Abstract: A perforated tape reading mechanism provides a programmable timing function. A drum rotatable by a synchronous motor carries the tape, and is supplied with a ratchet mechanism which permits the drum to rotate by said motor over a partial rotation and then returns the drum for another such cycle through a selectively variable number of ratcheted steps. A tape reader mechanism senses the perforations.

Abstract: A storage medium carries information representing the period of time during which a device is to be interrupted. A first portion of the information indicates that the device is to be interrupted, and a second portion of the information indicates the time period during which the device is to remain interrupted. A first digital signal is generated in response to the first portion of the stored information, and the device is interrupted in response to the first digital signal. A second digital signal is generated in response to the first digital signal and the second portion of the stored information, and a series of clock pulses is generated in response to the second digital signal. A preselected number of the clock pulses are counted, and a third digital signal is generated to indicate the completion of the count. The device is started when the third digital signal is generated. The device is interrupted for a preselected time period determined by the pulse repetition frequency of the clock pulses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a card reader and to a novel connector for a plurality of printed circuit boards. In the connector a plurality of dielectric laminates are bonded together with electrical contacts arranged in rows. Printed circuit boards are insertable within pockets formed by the laminates. The spring contacts engage edges of the printed circuit boards. Elastomeric strips are compressed internally in the pockets to bias the contacts into electrical engagement with the printed circuit boards without a need for soldering the contacts to the boards. In the card reader, a read head incorporates the described connector and is mounted for displacement toward and away from an apertured encoded card. Displacement of the read head is produced by rotation of a shaft on which are mounted eccentric cams. The read head is provided with follower blocks which engage the surface of the cams.