Patent GB-264512-A (GB)
Title: Method of and apparatus for recording employees' time
IPC: G07C3/04
Filed: 1927-01-12
Abstract: 264,512. Kersting, J. Jan. 12, 1926., [Convention date]. Factory and like time-recorders, detached key and like.-A method of indicating or recording the time worked by employees or the wages due consists in coupling at the start of the work a time graduated tape with a driving device adapted to feed said tape forward in accordance with the time worked, the coupling being released again when the work is stopped. The complete apparatus comprises a plurality of tapes, a corresponding number of driving devices, and individual metal checks, press buttons, or the like for controlling the feed of the tapes, the drive being effected mechanically or by electromagnetic means from a distant station. In the form shown in Figs. 1 and 4, the tapes S pass over a friction roller A driven by a clockwork so as to rotate once per hour; the tapes are normally stationary and are coupled to the roller A so as to be advanced thereby by means of rollers B on spring controlled levers C rocked about their pivots D by the insertion of a metal check K into a guide slot I. The levers C carry springs F, G, spaced apart by means of a vertically movable rod H. This rod when depressed permits engagement of the rollers to reset the tape to its zero indicating position and when raised uncouples the tape even if a check has been inserted so that the tape is not advanced until the actual starting time has arrived when the rod is returned to normal position. In the form shown in Fig. 5, individual plugs h are inserted into apertures in the casing to act on springs i to rook a reel b carrying the tape into engagement with the driving roller a. A vertically movable rod g and a spring f serves to uncouple the tapewhen desired and the tape can be reset by the rotation of a roller k on a pivoted arm. l. In the modifications shown in Figs. 3 and 9, the operation is effected electromagnetically from a distance. The insertion of the check K, Fig. 3, completes the circuit of a battery W through contact with a spring U and energizes an electromagnet M whereby its armature E carried by a spring F on the lever C is attracted to raise the roller B into engagement with the driving roller A to advance the tape S. At the same time the circuit of a lamp O is completed to illuminate a plate X bearing the employee's number. A window Q behind which the tape travels is permanently lit up by a lamp N, the tape passing over guides R, T, and a roller L. During the insertion of a check it meets springs L<1> and Y to complete the circuit of an electric bell Z to give a signal. The system according to Fig. 9 is polarized to avoid unnecessary consumption of current and heating of magnet. The electromagnet M<2>, M<3> is supported on a permanent magnet N<2>, S<2> and the armature E<2>, E<3> is pivoted thereto at G<2>. The check K<2> is inserted between guides J<2> and co-operates with a two armed lever H<2>, H<3> adapted to act upon spring contacts X<2>, Y<2> associated with a contact block Z<2>. Insertion of the check causes current to flow from the battery W<2> in the direction of the arrows, Fig. 9, so that the end E<3> of the armature is attracted to free the nose C<3> of the lever C<2> so as to permit the roller B<2> to engage the driving roller A<2>, and the end E<2> meets the contact F. to complete the circuit of the lamp O<2>. When the check is fully inserted a hole therein frees the lever H<2>, H<3> to open the battery circuit but the armature E<3> retains its position until the check is withdrawn whereupon the lever H<2>, H<3> is rocked in the opposite direction to reverse the current and rock the armature to disengage the roller B<2>. The tape passes from a supply reel S<3> to a take up reel R<2> and a gearing W<3>, W<4> is provided to act as a resetting means thereof. A record of the readings in the apertures Q, Q<2> may be obtained photographically or mechanically by providing the tape with type element.