Abstract: Apparatus and method of verification of credit cards, including sensing information thereon and comparing said information with information on a specially designed pre-printed carrier, followed by insertion of one or more cards in the matching carrier as required, folding and stacking card-inserted carriers in a manner ready for subsequent insertion into mailing envelopes. Sensing, input, comparison logic, and timed command circuitry for coordination of operation includes a pause mode of card advance and may optionally include a multiple card search mode to find matching cards when card sequence is improper.

Abstract: High efficiency push-pull inverters minimize undesirable energy losses usually resulting from simultaneous conduction and imperfect switching of the transistor switching means. In each of the disclosed circuits, a saturable inductor and a diode are connected in parallel and across the base-emitter junction of each transistor. Voltage on the base of each transistor causes its associated saturable inductor to saturate, and the saturated inductor then terminates the flow of base current and provides a path for rapid evacuation of the charge carriers stored in the transistor base-emitter junction in order to render the transistor rapidly non-conductive. Each diode provides a drain path for current continuing to flow through its associated saturable inductor after junction evacuation. A novel triggering means initiates oscillation of the inverters.

Abstract: A terrazzo grinding machine including a pair of motor driven rotatable co-axially disposed cutter holding spiders, the spiders being interconnected by means of a flexible coupling said spiders including a plurality of clusters of cutting discs supported on the spiders with their axes substantially parallel to the radii of the spiders.

Abstract: Improved pneumatic shafts, chucks and lifts for roll stock and methods of construction and operation comprising an air bladder housed within a pair of concentrically disposed, longitudinally slotted sleeves. Upon inflation of the bladder, the outer sleeve expands against the roll stock, or the core supporting the roll stock, providing full length grip. The inner sleeve expands against the outer sleeve while protecting the bladder from being pinched. The bladder is preferably a vinyl polymer plastic containing substantially inelastic roving to provide controlled and limited expansion. The combination permits true centering of rolls for rotational balance and constant tension, true running.

Abstract: A filter assembly for removing lint from water discharged through a hose from a washing machine comprised of an elongate tubular housing, an elongate tubular filter element located within the housing, and a filter removal element with a section underlying the filter element adjacent the end of the body opposite the hose and an elongate stem extending therefrom through the filter element to adjacent the inlet end. The stem is manually accessible through the inlet end of the body for withdrawal of the removal element therefrom, and when withdrawn, the underlying section carries the filter element out of the housing. The underlying section substantially closes the end of the housing opposite the hose to block the flow of water therethrough. The stem is threadably connected to the center of a connector plate which, in turn, is threadably connected to the body at its open end, and a center projection thereon projects from the open end to facilitate manual removal.

Abstract: Device and method for reading indicia embossed, punched or impressed in a sheet of base material, such as credit-type cards and the like. The reader employs a head having a plurality of movable fingers disposed to sense the holes or embossing when the card is moved relative to the head. The fingers carry light guides thereon which are spaced from and disposed to transmit light from a fixed source. A light cut-off shield is disposed between the source of the light and the light guides to intercept and prevent or permit transmission of the light when the fingers pass over the embossed indicia or holes. Light detectors are disposed at the opposite terminus of the light guides to detect the presence or absence of light and produce electrical pulses corresponding thereto. These electrical pulses can be used or processed in any circuitry as information input correlating to the indicia on the base material, e.g.