Abstract: A portable laser diode scanning head, aimable at each symbol to be read, emits and receives non-readily-visible laser light, and is equipped with a trigger-actuated aiming light arrangement for visually locating and tracking each symbol. A compact laser diode optical train and an optical folded path assembly, as well as an interchangeable component design and an integral window construction for the head also are disclosed.

Abstract: A bar code reading device includes a code reading section for reading a bar code attached to an article by emitting a light beam through a window and receiving therethrough the light beam reflected from the bar code, and a manual input section for inputting article information by operation of a keyboard. In the bar code reading device, the manual input section includes a transparent liquid crystal display panel, a transparent touch sensor panel disposed on the liquid crystal display panel, and a control circuit for selectively setting one of a manual input mode and an automatic reading mode, driving the liquid crystal display panel so as to display an image of keyboard in the manual input mode and to erase the image of keyboard in the automatic reading mode, and reading key-in data entered by touching portions of the touch sensor panel with reference to the image of the displayed keyboard in the manual input mode.

Abstract: A card puncher for punching as a yardstick of use a card for getting coupon tickets on and used as tickets on omibuses and electric trains, and a method of controlling the card puncher. Data on a target quantity of conveyance of the card correponding to a position where the card is punched is stored in memory. A card conveyer is driven to convey the card by a quantity corresponding to data on the target quantity of conveyance stored in the memeory. A quantity of coast of the card after the drive of the card conveyer is teminated is measured. If the sum of the target quantity of conveyance and the measured quantity of coast of the card is within a predetermined allowable limit, the card is punched. If otherwise, data on the target quantity of conveyance in the memory is corrected such that the sum falls within the predetermined allowable limit, the card is returned to a position where the punching starts and the punching operation is retried.

Abstract: A data collection system useful for trade shows employs identification cards each having a semiconductor memory chip for recording and storing data relating to individual attendees. The system includes an encoder/decoder that is coupled between a keyboard and a computer. The encoder/decoder accepts the memory cards for recording the data generated at the keyboard and for reading the recorded data at a later time.

Abstract: A system for reading a data record stripe on a credit card which includes an injection molded case including a card guide slot integrally molded into the case near one side thereof and a read head window integrally formed in one sidewall of the card guide slot. A data read head assembly having a read head on a front face thereof is mounted in the read head window and is spring biased toward the wall of the card slot opposite the read head window. A circuit arrangement is coupled to the read head assembly for detecting data signals on a card passing through the slot and converting the data signals to a substantially square wave signal pattern representing binary signal data in the form of positive and negative signal transitions of the square wave signal.

Abstract: Bar code readers using laser diodes conserve electrical power and limit output laser radiation to levels required by governmental regulation (1 milliwatt average power) by utilizing a laser diode having a output optical power vs laser current characteristic which has a slope efficiency (the ratio of the change in power to the change in current, .DELTA.P/.DELTA.I, which is less than 1 in the region where stimulated (laser) emission occurs. The laser is operated with current pulses having a duty cycle less than 100%, and preferably in the range from 50% to 20% in the stimulated emission region of its characteristic, such that the average output laser power does not exceed the level required by government regulations (1 mw) while the laser output during the pulses is greater than 1 mw.

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: A narrow-bodied, single-and twin-windowed, hand-held, laser scanning head for reading bar code symbols includes at least one window mounted at the rear region of the head, and through which either the incident beam going to the symbol and/or the reflected beam returning from the symbol, passes unobstructedly and exteriorly of, and past, the front and intermediate body regions of the head. A field-replaceable laser tube arrangement, a laser tube and method of making the same, an arrangement for and method for controlling a scanning system, optical passive elements for increasing the depth of field, a trigger protective device, and a one-piece support bench and method of fabricating the same by mass-production techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for scanning answer sheets with a series of closely-spaced parallel scan lines to produce scan signals for spots closely-spaced along each scan line, thereby producing a rectilinear data array of binary (black/white) representations at the intersections of a rectangular coordinate grid. Marks on the answer sheets are detected and processed to develop and print-out a score for the examinee by means of a dot-matrix printer. Scan spot signals representing the examinee's name written in prior to the tests are used to directly control the dot-matrix printer to reproduce the examinee's name. The scan spot signals representing the name are stored with and physically accompany the test results, so that at any time the score data can be printed out together with the examinee's name.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering power to and communicating with a data-storing device, e.g. a token, in a contactless manner includes a resonant circuit arranged for inductive coupling with the device. The values of the components are selected to give a relatively constant power transfer over the possible range of distances between the inductances. Communications from the device resulting in changes in the token impedance are detected by sensing current changes in the resonant circuit. The power transmitted by the resonant circuit is limited to prevent excessive power damaging devices whose characteristics are such that they may be damaged by higher power levels. Devices which require higher levels can send a signal which results in the limit being bypassed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to providing an improved security system for stations issuing IC cards. In accordance with the improved system, two independent codes transmitted from remote locations must match codes retained at the issuing station and on the IC card prior to the system allowing the issuing station to be activated. In particular, a manufacturer's identification code is entered into the IC card prior to the cards leaving the control of the manufacturer. The card issuer provides a secured area wherein a issuer's identification code is maintained. Upon issuance of an IC card, both the manufacturer's and issuer's codes must be transmitted to the station and verified by the corresponding codes maintained at the station and onboard the memory of the IC card before the station will allow an account number to be written into the memory of the IC card. Preferably, the system includes a transmission path from the station to the location where the manufacturer's codes are maintained.

Abstract: An IC card internally stores two different PINs. Collation of these PINs sets the IC card having an internal data memory in different characterizing statuses. When coincidence occurs at the first PIN collation, data input to the data memory of the card is permitted. When coincidence occurs at the second PIN collation, data transfer is permitted. Accordingly, when important data is stored in the IC card and a plurality of persons handle the IC card, the data stored in the IC card can be prevented from being altered unauthorized.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus using a record bearing medium contained in a cassette which is provided with at least one positioning hole formed therein. The apparatus is provided with an engaging member which is engageable with the positioning hole for loading the cassette at a predetermined position within the apparatus; an urging member for urging the engaging member to engage with the hole; and a disengaging member for selectively disengaging the engaging member from the hole. These parts are arranged to ensure smooth loading and unloading operations on the cassette.

Abstract: A digital dictation system having plural ports through which dictate and transcribe stations may be connected to a central store via respective dictate and transcribe channels for recording and transcribing messages. The transcribe port may be selectively conditioned, as by operating a manual selector, for enabling a dictate station to be connected therethrough to carry out dictate operations with the central store. Upon release of the port by the dictate station, the port reverts to its normal transcribe condition. By providing at least two ports, separate dictate and transcribe operations may be carried out concurrently on the same message. A dictator may review and edit a portion of the message which has already been transcribed by the transciptionist, whereupon the system automatically conditions the transcribe apparatus to play back the edit.

Abstract: A data collection system especially for in-hospital medical data collection combines the advantages of manual and computerized data recording. A portable data terminal unit is carried in a specially constructed carrying case which also holds patient related data in bar code form. A bar code reader connected with the data terminal unit by a cord may be scanned over the bar codes to input data more quickly and easily than when key pad entry of the data is required. Printed documents can also be carried in the case.

Abstract: A thin semiconductor card, such as an IC card, includes a card main body, and a semiconductor module mounted therein. A foldable part or member is provided permitting the card main body to be folded.

Abstract: A voice capture system for use with a telephone switching system and transcribing terminals to record calling party generated information in predefined formats. The system digitizes and records messages generated by calling parties served by the telephone switching system and records recognized terminology occurring within the calling party voice messages as file records. The transcribing terminals are enabled to display the file record terminology in predefined formats and the recorded digitized calling party messages are transmitted as audio messages via a telephone coupled with the telephone switching system to operators of the transcribing terminals so that the operators may enter information contained within the recorded messages into the transcribing terminals to complete the predefined format that are subsequently recorded in the voice capture system.

Abstract: A debit card includes at least one address and control logic circuit and a nonvolatile memory having a zone with memory locations provided for storing updated devaluation status of the debit card. At least part of the memory is electrically erasable and all of the memory locations of the zone of the nonvolatile memory can be read out and written upon bit by bit. A method and circuit for devaluation of a monolithically integrable electronic circuit of the debit card includes dividing the zone of the nonvolatile memory into partial zones each having a different value in the form of a multi-stage counter. A simultaneous erasure of the memory cells is permitted only for all of the memory cells of one partial zone of a given value. Erasure of each partial zone is permitted only after a transfer bit has been written into a previously unwritten memory cell of the partial zone of next-higher value. Writing-in is monitored with a logic circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to implanting an electronic module (i.e. an integrated circuit plus electrical contact tabs) in the body of an electronic memory card. The integrated circuit (38) is directly fixed to a lead frame (10) defining electrical connections and electrical contact tabs. The terminals (42) of the integrated circuit (38) are connected by wires (44) to the lead frame. The assembly is placed in a cavity provided in the card body. Such cards constitute credit cards, for example.

Abstract: An electronic lock security system includes a coded key and a multiple position key receiver switch having a code sensing circuit for generating signals indicative of the key's code. A decoder compares the key's code to a preset code and when a match is determined outputs a control code to a switch control circuit. A switch control circuit includes flip-flops for remembering when switch positions intermediate the off and last positions have been accessed and output control signals upon receipt of the decoder's control signal. The flip-flop outputs are consecutively ANDed together down to the last position to permit operation of a power switch to provide working power to a solenoid operated device only when all positions of the multiple key receiver have been accessed during operation.