Abstract: An exposure control apparatus for use with optical readers, such as bar code readers, which utilize photosensitive image sensors. An illumination signal generating circuit generates an illumination signal having a magnitude that varies in accordance with the illumination level at the image sensor. A window detecting circuit samples the illumination signal during a predetermined part of each scan to determine whether the illumination signal is within the window, has exited the window, or has re-entered the window. Exposure control circuitry uses the output of the window detecting circuit to control which of a plurality of the subdivisions of the exposure control range of the image sensor will be used. Changes in exposure time are made only between adjacent subdivisions of the exposure control range. Together with a predetermined hysteresis between the exit and re-entry thresholds of the window, the latter changes stabilize the operation of the reader by reducing exposure control “hunting”.

Abstract: A medium handling apparatus for conveying a continuous elongated ticket sheet formed of a plurality of tickets extending along a length of the ticket sheet. Each of the tickets has a given width extending transverse to the length of the ticket sheet and is connected to a contiguous ticket by a line of perforations. The apparatus includes a hopper accommodating the ticket sheet folded along the lines of perforations separating the tickets, feed rollers for conveying the ticket sheet, a feed guide interposed between the hopper and the feed rollers, and a load member attached to the feed guide facing a surface of the ticket sheet. The load member introduces a frictional resistance between the ticket sheet and the load member as the ticket sheet is conveyed to the feed rollers.

Abstract: A structure of a scanner includes a housing having a top provided with a glass window, a carriage mounted inside housing, the carriage including a a casing having a plurality of openings, a light source arranged within the casing for illuminating an object placed face down against the glass window above the carriage, and a plurality of mirrors fitted in the openings, whereby the scanner is compact in size and easy to assemble.

Abstract: When selected documents traveling along a first feed path (46) are to be fed to a second feed path (48), a solenoid is energized causing pivotal movement of a pair of flipper arms (56a, 56b) so as to direct the documents onto the second feed path (48). When the solenoid is de-energized, documents on the first feed path (46) may proceed to the continuation portion thereof i.e., path (46a), or documents from the second feed path (48) may be fed to the continuation portion (46a) of the first feed path (46). The flipper arms (56a, 56b) are coupled by gearing mechanisms so that they are moveable relative to each other, pivotal movement of one flipper arm (56a, 56b) causing pivotal movement of the other arm (56a, 56b). Such relative movement between the flipper arms (56a, 56b) allows for a compact and reliable structure and activation of the mechanism is required only when documents are to be fed from the first feed path (46) to the second feed path (48).

Abstract: A numbered data carrier and method for producing the same, wherein the data carrier includes a document of value and at least one security element having a serial number that individualizes the data carrier out of a series of data carriers. The security element includes first and second parts. The first part of the security element partly represents the serial number and the second part of the security element represents the serial number either partly or completely. The security element is applied on the document.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading chip cards includes a housing, a printed circuit board arranged in the housing and a card reader which is arranged above the printed circuit board. The housing has a slot for introduction of the chip card. The slot in the housing wall and a guide means are arranged behind the slot in the wall, for the chip card, so that the slot in the card reader is aligned with the guide means. A spacer is arranged between the printed circuit board and the card reader, and the spacer is fixedly connected to the printed circuit board, and the card reader is releasably connected to the spacer.

Abstract: A device for holding a charge couple device (CCD) in an optical scanner where optical alignment of the CCD to the position of scanned image of document can be easily made. The device includes a holder for holding a lens and providing a focused image taken from the scanned document; and a positioning element mounted on the holder for adapting a CCD to be slightly moved in a line along a longitudinal direction of the CCD and aligned with the focused image. The positioning element is furnished with a matching hole for carrying a bottom portion of the CCD. The positioning element mounted to the holder only needs one-dimensional adjustment in shifting which is easier and more effective.