Abstract: A device for reading magnetic information from documents hand-fed to the device is described herein. Such a device may be configured as a hand-fed check reader for reading MICR information from a check. The check reader includes a housing having a configuration designed to allow a human operator to efficiently hand-feed checks to the reader. In particular this configuration includes a check support surface and associated rail which assists the operator in guiding the check to a read head located adjacent to the surface. The read head is coupled to circuitry for generating signals representative of MICR information, and may be supported by a circuit board which also supports the circuitry. The reader also includes a drive mechanism having a drive wheel for forcing the check against the head while the check is driven along the head during reading.

Abstract: A write head magnetizes magnetic-ink characters for a MICR system. A magnetic assembly defines a first pole in a first location and an opposite pole in a second location. A first pole piece and a second pole piece, spaced by a gap therebetween, are provided, the first pole piece disposed adjacent the first location and adapted to conduct a magnetic field from the first pole to the gap. A selectably positionable member is disposed between the second location and the second pole piece, the positionable member being adapted to affect a magnetic field from the second location through the second pole piece to the gap, thereby facilitating selectable alteration of a magnetic field profile across the gap.