Abstract: A method for inhibiting tampering with data on a magnetic stripe card is disclosed. The data are erased if the card is prematurely withdrawn from the reader/writer. A write protect bit is set and recorded on the card if the power source is interrupted. Apparatus for activating the tamper-proofing techniques are disclosed.

Abstract: A cassette loading/unloading apparatus for a tape recorder employs a motor driven pinion driving a rack for moving a cassette guided by guide members between a loading/ejection position and an operational position. A single switch senses the insertion of the cassette to begin the loading sequence and also stops the motor when the cassette reaches the operational position. In addition, the switch stops the motor at the conclusion of the ejection sequence when the cassette reaches the ejection position.

Abstract: A selectively openable closure mechanism for a magnetic recording disc cartridge for cooperating with a probe member connected to a disc drive unit provides for selectively opening access through an aperture in the cartridge to the interior thereof when the cartridge is inserted into the drive unit and the closure-actuating probe member is received into the cartridge and for closing access to the aperture when a cartridge is removed from the drive unit and the probe member is withdrawn from the cartridge, the mechanism including an arcuate guide track formed in at least one of the top or bottom panels of the cartridge, at least one arcuate door slidably carried by the guide track for selective movement between a closed position and an open position and structure connected to the door for engaging and capturing the probe member upon its reception into the cartridge and for driving the door from the closed position to the open position and back to the closed position upon insertion and withdrawal of the probe w

Abstract: A label is attached to an animal or object and is provided with directly intelligible identification information. At least one second identification information which is in a coded form and consequently unintelligible is placed on the label. If required, the unintelligible information may be decoded so as to permit a comparison with the intelligible information carried by the label. Equipment is provided for producing the coded identification information on the label and for decoding the coded identification information by means of a decoding device.

Abstract: A magnetic head assembly has conductive strips that serve as bypass paths to discharge static electrical charges at a distance from the effective magnetic pole pieces and transducing gap.

Abstract: In a rotary head assembly for a magnetic recording and reproducing device of the type in which rotary head member is engaged through a hydraulic bearing with a shaft whose one end is securely fixed to a base and the other end is free, the position of a thrust supporting member formed at the free end of the shaft is suitably selected so as to minimize the adverse effects caused by the thermal expansions of the component parts whereby the variation in relative position between the head and tape due to the temperature variation can be minimized and the high radial rigidity can be attained.

Abstract: An improved input/output channel for linking a computer control unit for an electronic postal meter to input/output units. The invention includes a converter for converting unit-output electrical signals to non-conductive carrier signals and for converting the non-conductive carrier unit-input signals back to electrical signals. Non-conducting means are used to transmit the signals between the meter and the input/output units so that any attempts to interfere with meter operation will, of necessity, involve physical evidence of tampering, observable to an inspector.

Abstract: This invention has to do with an automatic manufacturing system and, more particularly, to a plurality of work stations to which a variety of workpieces are carried by a network of conveyors, in which means are provided to identify each workpiece and means are provided to direct the workpiece through a path variable in accordance with load conditions in the network having various work stations where selected operations are automatically performed on the workpiece.

Abstract: Indicia sensor apparatus which provides for a ready, low cost, electrical sensing of an indicia, supported on a readily interchangeable membrane, and provided as a coded pattern of aperture through the membrane. An elastomer electrode element, such as a conductive foam rubber, is pressed against the face of the membrane with sufficient pressure so as to induce a protuberance of some part of the relatively adaptive elastomer through each membrane aperture. This protuberance brings about contactual intercourse with a correspondent receptor electrode for each aperture position. The result is an electrical circuit change which may be utilized in a current seeking path to produce different binary logic values in accord with the coded aperture pattern carried by the membrane.

Abstract: A sensor observes a timing track along a magnetic stripe on a magnetic card and detects change in the sliding speed of the magnetic card relative to the magnetic head as a timing signal, by which reading or writing of a data signal by the magnetic head is controlled. A corner of the timing track is removable to delay the timing signal and thereby control a read-only mode. The magnetic head is mounted centrally on a leafspring to follow bends in the card.

Abstract: This invention describes a system for access control, wherein a control card is presented to a control means. If the control card is authenticated, then access is gained. If it is not authenticated, access is not gained, the control card is retained, and an alarm may be sounded.The control card contains at least two means; (1) machine readable indicia identifying the card, and (2) a random pattern of micro spots, which pattern is derived (by direct copying-such as by focussed laser beam) from one of a plurality of different patterns, retained in a bank of such micro patterns, each such micro pattern identified by, and selectable in accordance with, different unique indicia, identical with the machine readable indicia on said cards.In use the control card is introduced into the control means and the indicia are read. Master micro pattern corresponding to the indicia is selected from the bank. The card micro pattern and master micro pattern are compared. If the comparison okay, the card is authenticated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanison to read and process a prepaid, flexible, magnetically coded card bearing marked sections adapted be cut off representing value used. Upon insertion into the mechanison a forward/reverse drive means takes control of the card. The card is read and a decoder processes the code signals and signals a "good code" or "bad code" output which activates the forward or reverse drive of the card and associated means, including a card shear which acts upon the card at the decoder relected position, and to return the card.

Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a locking device, security system and the like and for arming and disarming associated alarm systems. The apparatus includes an information carrier, preferably carrying a digitally coded set of data which is presented to a reading device by manual insertion of the data carrier. The data carrier may be a key-like object on which the data track occupies the central tang portion or it may be an actual mechanical key used to operate a tumbler cylinder and additionally provided with a central data track. Preferably, the data track is a series of transparent and opaque fields which are subjected to infrared radiation in the reading device. The read-out data from the data track is compared in the apparatus with stored information and, when coincidence occurs, an actuation signal is generated to operate the associated locking system and/or alarm system.

Abstract: A portable element shaped as a card, for receiving, storing, displaying and outputting data in numerical or alphanumerical characters, for temporarily communicating with a locally present reservation system and to exchange data therewith. The reservation system communicates with a service facility which is not locally present such as a transport vehicle. On the basis of an actual or forecast staus of the service facility, reservation data are applied to the portable element, and are displayed thereon, and also applied to the service facility. The contactless communication between portable element and reservation device can be initiated by a proximity signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrical key-like devices, to electrical receptacles for use in combination therewith and to electronic circuitry systems, such as computers and other operating circuits, that interface with the key-like devices through the receptacle. The keys contain a microelectronic circuit element, eg., a microelectronic circuit chip or die, having an electrical lead or leads exposed along the length of the key for contacting electrical leads in the receptacle when the key is inserted therein and rotated to a "locked" position. The keys are particularly designed to interface with a processor and program memory system, that is, a computer.

Abstract: A stripe for magnetically receiving encoded information; the stripe is bonded and adhered to any type of document having a paper substrate onto which the magnetic stripe is deposited, usually in the form of a narrow rectilinear strip, which is raised above the original surface of the paper substrate by embossing the latter during deposition of the magnetic stripe. Basically the invention entails the provision of a flexible sheet for use in forming a magnetic recording medium in the form of a magnetic stripe on a paper substrate, e.g. a document such as a bank passbook. The sheet includes a first layer of magnetic-particle-free thermoplastic material, which is bonded to the paper substrate by application of high temperature and pressure to a local narrow rectilinear area thereof. Above the first layer and permanently bonded thereto is a middle layer of magnetizable material consisting of a plurality of discrete magnetizable particles dispersed in a matrix.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus may automatically cook according to a cooking program fed from a recording card. The apparatus includes a cooking program feeding mechanism detachably holding the recording card and reading a cooking program from the recording and by moving a detection bar with microswitches along the recording card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying an individual holder (person) of an unalterable charge card-like device (CARD) at a utilization terminal (U/I Terminal) wherein a unique user entered key (asserted key K.sub.A) is handled in a highly secure manner. The holder of the CARD causes same to be placed in a data coupling mode with the U/I Terminal. At this point, the person enters asserted key (K.sub.A) via a keyboard associated with said system. A random word is generated by at least one random word generator located in said CARD and this random word is encrypted utilizing the asserted key K.sub.A entered by the holder at the keyboard and also encrypted under a true key K.sub.T stored in said CARD. The random word encrypted under the asserted key K.sub.A is stored in said U/I Terminal and the random word encrypted under the true key K.sub.T is stored in the CARD.

Abstract: A detector arrangement for a data-card reader is capable of reading both punched cards as well as cards marked in writing. A light source emits light in the direction of the data-card surface, and a detector receives the light reflected from said direction and delivers an output signal in response to the intensity of such light. A surface having a reflective power higher than that of the card material is provided at the back of the data-card in essentially parallel relation to the latter. A high-level output signal is obtained when a hole in the card is detected. A medium level is obtained when there is no marking on the card, and a low level is obtained when a pencil mark is encountered on the card.

Abstract: A simulated rail car identification system including a plurality of coded labels mounted at spaced apart locations on an endless conveyor. The conveyor produces horizontal movement of the labels sequentially through a zone viewed by an optical scanner. A control system monitors and controls operation of the endless conveyor and generates block signals responsive to the relative position thereof and wheel signals responsive to the entry of individual labels into the viewing zone. Processing and decoding of the information retained by the moving labels is accomplished by a data processor that receives the output of the scanner and the block and wheel signals from the control system. The effectiveness of the scanner and processor are determined by comparing their output to the data programmed into the control system and encoded on the moving labels.