Abstract: A head demagnetizing device has an overall configuration similar to a standard cassette. Within the case is a demagnetizing electromagnet disposed such that it will be juxtaposed to the head to be demagnetized when the cassette-type device is inserted within a tape recorder. Also included in the case are an electrical system for exciting the electromagnet, a switch for connecting the electromagnet to the circuit for exciting the electromagnet, and an operating member that slides with respect to the electromagnet to activate the switch.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for monitoring and accumulating data indicative of viewer authorized pay per view TV programs at each of a plurality of remote terminals, wherein each remote terminal is coupled illustratively by non-dedicated telephone lines to a host computer at a central station. The remote terminal includes viewer actuable means for authorizing the viewing of a pay per TV program, a memory, means responsive to the authorizing of a program for storing data indicative of the authorized program into the memory, and means responsive to the authorizing of the pay per view TV program for transmitting over the telephone lines to the host computer a report message including the program data. Security features are adopted for the remote terminal of this invention to prevent the viewer interference with the monitoring and/or reporting of the report message to the host computer as by removing energization from the remote terminal and/or disconnecting the telephone lines from the remote terminal.

Abstract: A data cassette storage and retrieval device is provided having a gripper which moves linearly on the carrier of a cassette transporter to and from a storage crypt. The gripper carries a pair of pins having hooked ends which rotate into and out of engagement with the flange of a disc cassette. The gripper is operated by a mechanism which includes a chain which is driven around a pair of sprockets. The chain carries a drive pin which is linked to the gripper by way of an actuator plate which slides on the gripper only perpendicular to the path of the gripper. The actuator plate has a cam slot which rotates the pins by driving cam followers on the pins as the drive pin moves on the chain around a sprocket. Control switches and motors on the carrier are connected to the drive controls by a printed circuit board through a hollow shaft on which the carrier rotates on a movable elevator carriage of the transporter.

Abstract: A machine-retrievable card and associated card retrieval apparatus and method therefor is disclosed in which the card is provided with a code-notched sorting edge located between the leading and trailing card edges which has (a) a predetermined configuration of complementary and primary digit code teeth which are retained and removed, respectively, to encode the card with a particular digit, and (b) an acquisition tooth at the leading edge and associated acquisition slot, and (c) a return tooth displaced inwardly of the trailing edge by an associated notch. The card retrieval apparatus includes complementary and primary code blades which selectively engage associated complementary and primary code slots of the card, respectively, as well as an acquisition blade and a return blade which cooperate with the acquisition and return teeth, respectively.