Abstract: A ticket handling system for use in a ticket preparation system that includes a signal processor for providing print signals to indicate information to be printed on the tickets and write signals to indicate information to be encoded on the tickets; a printer for printing information on ticket stock in response to the print signals; and a transducer for encoding information on the ticket stock in response to the write signals. The ticket handling system includes a feeder module including a feed system for feeding a strip of ticket stock; a cutter module; a cutting device for cutting ticket blanks of a given length from the fed end of the strip; a printer module including the printer means for printing ticket information on the ticket blanks in response to the print signals; and a transport module including the transducer for encoding ticket information on the ticket blanks in response to the write signals.

Abstract: A ticket handling system for use in a ticket processing system that includes a transducer for reading an encoded ticket entered by a patron and for providing a read signal in response thereto and apparatus for subsequently passing the ticket to an exit position where the ticket is accessible for return to the patron. The ticket handling system includes a transport module including the transducer for reading the encoded ticket and for providing a read signal in response thereto; an entry module coupled to the transport module for entering the ticket into the transport module; and a third module mechanically interfaced with the transport module and including structure defining a return passage for passing the ticket from the transport module to an exit position where the ticket is accessible for return to the patron.