Abstract: A method and apparatus for discriminating bar codes for an optical mark reader is provided comprising a scanning means for scanning a target area on a scannable form and producing a signal in response to certain indications, i.e.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for determining the genuineness of a document such as a currency note printed at least in part with magnetizable ink in which there is produced a first signal as a measure of the saturation magnetization of a portion of the document printed with the ink and a second signal as a measure of the remanent magnetization of said portion and in which the ratio of the second signal to the first signal is determined as a measure of genuineness of the document.

Abstract: An IC card reader for reading an IC card, or reading and writing the IC card, the IC card reader including a withdrawing member (16) for withdrawing the IC card (5) and an L-shaped member (9) engaged with a projection (6) of the withdrawing member (16) for moving the IC card (5). The L-shaped member (9) is rotatably mounted on a door (7) of the IC card reader (1) for withdrawing the IC card (5) by opening the door (7). When the door (7) is opened, the IC card (5) is withdrawn, and when the IC card (5) is to be inserted, it is pushed in by closing the door (7). The card reader is sealed by the closed door (7).

Abstract: Apparatus for presenting a desired one of a stack of N information disks with a selected one of its two information surfaces in a desired orientation to an information utilization device. The apparatus includes a mechanism for rotating the disks as a stack to put the selected surface in the desired orientation, for translating the disks as a stack to position the desired disk opposite the utilization device and for translating the desired disk into the utilization device.

Abstract: A vending-type machine for goods and/or services, and a method of operating the same. The machine has a computer that is connected via a data communication line with a central computer located in a central office. In order, despite the absence of an intermediate cash box for bills received during an interrupted payment process, to be able to protect against fraudulent refunds for equivalent values on vouchers issued by such machines, a plain language as well as machine-readable coded data entry is printed on the voucher, with this data entry, in addition to the value of the bill, also containing the location indication of the particular machine, and the actual date and time in seconds. This data entry is entered in a data-protected memory of the machine, and is entered via the data communication line in a data-protected memory of the central computer.

Abstract: A first sensor is arranged at a predetermined position on a conveying path of an IC card. When the IC card is detected by the first sensor, the conveyance of the IC card is stopped. A connector supported to a supporting member provided at a predetermined position approaches the contacts of the IC card and comes into contact therewith. There is also provided a second sensor to detect that the connector is located at a position adapted to come into contact with the contacts of the IC card on the basis of the motion of the supporting member. The supporting member has a projecting portion adapted to about on an IC card which has overrun from the predetermined position. When the projecting portion abuts on the IC card, no detection signal is output from the second sensor.

Abstract: A datacard arrangement in an apparatus in which several datacards are used simultaneously, including a datacard receptacle designed to receive two datacards, and two datacards lying one on the other inserted into a data transmittal position in the datacard receptacle.

Abstract: A machine provides automated counting of integrated circuit (IC) parts packed in a shipping tube which may be, for example, an opaque shipping rail for translation of the rail along the track. An elongate support or track receives and holds a shipping rail. A first rail sensor positioned adjacent to the track senses the presence of a rail on the support track and generates a start count signal. A second rail sensor positioned along the track generates a stop count signal after the scanning of the rail by the sensors is completed. An IC parts sensor provided by an inductive proximity sensor is positioned adjacent to the track between the first and second rail sensors and senses the presence of IC parts contained in the shipping rail. A roller drive translates the shipping rail and the sensors relative to each other for scanning of the rail by the sensors. The parts sensor generates parts counting signals from the start count signal to the stop count signal.

Abstract: A secure storage system for keys or similar articles has an locked storage module with a drawer. A horizontal drawer shelf holds a plurality of cards in numbered slots. Each card has a self-clocking bar code ID number that is scanned by a fixed optical reader as the drawer is opened or closed. A computer connected to the module stores in memory the key number and slot location of each stored key whenever the drawer is opened and closed. An authorized user enters his authorization code and a desired key number into the computer which unlocks the storage module. The computer displays the slot location of the requested key, inventories the keys and maintains records of all transactions.

Abstract: The system unit of an IBM compatible personal computer generates a distinctive audible "Beep" signal from the system unit's own sound transducer in response to the successful decode of a barcode label in a keyboard emulation data collection device such as a barcode reader. To initiate the generation of such a Beep by the system unit, the keyboard emulation system simulates a benign error condition which does not affect the operation of any application programs resident in the system unit and which does not require any modifications to the operating system or any special device drivers for its proper operation.

Abstract: An off-line terminal, located at an airline boarding gate processes composite tickets bearing a magnetic stripe. Processing includes: authenticating, verifying, recording, canceling, bursting into component sections and sorting. Operations are controlled, logged and interrelated in accordance with ticket content and operating programs. Structurally, a processing computer cooperates with magnetic stripe transducers, a printer, a burster, signal lamps and a plurality of document-direction gates to select and control the path of individual ticket components. An additional magnetic sensor for ticket components (e.g. boarding passes) enables control of passenger movements after initial clearance with ticket processing.