Abstract: A method and apparatus for fan folding a continuous web of paper having transverse fan fold lines in fan folds having a preselected fan fold length when the continuous paper is moved along a feed line from an upstream area to a folding area. A controller energizes a drive motor to oscillate a discharge chute through a predetermined arc and at a predetermined rate to permit the continuous web of paper to be fan folded as the paper is moved through the discharge chute at the folding area.

Abstract: A synchronized timing controller has an access controller for controlling a central processing unit and a display controller of a display device to alternately access a refresh memory in a character display system. The timing controller has a clock synchronizer for recovering synchronization of both the clock for the central processing unit and the clock for the display controller automatically when a synchronizing error occurs between the clocks. When an error occurs, the clock synchronizer detects the error and inhibits the display controller from accessing the refresh memory but allows the central processing unit to access the memory by controlling the access controller during the time for recovering synchronization.

Abstract: A method for locating the start of a MICR character in E13B font so as to facilitate character recognition. A Calculated Character Start Position (CCSP) is generated by using a predetermined number of voltage samples corresponding to a portion of MICR waveform generated by reading a MICR character on a document. The CCSP is generated by averaging the predetermined number of voltage samples within the window which tends to minimize the harmful effects of noise. Noise from magnetic ink spatter is sometimes wrongly interpreted as the start of a character. A process of "jiggling" is used to assist character recognition techniques by utilizing different character start positions to determine whether or not a template match in character recognition techniques occurs when the new or different character start position is used.

Abstract: A method for searching the magnetic stripe on a credit card to determine the indispensably read out track comprising the steps of reading a card number from any one of the several tracks, determining if the credit card has an indispensably read out track already decided by the issuer of the card, reading out a track number for indispensable data from memory if such read out track has been decided, reading out indispensable data from the read out track using the track number, reading out a track searching mode on a priority basis from memory if such read out track has not been decided, reading out a first priority track which is known by the mode for the credit card, determining the read out data as being indispensable if no reading error occurs, and sending the indispensable data to a host computer for business transactions. The method is accomplished by apparatus for reading data from the tracks, for identifying the indispensably read track, and for performing the business transactions.

Abstract: A scanning device having a laser, a motor for driving a mirror arrangement for moving the beam of the laser, and a microprocessor for control purposes is provided with a system for measuring and correcting fault conditions to meet laser safety requirements. Detection devices are provided for determining whether the laser is on or off, and whether the motor is running at or above a predetermined speed. If the laser is stuck in an on condition, then the motor is left running and an error is signalled. If the motor will not operate at or above the minimum speed, the laser is maintained in an off condition and an error is signalled.

Abstract: A document transport module for moving a document along a bidirectional feed line from an upstream area to a downstream area in, for example, an automated teller machine. The document transport module comprises first and second generally planar supports, with the first generally planar support having a first cooperating member and a second cooperating member located thereon. The first and second cooperating members each have ends which have ramp portions secured thereto. In addition, the first and second cooperating members each have an arcuately shaped recess therein which faces a second support. A document can be moved between the first and second supports and guided into the arcuately shaped recessed portions of the first and second cooperating members by the ramp portions. The ramp portions guide the document between the arcuately shaped recessed portions and a drive roller mounted in the second support.

Abstract: The aligner mechanism comprises first and second control sleeves keyed to end portions of a shaft. First and second levers are pivotally mounted on the shaft adjacent to the first and second control sleeves for movement between first and second positions. A pinch roller is rotatably mounted on the levers opposite a drive roller. The aligner mechanism also includes an aligner bar having a first leg portion and a second leg portion secured to the first and second control sleeves respectively, and an engaging portion joining the first and second leg portions. The first lever has a projection cooperating with a control member on the first control sleeve and the second lever has a projection cooperating with a control member on the second control sleeve so as to provide lost motion coupling to pivotally move the first and second levers from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: An overhead bar code scanning system is supported by a checkout counter and includes an overhanging portion to which is secured a plurality of scanning units orientated towards the counter to scan a coded label on a merchandise item moved under the scanning units. Mounted in the overhanging portion are a pair of display members, a pair of keyboard members, a printer and a magnetic stripe reader for use by the operator and the customer to process the purchased merchandise items.

Abstract: Power failure protection for data processing apparatus is provided by the use of a standby power module which supplies power to the data processing apparatus when the normal supply is interrupted. Since damage to the data processing apparatus may result in the event of a sudden power failure, power failure protection software controls the data processing apparatus to cause periodic sampling of the state of the standby power module. During the time that the standby power module is operating, a timer in the data processing apparatus operates to measure the total time that said standby power module has operated since its last recharge. When said total time exceeds a predetermined amount which is based upon the minimum time during which the standby power module can supply power to the data processing apparatus, the power failure protection software initiates an orderly power shutdown of the data processing apparatus, in order to avoid a sudden power loss which might result in damage.

Abstract: A method of producing a printer so as to effect a low profile for sit/stand operations and to facilitate the removal of a jammed document from a print station in the printer. The printer is formed of a bottom portion and a top portion which are hinged together to enable these portions to be moved from an operative or assembled position and an open position which exposes the print station to facilitate the removal of a jammed document. The bottom portion has an overall height which is small relative to the overall height of the top portion so as to make the printer conducive to sit/stand operations. Latches are used to detachably latch the bottom and the top portions in the assembled and open positions mentioned.

Abstract: A dot matrix printer has two print head carriages, supported in parallel, and two print heads for printing a receipt and a journal in a tandem printing station arrangement. A drive cam with a rail on the periphery thereof is coupled to both carriages to drive the carriages in opposite directions upon rotation of the drive cam. The movement of one carriage acts as a balance to movement of the other carriage and thereby eliminates or substantially reduces vibration during printing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in reading magnetic waveforms, like E13B, which are printed on a carrier like financial documents or checks. The waveforms include positive and negative peak values and substantially zero values occurring at predetermined times for a predetermined character. A shaft encoder is used to develop a nominal count which is correlated to the velocity of the carrier. Teh nominal count is used to generate a timing clock which is used to clock the positive and negative peak values and substantially zero values into registers for subsequent character recognition. The occurrence of the timing clock is adjusted by utilizing the occurrence of a positive or negative peak itself.

Abstract: A method is provided to prevent continued unauthorized use of protected software and to maintain control of sites where software is installed. The method allows unauthorized copies of the protected software to be installed and to operate for a limited time. However, if the user does not register the software within a prescribed period of time, the protected software will be disabled. Prior to disabling, the software will operate for a period of time during which messages are provided to the user, warning that the software should be registered. Both a counter for counting the number of times that the protected software is used, and a timer for measuring the elapsed time since installation of the software, are used in determining how long the protected software will be permitted to operate before either registration or disabling.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a plurality of purchased goods entry terminals having a scanning section, a display section, a printing section and a passcard issuing section for issuing a passcard that includes customer identification and an amount of money, a pluralilty of money receiving terminals separated from the entry terminals and having a passcard read/write section, a money receiving section, a printer, and a displaying section, the read/write section recording the reception of money for goods, an exit gate control unit having a passcard checker for checking the payment of money and an exit gate controller to allow customers to pass through the exit gate, and a control and processing unit (CPU) coupled to the entry terminals, the money receiving terminals and the exit gate control unit to assure correct payment of money for the purchased goods.

Abstract: A currency cassette (10) has a printed circuit board (80) secured to one of its side walls, the board (80) having mounted thereon a microprocessor, a RAM, a real time clock chip, and battery means for supplying power for the board (80). First (208) and second switches are respectively operatively associated with the lid (14) of the cassette (10) and with a shutter which, when opened, permits currency notes to be extracted in operation from the cassette (10). Opening of the lid (14) or the shutter causes the appropriate switch to be actuated. Each switch is connected to the printed circuit board (80), and the microprocessor is arranged, in response to actuation of either of the switches, to store in the RAM data indicating which switch was actuated and the date and time of day when the relevant switch was actuated. The switches and printed circuit board (80) provide an effective tamper indicating system for the cassette (10).

Abstract: A heat sensitive copy system uses a magnetic thermal transfer ribbon to transfer images onto an adjacent medium and near infra-red energy is used to transfer the images from the medium onto thermal paper or onto translucent paper for producing multiple copies in a manner which is not thickness sensitive.