Control Circuit For Time Clock And Master Counter

Abstract

A master time clock system is described which employs a card-actuated time recording mechanism for producing punch-in or punch-out printed time records on an actuating card inserted in the time recording mechanism. According to the invention, selectively operable stepping switch means are provided for selectively placing the time recording mechanism in a punch-in, a punch-out or no-punch mode of operation, and time operated control means are provided for selectively actuating the stepping switch means at predetermined times to place the system in a selected one of its operating modes. In addition, ancillary, bypass, punch-in and punch-out means are coupled to and control the time recording mechanism for punching-in and punching-out workers at other than the predetermined punch-in and punch-out times at the discretion of a supervisor irrespective of the operating mode in which the time recoding mechanism has been placed by the time operated control means. The system also includes a reversible counter coupled to and controlled by the punch-in and punch-out time recording mechanism of the time clock for deriving an accurate count of the total number of people working at any given time during a work day. A master accumulated time counter controller is also coupled to and controlled by the punch-in and punch-out time recording mechanism of the time clock for deriving an accurate count of the total accumulated time of the total number of people working in the facility during a prescribed work period up to a given time of readout.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to a new and improved control system for a master time clock and master accumulated time counter.

More particularly, the invention relates to a master time clock control system which includes means for punching-in and punching-out workers at particular authorized times so as to obtain a record of each workers time and ancillary, bypass means for punching-in and punching-out workers at other than the particular authorized times at the discretion of a supervisor. The invention further provides means for obtaining a count of the total number of people working in a facility at any given time, as well as a total accumulated time count, such count being obtained by a master accumulated time counter controlled by the master time clock control of the invention.

2. Description of Prior Art

One of the difficulties encountered in many manufacturing facilities is the proper handling of late arriving employees. In manufacturing facilities employing assembly line techniques, this is a particular problem. In such facilities, it is the practice to place employees in their various assigned work stations on the assembly line prior to the sounding of a start-work signal. Then, upon the sounding of the start-work signal, all the workers must commence working at their various assigned tasks simultaneously, if the assembly line is to function properly. In the event of a late arriver after the start-work signal, not only is the assembly production crippled initially due to his absence, but the time and attention of a line supervisor must be diverted to the proper placement of the late arriver on the line. What with all his other duties, it is not always possible for a line supervisor immediately to direct his attention to the placement of late arrivers. Thus, with conventional time recording systems there is a great deal of "lost time" resulting from late arrivers that is wasted and which adds greatly to the cost of running the facility, often times greatly in excess of the actual "lost time" of the late arriving worker. To eliminate this wasted time and increased cost factor, and further, in order to educate the workers away from the late arrival habit, the present invention was devised.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a new and improved master time clock control system which includes means for punching-in and punching-out workers at particular authorized times so as to obtain a record of each workers time, and also includes ancillary bypass means for punching-in and punching-out workers at times other than the authorized times at the discretion of a supervisor whereby late arriving workers are made to wait for job assignments on their "own" time, rather than the company's.

Another object of the invention is to provide a master time clock control system having the above characteristics which is reliable, relatively foolproof and provides an accurate count of the total number of people working in the facility at any given time, as well as a total accumulated worked time count representative of all the worked time accumulated in the facility over a given time interval.

In practicing the invention, a master time clock system is provided having a card actuated time recording mechanism for producing punch-in or punch-out printed time records on an actuating card inserted in the time recording mechanism. The system further includes selectively operable operating mode conditioning means for selectively placing the time recording mechanism in a punch-in, a punch-out or no-punch mode of operation. If desired, extra sets of contacts, or the like may be supplied for operating additional recording or other equipment synchronously with the operating mode conditioning means. For example, additional peripheral counters or other similar recording equipment can be turned on or off by means of such extra sets of contacts. Time operated control means are provided for selectively actuating the operating mode conditioning means at predetermined times to place it in a selected one of its operating modes. The system is completed by ancillary bypass punch-in and punch-out means coupled to and controlling the time recording mechanism of the time clock for punching-in and punching-out workers at other than the predetermined punch-in and punch-out times at the discretion of a supervisor, irrespective of the operating mode in which the time recording mechanism has been placed by the time operated control means.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, a reversible counter and a master accumulated time counter controller are coupled to and controlled by the punch-in and punch-out time recording mechanism of the time clock for deriving an accurate count of the total number of the people working at any given time during a work day, and for deriving an accurate count of the total accumulated time of the total number of people working in the facility during a prescribed work period up to a given time of readout, respectively.

It is preferred that the ancillary bypass punch-in and punch-out means comprise respective, ancillary, bypass punch-in and punch-out relays having contacts coupled to and controlling the card actuated, time recording mechanism of the time clock, and respective key-operated electric switches connected to and controlling energization of the respective, ancillary, bypass punch-in and punch-out relays.

Both the reversible counter and the master accumulated time counter controller are respectively connected through a network of additional contacts controlled by the respective, ancillary, bypass, punch-in and punch-out relays for selectively connecting the reversible counter, and the master accumulated time counter controller, respectively, to the time recording mechanism of the time clock in a manner to properly countup or down in response to any form of punch-in or punch-out including an ancillary bypass punch-in or punch-out, irrespective of the operating mode in which the time clock is set.

It is further preferred that the selectively operable operating mode conditioning means comprise a four-step stepping switch having a control winding and two sets of moveable contacts for sequentially conditioning the time recording mechanism firstly in a no-punch mode, secondly in a punch-in mode, thirdly in a no-punch mode and lastly in a punch-out mode, and then serially repeating the sequence in response to time controlled energizing signals supplied to a stepping switch position control winding comprising a part of the stepping switch.

It is also desirable that the card actuated, time recording mechanism include a first enabling relay having a first set of normally open enabling contacts connected in series circuit relationship with the card actuated punching switch and the card printer solenoid winding of the time recording mechanism with the actuating winding of the first enabling relay being selectively actuable by the ancillary, bypass, punch-in and punch-out means, respectively. The actuating winding of the first enabling relay also is arranged so that it is normally energized upon the selectively operable operating mode conditioning means being placed in either the punch-in or punch-out mode by the time-operated control means.

It is also preferred that the card actuated, time recording mechanism include a second set of enabling relay contacts connected in series circuit relationship with the first set of normally opened enabling contacts, and a time delay relay having fast acting-delayed returning contacts for controlling the operation of the second set of enabling relay contacts, and with the actuating winding of the time delay relay being connected in parallel circuit relationship with the card printer solenoid winding of the time recording mechanism and in series circuit relationship with the first and second set of enabling relay contacts.

In one specific embodiment of the master time clock control system, the second set of enabling relay contacts are a set of normally closed contacts actuated by the actuating winding of the time delay relay.

In a second specific embodiment of the invention, the second set of enabling relay contacts are a set of normally opened contacts of a second enabling relay, and the actuating winding of the second enabling relay is connected in series circuit relationship with a set of normally closed contacts actuated by the actuating winding of the time delay relay.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be appreciated more readily as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like parts in each of the several figures are identified by the same reference character, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a master time clock control system constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed, schematic circuit diagram of one form of master time clock control system constructed in accordance with the system concepts disclosed in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a detailed, schematic circuit diagram of a second form of control system according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 of the drawings is a functional block diagram of the master time clock system constructed in accordance with the invention. The master time clock system comprises a conventional, card-actuated time clock shown at 11 having a time recording mechanism for producing punch-in or punch-out printed time records on an actuating card inserted in the time recording mechanism. The punch arm coil for the time recording mechanism which actuates the time record printing head of the time clock is indicated at 12. It is preferred to employ a multicolor time clock printer for printing out the time records on an actuating card in two different colors where in time records produced during normally authorized periods are printed in a second different color. Such multicolor printing arrangements in time clocks are well known in the art, and need not be described in detail. The time clock printer color change circuit is shown at 13. The card punch station for the time clock is illustrated generally at 14, and is the mechanism which is card actuated by a time card being inserted into the mechanism. The arrangement is such that at particular times determined by the reading of the time clock, color change timing signals are supplied to the clock printer color change circuit 13 to cause it to change the color of the record produced by the printing head actuated by punch arm coil 12 upon a card being inserted in the card punch station 14. These same color change signals may be employed to control the operating mode conditioning circuit means, to be described hereinafter through the medium of an additional set of contacts, or through a circuit arrangement in parallel with the clock printer color change circuit.

The various elements of the time clock 11 are connected to and controlled by a selectively operable, operating mode conditioning circuit means 15 for selectively setting the operating mode of the master time clock system to operate in a punch-in, a punch-out or a no-punch mode as determined by the setting of the circuit 15. The selectively operable operating mode setting circuit 15 preferably comprises a four position (step) stepping switch which is actuated by a stepping coil 16 that in turn is supplied with the timing signal applied to the clock printer color change circuit 13 for changing the operating mode of the system simultaneously with the change in color of the printout on the time cards. Thus, it will be appreciated that the selectively operable stepping switch means 15 in effect is selectively actuated by a time operated control means (coil 16) for selectively stepping the relay into any one of a number of preset circuit conditions which determine the operating mode of the time clock system, and this setting occurs at predetermined times.

The stepping relay 15 also is coupled to, and serves to connect the time recording mechanism of time clock 11 to a keyed, punch-in bypass circuit means 17 and a keyed, punch-out bypass circuit means 18, both of which may comprise key operated switches. The keyed, punch-in and punch-out bypass switches 17 and 18 each control a step-up relay 19 and stepdown relay 21 for controlling actuation of the time clock time recording mechanism during a bypass punch-in or punch-out actuation of the mechanism. The relays 19 and 21 also serve to actuate a conventional, reversible up and down counter 22, and the up and down stepping switch of a master counter controller shown at 23.

The operation of the master time clock system shown in functional block diagram form in FIG. 1, is as follows. Assume that the work period of the manufacturing facility whose workers time is to be recorded is such that all workers should punch in between the times of 7:50 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., and that at 8:00 a.m. the master time clock system is to go automatically to a "no-punch" mode of operation which is considered to be the first mode of operation. At 8:00 a.m., the time clock will provide timing signals that causes the clock printer color change circuit 13 to change the punching color to red from blue or black (for example) and concurrently will operate through the coil 16 to cause the selectively operable stepping switch 15 to energize the punch arm coil 12, and render the card punch station 14 actuable upon operation of the key punch-in or punch-out bypass circuit 17 and 18. During this period of time, the card punch station 14 is enabled to activate the step-up or stepdown relays 19 and 21 only at times when the keyed, punch-in or punch-out bypass circuits 17 and 18 are used, respectively. If during this time period, the step-up relay 19 is activated due to the keyed punch-in bypass circuit 17 having been opened, thereby enabling the card punch-in station 14, the up-down counter 22 will add one unit to its count, and the up and down stepping switch for the master counter controller 23 will be advanced by one unit count. In a similar fashion, whenever the stepdown relay 21 is activated by opening the keyed punch-out bypass circuit 18 and insertion of a card in the card punch station 14, the up-down master count controller 23 will be stepped down by one unit count.

It should be noted at this point that the up and down counter 22 is a conventional reversible counter for adding up and subtracting incremental count signal pulses supplied thereto upon each actuation of the card punch station 14 whether it is in a normal punch-in or punch-out actuation, or whether it occurs due to a bypass enabling of the punch-in or punch-out time recording mechanism. The up and down stepping switch master counter controller 23; however, is a specially built controller for controlling the total people-time count being accumulated by a people-time counter of the type described more fully in our copending U.S. application Ser. No. 701,979 entitled "Article/Time Recording System" filed Jan. 31, 1968 concurrently with this application, David A. DeWitt and Ralph W. DeWitt, inventors. The master people-time count controller serves to control the total, accumulated worked hours of the total number of people working in the facility during a given working interval, such as a work day, and is to be distinguished from the net total of people working at any given time which is registered by the conventional, reversible up and down counter 22.

For a more detailed description of the people-time counter, reference is made to the above-identified application Ser. No. 701,979. Briefly however, the people-time counter can be said to comprise a stepping switch for registering the number of workers punched into the facility during any given interval of time, and which may be stepped up or stepped down respectively in accordance with whether a worker is punching in or punching out on the time clock. The stepping up or stepping down of the stepping switch serves to set a people-time count signal digitizing circuit for generating a series of pulsed wave form electric signals wherein each electric signal pulse is representative of a finite time period worked by one person within the facility. The up and down stepping switch which sets the pulsed digitizing circuits is shown at 23 in FIG. 1. In the particular embodiment of the people-time counter disclosed in application Ser. No. 701,979, the digitizing means comprises an electromechanical timing wheel which actuates a plurality of microswitches mounted around its periphery at unique time intervals. The setting of the stepping switch determines which of the microswitches will be enabled to produce output people-time pulses with each pulse representative of a finite amount of time worked by one person. By totalizing these pulses, the total amount of people time worked by the total number of people working in the facility can be readily obtained.

At 12:00 p.m., the clock printer color change circuit is activated by timing signals from the time clock to operate in its second "punch-out" mode, and the stepping relay 15 activates the system to print time card records in blue ink. During this punch-out period, punch arm coil 12 is energized and all punches at the card punch station 14 will activate the stepdown relay 21 automatically. Also, during this period, if the supervisor desires to have a person to punch-in, then the punch-in, key operated bypass 17 would break the circuit to the punch-out, stepdown relay 21, and make the circuit to the punch-in, step-up relay 19.

At 12:10 p.m., the master time clock system goes into a third, "no-punch" mode and operates substantially in the same manner as that described above for the first mode of operation.

At 12:30 p.m., the system automatically goes to its fourth operating mode and changes back to print out the time record in blue ink as a result of the timing signals supplied to the clock printer color changing circuit 13 from the time clock. During this period, the stepping relay 15 sets the system to a punch-in mode of operation wherein any punches at the card punch station 14 automatically serve to activate the step-up relay 19. If it is desired that a worker punch-out during this period, the key punch-out bypass 18 can be used, and will serve to break the circuit to the step-up relay 19, and will make the circuit to the stepdown relay 21.

At 12:40 p.m., the system again sequentially commences a new cycle such as that described above where at 12:40 p.m., the conditions for 8:00 a.m. are reproduced, at 4:40 p.m. the conditions for 12:00 p.m. are reproduced, and at 4:50 p.m. the conditions at 12:10 p.m. are produced. In the event that there is a second shift maintained at the plant, the entire cycle would be set to commence again after a 7:50 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. punch-in period. It should be noted that the times of color change and preset cycling of the operating modes of the master time circuit are completely arbitrary, and the various operating modes of the system may be adopted to any desired time periods with only minor modifications to provide the necessary timing signals to actuate the changes. It will be appreciated therefore that the system does operate to allow punching-in and punching-out of workers only at particular authorized times so as to obtain a printed record of each workers time, and also includes ancillary bypass means for punching-in and punching-out workers at times other than the authorized times at the discretion of a supervisor whereby late arriving workers are made to wait for job assignments on their own time, rather than the company's. The master time clock control system is reliable, relatively foolproof and provides an accurate count of the total number of people working in the facility at any given time as well as a total accumulated worked time count representative of all the worked time accumulated in the facility over a given time interval.

In operation, the master time clock control system shown in FIG. 1 functions in the following manner when used with most types of manufacturing facilities. At the predetermined time before actual work has begun (namely 7:50 a.m. in the example cited above) a warning signal is triggered by the time clock. At this time, the stepping relay 15 places the master time clock system in a "punch-in" mode of operation. During this period, the workers to be assigned to the assembly lines in the manufacturing facility may punch their time cards, and proceed to their various work assignments. At the exact time that work is to begin (8:00 a.m. in the above example) a second signal is sounded which is again controlled by the time clock. At this time, the special device in the time clock actuates the clock mechanism so as to put the clock in a "no-punch" mode. That is, after this time no further punching by the simple process of inserting a time card into the clock, is possible, and from this point on workers arriving to punch-in will be considered late for work.

Since most manufacturing firms place their workers on the assembly lines before the second work signal, it is quite difficult, along with all the other tasks that a supervisor has to do during normal work operations, to place a late person on an assembly line immediately. Since the worker must then stand and wait, with the system of the invention, the worker now waits without being punched-in, and therefore he must wait on his "own" time and not the company's. Thereafter, when the supervisor has a place on an assembly line for the late worker, he can then bypass the "no-punch" circuit with a key supplied to the supervisor for this purpose, allow the worker to punch his time card, and then place the worker at a particular place on an assembly line where he is to be assigned.

Each time a worker punches into the master time clock system, whether it be during a regular "punch-in" period or with the punch-in, bypass key operated switch 17, the up-down reversible counter 22 and master counter controller 23 advance by one count. Thus, the counter 22 can supply at any time the total number of people working in the facility at any given time, and hence the people to be paid at this time. Concurrently with the actuation of the up and down counter 22, a stepping switch that comprises the up and down controller 23 of a master time counter, is advanced by one count. At the time of the start work signal, all of the time of those people punched into the clock starts to record on the master accumulated time counter controlled by the controller 23. This then will provide the readout of the total time of all the time recorded people working in the facility on the various assembly lines. As workers are allowed to punch-in by a supervisor through the use of his key operated bypass of the "no-punch" mode of the time clock, these late arriving workers times likewise will start to be added to the total time being accumulated by the master time counter controlled by controller 23, and they will also be added to the total indicated by the up and down counter 22.

At the noon lunch break (occurring at 12:00 p.m. in the above example) the time clock is automatically changed by the stepping relay 15 to a "punch-out" mode during which period workers can punch-out automatically by inserting their time cards into the card punch station 14 in a normal manner, and are thereby allowed to punch-out for their noon luncheon break. At 12:10 p.m. the system is again placed in a "no-punch" mode automatically through actuation of the stepping relay 15. At the end of the noon lunching break (occurring at 12:30 p.m. in the above example) the master time clock system again automatically goes into a punch-in mode during which time workers can again punch-in their time card by merely inserting the time card into the time clock. Thereafter, the time clock again reverts to its no-punch mode until the end of the work period when the punching out process is again repeated. Each time that a worker punches out, whether it is during the prescribed "punch-out" period at noon or at the end of the work day, or whether it is a key-operated bypass form of punch-out with the assistance of the supervisor, the reversible up-down counter 22 will count down one count for each worker punching out, and similarly, one worker will be subtracted from the total number of workers times being registered in the master time counter by the controller 23.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the master time clock system of the invention provide a means for punching-in and punching-out workers at particular authorized times so as to obtain a record of each workers time, and also includes ancillary bypass means for punching-in and punching-out workers at times other than the authorized times at the discretion of a supervisor whereby late arriving workers are made to wait for job assignments on their own time, rather than the company's. The system is reliable, relatively foolproof, and provides an accurate count of the total number of people working in the facility at any given time as well as a total accumulated worked time count representative of all the worked time accumulated in the facility over a given interval of time, such as a work day.

FIG. 2 of the drawings shows a detailed, schematic circuit diagram of one specific form of master time control system constructed in accordance with the invention. In the system shown in FIG. 2, the time clock is shown generally at 11, the stepping switch at 15, the up and down reversible counter 22, and the master time counter controller at 23. The stepping switch 15 has four sets of fixed contacts and two moveable contacts shown at 31. The position of the moveable or wiper contacts 31 is controlled by a stepping switch coil 32 that in turn is energized upon closure of a set of time controlled contacts 33. The contacts 33 are opened and closed in accordance with timing signals supplied from the time clock 11 to an actuating coil (not shown) and which comprises a part of an auxiliary circuit for deriving make, break-time sequence programmed work signals from the time clock. Energization of the stepping switch coil at the particular times noted above, will cause the moveable wiper contacts 31 of the stepping switch to sequentially move from position 1 to position 2, to position 3 and thence to position 4, and thereafter repeat the cycle. This may be readily achieved through a circular arrangement of the fixed contacts; however, for convenience, the contacts have been illustrated in straight line fashion in FIG. 2. The moveable wiper contact 31a is excited from a source of 24 volts DC through the normally closed contacts 32.sub.1 controlled by the stepping switch coil 32. The normally closed contacts 32.sub.1 are automatically opened by the coil 32 prior to the moveable wiper contacts 31 being moved so as to break the circuit from the -24 volt DC supply to the moveable wiper contacts. By this arrangement, the moveable wiper contacts will not have a voltage on them at the time of making and breaking so as to avoid arcing and thereby prolong their operating life.

The fixed contacts 2 and 4 of the four fixed contacts 1--4 engaged by the moveable wiper contact 31a are connected in common to one side of a first enabling relay winding 35 having its remaining terminal connected to a source of +24 volts DC. These two fixed contacts 2 and 4 are also connected through the normally open contacts 36.sub.5 and 37.sub.5, respectively to a source of -24 volts DC.

The normally open contacts 36.sub.5 and 37.sub.5 are actuated by the up and down relay windings 36 and 37, respectively. Each of the up and down relay windings 36 and 37 are connected in series with a key operated switch 38 and 39, respectively, with each of the series circuits thus comprised being connected across a source of 24 volts DC with the polarities indicated. The juncture of the up relay coil 36 and its respective key operated switch 38, is connected through the normally opened contacts 36.sub.4 of up-relay 36, and the normally open contacts 41.sub.2 of a time delay relay winding 41 to a +24 volt terminal. The juncture of the down relay winding 37 and its key operated switch 39 is connected through a normally opened contact 37.sub.4 of the down relay 37, and the normally opened contact 41.sub.1 of the time delay relay winding 41. The time delay relay winding 41 comprises a part of a conventional pneumatic timer, such as the "Agastat" whose contacts have a time delay on return, and yet provide immediate contact change on actuation. It should be noted at this point, that the system of the invention could employ any type of time delay relay such as a solid state, electro hydraulic, or thermo actuated relay, however, it is desirable that the time delay provided by the time delay relay 42, be adjustable through an appropriate control to provide any desired amount of time delay within a prescribed range on the return action of its contacts such as 41.sub.1 and 41.sub.2.

The time delay relay winding 41 is connected in parallel circuit relationship with the card punch solenoid coil 12 which actuates the time card printing head of time clock 11. Both card punch solenoid coil 12 and time delay relay winding 41 are connected in series with the card punch actuated switch, shown at 43, that is depressed by a card being inserted in the time clock 11. Closure of the card actuated switch 43 serves to connect one end of each winding 12 and 41 to a source of 115 volts, 60 cycle alternating current. The remaining ends of each of the windings 12 and 41 are connected in common through a contact 35.sub.1 of the first enabling relay 35, and through the normally closed contacts 41.sub.4 of the time delay relay 41 to ground. It will be seen therefore that upon actuation of the first enabling relay 35 to close the contacts 35.sub.1, both the card punch solenoid winding 12 and time delay relay winding 41 will be enabled to be actuated upon the insertion of a time card into the time clock 11 in a manner to depress the card actuated switch 43.

The time delay relay coil 41 has a third, normally open contact 41.sub.3 connected between the moveable wiper contacts 31a in stepping switch 15 and the second moveable wiper contact 31b. The second set of fixed contacts 1--4 of stepping switch 15 engaged by the moveable wiper contact 31b are connected through a network of additional normally open contacts 37.sub.1, 36.sub.1, 37.sub.3 and 36.sub.3 of the up and down relays 36 and 37, and through normally closed contacts 36.sub.2 and 37.sub.2 of the up and down relays 36 and 37, to the respective inputs of the up and down reversible counter 22 and the master time counter controller 23. Before describing the operation of the FIG. 2 system, it should be noted that the key operated switches 38 and 39 are spring returned to the normally open condition shown in FIG. 2.

In operation, the starting position on the stepping switch 15 normally is position 1 for both wiper contacts 31a and 31b. The up and down relays 36 and 37 are considered to be in a normal condition since the key operated, spring returned switches 38 and 39 are in their normally open condition. Since the moveable contact 31a engages the number 1 fixed contact, the first enabling relay winding 35 is not energized. This results in keeping the normally open contact 35.sub.1 in its normal condition so that any actuation of the card punch switch 43 will not result in any response of either the card punch coil 12 or the time delay relay coil 41. The result is that no time cards can be punched and there is no counting done by the up-down counter 22 or the master time counter controller 23 since each of these items are actuated through the time delay, normally open contact 41.sub.3.

If it is necessary to punch-in a worker with the circuit in the above described condition, the keyed switch 38 is closed to allow the employee to punch-in. Upon closing switch 38, the coil of the up relay 36 is excited through the closed switch 38. This results in closing the contact 36.sub.5 and results in completing the coil circuit of the enabling relay winding 35. This results in closing contact 35.sub.1, thereby allowing the coil circuits of both the card punch solenoid 12 and the time delay relay 41 to be activated by the card punch switch 43. The employee now punches his card and the timer coil 41 is actuated through contact 35.sub.1 and 41.sub.4. However, immediately upon actuation of the time delay winding 41, the contacts 41.sub.4 are opened, thus breaking the time delay winding 41 circuit for a predetermined time. This feature is provided because many times a time card, upon hitting the card actuation switch 43, is bent, and if the card is jiggled at all, it will tend to depress the switch 43 (which is a microswitch and quite sensitive) more than once in rapid succession, thus causing a miscount. With the arrangement disclosed, the time delay is actuated by the first or initial closure of the card actuated switch 43, and after that any further closing of the switch 43, during the time delay period, will not result in further card punch coil or time delay relay coil actuation.

Another safety feature in the circuit is the "suicide" effect of the contacts 41.sub.1 and 41.sub.2. Upon actuation of the time delay relay winding 41, the two contacts 41.sub.1 and 41.sub.2 are closed. In the case of the up relay coil 36, the circuit is completed through the contacts 41.sub.2 and 36.sub.4. At this point, the coil circuit of the down relay 37 would also be a actuated through contact 41.sub.1 ; however, relay 37 is in its normal position therefore contact 37.sub.4 is open thereby breaking the circuit. This whole action in effect keeps the coil of the up relay 36 actuated through the duration of the time delay. This is important, since the up-down counter 22 and the master time counter controller 23 also are actuated through the contacts of the up relay 36 for the duration of the time delay. If the "suicide" circuit through 41.sub.2 and 36.sub.4 were not used, and the key operated, spring return bypass switch 38 accidentally was opened and again closed during the time delay period, the counter circuits would be actuated more than once for a single actuation of the card punch switch 43. This then could result in a miscount which is avoided by the inclusion of the "suicide" circuit connection comprised by the contacts 41.sub.1 and 41.sub.2.

Concurrently with the above described operation, when the time delay relay winding 41 is actuated, the contact 41.sub.3 in the stepping switch is closed for the duration of the time delay. This completes the up counter circuit connected to the up and down counter 22 through contact 36.sub.1 which previously has been closed due to the actuation of the up relay 36.

If, during the first, no-punch mode of operation, while the stepping switch engages its number 1 fixed contacts, an employee wishes to punch-out, the sequence of operation is exactly the same except that the punch-out or down relay 37 is actuated by closure of its key operated switch 39 instead of the up relay. Following this first no-punch mode of operation, the clock changes the stepping switch by application of suitable energizing potentials to the stepping switch winding 32 through the time control contacts 33. Prior to moving the wiper arms 31; however, the normally closed contacts 32.sub.1 are opened by excitation of the stepping coil 32 to break the circuit connections to the wiper contacts. Therefore, none of the electrical load will appear across the contacts 31 and prevents undesired deterioration of the wiper contacts due to arcing.

Upon being stepped to position 2 by the time control signal supplied from the time clock to winding 32, the stepping switch places the master time clock system in a second "punch-in" mode. In this condition, the enabling winding 35 is normally enabled through the normally closed contact 32.sub.1. This closes contact 35.sub.1 thereby allowing the card punch coils 12 and time delay winding 41 automatically to be actuated each time that the card actuated switch 43 is depressed. Whenever these coils are actuated by closing switch 43, the wiper contact 31b circuit is completed through the time delay relay operated contact 41.sub.3, and through the normally closed contact 37.sub.2 to actuate the up-count sections of the up and down counter 42 and the master time controller 23. If it is desired to count down during this period, key operated switch 39 is closed, thereby actuating down relay coil 37. This results in opening normally closed contact 37.sub.2 and closing normally open contact 37.sub.3. With the circuit thus conditioned, any closure of the card actuated switch 43 will result in completion of the wiper contact 31b through normally opened contact 41.sub.3 and contacts 37.sub.3 to the down-counter section sides of the up and down counter 22 and master time counter controller 23.

At a third preprogramed time as discussed above, the relay stepping coil 32 is again actuated and causes the stepping switch 15 to assume the number 3 position after first opening the normally closed contacts 32.sub.1 to avoid burning of the wipers. This is again a no-punch position similar to that described previously in connection with the number 1 position.

Upon the stepping switch 15 being placed in the number 4 position, the circuit of the first enabling coil 35 is again normally energized thus allowing punching each time that a card is inserted into the time recording mechanism. Upon the insertion of a time card to be punched, the time delay coil 41 is energized and the wiper 31b circuit is completed through the time delay relay actuated contact 41.sub.3 and normally closed contact 36.sub.2 to the down-count side of the counter 22 and controller 23. If it is desired to punch-in a worker during this period, the key operated switch 38 is closed. This results in actuating up coil 36, opening normally closed contacts 36.sub.2 and closing normally opened contacts 36.sub.3. As a consequence, any actuation of the card punch switch 43 results in completing a wiper circuit through the contact 41.sub.3 and 36.sub.3 to the up side of the counter 22 and the master time controller 23.

FIG. 3 of the drawings is a modified form of the master time clock control circuit shown in FIG. 2. While the circuit shown in FIG. 2 is entirely satisfactory from an operational point of view; it is sometimes difficult and more expensive to find relays and timers with the proper number of contacts. Due to this situation, the modified circuit shown in FIG. 3 was developed. Consequently, it will be appreciated that the circuit of FIG. 3 is preferred primarily from an economical point of view. The circuit of FIG. 3 does have one improved feature, however, due to the addition of a second enabling relay 51 having contacts 51.sub.2 and 51.sub.1 for improving the reliability of the circuit. While the probability of a miscount due to the absence of the second enabling relay 51 is quite low, the possibility of a miscount without this additional relay does exist, and for this reason, it was included in the improved circuit of FIG. 3.

The master time clock control circuit shown in FIG. 3 is substantially similar to the FIG. 2 circuit with the following exceptions. Hence, corresponding elements of the two circuits have been given the same reference numerals with the convention being used of employing a prime with the reference numerals designating FIG. 3 components which have corresponding components in the FIG. 2 circuit. In the FIG. 3 circuit, contacts 37.sub.3 and 37.sub.1 of the FIG. 2 circuit were combined into a single contact 37.sub.1 '. In a like manner, contact 37.sub.2 ' was separated from the former 37.sub.3 -37.sub.1 circuit by a diode 52'. Similarly, contacts 36.sub.1 and 36.sub.3 of the FIG. 2 circuit were combined into contact 36.sub.1 ' in FIG. 3, and separated from the contact 36.sub.2 ' circuit by a diode 53'. This results in eliminating one set of contacts on each of the up and down relays thereby making it possible to employ less expensive and more readily available four pole relays in place of the more costly five pole relays required in the FIG. 2 circuit. Another feature not depicted in the circuit diagram of FIG. 3 is the employment of relays using plug-in or socket type connectors to afford ease in replacing any malfunctioning parts.

The next change involved was to break the up and down counter and master time counter controller circuit at the common side by providing the time delay relay actuated contact 41.sub.1 '. This results in eliminating the contact 41.sub.3 required in the FIG. 2 circuit, and results in making the contact 41.sub.1 ' a multipurpose contact using it also in place of the contacts 41.sub.2 and 41.sub.1 required in the FIG. 2 circuit. To accomplish this, contacts 37.sub.4 ' and 36.sub.4 ' were separated from the common, multipurpose contact 41.sub.1 ' by diodes 54' and 55', respectively. As a consequence of this change, it was then possible to employ a time delay relay having a fewer number of contacts.

The next modification to the circuit was in the card punch circuit. In the system of FIG. 3, a single pole, double throw card actuated switch 43' having fixed contacts a and b is employed in place of the single pole, single throw switch 43 used in the FIG. 2 arrangement. Also, a second enabling relay 51' was added in series between the fixed contact (a) of switch 43' and the negative (-) ground terminal of an 115 volt alternating current power supply. The normally closed contact 41.sub.2 ' of the time delay relay is inserted between the winding 51' and the fixed contact 43' (a). The juncture of the winding 51' with the normally closed time delay relay contact 41.sub.2 ' is connected through a normally open contact 51.sub.2 ' actuated by winding 51 and a normally closed time delay relay contact 41.sub.3 ' to the opposite or plus (+) terminal of the 115 volt alternating current power supply.

In operation, the circuit of FIG. 3 functions in the following manner. The time clock 11' is placed in a punching mode by closure of contact 35.sub.1 ' in the same manner as the above described operating modes of the circuit and the card actuated switch 43' will be in its normal position closed on fixed contact (a). Therefore, the coil of the second enabling relay 51 normally will be actuated through normally closed contact 41.sub.2 ' and both contacts 51.sub.1 ' and 51.sub.2 ' are closed. Thereafter, when a person punches the clock, the switch 43' is put into a position to close on fixed contact (b). Upon this occurrence, second enabling coil 51' will still remain energized through contacts 51.sub.2 ' and 41.sub.3 ' and the card punch coil 12' and the time delay relay winding 41' are energized through 35.sub.1 ' and 51.sub.1 '. At this point, contacts 41.sub.2 ' and 41.sub.3 ' will open, thereby breaking the circuit to second enabling coil 51'. As a consequence, contacts 51.sub.1 ' and 51.sub.2 ' will open.

When the time delay provided by the time delay relay 42' is over, normally closed contacts 41.sub.2 ' and 41.sub.3 ' will return to their normally closed condition. However, the coil circuit of the second enabling coil 51' remains broken since the contact 51.sub.2 is now open. The result is that until the card-actuated switch 43' is returned to close on its fixed contact (a), and the second enabling coil 51' again energized, no further actuations of the card punch coil 12' or time delay relay winding 41' are possible since second enabling winding 51' is open. From an examination of the circuits, it will be appreciated that the contact 41.sub.4 ' in the FIG. 2 circuit was changed to contact 41.sub.2 ' in the FIG. 3 circuit, and moved to a new position to insure that the second enabling relay winding 51' is deenergized for at least the duration of the time delay. Since closing and reopening of the second enabling winding 51' during the time delay period would allow the card punch coil 12' and time delay relay winding 41' circuit to be completed through contact 35.sub.1 ' more than one time for one actuation of the timer, the circuit has been so arranged as to avoid this possibility thereby avoiding any possible miscount due to any such misoperation.

The reason for the above last mentioned modification is that in the FIG. 2 circuit, if the single pole, single throw switch 43 is held closed, then the card punch coil 12 and time delay relay winding 41 are reenergized at the end of the time delay through the contact 41.sub.4, this would result in these two coils being energized more than once for a single actuation of the card actuated switch 43. It is believed obvious that such an occurrence cannot happen with the FIG. 3 circuit arranged since card actuated switch 43' must be allowed to assume its normal position closed on contact (a) in order to accomplish each card punch coil actuation. It should also be noted that the location of the 41.sub.4 contact of FIG. 2 shown at 41.sub.2 ' in the FIG. 3 circuit, has been changed; however, study of the circuit and the previous explanation of operation will show that its purpose is still the same.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that the invention provides a new and improved master time clock control system which includes means for punching-in and punching-out workers at particular authorized times so as to obtain a record of each workers time. The system also includes ancillary bypass means for punching-in and punching-out workers at times other than the authorized times at the discretion of a supervisor whereby late arriving workers are made to wait for job assignments on their own time, rather than the company's. Further, the system is entirely reliable, relatively foolproof and provides an accurate count of the total number of people working in the facility at any given time, as well as a total accumulated worked time count representative of all the worked time of all the people working in the facility over a given time interval.

Having described several embodiments of a new and improved master time clock system constructed in accordance with the invention, it is believed obvious that other modifications and variations of the invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention described which are within the full intended scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

We claim:

1. In a master time clock system having a card actuated time recording mechanism for producing punch-in or punch-out printed time records on an actuating card inserted in the time recording mechanism, the improvement comprising selectively operable operating mode conditioning means for automatically selectively placing the time recording mechanism in a punch-in, a punch-out or no-punch mode of operation for periods of time in excess of one minute in accordance with a predetermined time sequence, time operated control means for automatically selectively actuating said operating mode conditioning means at predetermined times to place it in a selected one of its operating modes, and ancillary bypass punch-in and punch-out means coupled to and controlling the time recording mechanism for punching-in and punching-out workers at other than the predetermined punch-in and punch-out times at the discretion of a supervisor irrespective of the operating mode in which the time recording mechanism has been placed by the time operated control means.

2. A master time clock system according to claim 1 wherein the ancillary bypass punch-in and punch-out means are key operated with a key supplied to a supervisor.

3. A master time clock system according to claim 1 wherein the time recording mechanism is a multicolor time recording mechanism for printing time records produced during the normal punch-in and punch-out operating modes in a first color, and for printing time records produced at times other than normally authorized punch-in and punch-out times in a second different color.

4. A master time clock system according to claim 1 further including a reversible counter coupled to and controlled by the punch-in and punch-out time recording mechanism of the time clock for deriving an accurate count of the total number of people working at any given time during a work day.

5. A master time clock system according to claim 1 further including a master accumulated time counter controller coupled to and controlled by the punch-in and punch-out time recording mechanism of the time clock for deriving an accurate count of the total time of the total number of people working in the facility during a prescribed work period up to a given time of readout.

6. A master time clock system according to claim 4 further including a master accumulated time counter controller coupled to and controlled by the punch-in and punch-out time recording mechanism of the time clock for deriving an accurate count of the total time of the total number of people working in the facility during a prescribed work period up to a given time of readout.

7. A master time clock system according to claim 3 further including a reversible counter coupled to and controlled by the punch-in and punch-out time recording mechanism of the time clock for deriving an accurate count of the total number of people working at any given time during a work day.

8. A master time clock system according to claim 7 further including a master accumulated time counter controller coupled to and controlled by the punch-in and punch-out time recording mechanism of the time clock for deriving an accurate count of the total time of the total number of people working in the facility during a prescribed work period up to a given time of readout.

9. A master time clock system according to claim 2 wherein the time recording mechanism is a multicolor time recording mechanism for printing time records produced during the normal punch-in and punch-out operating modes in a first color, and for printing time records produced at times other than normally authorized punch-in and punch-out times in a second different color, and further including a reversible counter coupled to and controlled by the punch-in and punch-out time recording mechanism of the time clock for deriving an accurate count of the total number of people working at any given time during a work day, and a master accumulated time counter controller coupled to and controlled by the punch-in and punch-out time recording mechanism of the time clock for deriving an accurate count of the total time of the total number of people working in the facility during a prescribed work period up to a given time of readout.

10. A master time clock according to claim 1 wherein the ancillary bypass punch-in and punch-out means comprises respective ancillary bypass punch-in and punch-out relays having contacts coupled to and controlling the card actuated time recording mechanism of the time clock, and respective key-operated electric switches connected to and controlling energization of the respective ancillary bypass punch-in and punch-out relays.

11. A master time clock system according to claim 10 further including a reversible counter coupled to and controlled by the punch-in and punch-out time recording mechanism of the time clock for deriving an accurate count of the total number of people working at any given time during a work day.

12. A master time clock system according to claim 10 further including a master accumulated time counter controller coupled to and controlled by the punch-in and punch-out time recording mechanism of the time clock for deriving an accurate count of the total time of the total number of people working in the facility during a prescribed work period up to a given time of readout.

13. A master time clock system according to claim 10 wherein the time recording mechanism is a multicolor time recording mechanism for printing time records produced during the normal punch-in and punch-out operating modes in a first color, and for printing time records produced at times other than normally authorized punch-in and punch-out times in a second different color, and further including a reversible counter coupled to and controlled by the punch-in and punch-out time recording mechanism of the time clock for deriving an accurate count of the total number of people working at any given time during a work day, and a master accumulated time counter controller coupled to and controlled by the punch-in and punch-out time recording mechanism of the time clock for deriving an accurate count of the total time of the total number of people working in the facility during a prescribed work period up to a given time of readout.

14. A master time clock system according to claim 11 wherein the reversible counter is connected through a network of additional contacts controlled by the respective ancillary bypass punch-in and punch-out relays for selectively connecting the reversible counter to the time recording mechanism of the time clock in a manner to properly count-up or down in response to any form of punch-in or punch-out including an ancillary bypass punch-in or punch-out irrespective of the operating mode in which the time clock is set.

15. A master time clock system according to claim 12 wherein the master accumulated time counter controller is connected through a network of additional contacts controlled by the respective ancillary bypass punch-in and punch-out relays for selectively connecting the master time counter controller to the time recording mechanism of the time clock in a manner to properly count-up or down in response to any form of punch-in or punch-out including an ancillary bypass punch-in or punch-out irrespective of the operating mode in which the time clock is set.

16. A master time clock system according to claim 11 wherein the reversible counter is connected through a network of additional contacts controlled by the respective ancillary bypass punch-in and punch-out relays for selectively connecting the reversible counter to the time recording mechanism of the time clock in a manner to properly count-up or down in response to any form of punch-in or punch-out including an ancillary bypass punch-in or punch-out irrespective of the operating mode in which the time clock is set, and further including, a master accumulated time counter controller coupled to and controlled by the punch-in and punch-out time recording mechanism of the time clock for deriving an accurate count of the total time of the total number of people working in the facility during a prescribed work period up to a given time of readout, and wherein the master accumulated time counter controller is connected through a network of additional contacts controlled by the respective ancillary bypass punch-in and punch-out relays for selectively connecting the master time counter controller to the time recording mechanism of the time clock in a manner to properly count-up or down in response to any form of punch-in or punch-out including an ancillary bypass punch-in or punch-out irrespective of the operating mode in which the time clock is set.

17. A master time clock system according to claim 13 wherein the reversible counter is connected through a network of additional contacts controlled by the respective ancillary bypass punch-in and punch-out relays for selectively connecting the reversible counter to the time recording mechanism of the time clock in a manner to properly count-up or down in response to any form of punch-in or punch-out including an ancillary bypass punch-in or punch-out irrespective of the operating mode in which the time clock is set, and wherein the master accumulated time counter controller is connected through a network of additional contacts controlled by the respective ancillary bypass punch-in and punch-out relays for selectively connecting the master time counter controller to the time recording mechanism of the time clock in a manner to properly count-up or down in response to any form of punch-in or punch-out including an ancillary bypass punch-in or punch-out irrespective of the operating mode in which the time clock is set.

18. A master time clock system according to claim 1 wherein the selectively operable operating mode conditioning means comprises a four step stepping switch having a control winding and a set of two moveable contacts for sequentially conditioning the time recording mechanism firstly in a no-punch mode, secondly in a punch-in mode, thirdly in a no-punch mode and lastly in a punch-out mode, and then serially repeating the sequence in response to time controlled energizing signals supplied to a stepping switch position control winding comprising a part of the stepping switch.

19. A master time clock system according to claim 17 wherein the selectively operable operating mode conditioning means comprises a four step stepping switch having a control winding and a set of two moveable contacts for sequentially conditioning the time recording mechanism firstly in a no-punch mode, secondly in a punch-in mode, thirdly in a no-punch mode and lastly in a punch-out mode, and then serially repeating the sequence in response to time controlled energizing signals supplied to a stepping switch position control winding comprising a part of the stepping switch.

20. A master time clock system according to claim 1 wherein the card actuated time recording mechanism includes a first enabling relay having a first set of normally open enabling contacts connected in series circuit relationship with the card actuated punching switch and the card printer solenoid winding of the time recording mechanism, the actuating winding of the first enabling relay being selectively actuable by the ancillary bypass punch-in and punch-out means, respectively, and being normally energized upon the selectively operable operating mode conditioning means being placed in either the punch-in or punch-out mode by the time operated control means.

21. A master time clock system according to claim 19 wherein the card actuated time recording mechanism includes a first enabling relay having a first set of normally open enabling contacts connected in series circuit relationship with the card actuated punching switch and the card printer solenoid winding of the time recording mechanism, the actuating winding of the first enabling relay being selectively actuable by the ancillary bypass punch-in and punch-out means, respectively, and being normally energized upon the selectively operable operating mode conditioning means being placed in either the punch-in or punch-out mode by the time operated control means.

22. A master time clock system according to claim 20 wherein the card actuated time recording mechanism includes a second set of enabling relay contacts connected in series circuit relationship with the first set of normally open enabling contacts, and a time delay relay having fast acting delayed returning contacts for controlling the operation of the second set of enabling relay contacts, the actuating winding of the time delay relay being connected in parallel circuit relationship with the card printer solenoid winding of the time recording mechanism and in series circuit relationship with the first and second set of enabling relay contacts.

23. A master time clock system according to claim 22 wherein the second set of enabling relay contacts are a set of normally closed contacts actuated by the actuating winding of the time delay relay.

24. A master time clock system according to claim 22 wherein the second set of enabling relays contacts are a set of normally open contacts of a second enabling relay, the actuating winding of the second enabling relay being connected in series circuit relationship with a set of normally closed contacts actuated by the actuating winding of the time delay relay.

25. A master time clock system according to claim 21 wherein the card actuated time recording mechanism includes a second set of enabling relay contacts connected in series circuit relationship with the first set of normally open enabling contacts, and a time delay relay having fast acting delayed returning contacts for controlling he operation of the second set of enabling relay contacts, the actuating winding of the time delay relay being connected in parallel circuit relationship with the card printer solenoid winding of the time recording mechanism and in series circuit relationship with the first and second set of enabling relay contacts.

26. A master time clock system according to claim 25 wherein the second set of enabling relay contacts are a set of normally closed contacts actuated by the actuating winding of the time delay relay.

27. A master time clock system according to claim 25 wherein the second set of enabling relays contacts are a set of normally open contacts of a second enabling relay, the actuating winding of the second enabling relay being connected in series circuit relationship with a set of normally closed contacts actuated by the actuating winding of the time delay relay.