Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for enabling a checkout system to repeat the price of a previously processed purchased merchandise item which includes mounting a pair of photodetector members in a pair of apertures located in the checkout counter which is exposed to ambient light and enabling the photodetector members to generate a pair of control signals in response to positioning a finger of the checkout operator over one of the apertures and alternately covering and uncovering the second aperture with a second finger of the checkout operator.

Abstract: A multidisk containing magazine according to the present invention comprises: a housing including an upper half portion and a lower half portion, both portions being separable from each other, and a plurality of plate-like trays being arrayed within the housing and ejectable from and retractable into the housing along the main surfaces of the trays, the trays respectively carrying data recording disks on the main surfaces.

Abstract: An optical data medium is disclosed from which information recorded to the surface is reproduced by focusing a laser thereon and reading the light reflected from the data surface. The medium includes a first transparent layer having a top data surface for carrying data, and a second transparent layer having a bottom data surface for carrying data. A semi-transparent layer is inserted between the first and second transparent layers. When the laser is focused on the top data surface, the data carried therein is reproduced, and when the laser is focused on the bottom data surface, the data carried therein is reproduced.

Abstract: A portable Personal Identification Card allows a cardholder to enter a PIN code into his card at a location remote from an authorization terminal. In an alternate embodiment, a PIN code may be enterd at the authorization terminal. The authorization terminal reads the cardholder's account number from the PIN card. The account number is transmitted to a central computer which uses this number to index into memory to find a personal identification number and encryption parameters. The centerl computer transmits a pseudo-random number to the PIN Card. Both the PIN Card and the central computer perform an encryption of a function of the corresponding personal indentification number and pseudo-random number to derive a CGIPIN (Computer Generated Image of the PIN). If the CGIPIN transmitted from the PIN card matches the CGIPIN of the central computer, access is authorized.

Abstract: A technique for storing and retrieving information-containing discs using two independently operated disc transferring carriages is disclosed herein. The two carraiges are used to transfer discs between storage compartments forming part of an overall disc and drive library and one or more disc drives disposed within their own drive compartments also forming part of the disc and drive library. In one specific embodiment, the two carriages are moved vertically and horizontally on separate tracks between two confronting library arrangements.

Abstract: An identification code sheet for representing codes for merchandise, or the like and a method for reading the identification code sheet. The identification code sheet for identification of merchandise or the like, according to the invention, comprises a representation area defined by both a X-axis and a Y-axis intersecting mutually either orthgonally a skewedly and sub-area of identification code printed in said representation area. According to the invention, said representation area is divided into sixteen or more sub-areas, in each of which an identificiation code of signal codes of binary type is recorded. In this manner, more information may be stored compared to conventional techniques and more particularly more Kana-Kanzi, Arabic and Chinese letters etc. as well as numerical characters, symbols, and alphabets may be represented and easily read.

Abstract: An optical disk structure for an erasable optical disk for use with an erasable optical disk drive using electron trapping optical memory media is disclosed in which several distinct layers in additon to the electron trapping optical memory media are utilized in order to minimize light scatter between adjacent tracks on the disk and to carry permanent format and guidance information for use in accomplishing the write, read and focusing and tracking functions of the erasable opticl disk drive with which the disk structures are utilized. The use of absorbing layers as part of the optical disk structure for attenuating reflections of light within the disk structure and eliminating the spreading of marks is also disclosed.

Abstract: A correction strip assembly attachable to a check or similar document for providing an auxiliary encodable band for receiving encoded indicia to replace or supplement the encoded indicia on the check. The correction strip assembly is attached at the front of the check by way of a thin, tearable heat activatable adhesive bearing strip which width is maintained to avoid extension into either the encoded data field on the check or the encoding zone on the auxiliary band. A weakening device is provided to facilitate the removal of the band after processing.

Abstract: A lightweight hand-held scanning device for repetitively scanning a laser light source having a laser light generating means and at least one high speed scanning motor controlled by a motor drive circuit which adjusts the amplitude and presets the frequency of oscillation of a high speed scanning motor. The frequency and amplitude regulation is accomplished by using an open loop control system that supplies two opposing stator windings of the scanning motor with a pair of periodic triangular current waveforms that are 180 degrees out of phase for energizing an de-energizing the stator coils respectively. The energizing and de-energizing of the opposing stator coils causes variations in the magnetic strength of these coils, thereby causing the rotor to alternately align itself with the energizing stator coil which results in a smooth oscillating motion of the motor shaft.

Abstract: A scanner can read machine-readable code on an object. A scanner has a scanning device, a data device, and a registration device. The scanning device can repetitively scan the code and provide a scan signal repetitively corresponding to at least fragments of the code. The data device is coupled to the scanning device and responds to its scan signal for repetitively storing it. The registration device is coupled to the data device for reconstructing the code from at least two of the fragments of the code by relatively shifting the code fragments until they are in registration.

Abstract: An optical disk cartridge handling apparatus for storing, handling, reading and writing of optical disks contained in cartridges which store data for a host computer. The apparatus comprises an import/export element for loading and unloading cartridges into the apparatus. A cartridge store or library with slots therein stores the cartridges. The topmost slot initially receives the cartridges from the import/export element. A flipper mechanism is adapted to receive one of the cartridges from either the cartridge store or an optical disk drive. The flipper mechanism is adapted to invert or flip the cartridge and locate the cartridge adjacent the front of either the cartridge store or the optical disk drive. A picker mechanism moves the cartridge into and out of the flipper mechanism from either the cartridge store or the optical disk drive. Locating mechanisms are also provided for moving or locating the flipper and picker mechanisms.

Abstract: A disk playing apparatus is capable of playing a plurality of disks or disks of different diameters. A disk transfer mechanism is provided between a magazine for storing the plurality of disks and a disk musical performance mechanism disposed obliquely and rearwards with respect to the mounting position of the magazine. Also, a single disk insertion opening is provided above or below the mounting position of the magazine. A disk inserted into the disk insertion opening is also transferred by the disk transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A device for the automatic reading of bar-codes comprises a sliding plane whereon a dragging section of a conveyor belt, having a plurality of windows consecutively aligned, is advanced. Each window defines, in the conveyor belt, two orientating edges perpendicularly arranged to form a right angle, whose vertex is oriented opposite to the feed sense of the conveyor belt itself. In each opening there is dropped an article provided with a bar-code to be read by a read head acting at a readout station, towards which the dragging section of the belt is moving. Through the feed of the belt, the article is shifted toward the readout station and is simultaneously arranged with two orthogonal sides in abutment with the orientating edges of the belt, in order to approach the readout station according to a prefixed orientation.

Abstract: A miniature scan module which is adapted to be installed as part of a terminal or other apparatus for the reading of bar codes has an integrated assembly of a laser diode and a photodetector which is rotatably mounted for reciprocation about an axis of rotation. The assembly is supported in whole or in part on and connected electrically to, a mounting board by flexures which extend between the integrated assembly and supports (posts) on the board. The assembly has a body with a wall and a platform. The wall supports the laser and has a reflective surface which directs light resulting from the scanning of the laser beam across the bar code to the detector. The assembly also carries printed circuits connected to the detector and the laser diode. Connections are made through the flexures to these printed circuits and to other circuits on the mounting board.

Abstract: There is provided, in one preferred embodiment, a bar code reader which has a variable scan angle, with the amplitude of the scan angle initially being relatively small and then increasing in magnitude until a bar code is read. As the amplitude of the scan angle increases, the scan frequency is decreased, thereby keeping the scan rate across the bar code relatively constant. Consequently, for example, a high-density bar code may be read at either a close distance or a far distance without sacrificing resolution. Additionally, the reading of a selected bar code in the presence of other, closely-spaced bar codes is facilitated. In another preferred embodiment, the scan frequency is held constant and the clock rate in the bar code reader is increased with increasing amplitude of the scanning angle.

Abstract: Transfer of articles of different types between article handling devices within the apparatus and the user outside of it is effected through a limited number of access ports by an article gripping and transporting robot that undergoes multi-directional translational movement and that is capable of gripping articles of different kinds, sizes and shapes. The robot may be and preferably is also used to perform maintenance services upon article handling devices of the apparatus.

Abstract: An alignment and transport roll made of flexible material has a curved cross section and comprises a ring like thicker outer circumferential part. The outer part of the roll 1 is deflected in an alignment direction, by a variable thickness item to be transported such as a passbook. Upon rotation of the roll or movement of the paper, the item is aligned and transported. The alignment force is generated in the same direction regardless of the direction of movement of the item. Such a roll can also be provided with a supporting structure on one side to avoid alignment in the wrong direction when the roll flips over as happens when the roll is deflected in the wrong direction. The roll and supporting structure, or roll along can be joined in a pair of rollers coacting with each other. A roll or roller pair can be used in any alignment unit. The preferable use is in a passbook printer to align the passbook for printing purposes and for reading the magnetic stripe on the passbook.

Abstract: A card or badge reader is provided for reading badges or cards on which there are coded indicia such as a bar code symbol. The reader has a front wall plate that is removably affixed onto the front of the main housing, but separated a slight amount to define a badge reader slot. A wear plate is disposed horizontally between the front wall plate and the front wall of the main housing to define a floor for the badge reader slot. The wear plate comprises an elongated web with downturned end flanges, and is suspended in one of a plurality of parallel horizontal grooves in the front wall plate. The position of the wear plate can be changed from one of these grooves to another, as desired.

Abstract: A remote control telephone service apparatus, for connection into a telephone line between a customer's telephone and a telephone switching central office main distribution frame. One or two selected code numbers are manually input into the apparatus. Later, if these correct code numbers are dialed into the apparatus, an output signal is provided to control changes in interconnect circuitry and to provide pre-recorded voice messages relative to the condition and status of the circuit. If the dialed number does not match the code number, the apparatus will not operate, but will emit a warning message or an alarm. The apparatus may also be used to disconnect a telephone from the main distribution line as long as the receiver is left in an "off-hook" condition. The apparatus will provide pre-recorded information to the customer concerning the status of his service. When the receiver is replaced, the apparatus automatically restores the telephone to full service.

Abstract: A scanning system having a laser and a motor for spinning an optical mirror arrangement for sensing indicia such as bar codes is capable of turning off the laser and the motor during periods of extended inactivity in order to minimize wear of these components and to reduce the use of electricity. Changes in the ambient light level adjacent to the scanning system which are typical of human motion are detected and are used to produce an electrical signal which can be used to turn the laser and the motor back on.