Abstract: A data storage device is disclosed comprising a plurality of disk surfaces, a first plurality of heads actuated over a first subset of the disk surfaces by a first actuator, and a second plurality of heads actuated over a second subset of the disk surfaces by a second actuator. A first access command is executed using the first actuator and a second access command is executed using the second actuator. When the first access command finishes before the second access command finishes, a third access command is selected to execute using the first actuator based on a time remaining (To2) to finish the second access command, and at least part of the second access command is executed while concurrently executing at least part of the third access command during To2.

Abstract: A data storage device is disclosed comprising a plurality of disk surfaces, a first plurality of heads actuated over a first subset of the disk surfaces by a first actuator, and a second plurality of heads actuated over a second subset of the disk surfaces by a second actuator. A first access command is executed using the first actuator and a second access command is executed using the second actuator. When the first access command finishes before the second access command finishes, a third access command is selected to execute using the first actuator based on a time remaining (To2) to finish the second access command, and at least part of the second access command is executed while concurrently executing at least part of the third access command during To2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a print media loading system for a printer, wherein the printer includes a print media input, a print media output, and a print media path located between the print media input and the print media output. The print media loading system comprises a print media drive mechanism associated with the print media input, and print media output device associated with the print media output. The print media output device is operatively coupled to the print media drive mechanism so as to control feeding of the print media through the print media path by actuation of the print media output device. The invention also provides a corresponding printing system and a method of loading print media into a printer.

Abstract: A time recorder includes a first sensor that detects the side edge of a time card having a cut-out formed at at least one corner of the bottom, a second sensor that detects the bottom of the time card, and a card feeding unit that feeds the time card. When the time card is fed by this card feeding unit, a pulse counter of the card feeding unit counts the number of pulses of predetermined pulse signals after the first sensor detects the time card and until the second sensor detects the time card. Next, the front and back faces of the time card are determined based on the number of pulses that is a counting result. Hence, the front and back faces can be determined by the first sensor and the second sensor only.

Abstract: A method for allocating a first range of identifiers to a customer-system from a register. The method comprising the steps of: receiving a request for identifiers from a new customer-system; identifying a largest range of unallocated identifiers to define an available range within the entire range of identifiers belonging to the register; identifying a midpoint in the largest available range; and allocate the identified midpoint as a start location for the customer-system range. Identifiers can be issued as identifier pairs, one being an encrypted identifier and the other being a corresponding unencrypted identifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive range image sensor and etc. A range image sensor comprises diffractive optical elements and on which are formed diffractive gratings that change a traveling direction of incident parallel light so that in a coordinate space defined by a xyz-axis, the incident parallel light is split into split beams, and angles formed by the x-axis and line segments determined by projected light spots formed by the split beams on a predetermined projection plane intersecting the z-axis become predetermined angles. Furthermore, the range image sensor is provided with a distance determining unit for determining distances to the projected light spots on the basis of the tilting with respect to the x-axis of the line segments determined by the projected light spots formed on the object by the split beams.

Abstract: A counting device for counting rimmed articles arranged in a nested configuration to define a series of stacked rims defining a stacked direction is disclosed. The counting device has a gear with a plurality of teeth adapted to engage the article rims such that advancement of the articles along the stacked direction adjacent the gear rotates the gear. An indicator wheel is provided configured to rotate with rotation of the gear. The indicator wheel has a plurality of indicia thereon for monitoring rotation of the gear. At least one sensor is positioned to detect the indicia and to generate an output signal as the indicator wheel rotates to bring the indicia into alignment with a detection axis. The sensor is in communication with a counter which produces in response to the output signal of the sensor a usable output representing a quantity of articles having engaged the gear.

Abstract: A configuration tool for configuring a frequency converter includes an interface with connector poles for connecting the configuration tool to the frequency converter and feeding configuration data from the configuration tool to the frequency converter. To facilitate the configuration of an unelectrified frequency converter, the configuration tool includes a battery or an electromagnetic field generator for conveying the energy required for electrifying at least the memory of the frequency converter to the frequency converter during the configuration.

Abstract: A method for visual programming an automated transaction machine (12). The method includes the creation of terminal directors (225) that generally correspond to transactions performed by the automated transaction machine. The terminal directors are programmed by visually creating associations (238) between a plurality of ATM objects (230, 232) in a work space (224). Exemplary ATM objects include an authorization object (260), a back stage control object (262), a card reader object (264), a customer profile object (266), a depositor object (268), a dispenser object (270), keypad object (272), a logic object (274), a OCS object (276), a presenter object (278), a PIN entry object (280), a printer object (282), a sync object (284), and a transaction data object (286). The customer profile object is operative to retrieve customer profile information responsive to a determined customer of a person using the ATM.

Abstract: A multi-function customer satisfaction survey device, system and method. A plurality of stackable tip trays in a restaurant each include a survey device and a calculator. Survey questions are presented on a display screen, and a survey keypad is used by the customer to enter responses. The responses are stored in a memory in the tray. The trays stack on a base unit that simultaneously collects the responses from the stacked trays, simultaneously programs the stacked trays with survey questions, and simultaneously recharges a battery in each tray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring service-intensive replaceable parts in an assembly in which information regarding a replaceable part (1), such as specifications, physical dimensions, physical properties, functions and/or other data for the replaceable part, is stored on a suitable memory component (5) in and/or on the replaceable part (1). The stored data is read with a reading device at a predetermined time or at predetermined time intervals and transmitted to an evaluation unit. The read data can be compared in the evaluation unit with preset data and, after evaluating the results of the comparison of the data, an appropriate change in the replaceable part or in the operation of the assembly may or may not be carried out.

Abstract: A decorative housing for an object such as calculator has a unique appearance that enhances its functionality. To reduce the desk area of the calculator when not in use, the calculator shrinks in size when in the closed position. The decorative housing opens in an automatic smooth slow motion kinetic deployment when ready to use. It includes a whimsical design with kinetic features that can amuse the user.

Abstract: A number frequency counter for games such as bingo, keno, and lotto, which comprises a housing, a display, numerical calculator electrical operation circuit with a memory add circuit and storage registers, a plurality of number buttons that correspond to game numbers, a plurality of display lights corresponding to the number buttons, storage buttons, recall buttons, and buttons for clearing a storage register, a game of number buttons pushed, or an individual number button that was pushed. When a number button is pushed a value of one is stored in the memory add circuit and associated with that number button. Also the corresponding display light is illuminated. A series of pushed number buttons or game of pushed number buttons can be added to a storage register which adds the values associated with each number button to the previously stored values for every number button pushed. Multiple storage buttons can be included to store different games in different storage registers.

Abstract: A nomographic apparatus for providing solutions to a mathematical relationship has a panel and several scales along three axes on a surface of the panel, the scales being arranged and calibrated in a nomographic relationship so that values on a straight line intersecting the scales satisfy the mathematical relationship. Guides are adjacent two selected ones of the scales, the two selected scales being separated by at least one other scale. First and second sliders are movable along the guides and strings extend between the sliders in substantially straight lines. The first and second sliders are positionable so that the strings intersect first and second locations on the selected scales, the locations representing selected numerical values of the mathematical relationship. As a result, a third value of the mathematical relationship is readable adjacent the other of the scales.

Abstract: In a betting shop terminal, a betting slip is inserted into a slot, and pressed against a glass plate by means of a hinged plate. A CCD camera generates an electrical image of the betting slip, and stores it in a memory. A thermal printer generates a hard copy of the image of the betting slip, from the stored electrical image signal, together with additional information, to form a receipt for the customer. The additional information comprises a unique serial number, the amount of the stake, and optionally the time of the bet. This information is stored also in the memory, together with the electrical image. The bet can be fully entered at a later time, subsequent to the transaction, by a settler, using the terminal or an alternative terminal. Winning bets are automatically calculated from the entered information and race information received from a remote station. A plurality of such terminals intercommunicate to process shared data. A remote station can receive data relating to bets taken etc.

Abstract: A franking machine system is disclosed in which a master controller is provided to communicate with a postal authority resetting center and with a plurality of franking machines. The controller includes registers for storing the value of credit available for distribution to the franking machines and registers for storing data relating to usage of the individual franking machines. Credit is obtained from the resetting center by the controller and is distributed to the franking machines as required by each machine.

Abstract: A time clock housing has a back plane circuit providing parallel circuit connections between identical pins on a plurality of circuit board connectors mounted on the back plane. This permits mounting any circuit board to any connector. The time clock includes a basic configuration of components as follows: a power supply, a floppy disk controller, a central processing unit, a ROM, a RAM, a real time clock having its own battery, an input/output circuit, an interface circuit, a keypad, a card reader, a liquid crystal display and an internal printer. The time clock optionally includes components as follows: a backup battery, a hard disk controller and hard disk, a video display circuit, a modem and a local area network circuit. Connectors may also be provided for connecting other devices to the time clock to enter data or receive data.

Abstract: A card issuance apparatus has an input for inputting data required for issuing a card, a memory for storing the data, a recording device for recording the data in a recording section on the card, a cancellation key, and a cancellation device responsive to operation of the cancellation key for cancelling the data stored in the memory.

Abstract: A portable card writer for a card with a magnetic stripe provided thereon comprises a chassis, a drive mounted on the chassis for moving the card to and fro, guided along the chassis, a magnetic writing head mounted on the chassis, a magnetic reading head mounted on the chassis, and a printer for writing data in the card at a portion other than the magnetic stripe.

Abstract: A data collection system, for gathering data from remotely located machines such as automatic vending machines, includes a data delivery section in each of the machines adapted for converting the data to be gathered into a signal resembling the light reflected by a bar code when the bar code is optically scanned. The system also includes a portable bar code reader for converting the light signal into an electric signal.

Abstract: In commercial transactions, settlement is conventionally made by cash or by checks drawn from a current account in a bank. Users of such checking system enjoy the convenience. In the conventional process of check negotiation, however, such system involves a vast amount of complicated procedures including several steps of mechanical processing as well as manual handling. There is also a risk of illicit use if the check book is lost or stolen unless the loss or theft thereof is reported to the bank immediately. Collation of the settled checks returned to the drawer with the record of drawing further complicates the process. This invention method enables to process a drawn check card, and identify a settled check card with an automatic and yet simple operation, thus improving the check card negotiation system.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an improved card reader for a security system utilizing a central controller and a plurality of card readers for controlling traffic through critical doors in a facility. The improved reader includes means for improving the system throughput by buffer storing large numbers of transactions all occurring within a short time for time clock functions in time and attendance applications for hourly employees. Also disclosed are means for conditioned emergency responses to sensed changes in status of alarm contacts coupled to the reader and located in the vicinity of the reader within 2 miles. There is also disclosed means for temporarily storing transaction information for transactions made during periods when communications with the controller are lost. During such degraded mode operation, access is granted to cardholders with the proper system code and their ID code and the time of the transaction are stored in a buffer.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an improved card reader for a security system utilizing a central controller and a plurality of card readers for controlling traffic through critical doors in a facility. The improved reader includes means for improving the system throughput by buffer storing large numbers of transactions all occurring within a short time for time clock functions in time and attendance applications for hourly employees. Also disclosed are means for conditioned emergency responses to sensed changes in status of alarm contacts coupled to the reader and located in the vicinity of the reader within 2 miles. There is also disclosed means for temporarily storing transaction information for transactions made during periods when communications with the controller are lost. During such degraded mode operation, access is granted to cardholders with the proper system code and their ID code and the time of the transaction are stored in a buffer.

Abstract: An electronic cash register can operate in a read out mode wherein the transaction data stored in the electronic cash register is read out for administration checking purposes. A programming system is provided for programming printout format in the read out mode in a desired fashion. Since the read out printout is conducted in accordance with the programmed format, only desired transaction data is printed out in the read out mode by desirably programming the printout format.

Abstract: The present invention is an interactive video training system with bar code access for use in combination with a videodisc on which training material is stored and a workbook having a printed index of the training material. A unique bar code is associated with each unique item in the printed index. The training system includes a bar code reading device for reading each unique bar code and a videodisc player for playing the training material which is stored on the videodisc. The videodisc player has a first microprocessor for receiving mode inputs and address inputs and a driving mechanism for rotatively driving the videodisc. The training system also includes a second microprocessor which is electrically coupled to the bar code reading device. The second microprocessor receives an input signal from the bar code reading device and processes the input signal in order to generate a set of output signals, which are the mode inputs and the address inputs.

Abstract: A hand-held bar-code reader (bar-code wand) which forms part of an optical reading device and is capable of being led by hand over the bar code, comprises a storage circuit for storing the data pulse train corresponding to the scanning signals, and a photo- or sound-transmitter by which the stored data pulse train is transmitted to a separate equipment, such as a video tape recorder or radio receiver provided with a photo- or sound-receiver and an evaluating circuit. In another example of embodiment, the equipment comprising the evaluating circuit, contains a reader compartment provided with a connector member for connection to the reader which, following the scanning and storing of one or more words of the character code, is returned to its compartment and is automatically read out via the connector contacts.

Abstract: A communication link for transferring information from a data terminal with connected light pen (3), which includes a light diode (4) and a phototransistor (5) or corresponding means, to a greater computer unit.According to the invention, the communication link (1) includes an information transferring device, which according to a first embodiment comprises a phototransistor (11). The light pen (3) is arranged so as by means of its light diode (4) to emit light corresponding to information stored in the data terminal (10), which information is converted via the phototransistor (11) to electric signals and transferred to the greater computer unit.According to a second embodiment, the information transferring device also includes a light diode (16), which is arranged so as to emit light pulses corresponding to instructions to the data terminal (10) arriving from a greater computer unit.

Abstract: An instruction set for solving a specific mathematical problem includes a column of sheet material for manual entry of data in appropriate horizontal spaces as designated by the instruction set. The spaces include color indicia corresponding to color indicia appearing on function keys of an electronic calculator. A carrier is provided to receive the sheet material column with the carrier being slidably received within the calculator. The calculator includes an aperture which successively exposes each horizontal space when the carrier is moved relative to the calculator housing. To solve the problem, the user enters the numerals appearing in the space exposed by the aperture by depressing appropriate calculator numeral keys and then depresses the calculator function key corresponding to the color appearing within the aperture. In some instances, the numerical data appearing in selected spaces may be preprinted. In an alternate embodiment, a bracket removably attaches to the calculator housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with merchandise bearing an optically readable code, including a portable wand reader which transmits a coded infrared signal to a stationary receiving/transmitting unit coupled to a data processor, which in turn emits a signal for transmission back to the wand so that it can be checked against the original signal in order to detect communication errors. A number of physically separated receiving/transmitting units may be coupled to the data processor in order to permit the wand to be used within a large region or in order to permit a number of wands to be used simultaneously.A keyboard may be coupled to the wand for use with non-coded data, as when the price marked on the merchandise is verified.

Abstract: A game-calculator having a single housing for a handheld calculator and an electronic game each sharing the same display, with a sliding mask to alternatively cover in a first or second position either the calculator keyboard input keys, or both the game input keys and that portion of the display panel not used to display the calculator functions, with the slide also serving to position a switch which is coupled to the programmed data processor, responsive to movement of the slide from the first position to the second position, or vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for thermally erasing or changing machine readable optical markings previously entered on a carrier of thermoplastic material which has two major sides, and wherein the optical markings cause a predetermined modification of any light rays impinging on the optical markings by either diffraction or refraction, include a erasing device adapted to be located on one major side of the carrier, for erasing or changing the markings, a reading device, operative during operation of the erasure device, and including at least two light sensors adapted to be located on the other major side of the carrier, so as to check the erasure or change of the markings effected by the erasing device. The light sensors provide output signals of respective opposite polarities following erasure or change of any one of the markings.

Abstract: To reduce the number of different software packages required for document controlled systems of the type used in automated fueling systems, automated bank teller systems, and the like, a "format" character is encoded in a preestablished location on the card used to activate the system. Typically, the system activation cards include an identity section having a maximum number of characters in it which may be utilized to perform the identity function. Different system users, however, frequently divide this identity section into different formats of groups of characters separated by "space" characters. Insertion of space characters into the encoded indentification field on the card, however, uses valuable space which otherwise may be required for the full identification functions in the system. By employing a separate format identity character, a wide variety of formats may be possible while using all of the characters possible in the identity field for their chosen function.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with presequencing machine-readable time card identifications in the printing of decks of time cards, automatically using the time-recording clock to fill in corresponding human-readable identification, and with a correspondence map memory between machine-and-human readable identifications, enabling repetitive assignment of the machine-readable identification of subsequent decks of time cards to provide complete use of the decks by changing such assignment correspondence.

Abstract: The apparatus is controlled by a credit card following customer identification, and comprises a series of peripheral units operable by a central unit 10 in accordance with a determined program. The apparatus is normally supplied by mains voltage, and comprises a relay device 34 sensitive to voltage drop in order to connect the apparatus to an electric battery 36. A counter 48 arranged to decode the stage of the program under execution induces an emergency cycle controlled by a timer 44, of which the times coinciding with said stage selectively operate the peripheral units, in order to perform the essential functions for closing the interrupted transaction in a defined manner which is intelligible to the central unit.

Abstract: A data recorder for use in processing cards and the like comprises a housing which has mounted therein electronic control system incorporating both firmware and software programs. A thermal printer and optical reading device are mounted in the housing for printing information onto the card and reading information on the card respectively. The data recorder may be used as a clocking-on device and special cards provided for changing at least one of the software programs of the electronic control system.

Abstract: A single cash deposite may be used for multiple race/multiple day wagering. As a receipt for the deposit, a ticket, having a form upon which a proposed wager may be entered, is issued with a system-generated transaction identification code. The code corresponds to a memory location wherein information concerning credit balance and any outstanding wager is recorded for the transaction. To place a bet, the ticket form is filled in with proposed wager information. The ticket is then inserted into a terminal and read. The memory location corresponding to the code is accessed and any outstanding wager information contained therein is compared to the race results. If same coincide, indicating a winner, the value of the outstanding wager is calculated and added to the stored credit balance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading an identifying label on an information record where the label consists of alternating regions of the record surface having different surface effects. The apparatus comprises a light source, collimating optics, focusing optics to focus a portion of the light beam scattered from the record surface on a multi-element light detector whose elements are successively read out to form a serial electrical signal representative of the label, and electrical means for reading out the detected light signal. The apparatus has sufficient sensitivity and accuracy to read out a black-on-black label.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with time-clock recording and computation that, through a novel clock track card and separate clock track and data channel optical reading, in cooperation with microprocessor calculation, storage and control, enables automating employee time and attendance and similar data in a format directly recordable on the card and also directly useable by payroll or other processing computers and the like.

Abstract: A waiter/table control module adapted for data input to an ECR which identifies the waiter operating the cash register by means of a key like device which cooperates with an electronic device to generate a binary expression representing the waiter to whom the key is assigned and further identifies the tables against which the sale is to be recorded by means of a keyboard matrix having a key for each table and a light within the key.

Abstract: A metering device, such as a postage meter, can be updated by a code bearing means which is provided with a first discernible code and a second obscured code, for instance, magnetic code. A computer stores a third code in association with the first code, however, the third code is correlated with the second code. Upon inserting the code bearing means in the metering device and obtaining the third code from the computer, the metering device is conditioned for updating responsive to said second code from the code bearing means and the third code from the computer being in predetermined correlation.

Abstract: Lockers of various designs, like those installed in railroad stations as self-service lockers for temporary storage of hand luggage are equipped with electromechanical remote control devices to permit opening or closing of the locker doors. The devices are connected to a central control unit. Coin testing devices and devices for measuring storage time are provided solely at a central location in the control unit for all of the lockers. A key card is issued as a receipt for the assigned and occupied locker, the card having a magnetic strip in which the number of this assigned locker and test data information are stored. Each time a locker is reassigned, the test data information on the newly issued key card assigned to this locker for the most recent use is modified in such manner that it no longer corresponds to any test data information issued earlier.

Abstract: A merchandise sales control system having a plurality of memory cassettes each provided with a memory for storing unit-price setting data or sales data, wherein a unit-price writing device presets commodity unit prices in the memory cassettes which are thereafter set in a plurality of electronic cash registers respectively and thereby the commodity unit prices are automatically read out according to the commodity code and wherein the memory cassettes are set in a totalling device to obtain gross sales total and the like.

Abstract: A sequence control system comprising a transparent program sheet bearing a series of write clock marks and a plurality of data lines and arranged in the longitudinal direction of the sheet; a sheet reader having photo-electric switching means. The program sheet is inserted into the sequence controller from one side until it reaches a positioning index, then the sequence controller being ready for write cycle. While the sheet is pulling out from the other side, the write clock marks generate write clock pulses and then the data will be sequentially written into a memory in synchroniztion with the write clock. After the program sheet has been extracted, a read ready state is automatically established. To read the data, cycle time is determined and a start switch is turned on, then the data being delivered from outputs of the memory in synchronization with the read clock pulse.

Abstract: Secured computerized credit cards of the ferromagnetic storage variety, and a computer system that makes use of such cards at more than one location. The card comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic elements, within a continuous ferromagnetic medium, capable of storing binary indicia, sandwiched between thin sheets of plastic or other non-magnetic material. The magnetic elements are tangentially polarized, and locked-in by virtue of two contiguous sheets having different coercivities. Security is provided by programming the information stored on the card in a variety of ways under the exclusive control of the card owner.

Abstract: An electronic order pricing system including a data card having a plurality of item lines, each representing an orderable item with certain of the lines bearing indicia representing a quantity of items ordered by a customer, apparatus for reading the data card line by line and providing outputs representing the data thereon, circuits for calculating the quantity of each item ordered, a programmable price select matrix storing price data for each orderable item, circuits for using the stored price data and the item quantities calculated to calculate a total price for the items ordered, a sales tax based on the total price and a total order price, and circuits for effecting printout of the calculated price data on the data card.

Abstract: A system which processes menus on which food items have been selected. The menu is encoded to have a plurality of detecting paths, with a first transverse row of preassigned markings in selected areas of the paths. Additionally, there are provided uniform indicated spaces arranged in a subsequent transverse row on the menu. Each indicating space is associated with a respective food item. The user selectively places marks in the indicating spaces indicating desired food items. The system detects the preassigned markings in the first row and in response thereto initializes circuitry to register information identifying the menu, specifically the menu diet and meal. The system then detects the additional markings placed in the indicating spaces, and a recording circuit responds to these additional markings to record a count for each food item selected for that particular identified menu diet. The system then tallies the total count for each food item of all of the different types of menus.

Abstract: In an apparatus for accurately counting a stack of documents and especially legal tender (i.e., paper money), tests for authenticity are performed simultaneously with the counting operation and without in any way impeding the type of counting operation being performed. At the same time that the counting operation is being performed, at speeds of the order of 1250 bills per minute, each bill or note currency is tested for certain properties of genuineness, including fluorescence and magnetic characteristics. Notes which fail to satisfy the tests are categorized as suspect notes and automatically stop the machine and thereby temporarily halt the counting operation. The suspect note is isolated as the top-most document in the outfeed stacker greatly facilitating the handling and removal of the suspect bill for further examination.

Abstract: An automated banking system, which comprises at least one remote transaction and cash dispensing unit interconnected with a central unit via a communication network is disclosed. Each remote unit is operable following a single customer card insertion, in either a first mode or a second mode, to process one or more transactions, including cash withdrawal, fund transfer and payment and deposit transactions. The central unit determines the mode of operation of each remote unit. In the first mode, the central unit communicates data to a remote unit following a request from the remote unit. The central unit may transmit information for updating the customer's card. The central unit communicates actual account balances which the remote unit reports to the customer. From other communicated data, which includes account descriptions, the remote unit determines which transactions a customer may perform.

Abstract: An optical reader capable of optically reading a plurality of data comprises an object to be read having different coded information placed thereon, with each information having a unique control code, scan means for producing scanning light to be projected to said object, photo-electric conversion means for converting scattered light produced by the scan to an electrical signal, means for determining said control code and information by said electrical signal and means for sorting the information by said control code for storage, whereby different information is optically read while it is sorted by the control code unique to the respective information and stored.

Abstract: Recording apparatus for "dubbing" (recording from one to the other) onto a customer's magnetic tape cartridge, selected audio and/or video recordings stored in the apparatus. The apparatus includes means for activating the apparatus, means for selecting the desired recordings, means for identifying and storing data representing the selected recordings for tabulating royalties accrued by playing the selected recordings, and magnetic tape cartridge receptacle, transport and recording means for the customer's cartridge. The record selection and recording means may be located directly on the record storage and playback machine or at a remote recording station.