Abstract: An employee clock system is disclosed which has a central data collector device connected to a plurality of remote satellite time clock stations. The timekeeping function is performed at the central data collector, and communication between the data collector and the time clocks takes place over communication channels wired in a spoke, rather than in a loop, configuration. The system permits use of a supervisor's card to clock in for another employee, while preventing non-supervisory employees from doing so. The central data collector collects employee attendance data from all the remote time clock stations, puts it in a form usable by a general purpose programmable computer, and sends it to the computer for use in preparing a payroll, Battery back-up is provided to permit employees to clock out in the event that the plant is closed because of a power failure.

Abstract: A telephone controller for connecting a single-line telephone in a local N-line system with other telephones equipped with similar controller comprises N interface units each connecting one telephone line to a dual conductor telephone bus in turn connected to the telephone.

Abstract: An automatic down rigger control system is disclosed for use with a down rigger trolling line operated by a motor for raising and lowering the trolling line. Via the motor, the control system automatically lowers an end of the trolling line to a predetermined depth point and automatically raises the end of the trolling line to a predetermined surface point. Also, a manual operation mode is provided for selectively raising and lowering the trolling line to a depth other than the surface point and predetermined depth point.

Abstract: An automatic trolling depth controller is disclosed for a fishing boat employing a downrigger system. A sonar depth indicating unit with a sonar transducer continuously measures changing depth as the boat trolls. A depth control unit is connected thereto which automatically raises and lowers the trolling line via a reversible motor in response to depth indicating signals of the depth indicator unit so as to automatically maintain the end of the trolling line at a substantially constant given spacing from the bottom despite variations in lake depth as the fishing boat trolls.