Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a receipt transport and retracting apparatus (26). The machine includes a printer (30) which delivers a sheet (108) which is a transaction receipt for a transaction conducted at the machine. The sheet is transported in engaged relation with the lower flights of two transversely disposed belts (50, 52). A gate member (76) is positioned adjacent to the printer and is rotatably mounted. The gate member includes slots (78) which extend transversely between the arcuate outside surface (86) and inside surface (88) of the gate member. In the first position of the gate member the belt flights extend through the slots. Engagement of a sheet moving in an outward direction from the printer toward an outlet (118) moves the gate member to a second rotational position in which the sheet passes the gate member. The sheet moves in the outward direction until it reaches the outlet and extends through an opening (24) where it is accessible to a user.

Abstract: The present invention is a card transport mechanism for transporting cards along a transport path and method of operation thereof.

Abstract: A scanning system for scanning bar codes attached to wafer cassettes received in a chamber of a wafer processing tool. The system includes a scanner positioned external to the chamber for reading the bar codes and generating signals indicative thereof. Light generated by the scanner passes through an opening in the chamber wall and reflects off one or more reflective or refractive members positioned internal to the chamber, to illuminate the bar code attached to a wafer cassette contained in the chamber. Light reflected from the bar code likewise is bent by the reflective or refractive members and passes through the wall opening where it is sensed by the scanner. The reflective or refractive members are positioned so that the scanner can read bar codes which are not within the line of sight of the scanner through the wall opening.

Abstract: A magnetic data processing device for a bankbook having a magnetic stripe. A magnetic head is arranged for reading and writing magnetic data when the bankbook is in a magnetic data processing position. Three rows of drive and pinch rollers are arranged to convey the bankbook. The central row is arranged near the magnetic head, and the pinch rollers of the outside rows a removable for regulating the pinching pressure between the respective drive and pinch rollers. The pinching pressure is reduced when the bankbook is substantially within the magnetic data processing position. Also, the magnetic head is movable between a normally retracted position and an operative position when the bankbook is substantially within the magnetic data processing position. Also, a dummy head is provided.

Abstract: An EPL having a two-dimensional (2-D) bar code reader which reads a two-dimensional bar code label on a back side of an overlay. The two-dimensional bar code label is situated adjacent the two-dimensional bar code reader when the overlay is installed. The two-dimensional bar code label may contain data for the item associated with the electronic price label or programming instructions for controlling the electronic price label. The two-dimensional bar code reader is activated by a switch only when necessary to read a new two-dimensional bar code label. The switch may be activated manually or remotely by a computer coupled to the electronic price label.

Abstract: Printing to aNd MICR code reading from a cut-sheet form imprinted with an MICR code, such as personal checks, are continuously accomplished by a single apparatus, thereby simplifying processing and reducing the required installation space. A magnetic head and a magnet for reading the MICR code are disposed on the slope of a paper path provided in a printer housing. A personal check in paper path is held by cut-sheet form loading rollers and/or transportation rollers which operate at a synchronized speed, and is passed over the magnetic head for MICR code reading. Thereafter, the personal check is held by the loading rollers and/or the transportation rollers for endorsement printing by the print head.

Abstract: A shutter mechanism (40) for a self-service transaction terminal (10) includes a shutter in the form of a hollow cylinder (42) having a slot (46). The shutter (42) is rotatable about a core member (44) from an open position wherein the slot (46) is aligned with a card entry slot (24) in the terminal (10) to a closed position wherein the slot (46) is aligned with a feed path (90) along which a card (70) may be fed to a reader/writer (94). The core member (44) is provided with a slot (78) and card feed rollers (60,62). When the card (70) is fed reversely after processing, the shutter (42) rotates from the closed to the open position where the user can withdraw the card (70). The shutter construction prevents unauthorized access to the card reader/writer (94) via the card entry slot (24) of the terminal (10).

Abstract: An improved cash box system for a bill validator (11) which includes bill inlet (16) a sensor (OS) associated with the opening, a bill transporting assembly (21) and a bill stacking assembly (30). A cash box (10) associated with the bill validator (11) receives bills (B) from the bill stacking assembly (30) when the stacker motor (M2) is activated. A processing system (100) measures the current draw of the stacker motor (M2) and compares it to a predetermined limit of the current draw to determine whether the cash box (10) is full, when a bill is placed in the bill inlet.

Abstract: A apparatus for dispensing articles such as tickets and cards includes a cabinet and a plurality of article dispensing assemblies inside the cabinet. Each article dispensing assembly includes a base and a frame for enclosing the articles to be dispensed in a stack. The bases are mounted on a pair of vertical support plates. A gate is disposed behind each frame for receiving articles from its associated frame and allowing only one article at a time to pass through. A toothed blade is disposed underneath each frame and a motor driven rack and pinion is coupled to the toothed blade for bringing the toothed blade into engagement with the lowermost article in the stack, moving said toothed blade so that the lowermost article is transported from the stack into the gate, bringing the toothed blade out of engagement with the article and then moving the toothed blade back to engage the next article in the stack. In one embodiment of the invention each frame is hingedly mounted on its base.

Abstract: An apparatus (274, 276) for reading optical code on an edge of a web of photographic film includes a housing (284) having a slot (286) through which an edge of the web may be transported; a light source (290) mounted on one side of the slot; a code reader (294) mounted on the other side of the slot; a frame (138, 140) for supporting the housing; and a mechanism (302-310) for moving the housing relative to the frame to adjust a location of the code reader relative to an edge of a web.

Abstract: A teller member for telling a paper money incomming from outside or outgoing from inside and a safe member for storing therein and/or supplying therefrom the paper money are connected to each other by a conveyor route which is composed of a money conveyor for conveying the paper money therebetween and a route member for enclosing the money conveyor and provided with a check sheet member conveyable by the money conveyor for checking the conveyor route for a jam, the check sheet member being chargeable with polarity-controlled electricities so that dust such as paper dust in the conveyor route is adorbed by the check sheet member, as it is charged with electricities of a certain polarity and conveyed by the money conveyor, before the check sheet member is unloaded from the money conveyor into an accommodation chamber, where it is charged with electricities of an opposite polarity, thereby releasing the dust to be blown into a dust collector.

Abstract: A magnetic card reading apparatus particularly for an automatic vending machine which is located in a severe environmental condition comprises a main structure and an outer structure. The main structure has a magnetic card accommodation unit adapted to accommodate a magnetic card to a predetermined position and provided with a magnetic card insertion port and a magnetic card accommodation portion communicated with the magnetic card insertion port. A magnetic head is provided for the magnetic card accommodation unit for reading out a magnetic information recorded on the magnetic card held at the predetermined position. An electronic circuit unit is provided for the magnetic card accommodation unit for processing a signal concerning the information read out by and transmitted from the magnetic head.

Abstract: A card processing device for processing data on a card comprising a processor configured to move along with the card and process data on the card as it is moving, a detection device which detects the displacement of the processor relative to the card in a manner which is directly dependent on the movement of either the card or the processor, and a converter device which converts the signal from the detection device to a reference signal for the processing of the data.

Abstract: The invention is a method of issuing or altering lottery tickets to make them less vulnerable to fraud. The method involves marking the ticket, either manually or mechanically, as void before it may be canceled by the machine. Ticket reprints would be eliminated, and the terminal would have to read a portion of the barcode and the void mark to cancel a ticket. A complete serial number could be typed in if the barcode is not able to be read by the terminal. The requirement that the actual ticket being canceled be read by the scanner in the terminal would eliminate the fraud associated with the cancellation of lottery tickets.

Abstract: An airline ticket printer includes a magnetic reading and writing station that has a read/write head for recording information on, or reproducing information from, a magnetic stripe carried on the ticket. The ticket is driven past the read/write head by a drive mechanism. The ticket printer also has a second reading/writing station in series with the first station along a ticket feed path, so that errors in reading or writing by the first station may be detected and/or corrected at the second station. Tickets are pre-staged from a ticket storage bin to a staging point to reduce print-cycle time. Ticket errors can be corrected and changes can be made by re-inserting the old ticket into the machine, reading the information that had been magnetically recorded on the old ticket and either printing a new ticket or over-printing the old ticket. If a new ticket is printed, the old ticket is deposited in a safe receptacle inside the machine.

Abstract: Upper unit and lower unit are jointed with a hinge to form a body, and a card transfer path is provided between the units, and a recording/reproducing head and an image forming head are installed separated in the units opposing to each other, for making the maintenance servicing easy. In addition, a handle and elastic clamping components are provided on one of the units, and accepting components to accept the clamping components on the other unit, in order to make the clamping of both units in closed state firm and the open/close operation easy.

Abstract: A card feeding device for feeding a rectangular card along a card feeding direction that intersects a line across the width of the card at a right angle. The card feeding device includes a guide mechanism for leading guide portions provided at side edges of the card along the card feeding direction, a drive roller for elastically contacting a first side edge of the card, and a facing roller positioned opposite to the drive roller for freely and rotatably contacting a second side edge of the card opposite the first side edge of the card contacted by the drive roller. An axis of rotation of the drive roller is displaced, in a direction opposite to the card feeding direction, from an axis of rotation of the facing roller, such that the drive roller and the facing roller hold the card and feed the card directly in the card feeding direction.

Abstract: A card reader includes a pad-roller supporting mechanism having a pad roller block for supporting a plurality of pad rollers for transporting a card inserted into a card traveling passage in cooperation with a plurality of drive rollers supported by a main-body block. The pad roller block is pivotally supported by the main-body block about pivotal shafts provided in parallel with the card traveling passage so as to be openable and capable of causing each of the pad rollers to come into contact with and move away from each of the drive rollers. A spring member is disposed on the main-body block and a pressing plate supported by the pad roller block and the spring member between an operating region and a nonoperating region of the spring member so as to be capable of being engaged with or disengaged from the pad roller block and the spring member, for imparting to the pad roller block a rotating urging force in a direction in which the pad rollers approaches the drive rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading optical code on a moving web of photographic film includes a first frame (84); a pair of parallel tracks (132, 134) supported by the fast frame; a pair of carriage members (138, 140) mounted for movement along the tracks; a pair of oppositely facing edge guides (148, 156, 158) each supported by one of the carriage members, each edge guide including a serpentine contact surface (160) with a central portion (162) for engaging an edge surface of a moving web; and a mechanism (106-120) for moving the carriage members back and forth along the tracks; and a pair of flexures (122, 124) for resiliently engaging the mechanism for moving with the carriage members, to resiliently load the edges of the web.

Abstract: An integrated card programming device for programming an integrated circuit card. The integrated circuit card programming device has a base, a card input platform, and a transport. The transport is operably connected to the base and rotatably mounted about a rotational axis. The transport includes a transport arm radially disposed about the rotational axis. A card picker carriage is mounted on the transport arm. The card picker carriage has two picker arms. One or more personalization stations for programming an integrated circuit card are radially disposed about the transport. The personalization stations can program the cards to the French or ISO standards and are rotatable 180.degree..

Abstract: An information recording medium cleaning device includes moving the recording medium and the cleaning device relative to each other and a detection device for detecting a degree of stain caused by dust, fingerprints or oil, for example, on the information recording medium. Cleaning is performed based on the degree of stain detected on the information recording medium.

Abstract: An information recording and/or reproducing apparatus for recording and/or reproducing information in or from a card information recording medium with a recording and/or reproducing head, includes a carriage on which the medium is to be mounted, a carrying device for carrying the medium onto the carriage while keeping in contact with the medium, and a moving device for moving the carriage relative to the head. The carrying device is arranged to be free contact with the medium after the medium has been carried onto the carriage. The carrying device is a semicircular rubber roller, and a surface of a flat part of the rubber roller is placed in a state opposed to a surface of the medium after the medium has been carried onto the carriage, whereby the rubber roller is freed from contact with the medium.

Abstract: A card entry gate has a slot defining several ridges extending longitudinally from the upper and lower surfaces of the slot. A data-bearing card, with an encoded strip and embossed portions, fits between the ridges of the slot when inserted lengthwise in any orientation. The ridges are positioned to avoid the encoded strip and the embossed portions, thereby preventing damage to the card and reducing jitter. The ridges further resist the malicious or accidental insertion of certain coins, odd-shaped cards, and many foreign objects.

Abstract: A low cost, compact embossed card reader for reading embossed characters on credit or debit cards and for integration into a combined magnetic character/magnetic stripe terminal. A low-profile housing forms a card path and provides a surface for mounting a removable read head. The housing includes an integrated card guide for guiding the embossed characters along a linear path adjacent the read head. The read head includes a plurality of pins mounted orthogonally to the card, and aligned so as to scan each of the embossed characters in parallel paths as the card moves relative to the read head. The pins move upwardly as they encounter an embossed character and open a normally closed switch formed by a printed circuit board and a plurality of leaf spring fingers. Improved data acquisition and decode methods for sampling the embossed character data and decoding the data to form an account number. The data acquisition method samples the embossed characters at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: A document processing system comprising a sensor array for sensing the size and position of a document; a movable magnetic scanner for scanning the document for coded information thereon; an imager for obtaining digitized image data of the document; a movable printing device for printing information on a document; a reversible document transport for conveying a document relative to the sensor array, the magnetic scanner, the imager, and the printing device; and a control unit connected to the sensor array, the magnetic scanner, the printing device and the document transport, the control unit controlling the movement of the document by the document transport between the sensor array, the magnetic scanner, the imager and the printing device, and further controlling movement of the magnetic scanner and the printer relative to the document transport.

Abstract: A magnetic medium processing apparatus includes a magnetism reading head for reading magnetic data recorded in a ticket, a peak value detector for detecting peak values of a signal output from the reading head, and a display for displaying the digital peak values detected by the peak value detector. Monitoring the state of reading by the reading head prevents unstable reading of magnetic data irrespective of whether the reading head is worn out.

Abstract: An automatic card issuance apparatus and an issuance method automatically retrieve information to be recorded onto an information recording and playback section of a card on the basis of information read from an information playback section of the card, from a data storage section, to record information retrieved and taken out onto the information recording and playback section, whereby recording of the information corresponding to information on the information playback section is made reliable, and the card is automatically issued efficiently.

Abstract: A document feeder which can be coupled to a motorized, portable optical scanner to feed documents across the scanner window of the scanner, including a housing with a support surface and an opposite offset platform surface which together form a slit through which the document is fed and including openings in the support surface for a drive and a drive set of spring-loaded rollers which are coupled together by a belt, and which extend partially below the platform surface and are adapted to cooperate with drive roller(s) of the motorized, portable optical scanner to feed documents across the scanner.

Abstract: An analysis device for reading and processing information media. The device includes a medium feeder, an optical reader, and an information processor for processing, converting, and transmitting the information as digital data. The optical reader comprises an image detector (15) of elongate shape suspended in a casing (1,2,3) and having, at its ends, mounting ribs (20) interacting with complementary inclined mounting furrows (21) provided in the corresponding end walls (2,3) of the casing, elastic members (23) interposed between the image detector (15) and the casing (1,2,3); and an entrainer for moving the information medium past the image detector (15). The entrainer includes a roll (17) and an electric motor (50) for rotating the roll (17). The roll (17) is mounted in the end walls (2,3) of the casing (1,2,3) by latches (37,38), holding the image detector (15) in the casing (1,2,3). The elastic members (23), in turn, apply the image detector (15) against the surface of the roll (17).

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a lever provided in a housing. The lever has a stop piece on its first end which is located near a card insertion slot. The lever also has contact rollers on its second end which is opposite to the first end. The lever is rotatable around an axis with respect to a card passageway. The axis extends perpendicular to the passageway between the first and second ends. The lever is urged by a tension spring so that the contact rollers can contact a card being transferred in the passageway and that the stop piece cannot block the passageway. If a card is inserted from the insertion slot into the housing and transferred along the passageway, the card abuts the contact rollers to rotate the lever. As a result, the stop piece blocks the passageway to prevent successive insertion of two cards.

Abstract: In a card reader, the transducer head is supported at one end of the guide path by a spring-loaded, pivoting arm. The spring is located adjacent the head and urges the head against the card as it passes under the head. The pivoted arm forces the head to follow a slightly arcuate path as it moves in a direction transverse to the card. With this head-support system, the guide path need only extend from approximately the pivot point of the arm to a point a short distance beyond the head and the card can be inserted laterally into the guide just behind the head. The card is read by moving the card longitudinally past the head a distance approximately equal to the length of the card so that it exits the guide just after it passes under the head.

Abstract: A multi-reader terminal including a magnetic stripe reader, an embossed character reader, and a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) check reader, in an integrated stand-alone unit. The terminal is operative for gathering credit card or check information required for customer transactions at the point of sale. The terminal provides a single card passageway for receiving a credit card having a magnetic stripe and embossed characters. The magnetic stripe reader and embossed character reader read the credit card as it travels in the passageway. The embossed character reader may be selectively retracted from the card passageway. The terminal includes a plurality of serial communications ports that allow the terminal to be connected in series between a host computer and an electronic cash register. The serial ports allow connection of a signature capture pad, a personal identification number (PIN) pad, and other serial devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for scanning a data card which comprises a thin, flexible medium having leading and trailing edges and one or more data stripes formed thereon at a prearranged location and extending transverse to said leading and trailing edges. The apparatus comprises a card guide for defining a linear card guide path and an entrance slit for accepting the data card into the guide path. A card positioning assembly is cooperatively associated with the card guide and drives the data card through the entrance slit and into the card guide. The card positioning assembly positions the card in a stationary prearranged location. A transducer positioning assembly linearly scans transducers along the data stripes on the data card.

Abstract: A low cost, compact embossed card reader for reading embossed characters on credit or debit cards and for integration into a combined magnetic character/magnetic stripe terminal. A low-profile housing defines a card path and provides a surface for mounting a removable read head. The housing includes an integrated card guide for guiding the embossed characters along a linear path adjacent the read head. The read head includes a plurality of pins mounted orthogonally to the card, and aligned so as to scan each of the embossed characters in parallel paths as the card moves relative to the read head. The pins move upwardly as they encounter an embossed character and open a normally-closed switch formed by a printed circuit board and a plurality of leaf spring fingers. The read head is operative to float relative to the surface of the card and relative to the embossing on the card.

Abstract: An information recording medium cleaning device includes moving the recording medium and the cleaning device relative to each other and a detection device for detecting a degree of stain caused by dust, fingerprints or oil, for example, on the information recording medium. Cleaning is performed based on the degree of stain detected on the information recording medium.

Abstract: A deposit processing module comprising a first transport having a first end for receiving envelopes and single document deposits and a second end from which the deposits are discharged, and a second transport operatively positioned for receiving and returning single document deposits to and from the first transport. A printing device is provided for printing deposit information on the deposits, a magnetic charge/read head is provided for charging and reading magnetic information on the single document deposits and an imager is provided for imaging one side of the single document deposits. A gate mechanism associated with the second end of the first transport is movable between a first position wherein envelopes and single document deposits may be discharged from the module and a second position wherein single document deposits may be transported between the first transport to the second transport.

Abstract: A motorized card reader/encoder mechanism of novel design utilizes a positionable card handling system to perform card reading and/or encoding operations efficiently and with minimal space requirements. In a preferred configuration, the card mechanism includes a generally rotatable guide assembly having a card path for receiving and transporting a card for read/encode operations, and optionally, a generally fixed throat assembly for directing a card to the card guide assembly. The guide assembly is rotatable between a plurality of positions including a card transfer position wherein the guide assembly is in generally adjacent alignment with the throat assembly, a card read/encode position wherein the guide assembly is in a rotated position not in substantial alignment with the throat assembly, and a card retention position wherein the guide assembly card path is oriented generally vertically in order to transfer a card to a card capture bin.

Abstract: The connector includes a support plate for the major face of the card opposite the face which carries contact zones. It defines a path for the insertion of the card in a given direction and includes an end-of-travel microswitch which is actuated by the front edge of the card when the latter reaches and exceeds a given position. A rocker is rotatable on the microswitch housing about an axis which is orthogonal to the direction of insertion of the card, parallel to the support plane on the plate and distant from the support plane. The rocker has, opposite the rotation axis, a finger for the front edge of the card and it has a projection for controlling the microswitch.

Abstract: An optical card recording/regenerating apparatus performs at least either recording or regenerating while reciprocating an optical card with respect to an optical head. At this time, the apparatus drives the optical card so that the relative speed between the optical card and optical head will be constant over a data division of the optical card and part of ID divisions in the vicinities of both edges thereof. When the relative speed becomes constant, the apparatus performs at least either recording or regenerating. The apparatus offers a smaller drive length. This realizes downsizing of an optical recording/regenerating apparatus and reduction of an access time.

Abstract: A low cost, compact embossed card reader for reading embossed characters on credit or debit cards and for integration into a combined embossed character/magnetic stripe terminal. A low-profile housing forms a card path and provides a surface for mounting a removable read head. The housing includes an integrated card guide for guiding the embossed characters along a linear path adjacent the read head. The read head includes a plurality of pins mounted orthogonally to the card, and aligned so as to scan each of the embossed characters in parallel paths as the card moves relative to the read head. The pins move upwardly as they encounter an embossed character and open a normally closed switch formed by a printed circuit board and a plurality of leaf spring fingers. Improved data acquisition and decode methods for sampling the embossed character data and decoding the data to form an account number. The data acquisition method samples the embossed characters at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: An information recording/reproducing apparatus for recording/reproducing information by holding an information recording medium on a mount table and reciprocating the mount table relative to a recording/reproducing head, includes a loading device for loading the recording medium into the mount table and a setting device for setting the position, on the mount table, of the recording medium loaded to the mount table by the loading device. The setting device sets the recording medium in association with the loading operation of the loading device.

Abstract: An information recording/reproducing apparatus comprises a housing having a movable front panned in which a card inserting slot for loading an optical card is formed, a cleaning device, provided detachable to the inside of the housing in a card conveying passage on the side of the card inserting slot, for cleaning the optical card to be conveyed, a shuttle reciprocal in the conveying passage in the housing along the conveying passage while holding the optical card, and a lock mechanism capable of locking the shuttle in the conveying passage on the card inserting slot side. The lock mechanism is controlled to lock the shuttle when the cleaning device is detached from the housing, and unlocking a lock state of the lock mechanism when the cleaning device is attached to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording and/or reproducing information on and/or from an optical card including a shuttle for carrying the optical card, an optical head for projecting a writing and/or reading light beam onto the optical card, a linear motor for moving the shuttle in a track direction at a constant speed during the recording and/or reproduction, a linear encoder for detecting a movement of the shuttle in the track direction, and an optical card driving mechanism for inserting the optical card into the shuttle when the shuttle is indexed at a predetermined card loading position. In order to insert the optical card into the shuttle in a positive and correct manner, the movement of the shuttle from the card loading position is detected by counting pulses generated by the linear encoder, and when it is detected that the shuttle is moved, the linear motor is actuated such that the shuttle is moved back into the card loading position.

Abstract: A magnetic card writing circuit is disclosed which enables the recording density of a recorded card to be selected, as desired, independently of the speed of a card conveying motor.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical information recording/reproducing apparatus for recording/reproducing information on/from an optical card having a plurality of tracks. The apparatus comprises a frame having a convey path for the optical card, an optical head for recording/reproducing information on/from the optical card, the optical head being movable in a direction perpendicular to information tracks on the optical card, an moving mechanism for moving the optical card along the convey path relative to the optical head, and a detecting mechanism for detecting the amount of movement of the optical card. The detecting mechanism has two drive rollers which are put in contact with the optical card to rotate in accordance with the movement of the optical card.

Abstract: The contacting device described is designed to contact the contacts of boards of different sizes with preferably the same contact pattern, using a chip board reader which is adapted by means of a board holder, preferably a SIM board holder, in such a way that the SIM board can be read with the chip board reader.

Abstract: Sheets carrying bar codes are first stacked with their bar codes directed downward, then are pulled one at a time from the bottom of the stack, and then the pulled sheets are gripped and impelled into an upper upstream end of a guide whose downstream end opens into an outfeed hopper. The sheets slide in free fall downward in the guide in an upstream-to-downstream travel direction along a travel path without being gripped with the sheets passing over a basically planar upstream guide plate having, relative to the travel direction, an upstream edge and a downstream edge below the upstream edge and over a basically planar downstream glide plate having an upstream edge joined to the downstream edge of the upstream plate and a downstream edge below the upstream edge of the downstream plate. The downstream plate lies in a plane forming with the upstream plate an angle of slightly less than 180.degree. while forming with the horizontal an angle of between 17.degree. and 30.degree.

Abstract: A shuttle for loading thereon an optical card having upper and lower surfaces and right and left edges and for moving the card relative to a head to read/write information from/on the card, comprises a base, a reference end face connected to the base and abutting against the right edge of the card to guide the card, card stop members attached to the base and abutting against upper surface of the card to guide the card, a push plate attached to the base to be movable relative to the base, and abutting against the lower surface of the card to support the card with the card being interposed between the push plate and the card stop members, a mechanism for pressing the card against the card stop members by abutting against left edge of the card, and mechanism for releasing the card from pressure of the pressing mechanism when the push plate moves with respect to the base.

Abstract: A bar code reader has a sensor unit to be mounted on an operator's finger and a decoder unit to be mounted on an operator's wrist, the sensor and decoder units being electrically connected by a cable. The sensor unit has a light-emitting device for emitting light toward a bar code to be read, a graded-index rod lens array for focusing an entire linear optical image of the bar code at one time in substantially the same size as the bar code, and a line image sensor such as a CCD for photoelectrically converting the entire linear optical image focused by the optical means into an electric signal. The decoder unit decodes the electric signal from the line image sensor. The light-emitting device, the rod lens array, and the line image sensor are housed in a hollow casing. A movable tubular member is movably disposed in the hollow casing and has an end wall for abutment against the bar code.

Abstract: An information recording/reproducing apparatus is provided with a shutter mechanism for closing and opening an insertion slot formed on a wall of a housing to insert/eject an information recording medium into/from the housing. The shutter mechanism includes a first member which is movable in a first direction perpendicular to a second direction in which the information recording medium is inserted into the slot of the housing, the first member being movable between a slot open and a slot closed position. A second member is fixed on the housing and is selectively either contacting the first member in the slot closed position or being spaced away from the first member in the slot open position. A slanted surface, which is slanted or inclined with respect to the first and the second directions, is formed on the first member such that the first and second members contact each other on the slanted surface when the first member is in the slot closed position.