary switch operates in conjunction with different contact segments connected to the dif' ferent transmitters. The rotary switch is driven synchronously with the recording pen.

In the use of a single recording pen for purposes of registering the difi'erent data on a record carrier through back-andforth motion, a piece count storage unit is, furthermore, provided in accordance with the present invention. This storage unit operates in conjunction with the piece count pulse transmitter, and allows the storage of these pulses for as long as required for the recording pen to reach the recording track associated with these piece count pulses.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the registration apparatus is equipped with a summing device for the piece count pulses, which operates in conjunction with a selector switch. It is possible that for a given time interval, the number of piece count pulses is so large that it is not possible to record the individual pulses on the record carrier in a distinguishable manner. In such a case, it is desirable to record either only each th pulse or each hundredth pulse. Through means of the selector switching arrangement, the summing device becomes preselected so that the recording pen becomes actuated, through the registration apparatus, with each individual pulse or with a pulse resulting from dividing down the original frequency of pulses by a multiple of IO.

For the purpose of increasing the facility with which the recordings may be rapidly scanned, particularly for the case of visually evaluating the recordings, the arrangement is further designed so that not only are the individual piece count pulses recorded, but instead each 10th pulse is also recorded in a separate track. If, for example, each individual line represents the 10th piece counted, then an additional line is marked in another track for each hundredth piece that is counted, and therefore a simplified evaluation is realized.

The time generators or transmitters actuated by the machine, in accordance with the present invention, are either closed for the entire operating duration of the machine, or they are actuated through specific parts of the machine, when these are in operation. In such design, the different timing transmitters are connected to different contact segments of the rotary switch. For the purpose of also applying separate identification symbols to these timing generators or timing transmitters, these machine switches may also be provided with separate manually operated switches. With these manually operated switches, the timing markings have applied to them additional identification markings as a function of the actuation of the corresponding manually operated switch.

In accordance with a further design of the present invention, other manually operated switches are provided for particularly registering the reasons for interruption in operation, disturbances, etc. These other manually operated switches for this purpose, are directly connected to contact segments of the rotary switch. The additional specific identification markings may be realized solely through these manually operated switches which apply a registration mark of identifiable character in a track corresponding to the respective con tact segment. The manually operated switches for registering the reasons for interruption are basically assembled together, so that they are rendered inoperable as soon as their machine time transmitter enters into operation. Thus, the machine time transmitters actuate blocking means which either release the manually operated switches from their depressed positions in recording reasons for interruption, or the blocking means is actuated so that these manually operated switches are locked in their depressed positions. In this manner, reasons for interruption in operation or sources of disturbances cannot be registe red during the time that the machine is in operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An arrangement for recording various operating characteristics of machinery in the form of operating times, production quantity by counting the individual produced pieces, and to record the reasons for any interruption in operations. A recording is made in the form of lines and stripes upon a record carrier which is rotated as a function of time. A writing pen is brought in contact with the record carrier, through the release of a solenoid. Reciprocating motion is applied to the pen so that it moves in a radial path with respect to the rotating record carrier. A rotary switch is provided with contact segments connected to the pulse transmitters which count the individually produced pieces, the time interval transmitters which determine when the machine is and is not in operation,

and manual switches by which the reason for interruptions in operation is registered. The recordings are made in distinguishable tracks on the record carrier and provision is included for recording only every 10th item produced and counted, when the recording of the individual items would render an unclear representation.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is a schematic representation of the registration and recording arrangement, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the mechanical arrangement of the registration apparatus, as well as the recording device;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the circuit arrangement for recording production quantity in the form of piece count pul' ses, through the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a detailed circuit diagram of the arrangement of FIG. 3 and includes the position for recording operating time intervals and reasons for machine operating interruptions, in addition to piece counts, as produced by the production machine;

FIGS. 5 and 50 show embodiments of the present invention through which identifying symbols may be applied to the operating time markings, through manually operated switches;

FIGS. 6 and 60 show an arrangement in which a plurality of piece count pulse transmitters are arranged on a machine for separately registering piece counts and having a separately associated interruption recording unit for each count pulse transmitter;

FIGS. 7 and 7a show a further embodiment of the present invention in which the machine operating times are differentiated through differently recorded symbols for different aspects of the machine operation;

FIGS. 8, 8a and 8b show an embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of machines are associated with a single registration apparatus with each machine having a time interval transmitter, a piece count transmitter, and a reporting unit for the basis of interruption in operation;

FIG. 9 shows a circuit arrangement for recording different characteristics for operating interruptions; and

FIG. 10 is a circuit arrangement and shows a particular contact arrangement for recording the bases of interruption in operation of machines, in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawing, and in particular to FIG. 1, a registering apparatus 1 has, at its front side, a closeable cover 3 which is closed to the housing of the apparatus, through a lock 2. The registering apparatus 1 is connected to a disrupting reporting unit 4, by means of the connection L. This reporting unit 4 is preferably mounted directly on the machine to be monitored. The monitoring unit 4 has a plurality of pushbutton-type of switches t for establishing circuit closures whereby the pen or scribing element 6 is caused to record upon a predetermined recording track upon a diagram disc or plate 7 which is visible through a window within the cover 3. The pen or recording element 6 writes perpendicular to the motion of the base upon which the pen applies line markings. In the course of time, these line markings result in a striped diagram. The cover 3 has, furthermore, additional windows 8 through which the counter 4 displaying the operating time and the number of pieces or units, as well as the interrupting time intervals, may be observed. The mechanism 21 interconnected with the apparatus 1 and the reporting device 4, operates two switches. One of these switches is an operating time switch r, and is always closed when the device 2| is in operation. The switch .1 is a pulse emitting switch which, during operation of the machine Zl, becomes closed and then reopens for every piece or item being counted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the registration arrangement or apparatus is operated through a motor 9 which rotates a shaft l through a speed reduction, and therewith a heart-shaped cam ll mounted on a guide disc or plate l2 mounted upon the shaft 10. A recording slide [3 is coupled to the cam ll through a coupling pin or member l4 which is secured to the tlide 13 and is in operational contact with the cam. The recording slide I3 is slidable on guide rods I! which are iecured to the housing of the registration apparatus I. The wording slide [3 carries an electromagnet M having an arnature 16 which is influenced. on the one hand, through the :leetromagnetic force applied through the coil l7, and is inlluenced, on the other hand, through the resetting spring IS. The recording arm 6 is secured to the armature l6 ofthe elec- Lromagnet. At one end of the recording arm 6, is secured a pen 3! scriber 20 which is maintained in contact with the diagram )late or record member 7, through the action of the resetting tpring 18, when the electromagnet is not energized. The diagram plate or record member 7 is driven, as a function ol'time, .hrough a clock mechanism, not show 1. The shaft l0, furthernore, carries a sliding contact member 22 which operates :ooperatively with a contact plate 23. The shaft 10 also carries t gear 24 which drives a cam 26 through a further gear 25. The two cam steps or rising portions 27 and 28 of the cam disc l6 operate a switch 29, and form with this switch 29 a pulse generator or pulse emitter for a counter which may be read hrough the window 8.

The rotary switch 44 consisting of parts 22 and 23, pass conact segments kl to H along its outer circular arrangement. contact H6 is provided in conjunction with the contact segnents kl to k9 at the inner circle, while the contact segments to H4 lie opposite individual contact segments which are nterconnected in a predetermined manner, as shown in the lrawing.

In operation of the preceding arrangement, the motor 9 lrives the shaft 10 and thereby the guide plate 12. At the same ime, the motor drives the gear 24 as well as the sliding contact 22, with constant rotational speed. As a result of such motion If the motor, the recording slide 13 is moved up and down ilong its two guide rods 15, through the coupling pin 14 which ollows the cam surface ll by being held in contact therewith. Vith the condition that the machine switch r is closed, the exitation of the recording magnet M becomes discontinued, then the sliding contact 22 rides, for example, in contact with he segment k8 of the rotary switch 44, as shown in FIG. 4. In his manner, the recording arrangement drops onto the diaram plate 7, through the action of spring l8, and a radial line I recorded upon the disc or plate 7, with length corresponding 0 the length of the contact segments k8.

The time duration corresponding to the diagram recorded lements 30 and 3], representing the recording operating imes. It, now, the operating time of the machine, in producion, is interrupted, through for example lack of material or he like, this cause of interruption may be applied to the reorting unit 4, by actuating the corresponding pushbutton witch p. Through selective actuation of such pushbutton-type witch p, one of the contact segments between kl and k6 have voltage applied to them, and the recording arrangement, iereby, records a strip or element 32, for example. In this ase, the position of the element 32 in a predetermined circutr track or path of the disc or plate 7, represents a characrristic for the interruption and gives, thereby, the cause of the iterruption.

For the purpose of applying registration arrangement to ount also finished pieces and to record the same in addition recording the machine operating times, additional recordtg contact segments 1:7 and k9 on the rotary switch 44 are rovided, as may be seen from FIG. 4. The recording of the piece count may be made, for example. in the form of line markings 33 and 34, so that each line 34, for example, represents the tOth unit or piece counted. whereas each line 33 represents a single unit counted. The positions of the contact segments k7 and k9 are selected in relation to the contact segment k8 for controlling the operating time diagram, so that the piece counting marks 33 and 34 are directly arranged with respect to the markings 30 and 31 in the form of stripes for representing the operating times. As already described, the piece counting pulses are produced without being linked to a particular time, and are generated independent of such time, through actuation of the pulse emitter s in the registration apparatus. In order to be able to record the counting pulses, they must be arranged in time with respect to the continuously moved recording arrangement. Thus, the application of each counting pulse to the recording contact segment k9 must occur at a predetermined angular position of the sliding contact 22 in front of the contact segment k9, and thereby in a predetermined position of the recording arrangement before the recording track, in which the counting pulses are to be marked or recorded.

In view of the preceding condition, the present invention provides that the counting pulses delivered by the generator or pulse emitter r, are applied to a pulse shaper 35. The latter transmits the counting pulses directly to a storage unit 38, and at the same time, applies these counting pulses to a frequency divider 37, through an amplifier 36. The frequency divider 37 will transmit at its outputs, the lOth unit or count of the pulses applied to it, and may be designed in the form of a summing network. Since the recording arrangement is driven through the shaft 10 which rotates at a predetermined speed as, for ex ample, 5 revolutions per minute, the speed of motion of the record carrier 7 must be selected so that the resulting markings 33 are spaced sufiiciently for the purpose of providing a clear diagrammatic representation. A selecting switching arrangement 39 is provided, for this purpose, with connections to the outputs of preferably the 10th stages of the storage unit 38, through the contact segment k9.

The contact segments kl4 form a pair of switching contacts which become periodically closed through the rotation of a shaft l0, and a switching function is thereby applied to the switching stage 41, through the selected position of the switch 39 and the contents of the storage unit 38. At the same time, the contents of the next highest decade stage of the storage unit 38, is applied to the switching stage 43, through a further switching arrangement kl3 which is also actuated during fixed time intervals. This arrangement is used for the purpose of providing a visual recording which may be monitored or ob served in an advantageous manner through decade markings 34. The selector arrangement 39 is provided with a marking arrangement which applies one or more markings to the record carrier depending upon the selection of the storage stage. The application of such markings may be made. for example, with closing of the housing cover through cutting out the diagram window, and thereby display the values of the recorded time markings.

The outputs of the two switching stages 41 and 43 are connected with the recording contact field kl to 1:9 and H5 as well as k16 ol' the rotary switch 44. These outputs of the two switching stages 41 and 43 apply voltage to the contact segments k9 and k7 so that the electromagnet M of the recording arrangement 45 becomes actuated through the amplifier 46, when the sliding contact 22 lies against the corresponding contact segments. The recording unit 45 includes the magnet M, the recording arm 6 and the recording pen 20. The contact switch Irl2 serves to reset the switching stages 41 and 43, whereas the pair of contacts H0 and H1 serve to clear or inhibit the transmission of information content which has not been fully completed through the selector stages.

Whereas FIG. 3 shows the individual parts of the apparatus only in schematic form, FIG. 4 provides a detailed representation of these parts. As represented in FIG. 2, the contact plate 23 with its contacts id to H6 form, in FIG. 4, the rotary switch 44 in which the contacts kl to k9, H and H6 are associated with the recording contact field, and the contacts M0 to H4 are associated with the control contact field. The selector switch 39 consists ofa rotary knob 71 mounted on a shaft 7i which carries two cam discs 72 and 73. Each of these cam discs operates three switching contacts, so that the cam disc 72 operates the contacts 68 to 70, and the cam 73 operates the contacts 56, 66 and 67. Each of these switching contacts operated by the cam 72 and 73 has a position I and a position ii. In the position I of the contacts, in accordance with FIG. 4, the recording factor 10 is selected. Thus, this factor corresponds to each individual piece which is produced by the machine and causes the switch 3 to emit a signal. Each one of such individual pieces is counted and marked through a line 33. Each lOth piece, moreover, is recorded through a marking 34.

The cams 72 and 73 are designed so that when the rotary switch 71 has been turned to the position corresponding to the marking or factor 10', the switches 56, 66 and 67 are transferred to the position ll, whereas the switches 68, 69 and 70 remain in the position I. ll, now, the rotary knob 71 is rotated to the position it), then the switches 56. 66 and 67 become transferred to the position ll through the cam 73 and, moreover, the switches 68, 69 and 70 are also transferred to this position through the cam 72. in the position 10'. each lOth pulse is represented through a marking 33. In this event, each lOOth pulse becomes recorded with a marking 34. A similar situation prevails when the rotary knob H is in the position corresponding to the factor l0. in this case each lOOth pulse is recorded with a line 33 and every l,000th pulse is recorded with a line 34.

The summing device 37 of FIG. 3, consists of a shaft 37' which carries the gears, not shown, in FIG. 4. The first gear which is mounted on the shaft 37. becomes advanced by one step for every pulse applied to the electromagnet 61. A cam 63' is coupled to the first gear,'and acts upon a switching contact 63 after each l0 steps. The switching contact 63 is normally situated so that it lies against the righthanded fixed contact, as shown in FIG. 4. At the occurrence of each lOth pulse, the switch 63 becomes transferred to the left-situated fixed :ontact. Similar action prevails in conjunction with the earns 54' and 65' which are coupled to the gears with the next iighest designations or factors. The cam 64' executes one rotation for every l0 revolutions of the cam 63, while the cam 55' executes one rotation for every l0 revolutions of the cam 54. The cam 63', therefore. switches its contact 63 once for :very 10th pulse which is applied to the electromagnet 61. file cam 64', on the other hand, sctustes its switching contact 'or every lOOth pulse, and the cam 65' actustes its coresponding switching contact at every I.0O0th pulse. The twitching contacts 63. 64 and 65 are interconnected, in a iredeterrnined manner, as shown in the drawing, with the .witching contacts 56. 66. 67, 6B, 69 and 70 of the selector witch 39. The storage unit 38 consists essentially of capaciors 55, 74, 75 and 76. The capacitor 55 stores each individual :ounted pulse, whereas the capacitor 74 stores each lOth mice. The capacitor 78 stores esch 100th pulse. and the :spacitor 76 stores each 1,000th pulse.

The pulse-shaping stsge 35 consists essentially of s capacior 50, a resistor 51 and a relay 52. The machine switch s is he a switch which is connected to the positive terminal of s oltsge source, in its inoperative position. With the switch s onnected to the voltage source, in this manner, the capacitor '0 becomes charged through the resistor Si. When the machine switch .1 becomes actuated, the capacitor 90 ischarges through the relay 52. and as a result the switching ontsets 53 and 54 of this reisy are transferred in position. he amplifying stage 36 consists essentially of transistor 58 nd the voltage divider comprised of resistors 59 and 60. Each fthe switching stages 41 and 43 have 0 and s L setting input. hese two inputs correspond to the usual 0 and "one esignstions for binary functions. The L setting input of the tsge 43 is connected with the contact segment 1:13, through the connecting line 84. The L setting input ofthe stage 4], on the other hand. is connected with the contact segment it, through the connecting line 77. The 0 setting input of the stage 43 is connected. through the line 85, with a connecting line between the contacts k7 and kll. The 0 setting input ofthe stage 4i, on the other hand, is connected to the junction of contacts k9 and kill. through the connecting line 78. Both of the switching stages 4i and 43 are, furthermore, connected with the contact segment klZ, through a connecting line 82. Both of these switching stages may be cleared through this connecting line 82 and may be transferred to their initial states L, after storing a number of pulses.

The storage of the counting pulses is realized independent of the contact process between the slider 22 and the contacts kl to H5. Thus, the storage of these counting pulses is made independent of the motion of the recording arm 6. Each of the counting pulses causes operation of the switch .r, so that the relay 52 becomes energized and the switch 53 and 54 becomes actuated. Through the actuation of the switch 53, the capacitor 55 has voltage applied to it through the switch 56 and the resistor 57, and accordingly, this capacitor 55 becomes charged. When the relay 55 drops out or becomes deenergized, the switching contact 53 returns to the position shown in FIG. 4 of the drawing. A discharge of the capacitor 55 results first in the course of the sampling cycle of the sliding contact 22. Through the closure of the switching contact 54, the transistor 58 becomes nonconducting, through the voltage divider 59-60, and the electromagnets 6i and 62 become energized. As described above, the summing device becomes advanced through the action of the electromagnet 6i, and the switch 63 becomes thereby transferred in state after each 10th pulse. Similarly, the switch 64 becomes actuated after each th pulse, and the switch 65 becomes actuated after each l,000th pulse. The electromagnet 62, however, also switches an operating contact further in the counter 8.

When, for example, the lOth pulse is applied, the capacitor 55 becomes charged as a result ofthe energization of the relay 52. At the same time, however, the capacitor 74 has also voltage applied to it through the transfer in the position of the switch 63 so that it connects with the switch 68, whereby volt age is applied to the capacitor 74 through the resistor 57. in the indicated position of the switch 39, the switches 64 and 65 are ineffective, since the switches 56 and 68 are in their l positions, whereby circuit openings prevail for the switches 64 and 65.

in the storing process, therefore, either only the capacitor 55 or the capacitor 55 and capacitor 74 become charged, depending upon whether the 10th 20th etc., pulse is involved, or a pulse lying therebetween.

The sampling cycle which overlaps, of course, with the storage input process, and is independent of the storage input process, begins actually with the contact kl5 since the slider 22 lies against this contact klS, when the recording arrangement 6/20 is in its lowermost position corresponding to the recording of the timing mark 79. The recording arrangement 6/20, on the other hand, is in its uppermost position, when the pulse counting contact k9 is sampled, as may be seen from FIG. 2. It is to be noted, in this regard, that the position of the sliding contact 22, as evident from HO. 2, does not coincide with the position of the recording arrangement 6/20. If that were the case, the slider 22 would have to lie against the contact k9 and be behind the gears 24, 25, which would make it difficult to represent in the drawing.

The sliding contact 22 executes a continuous rotational movement. whereas the recording pen executes a continuous oscillating movement. For this reason, it is of no consequence for which of the contact segments kl to US the functional operation of the recording process is to be described from the beginning. For the purpose of clarifying the recording process, the description will be begun by sampling of the contact kl2. As soon as the sliding contact 22 brushes over the contact k12, a signal is applied to both of the switching stages 41 and 42. through the connecting line 82. As a result, these switching stages are cleared, in which case they are switched to the L states. The sliding contact 22 then brushes past or moves over the two contacts H3 and H4, in sequence. The contacts kl3 are, on the one hand, connected with the L input of the twitching stage 43, through the connecting line 84. The other side of the contact 3 is connected to the capacitor 74, through the switches 70 and 67 while in their 1 position, and the switch 63. If, therefore, a pulse were stored in the capacitor 74, as a result of the condition that the switch 63 were actuated through the cam 63', then the capacitor 74 can discharge through the switch 63, 67, 70, H3, and line 84, so that the switching stage 43 is transferred to the position. A similar situation prevails when the sliding contact 22 passes over the contact segments kl4. This contact segment H4 is connected with the L input of the switching stage 41, through the line 77, as already described. The other contact portion, on the other hand, is connected to the capacitor 55, through the switch 69 and 66 when in the I position, as well as through the switch 53. The capacitor 55 can, thereby, become discharged and as a result switch the stage 4| to its 0 state. The recording pen 6/20 does not become influenced through this action, since only a transfer takes place from the storage unit 38 into the switching stages 4t and 43.

When the sliding contact 22 passes over the contact 1:15, the positive voltage on the base of the transistor 80 becomes removed through the contact 8|, and as a result, the transistor is turned off. The magnet M becomes thereby deenergized, and the recording arrangement 6/20 drops in place and applies the marking 79. The pushbutton switch 81 is connected in the circuit for the purpose of rendering inefl'ective the current circuit of the transistor 80 when inserting a new record plate. In this manner, the recording pen cannot drop onto the recording or record plate when the latter is being exchanged.

The sliding contact 22 next passes over the contact segments kl to k6. These six contact segments serve the purpose of recording six different grounds or reasons for operational interruptions, as a function of the corresponding pushbutton switches 11 to t6 in the interruption reporting device 4. When the respective pushbutton switch is depressed, for example, a marking 32 may result as already described above. The sliding contact 22 then passes over the contact segment k7 which corresponds to the decade marking 34 of the diagram record plate 7. If the switching stage 43 had been transferred to its 0 state, then the output signal from the 0 side of the stage 43 reaches the base of the transistor 80, through the bridging of the contacts 1:7 and through the line 85. As a result, the transistor 80 is turned off, and the electromagnet M becomes deenergized, so that the recording arrangement 6/20 drops onto the record plate and thereby applies the marking 34. The sliding contact 22 passes, thereafter, to the segment k8 which serves for registering the operating time interval. Thus, when the switch r is in circuit closure position, the positive voltage on the base of the transistor 80 is also removed through the bridging of the contact segments k8. In this manner, the electromagnet M is deenergized, and the recording pen applies the marking 31.

Contact k9 then follows for controlling the marking of the individual pieces. When passing over the contact k9, the output signal of the switching stage 41, when in the 0 state, is applied to the base of the transistor 80. As a result, the electromagnet M becomes again deenergized, and the piece count marking 33 is recorded.

The contact segments 1:10 and k", of which H0 is connected with k9 and It" is connected with k7, serve the sole purpose to eliminate any residual charge on the capacitors 55 and 74. This feature is included for the purpose of preventing renewed switching of the stages 43 and 4!, which may occur through such residual charges. The sampling cycle is then terminated.

The marking 33 must, of course, be applied so that they may be well distinguished. Accordingly, the selector switch 39 must be set so that a piece count marking 33 be applied or written for every passage of the sliding contact 22, since a stripe similar to the operating time mark 3| would, otherwise, result.

If the selector switch 39 becomes set into the position 10, for example, through actuation of the setting knob 7], then the capacitors 55 and 74 become ineffective. This results from the condition that the switches 68, 69, and 56, 66, 67 are in their II positions. In this case, therefore, the capacitor is ready for charging through the switch 56 in its Il positions, while the switch 64 becomes transferred in position through the cam 64'. The switching stage 43 is then transferred to its 0 state through the switch 64 in its normal position and the switch 69 in its II position. Subsequent recording of the piece count marking is then accomplished through the contact segment k9. The charging of the capacitor 76 results through the switch 65 in its other respective position, and the switch 68 in the position II. The recording of the marking 34, on the other hand, is accomplished through the switch 65 in its normal position, and the switch 70 in its II position.

For the purpose of improving the representation of the piece counting pulse, the recording contact segment k9 is made double in length than that required for the length of the recorded line. The reversing point of the recording arrangement is thereby applied to the center of the contact segment k9, and as a result, the recorded marking is traversed or gone over twice by the recording pen.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. I to 4 is based on the feature that the piece counting and the operating times are each recorded in a track, and all other additional tracks are designated for recording the reasons for interruption. FIG. 5 and FIG. 50, on the other hand, show a somewhat modified embodiment of the present invention which is only schematically represented and is to be considered in conjunction with the circuit portions shown in FIGS. l to 4. In the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 5a, the multiple task is assigned to additionally classify the operating times. The same record carrier can, for example, be adapted through three layers. In such a case, the operator associated with the first layer would depress a pushbutton-type of switch which would then record the operating time so that it corresponds to him. The operators associated with the second and third layer would, similarly, actuate the corresponding switches, for the purpose of introducing into the operating time track, a difference between the operators of the second and first layer. Furthermore, different carriers may be identified through these switches operated or actuated by the operators.

The registration apparatus for the embodiment of FIG. 5 remains unaltered. The reporting unit 4, on the other hand, has the additional switches at to 03, besides the previously described switches II to :4. These switches al to 03 are used for the purpose of designating three different types or modes of operation. On the machine itself, however, only a machine time indicator r and a piece count pulse transistor are provided, precisely as in the embodiment of FIG. I. FIG. 5a shows how the switches are connected with the recording contact field. It is to be noted in this connection that each of the contact segments represented in FIG. 5a shows only one-half of the actual prevailing contact segment, since the recording pen will be operative in its recording function on only one path, whereas it will be substantially idle in its return path. Thus, the return path is used for the purpose of switching the diverse counters and for similar such operations.

It is also to be noted that it is possible to arrange the recording contact field, through exchange of the contact plate 23, so that the first, third, fifth, and seventh track, for example, be recorded through motion of the pen 20 while travelling from the top to the bottom. In this example, the sixth, fourth and second track would be, then, recorded while the pen moves from the bottom to the top. Such control over the recording pen can be of advantage for particular circumstances, since in such cases, the pull-in and dropout times of the magnet M are not so critical. This results from the condition that the recording pen in each case passes over a track between two tracks in which recording is to be applied.

FIG. a shows how the switches t] to (4 and a] to :13 of the recording unit 4, and shown in FIG. 5, are connected. In this case, contact segments 1:20 to 1:27 are provided in the outer row, and a contact track 1:28 is provided in conjunction thereto. The piece counting pulse emitter operates through the contact segments 1:20. The piece counting pulse emitter is not directly connected to the contact segment 1:20, but operates instead, as shown in FIG. 4. Through the representation of the contact .r in the circuit with the contact segment 20, it is to be only symbolically considered that the contact segment 1:20 serves for recording the piece count pulse. The contact segments k2I to 1:23, on the other hand, are used for the purpose of recording the distinguishable operating times, and are in operative connection with the operating time transmitter r. Between any one of the contact segments 1:2l to 1r23 and the contact r, is a switch al to a3. Under these circumstances, the number of reasons or grounds for interruption of operation, which may be recorded, are more limited. Such limitation, however, is acceptable when other advantages may be realized therefrom.

in a further embodiment of the present invention, as shown schematically in FIGS. 6 and 6a, the possibility that a plurality of operating positions may prevail at a machine, is taken into account. In a stocking manufacturing machine, for example, a large number of stockings are simultaneously produced, and it may be of interest to record the number of stockings produced at each individual operating position. Accordingly, the machine 21 in FIG. 6, is provided with only one machine time transmitter r, whereas six counting transmitters s] to r6 are provided in this example. Each of the piece count transmitters is also associated with a reporting unit 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4dand 4e. These reporting units serve the purpose of transmitting the reasons for interruptions in operation at each individual operating position. In the embodiment shown, each reporting unit has three pushbutton switches for three different reasons of interruption.

Through use of the corresponding circuitry, as shown in FIG. 9, which is to be described, still further reasons or grounds of interruption may be recorded. The corresponding contact plate is shown, in section, in FIG. 6a, In the embodiment of the contact plate 23, as represented in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5a, contact segments are arranged on only two circular tracks. In FIG. 60, on the other hand, three circular tracks are provided. In one, and the outermost circular track, contact seg ments 1:3I to 1:42 are provided. On the next and somewhat more interior track, contact segment 1:43 to 1:49 prevail. A single contact 1:50 is provided on the third circular track. Also in this case, only l80 of rotation of the entire contacts is dealt with, similar to the situation of FIG. 5a. The contact 1:43 is arranged relative to the time transmitter r. A contact 1:44 to 49, on the other hand, operates in conjunction with the piece count pulse transmitter st to :6. The transmitters .r are also arranged, in this case, in a circuit as described in detail in conjunction with FIG. 4. These transmitters s are not directly connected to the contact segments 1:44 to 1:49. Since the assigned tasks in the embodiments of FIG. 6 and 6a are of the type in which the number of pieces to be counted per unit of time is substantially constant, the selector arrangement 39 and thereby also the decade marking 37, may be omitted under such circumstances. The decade marking 34, in accordance with FIG. 2, which is produced through the contact segments 1:7, 1:1] and 1:13 of FIG. 4, serves only for making it easier to visually observe the piece count markings. Accordingly, a single storage capacitor with a single switching stage for each piece count transmitter s, are sufficient.

In order to also apply the grounds of interruption in characteristic form to the individual measuring positions s1 to :6, contact segments 1:3! to 1:42 are arranged on the outermost circle. Contact segments 1:44 to 1:49 lie opposite to these contacts 1:31 to 1:42, and are arranged so that any one of these contacts 1:44 to 1:49 straddles two of the contacts 1:31 to 1:42. Thus, the segments 1:3l and 1:32, for example. are arranged opposite the Contact segment 1:44. Contacts it. l2 and :3 or

their respective actuating pushbutton switches, are arranged in conjunction with the contact segments 1:3] and 1:32. The pushbutton switches for these contacts r] to :3, are in the reporting units 4 to 4e.

If, for example, the pushbutton switch t1 were to be depressed, in one case, current would pass through the contact segment k3l, and a narrow stripe would be recorded at predetermined location. If. on the other hand, the pushbutton switch I2 were depressed, for example, then current would pass through the contact segment 1:32, and in this case, a narrow stripe would he recorded, but displaced from the stripe recorded through the contact segment 1:31. It the pushbutton switches 13 of the reporting unit 4 becomes finally actuated, voltage is applied to both of the contact segments 1:3! and 1:32, and as a result a broad stripe is recorded which practically covers both of the contact segments 1:3! and k32. Through conventional locking means as a latching relay and latching or blocking slider, then any one of the piece count transmitters :1 to :6 can block the pushbutton switches 11 to (3 of its reporting unit 4 to 4e, for as long as this pulse transmitter delivers pulses. Conversely, the switches II to :3 of each reporting unit 4 to 4?, become released as soon as no operation takes place at one of the measuring positions :1 to :6.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 7a, the operating time of the entire machine is not only provided. Instead, the operating times of parts of the machine are made available. If, for example, the switch It of the machine 21 becomes closed, as soon as the machine is set into operation, then selection remains with respect to the switches r2 and r3. Thus, in this embodiment, a plurality of machine time transmitters are made available, whereas only a single piece count transmitter is provided. In the circuit diagram of FIG. 7a, contact segments 1:5l to 1:60 are, for this case, arranged along the outer circle of the contact plate 23. The contact segment 1:51 serves for piece count pulse marking, whereas the contact segment 1:52 serves to mark the 10th pulse of the counting process. The contacts 1:53 to 1:55 are connected with the switches rl to r3. When closing the switching contact rl, voltage is applied only to the contact segment 1:55. When, on the other hand, the switching contact r3 is additionally closed, voltage is applied to the contact segments 1:54 and 1:55. When the contacts rl and r2 becomes closed. voltage is applied to the segments k55 and 1:53.

The contact segments 1:56 to k59 serve, in this case, the purpose of registering the reason for interrupting the machine operation, and are connected with the respective selecting switches r] to :6 in the reporting unit 4. By depressing the switches II to :6, different tracks are registered with narrow or wide stripes when, for example, either the pushbutton r2 or :3 is depressed. A similar situation prevails for the machine time transmitter. If none of the parts of the machine, which correspond to the switches r2 to r3, are in operation, as for example in the idling condition of the machine, only a narrow marking is recorded corresponding to the contact segment 1:55. If, however, the machine part corresponding to the switch r2 and/or r3 is operative, then narrow markings corresponding to the segment k53 and/or the segment 1:54 becomes recorded in addition to the marking corresponding to the contact segment 1:55.

In all of the embodiments described thus far, the operating times, piece count pulses and reasons for production interruption of a machine, were essentially recorded in different circular tracks on a registration sheet or member. From the viewpoint of evaluation, such a recording or display is most advantageous, since the simplest arrangement of the individual markings with their information content is possible. On the other hand, it may be economically advantageous under particular circumstances, to use a partial central registration arrangement in which, for example, the piece counts, operating times and reasons for interruption are recorded for a smaller number of machines by means of a single registration apparatus. In such a case. it is recommendable to record in three separate tracks for each machine.

FIG. 8a shows an example of the manner in which such a recording may be achieved. The diagram record disc, ofwhich a partial section is shown in the drawing, is subdivided into three ring-shaped runes x, y, 1,. lunch one of these zones is assoclated with a machine. In each lune, the piece counts 33 are marked on the outside, as shown in FIG 2, and the operating times are recorded on the central track in the form ofa broad stripe JI. On the same track, however, are represented also the reasons for interruption in operation, since time intervals are here also involved. Some time generators and transmitters, whether they be machine time transmitters or transmitters giving the reason for interruption, operate upon the pen in the same recording track. This results from the condition that when no operating times prevail, there must be a reason for such interruption in ope ration.

The reasons or ground for interruption in operation are represented with different display characteristics. as shown in FIG. 9, for example, next to the pushbutton switches t] to !5. In each zone, therefore, a third recording track contains an identifying symbol 300, 301, 302 for the machine. The symbol may consist of a narrow stripe in different positions, or it may also consist of a broad stripe. The symbol is designed to be correctly associated with its respective machine, and to represent the time intervals and piece counts in a clear and distinguishable manner. FIG. 8 shows a general design of such an arrangement. The registration apparatus I is connected, on the one hand, with the reporting unit 4, 4a and 4b which, again, possess pushbutton switches it to r4 for allowing the registering of the reasons for interruption. At the same time, the registration apparatus I is connected, on the other hand, to the machines 21, 21a and Zlb. Each machine has in this case. an operating time transmitter indicator r1, r2 and r3, a piece count pulse transmitter s1, :2 and :3, as well as a transmitter i1, i2, I! for providing the identification symbols 300, 301, and 302, respectively. It is of course evident that the identification symbol transmitter is in operation at all times, even when the pushbutton II to t4 are depressed for indicating reasons for interruption. This results from the condition that the identification marking should not be interrupted.

FIG. 8b shows schematically the manner in which the contact segments for such a control arrangement may be realized. Each machine has, in this arrangement, associated withjt three contact segments. A total of nine contact segments k6] to k69 are provided in the outer row. In parallel with the contact segments M32, M55 and k68, lie contact segments k70, It7l and H2, respectively, on the inner circle. An additional contact straddling the preceding segments is, of course, also necessary, and is not shown in FIG. 8b. The contact segments k6], 1:64 and 1:67 are associated with the pulse transmitters :1, s2 and :3. The contact segments 1:62, 1:65 and M8, on the other hand, are associated with the machine time transmitters rl, r2 and r3, while the contact segments 1:63, k66 and It69 are associated with the identification symbol transmitters ll, i2 and i3. Since the reasons for interruptions in operation are recorded upon the same circular track as the operating times, as shown in FIG. 8a, the contacts k70, k7 I and k7: are arranged at the same height as the contact segments k62, 1:65 and 1:68. The contact segments k70, HI and k7] are connected to a unit UG for transmitting the reasons for interruption in operation. This unit is illustrated in detail in FIG. 9 and uses different characteristics for the reasons for interruption, corresponding to the symbols next to the pushbutton switches 11 to 15 in FIG. 9.

The detailed construction of the unit UG for transmitting the reasons of interruption in operation, is given through FIG. 9. The rotary switch 44 of FIG. I, is shown in simple form in the representation of FIG. 9. In actuality, a contact segment arrangement, as represented in FIG. 8, should be selected for the situation of FIG. 81:. For purposes of clarity and simplicity, however, only six contact seg t kStt to k85 are shown in FIG. 9. Each one of these Contact segments is associated with one machine. These contact segments 1:80 to k81 correspond to the contact segments k70 to k72 of FIG. 8b. Thus, these contacts sample or interrogate the interrupting reportltig units. The recording magnet M is, in this case, not shown as in FIG. 4 with a transistor 80, but instead a relay B with relay contact h is used herev In addition to the cam 27 which is also shown in FIG. 2, and which serves to advance the summation counter B through its projecting elements 25 and 26, a further cam 29 is provided. This cam 29 is also driven from the shaft 10, but through a speed reducing arrangement so that it may rotate at a lower speed. The cam 29 actuates contact V, and rotates approximately one-fourth the speed of the cam 27.

If the operating time switch rl is closed, then the relay A becomes energized and its two contacts ul and (12 are closed, as shown in FIG. 9. In this case, the pushbutton switches II and r5 cannot be actuated, since armature 90 of the electromagnet C blocks all of the switches II to 15 from operating. These switches can only be released when the magnet C associated with the armature 90, becomes briefly energized, so as to permit the actuation of one of the pushbutton switches. In the position of the contact a] and a2 shown, a broad stripe becomes recorded through the electromagnet M. This broad stripe corresponds to the operating time, since in this case, the relay 8 receives at its control terminal, negative potential through the sliding contact 22, contact segment H10, and relay contact al. With the coil of relay B energized, the contact h becomes closed, and the magnet or solenoid M causes the recording of an operating time marking which corresponds to the length of the contact segment kBO.

If, now, the machine ceases operation, implying that the switch rl opens, the relay A becomes dcencrgizcd and as a result, the two contacts a1 and a2 become opened No operating time is consequently recorded. If, for example, the pushbutton switch I! is then depressed, the contacts Ill and r12 become closed. This pushbutton switch ll serves to record a narrower strip. The closure of the contact rII serves to prepare the circuit for the magnet or solenoid C. With the closure of the contact :12, on the other hand, negative voltage potential is applied to the switch U, through the contact segment M0, the contacts r23, I22, and the diode 35. As a result, a timing network 320 is switched into the circuit between the contacts ill and r21:v This timing network 320 consists of a capacitor 340 and a resistor 330. By switching on the timing network 320, the relay B becomes first energized after a delay time interval, and as a result a portion is cut out from the broad contact segment k and only a substantially narrow stripe follows on the recorded diagram, as illustrated next to it.

If the pushbutton switch r2 becomes actuated instead of the switch tl, the contacts r21, :22, and r23 becomes actuated. The timing network 320 is also effective in this case. In this case, a closed circuit is established from the positive terminal of the relay B, through the coil of this relay 8, the contact segment k80, the contact :23, the timing network 320, the contact r22, the diode 38, the switch V, and the switch U leading to the negative terminal of the power source. As soon as the pushbutton switch r2 becomes depressed, the switch V also becomes effective, besides the timing network 320. This switch V becomes actuated through the cam 29. Since the cam 29 rotates at one-fourth the speed of the cam 27, the switch V becomes closed only once for every four revolutions of the cam 27, and as a result a record is realized as shown next to :2.

When actuating the pushbutton switch :4, the contacts :41 and M2 become operated. The contact r42 makes the switch V again eflective, while the timing network 320 is rendered ineffective. In this case, the markings are recorded similar to the marking t2, with the exception that broader lines are recorded.

When the pushbutton switch I3 is, on the other hand, depressed, a marking is recorded which is a predetermined combination of the markings associated with II and :2. Through the actuation of the pushbutton switch t3, the contacts r31, r32 and :33 become closed. The timing network 320 becomes connected into the circuit through the contact I33,

and the contacts :23 and :22. The switch V is rendered addimnally operable through the switch r32. If the switch V is opened during a corresponding up-and-downward motion of the recording pen 6/20, the circuit in closed from the contact segment kilo, I33, I23, 122, diode 35, and switch V, to the negative terminal of the power source. As a result, a narrow stripe is recorded as with it. If, on the other hand, the switch V is closed, the timing network 320 becomes briefly connected into the circuit through r32. In this manner, the circuit is established from the positive of the voltage supply, through the relay V, k80, r32, diode 38', switch V, and switch U, leading to the negative terminal of the voltage source. Consequently, a longer stripe corresponding to 14 is recorded.

A still narrower stripe may be recorded through the provi sion of another timing network 400, as shown next to the pushbutton switch :5.

As soon as the operating time transmitter rl becomes again closed, the relay A becomes energized. As a result, the contact 02 becomes closed. and the circuit for the solenoid C is prepared through the switching contacts Ill to 151. When energized, the solenoid C acts upon the armature 90 and thereby releases the depressed switch II to (5. When the slid ing contact 22 passes over the other contact segments kill to R85, the other piece count transmitters, operating time transmitters and interruption reporting units are interrogated or sampled. Specific parts of the interruption reporting unit UG may be provided in common for the three units 4, 4a, and 4b This applies, for example, to the timing networks and the switch V which becomes actuated through the cam 29.

FIG. shows a further embodiment of the interruption in operation transmitting unit. In this design, the contact plate 23 is provided with partially broad contact segments k100, Idol, and H02 for recording partially broad and partially narrow stripes. Narrow contact segments H03 to 1:108 are arranged next to the contact segments N00 to M02. The arrangement is such that two of the smaller contact segments 103 to I08 always lie opposite one wider contact segment kt00 to H02. Thus, the contact segments N03 to H08 are substantially less in length, than the contact segments kl00 to H02. With this arrangement of FIG. 10, it is also possible to apply coded markings for recording, in the form of stripes, the reasons or bases for interruptions in operation. In this particular case, it is possible to record nine bases or reasons for interruption in three tracks.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions difi'ering from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in apparatus for recording machine operating characteristics, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Let ters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

We claim:

I. An arrangement for recording machine operating characteristics comprising, in combination, record carrying means upon which said operating characteristics are recorded and rotatable about a predetermined axis; first driving means for rotating said record carrying means as a function of time; writing means for writing on said record carrying means when in contact therewith; second driving means for moving said writing means radially with respect to said record carrying means; signal applying means for applying to said writing means signals to be recorded on said record carrying means; pulse transmitting means connectable to said writing means by said signal applying means for recording on said record carrying means individual lines corresponding to pulses transmitted by said pulse transmitting means; time transmitting means connectable to said writing means by said signal applying means for recording on said record carrying means stripes representing a predetermined time interval transmitted by said time transmitting means; and manual switching means connectable to said writing means by said signal applying means for recording on said record carrying means stripes representing predetermined operating characteristics applied manually through actuation of said manual switching means.

2. The arrangement as defined in claim I wherein said signal applying means comprises a rotary switch with contact seg' ments connected to said transmitting means and said manual switching means, said rotary switch being driven synchronously with the motion of said writing means.

3. The arrangement as defined in claim 2 including signal storage means connected to said pulse transmitting means for storing said pulses for a predetermined time interval dependent upon the length oftime required for said rotary switch to reach one of said predetermined contact segments.

4. The arrangement as defined in claim 3 wherein said signal storage means comprises a switching stage and a prestorage stage, said prestorage stage transferring said switching stage to a stable state upon receipt of a pulse signal from said pulse transmitting means, said prestorage stage actuating said writing means for recording said pulse received from said pulse transmitting means when said rotary switch has reached a predetermined contact segment.

5. The arrangement as defined in claim 4 wherein said prestorage stage comprises a capacitor.

6. The arrangement as defined in claim 5 including counting means connected to said pulse transmitting means and having decade output, each of said decade outputs being connected with one of said prestorage stage.

7. The arrangement as defined in claim 6 including selecting means connected to said prestorage stages for preselecting one ofsaid prestorage stages for recording from the respective decade output on said record carrying means,

8. The arrangement as defined in claim 7 including an auxiliary switching stage connected to said rotary switch and to said prestorage stages for applying to said record carrying means a decade marking for each l0 markings applied from said pulse transmitting means.

9. The arrangement as defined in claim 8 including a contact segment on said rotary switch for eliminating residual charges on said prestorage stages, said prestoragc stages being capacitors.

Ill. The arrangement as defined in claim 9 including at least one contact segment in said rotary switch connected to said pulse transmitting means and extending in conductive length with respect to the motion of said rotary switch, so that said writing means contacts said record carrying means over the entire radial motion of said writing means.

II. The arrangement as defined in claim 1 wherein said signal applying means comprises a rotary switch with contact segments, said time transmitting means being connected to a plurality of said contact segments for transmitting time inter vals associated with different machines, said time intervals from said different machines being recorded through distin' guishable stripes on said record carrying means.

12. The arrangement as defined in claim 1 including means for applying to said stripes from said time transmitting means a characteristic depending upon the actuation of said manual switching means.

[3. The arrangement as defined in claim 12 nicluJing further manual switching means; blocking means operatively coupled to said further manual switching means and actuated by said time transmitting means.

[4. The arrangement as defined in claim 13 wherein said signal applying means comprises a rotary switch with contact segments connected to said time transmitting means and said manual switching means so that said stripes from said time transmitting means and said manual switching means are distinguishable from each other.

15. The arrangement as defined in claim 13 including addi tional switching means connected between said manual switching means and said time transmitting means for controlling the recording of said writing means on said record carrying means whereby said writing means writes only during predetermined intervals in its radial motion with respect to said record carrying means.

[6. The arrangement as defined in claim [3 including timing network means connected between said manual switching means and said time transmitting means. said signal applying means comprising a rotary switch with contact segments connected to said timing network means, said timing network means controlling said writing means so that said writing means is in contact with said record carrying means only during a predetermined time interval.

17. The arrangement as defined in claim I wherein said signal applying means comprises a rotary switch with contact segments, said pulse transmitting means comprising a plurality of pulse transmitters connected to a predetermined number of said contact segments of said rotary switch, said manual switching means comprising a plurality of switches connected to contact segments of said rotary switch lying in parallel with said contact segments connected to said pulse transmitters for recording on one recording track on said record carrying means selectively pulses from said pulse transmitting means and signals from said manual switching means.

18. The arrangement as defined in claim 1 wherein said signal applying means comprises a rotary switch with contact segments connected to said pulse transmitting means. said time switching means and said manual switching means. said rotary switching means having a plurality of contact segments connected to said manual switching means for recording in coded form different conditions applied by said manual switching means.

19. The arrangement as defined in claim 1 wherein said record carrying means is subdivided into different zones for recording thereon signals selectively from said pulse transmitting means. said time transmitting means and said manual switching means in separate ones of said zones. each recording within a zone being further identified through a characteristic symbol.

20. The arrangement as defined in claim I wherein said signal applying means comprises a rotary switch with contact segments connected to said pulse transmitting means, said time transmitting means and said manual switching means. said time transmitting means comprising a plurality of time signal transmitters connected to different contact segments of said rotary switch and actuated by different operating parts of a machine for recording the time intervals transmitted by said time transmitters from said different parts of said machine. said time interval recordings being in the form of distinguishable stripes.

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