Abstract: The present invention features a check-reading and check-validation machine having a programmed microprocessor, a photo-sensor, a magnetizing unit, a magnetic head reader, feed rollers and a stepper motor drive for rotatively driving the feed rollers. The machine may be a sub-unit of a printer. A check is introduced to the nip of the feed rollers. The photo-sensor detects the presence of the check and activates the stepper motor drive. The stepper motor drive then causes the feed rollers to rotate, drawing the check into the reading and validating machine. The microprocessor instructs the stepper motor to feed and discharge the check into and out of the machine, according to a specialized program. The microprocessor program initially instructs the stepper motor to rotate the feed rollers for forward drive, utilizing half-step pulsing.

Abstract: A security system for an unattended printing mechanism, such as that found in an automatic teller machine. The security system has a programmable microprocessor which sends data to a journal printer and actuates a journal motor that controls the rotation of the paper take-up drum. A timing disk is rotationally attached to the take-up drum. A sensor mounted adjacent the timing disk senses the rotation of the timing disk and the rotation of the take-up drum. As the timing disk rotates, the sensor generates alternating high and low signals. The sensor signals are fed to the microprocessor, which assesses the number of high/low signals, and the amount of paper being fed to the take-up roll. When it does not see a proper number of high-to-low transitions for a given amount of journal motor rotation, the microprocessor provides a signal that a jam has occurred in the printing system. The microprocessor continually monitors the sensor signals.

Abstract: This invention features a sensing system and a method for dispensing financial and retail receipts from a receipt-printing machine. The sensing system of this invention can use any one of a myriad of typical supply rolls having a media strip (usually paper) that has black marks periodically located at given intervals along its edge. The sensing system usually has a light-emitting diode (LED) and a photo-transistor. The light from the LED is directed on the supply roll, where, as the paper is advanced, it is reflected to the photo-transistor. When a black mark comes into the range of the LED, the light from the LED is absorbed and not reflected to the photo-transistor. The printing machine then stops advancing the paper, and cuts it to form a receipt of adequate length. The invention utilizes a microprocessor that has a pulse width modulator (PWM) for providing a square wave output to a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter. A program of the microprocessor controls the frequency and the duty cycle of the PWM.

Abstract: A labor-saving consolidated checkout system which requires a single store employee and which is suited for self-service and full-service operation. The system includes first and second joined checkout counters which include first and second terminals at one end of the counters. The checkout counters may additionally include first and second conveyor belts. Each terminal has an optical scanner and a magnetic stripe reader which are accessible to a customer. Each terminal also includes a keyboard and a cash drawer. The store employee monitors self-service customers to ensure that all merchandise items are scanned and payment is made and assists full-service customers with scanning and payment.

Abstract: A bar code scanner diagnostic method which may be performed at a retail site or during the burn-in phase of manufacturing. The method includes the steps of applying power to the scanner, reading a bar code label by the scanner, determining whether the bar code label is a diagnostic bar code label, reading the diagnostic bar code label by the scanner a first predetermined number of times within a predetermined period of time if the bar code label is the diagnostic bar code label, determining scanner failures which occurred during the reading of the diagnostic bar code label, logging the failures which occurred during reading of the diagnostic bar code label, cycling power to the scanner after the predetermined time period, and performing the reading through cycling steps a second predetermined number of times. Logged failures may be downloaded to a terminal coupled to the scanner and printed by a printer coupled to the terminal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a hand-held bar code scanning device having a processor for operating the scanning device. The method includes the steps of mounting the scanning device in a support member, sensing the movement of the device when removed from the support member, operating the device when removed from the support member and disabling the scanning device when returned to the support member. A hand-held scanning device includes sensing means and processing means in which the sensing means outputs a control signal to the processing means upon sensing the movement of the scanner enabling the processing means to operate the scanner.