Abstract: A magnetic card manufactured according to the present invention is composed of a base film; a first magnetic material coating layer applied on the base film for reading and writing variable information held in the magnetic card; and a second magnetic material coating layer applied on the first magnetic material coating layer, of which surface having a pattern formed by an angle, an interval and a thickness for giving the characteristics of the magnetic card.

Abstract: A sealed holder for an IC card formed into a card shape and having an imbedded IC chip such as a semiconductor integrated circuit. A card socket (30) is arranged within a holder housing (10), and an insertion/ejection port for the IC card (20) is closed by a pivoting door (1) to seal the holder. Linkage and transmission means are operatively associated with the door to facilitate insertion and withdrawal of the IC card.

Abstract: A method for locating the start of a MICR character in E13B font so as to facilitate character recognition. A Calculated Character Start Position (CCSP) is generated by using a predetermined number of voltage samples corresponding to a portion of MICR waveform generated by reading a MICR character on a document. The CCSP is generated by averaging the predetermined number of voltage samples within the window which tends to minimize the harmful effects of noise. Noise from magnetic ink spatter is sometimes wrongly interpreted as the start of a character. A process of "jiggling" is used to assist character recognition techniques by utilizing different character start positions to determine whether or not a template match in character recognition techniques occurs when the new or different character start position is used.

Abstract: The invention provides an arrangement for scanning bar codes applied to articles, such as UPC or EAN codes of goods in a supermarket cashier stand. A laser scanner is provided with a window through which the scanning rays exit before they impinge on a scanning area (11). The laser scanner (4) is arranged at the side of the transport flow and with its window (5) tilted to the rear and being above the transport plane (6). The different rays (20-23, 25-25c, 26-26c, 30a-30f, 31a-31f) of the cluster of scanning rays of scanner (4) are oriented such that they are concentrated and focused mainly on the scanning area (11) in front of the window (5), that they do not leave the transport plane (6) immediately opposite the window, and that generally a ray-free area is formed there where at least head and chest of an operating cashier (1) that sits opposite to the scanner (4) with its window ( 5), is situated.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving articles to be processed, for storing the articles, and subsequently reissuing processed articles to appropriate customers in response to customer-supplied information includes a plurality of first and second article carriers for receiving articles to be processed and for carrying processed articles, respectively. First and second article carrier storage areas are provided for the first and second article carriers, respectively. First and second identification members are used to uniquely identify each separate one of the plurality of first article carriers and to uniquely identify each separate article carrier storage location, respectively.

Abstract: A portable data input apparatus comprises an elongated casing. A pen-scanner type bar code reader reads a bar code provided according to the kind of a commodity, and outputs a corresponding code data unit. A keyboard is designed to input at least a numerical data unit representative of the amount of the commodity. A display device displays the code data unit and the numerical data unit. A display mode changing circuit is designed to invert the image of the data units displayed on the display device in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, in response to a detection signal, which is output when the code data and numerical data are inversely displayed.

Abstract: A response form processing system (22) is provided which allows for the processing of response forms (10) which comprise a group code (20), questions (12) and (14), response prompts (16) and response blocks (18). The system (22) comprises a group code reader (24) and a response scanner (28) which are coupled to a processor (26). The processor (26) receives information from the group code reader (24) which identifies which questions are present on a particular response form (10). The processor (26) then receives the scanned responses from the response scanner (28). The processor (26) organizes and tabulates the responses and is capable of producing reports comprising the information received from the response forms (10).

Abstract: A controller for a winding machine, for controlling the tension of a work running from a feed roller to a winding beam. The controller comprises a speed ratio control unit having a high response speed to control exactly the respective rotating speeds of a feed motor for driving the feed roller, and a winding motor for driving the winding beam during the decelerating operation of the winding machine to maintain the work at a tension substantially the same as a predetermined tension for stationary operation during the decelerating operation of the winding machine. The controller reduces time necessary for stopping the winding machine to the least extent.

Abstract: Deflection members for threads, particularly for a hollow spindle machine. The members are movable in translation by a displacement device, from a first position, during normal functioning of the machine, in which each thread (2) is no longer in contact with the corresponding deflection member, and thus with the corresponding twisting device (3), to a second position during the phases of acceleration, deceleration and stoppage of the machine, in which each thread (2) is then applied by the deflection member (1) with which it is in contact, against the corresponding twisting device (3). The thread thus receives during only these three phases, the false tension necessary to impart to it at that time constant tension and winding independent of the speed of thread travel.

Abstract: An IC card having an integrated circuit sealed within which includes a case constructed of a card-shaped synthetic resin material and internally incorporating an integrated circuit board. The case has a recess defined in one end thereof and opposite surfaces. A connector portion is disposed on the recessed end of the case and has contact pins positioned within the recess for connecting the integrated circuit board to an external circuit. A reinforcing metal plate covers each of the opposite surfaces of the case, with each metal plate having an integral end portion bent into an L-shaped configuration toward an inlet region of the recess and covering relation to a portion of the connector portion around the inlet region of the recess. The integrated circuit board has a ground-connection point electrically connected to the reinforcing metal plates.

Abstract: An electronic card reading device for reading the data stored in an electronic card by electrically bringing the electronic card into contact with the reading device and for displaying the data that is read on a display thereof comprising; a main unit in the form of a thin plate having card contacts which are electrically brought into contact with an electronic card, an integrated circuit, and a display on which to display the data which is read from the electronic card, a power source in the form of a thin plate which is electrically connected to the main unit to supply power thereto, the power source being constructed so as to be separate from the main unit, and a soft cover having a housing portion for the main unit and another housing portion for the power source, in which the main unit and the power source are separately housed, and having an electronic card pocket which is so disposed that an electronic card can be inserted therein and the electronic card thus inserted is brought into contact with the c

Abstract: A drum-type winder for winding a web of material, especially a web of paper or cardboard, on cores, including a mechanism for inserting a fresh core in the drum valley and for separating the web, a structure that accommodates the core, and a mechanism that separates the web. The accommodating structure and the web separator are secured to a double-articulation arm that pivots parallel to the axis of the drum. The accommodation is secured to the free section of the arm and the free section has an extension that projects beyond the core accommodation and to which the web-separating mechanism is secured.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled scanning system having a scanning element which is driven by a three-phase DC motor has low quiescent current motor driver circuitry. A bus driver chip normally used to drive a computer memory bus is novelly used in place of a prior art triple half-bridge circuit to source and sink the drive windings of the motor, thus significantly reducing the drive circuitry power requirement.

Abstract: An improved shaft for mounting an article such as a core for roll paper is proposed. The shaft has a core shaft, a boss mounted on the core shaft, and a plurality of sliders mounted in axial grooves formed in the boss. The sliders are slidable axially to a position at which their outer edges extend above the boss surface and are pressed against the inner wall of the center hole of the article to be mounted to securely hold the article.

Abstract: A currency cassette (10) has a printed circuit board (80) secured to one of its side walls, the board (80) having mounted thereon a microprocessor, a RAM, a real time clock chip, and battery means for supplying power for the board (80). First (208) and second switches are respectively operatively associated with the lid (14) of the cassette (10) and with a shutter which, when opened, permits currency notes to be extracted in operation from the cassette (10). Opening of the lid (14) or the shutter causes the appropriate switch to be actuated. Each switch is connected to the printed circuit board (80), and the microprocessor is arranged, in response to actuation of either of the switches, to store in the RAM data indicating which switch was actuated and the date and time of day when the relevant switch was actuated. The switches and printed circuit board (80) provide an effective tamper indicating system for the cassette (10).

Abstract: An automatic cash transaction system having a plurality of automated teller machines and a supervisory center for supervising the automated teller machines, wherein cash transactions are performed using an identification card storing at least an index representative of the number of a user's account.

Abstract: An improved sensor array and illumination scheme for a bar code scanner use a modified Scheimpflug arrangement optical system that simplifies signal processing. The preferred embodiment includes a detector array comprising a multi-element array of photosensors positioned in one Scheimpflug plane and an illumination beam in the form of a sheet of light along the other Scheimpflug plane. The detector array has a plurality of elements having a long axis and a short axis, with the long axis of the elements arranged substantially perpendicular to the image of the illuminated strip of the bar code tag. The projection of the long axis of the elements of the array onto the other Scheimpflug plane defines the working range of the optical system. So long as the bar code tag intersects the illumination beam within the working range, the image of the illuminated strip of the bar code tag will be substantially in focus across the elements of the detector array.

Abstract: A portable hose reel assembly comprising a wheeled frame structure rotatably supporting a hose reel structure by a shaft assembly communicating water under pressure to a hose to be wound on the hose reel structure. The frame structure comprises a pair of molded plastic three-cornered side frames and four blow molded plastic members rigidly interconnected therebetween by grooved ends snapped into tabbed sockets. The hose reel structure comprises a pair of reel end structures having integral hub portions and two semi-cylindrical hub parts movable in opposed radial directions into an operative position with respect to the hub portions in hose coil load transmitting relation to one another. The end walls of the hub portions and the ends of the hub parts include integral interengaging elements which serve to retain the reel and structures and hub parts in operative position when moved therein.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus reproduces an information signal from a card type optical recording medium from which an information signal can be optically read out and on which an information signal is discretely recorded as a plurality of blocks each consisting of a plurality of track trains. The apparatus comprises a detector formed with a plurality of detecting elements arranged two-dimensionally. A light beam from a reproducing light source irradiates the entire area of the block as a recording unit. The detector detects light reflected from the optical card, and a extractor extracts a detection output of one of the track trains in the block on the basis of a detection output from the detector.

Abstract: A tape recorder in which first and second cassette tapes are loaded on a two stage reel mechanism, the two stage reel mechanism comprising a first reel, operatively connected to reel driving circuit, for transmitting a rotating force of the driving circuit to the first cassette tape, the first reel including a plurality of first engaging members at its periphery engaging with projections of a reel hub of the first cassette tape, and a second reel, operatively connected to the driving means and coaxially provided with the first reel for transmitting a rotating force of the driving circuit to the second cassette tape, the second reel including a plurality of second engaging members at its periphery engaging with projections of a reel hub of the second cassette tape, wherein at least one of the ends respective reels is tapered.