Abstract: A card on which at least a group of bar-coded information are printed is carried by a motor-driven carrier. The bar-coded information is sensed and converted into a group of parallel digital signals, which is compared with a previously stored data to check coincidence. The same bar-coded information is repeatedly sensed, converted, and compared as above and number of the coincidence times is counted until it has passed a read-in position driven by the card carrier. The card is accepted as readable when the number of coincidence times reaches a preset number. Otherwise, it is rejected by reversing the motor.

Abstract: An improved automated shopping system used within stores of the type utilizing shopping carts having product code scanning means and product weight sensing means located thereon in conjunction with a central computer also located within the store wherein the improvement comprises a first scanner releasably mounted on the shopping cart, a control panel mounted upon the shopping cart, means for visual display of word and numerical entries on the control panel, means for the readings of the first scanner to appear on the visual display, means for totalling numerical data that appear on the visual display, a second scanner located on the control panel, means whereby the second scanner's numerical entries are totaled and the total, with the second scanner's other readings appear on the visual display, and a printout device located in said control panel which records and totals the numerical entries and prints them on tape.

Abstract: An interchangeable random-access magnetic storage element, comprising an electromagnetic disk disposed in a substantially cylindrical dust-proof enclosure, which as an assembly can be fitted onto a drive spindle of a drive means. The enclosure comprises two covers which are clamped against each other with the insertion of dust seals, which together with the magnetic disk are rotated by the drive spindle, the upper cover being axially lifted by lifting cams provided on the drive spindle, so that an annular slot is obtained between the lower and upper cover for the passage of electromagnetic recording and reproducing means. At its top the drive spindle comprises an axially movable pressure member, which upon closure of a cover of the drive means is depressed and thus clamps the electromagnetic disk onto the spindle and simultaneously lifts the upper cover.

Abstract: A card reader system providing for a plurality of card reader units to be interfaced commonly to a single central processing unit, each card reader unit having an interface assembly wholly contained within the card reader electronics package and providing for Hollerith to ASCII conversion, retransmission of card data as often as requested, and suppression of trailing zeros in the transmitted card data. Each interface assembly provides for the generation and transmission of status signals upon the occurrence of predetermined card reader conditions. Means are provided in each card reader for receiving address characters from the CPU whereby each respective card reader is selectively enabled or disenabled from communicating with the CPU depending upon whether or not it has been properly addressed.

Abstract: Photofinishing apparatus for producing photographic prints from originals such as positive transparencies, negative transparencies or positive reflection prints and for printing a customer bill is controlled by an electronic computer. Some data required for producing prints in the photographic printer is entered into the computer via an operator keyboard. Other data may be entered into the computer via a device that measures the size and format of the original, an exposure determining station, and a code reader for reading a code on the photofinishing envelope. The data is stored in a memory associated with the computer and is used to control the photographic printer. Pricing data is also contained in a memory associated with the computer. After the originals have been printed, the computer uses the pricing data and the data that was used to control the printer to control the customer billing printer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for electronically transmitting to a remote point unique data to be included in a document and for electronically transmitting from a second independent source an authenticating mark for the document. Where a plurality of documents, all containing common information, are being transmitted, the common information is transmitted only once. Equipment at the remote location prints the finished document(s) ready for delivery to the recipient(s).

Abstract: System and method for validating UPC (Universal Product Code) or TRI-BAR indicia on packaging or the like and which includes means for finding the start and end codes of the indicia, means for checking the tolerances of the black-white band pairs of the indicia, etc., in order to control the storage and use of information obtained from the indicia.

Abstract: A label incorporating a plurality of concentric rings having two different light reflective characteristics provides a binary coded label on which any desired information can be displayed, and which may be secured to various objects. By passing the label in any orientation over a label scanning assembly which provides a scanning light beam, the label code signal is read and transmitted to a label information assembly which converts the label signal to digital signals, determines when the entire label signal has been read, and transmits the complete label information to data storage.

Abstract: A system for introducing the instructions of a program into an accounting or similar programmable office machine comprises a drum mounted rotatable into a container and carrying at its periphery a plurality of removable and programmable code bars. A feed mechanism and a reading unit are disposed into the office machine for rotating step by step the drum with respect to the container to bring serially the code bars in front of the reading unit. A locking mechanism locks the container into the office machine during the reading cycle. At the end of the reading of the program the locking mechanism is released allowing the container to be removed from the office machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for programming microprocessors which require machine code program instructions wherein black and white code strips are selectively pasted on a sequential instruction frame along a preprinted address code column, each code strip including a parallel trailer wherein the english equivalent of the instruction is displayed. A photoelecric, parallel reader is mounted on the frame for translation across the frame to sequentially load both the address code and the pasted on binary coded instructions into a static random access memory chip for the microprocessor. The technique thus provides for selective alteration of such program sequences by removing selected instruction strips and replacing such strips with other coded strips as required to modify the routine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading punched cards having data columns parallel to one edge of the card with each data column containing a coded pattern of punches wherein the card is moved past an aligned array of sensors that are mounted to be in alignment with each data column of the passing card. The invention provides for synchronously supplying a parallel digital signal that accurately represents the characters encoded in each data column even though the aligned sensor array is not maintained in precise alignment with the passing data columns and/or the card is not moved past the array at a uniform rate. The synchronous reading is accomplished by sequentially performing two detection sequences to detect two conditions that occur as the card and encoded data columns move by the sensors. The first detection sequence constitutes a determination that at least one unpunched card region has passed by each sensor since the start of the first detection sequence.

Abstract: Secured computerized credit cards of the ferromagnetic storage variety, and a computer system that makes use of such cards at more than one geographic location. The card comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic elements, capable of storing binary indicia, sandwiched between thin sheets of plastic or other non-magnetic material. Security is provided by giving names to the two faces and four edges of the card and using said names to determine any one of eight ways which can be selected by the card owner for inserting the card into the computer and hence of programming the information stored on the card. Only the card owner knows the adopted name and an imposter has only one chance in eight of properly inserting and using the card. Optional means is also provided whereby the card owner can from time-to-time change the adopted card identification name. Means is likewise provided whereby the card-issuing agency can secure the issue of the card and the card's continued use and thereby prevent forgery.

Abstract: A method of preparing an alignment disc pak in which first and second signals of different frequencies f1 and f2 are recorded in eccentric bands at a selected track on the disc such that the playback signal will consist of three components having frequencies f1, f2 and (f1-f2). One frame of the playback signal is first displayed with one beam of a multibeam oscilloscope on the display surface thereof such that the (f1-f2) signal component appears as a "cat's eye" pattern. The delay time base time marker is then employed to measure the time base of one of the cat's time marker is further employed to produce first and second narrow timing bands on either side of the intermediate crossover of the cat's eye pattern by erasing the recorded signals on the disc only in those radial sectors of the disc corresponding in position to two positons of the time marker on the scope as defined by the formula (Gc - Sp/2 .+-. 0.2.

Abstract: A digital rate compensator for accommodating a wide dynamic range of data speeds derived from a encoded card reader thereby allowing downstream logic to compensatably follow said derived data. The digital rate compensator additionally includes a start message check for conclusive determinations of beginning of card reads.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reading a curve line present on a recording medium and providing a digital or analog output indicative of the path of such curve line, wherein an optically visible curve line present on a recording material is caused to move relatively to an electronic camera tube; the electronic camera tube photoelectronically scans an optical image with a narrow scanning beam moving across the medium along a locus extending transversely of the recording direction and generates a video output signal containing for each scanning period a voltage train varying in accordance with the optical intensity of the segment of the medium being scanned and which contains at least one pulse produced when the scanning beam crosses the curve line image; the voltage train for each such scanning period is inverted in polarity and combined additively with the voltage train produced during a prior scanning period to give when the variations in such two signal trains are out of synchronism an output signal having a magn

Abstract: An improved flexible magnetic recording disc assembly comprising an envelope and a flexible recording disc rotatably received in the envelope, the disc having an annular reinforcement member concentrically arranged adjacent the central mounting aperture of the disc. Two embodiments are disclosed: a first having a single annular reinforcement member secured to the spindle side of the flexible disc; and a second having a pair of annular reinforcement members disposed on opposite surfaces of the disc. The reinforcement member has an axial thickness in the range from about 2 to about 7 mils to provide sufficient structural rigidity to resist crinkling and flaring during use; a static and dynamic coefficient of friction not less than about 0.3, and a total electrical resistance measured in the longitudinal axial direction in the range of about 1 ohm to about 50 megohms to facilitate dissipation of static electrical charges which may build up on the recording surfaces of the disc.

Abstract: A digital card reader is connected to supply input data to a random access memory corresponding to pre-coded information on cards inserted into the reader. The insertion of a card into the reader causes a binary counter to advance one binary count to address the next location in the memory for storing the data on the card. The outputs of the binary counter, which have encoded thereon the binary addresses, are further coupled to a digital-to-analog converter having an output lead on which an analog representation of the selected address appears. This output lead of the digital-to-analog converter is used to operate an analog meter, such as an ammeter, having a scale calibrated to indicate the degree of fullness of the memory as determined by the binary encoded address information.

Abstract: In a perforated tape reader, the tape is sensed by detecting elements rotatable on one end of rocker arms. The other end of the rocker arms is provided with a fork. A flat spring urges on the upper arm of the fork and a conductive resilient element is engaged between the arms of the fork. When the detecting elements sense a perforation on the tape, the conductive element abuts against a fixed electric contact in a intermediate position between the arms of the fork; when the detecting elements sense no perforation the lower arm of the fork lifts the conductive element in order to open the electric contact.Since the space between the arms of the fork is greater than the thickness of the conduction element, but less than the shifting of the fork, any small amplitude movements of the rocker arms in not transmitted to the conductive element.

Abstract: A device is provided for reading optical and magnetic data and providing signals representative thereof, said device including means for establishing a predetermined time or spacial reference between the optical and magnetic data sets. In one embodiment the optical and magnetic read heads are mounted in parallel alignment with the path of document travel to reduce timing errors due to skewing. In a second embodiment the heads are mounted side-by-side such that timing errors due to speed variations and thermal expansions are reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic card reader having a motor driven magnetic head sliding on a stationary magnetic card. An error-checking function for the inserted magnetic card is provided. A control means is provided for setting the start of recording and reading out by the magnetic head at a specific distance from the end of said magnetic card. A position control precisely controls movement of the magnetic head along the magnetic stripe of the magnetic card. The magnetic head is supported by two mutually parallel leaf springs, which hold the head always perpendicular to the magnetic card. A motor governor circuit makes the magnetic head move at constant speed.