Abstract: A method of operating an image-based self-service check depositing terminal having an optical character recognition (OCR) reader comprises the steps of (a) receiving from a self-service depositor a check to be deposited, (b) illuminating the check with infrared radiation, (c) capturing a first image of the check while the check is illuminated with infrared radiation, (d) processing the first check image to provide an enhanced image of the check, and (e) applying OCR techniques to read a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) codeline from the enhanced check image.

Abstract: A method of operating an image-based self-service check depositing terminal having an optical character recognition (OCR) reader comprises the steps of (a) receiving from a self-service depositor a check to be deposited, (b) illuminating the check with infrared radiation, (c) capturing a first image of the check while the check is illuminated with infrared radiation, (d) processing the first check image to provide an enhanced image of the check, and (e) applying OCR techniques to read a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) codeline from the enhanced check image.

Abstract: A check processing system comprises an image capture module including a controllable image capture device disposed along a first side of the document track. The image capture device captures an image of a document item moving from an upstream end of a document track to a downstream end of the document track. An energizeable first light source is disposed on a second side of the document track and faces the image capture device and is provided for, when energized, illuminating the document item to allow the image capture device to detect a leading edge of the document item as the document item moves from the upstream end to the downstream end. An energizeable second light source is disposed on a second side of the document track and is provided for, when energized, illuminating a document item in the document track to allow the image capture device to capture an image of the document item as the document item moves from the upstream end to the downstream end.

Abstract: A check processing system comprises an image capture module including a controllable image capture device disposed along a first side of the document track. The image capture device captures an image of a document item moving from an upstream end of a document track to a downstream end of the document track. An energizeable first light source is disposed on a second side of the document track and faces the image capture device and is provided for, when energized, illuminating the document item to allow the image capture device to detect a leading edge of the document item as the document item moves from the upstream end to the downstream end. An energizeable second light source is disposed on a second side of the document track and is provided for, when energized, illuminating a document item in the document track to allow the image capture device to capture an image of the document item as the document item moves from the upstream end to the downstream end.

Abstract: This invention relates to an assembly for the automatic feeding of aquatic animals, particularly fish, in an aquarium. In use the assembly is disposed atop an aquarium or atop an aquarium hood with an opening congruous with a passage of a feed chute contained in the assembly. The end-user fills each compartment of a train, mounted on a steeply sloping ramp, with particulate or flake-type feed of his or her choosing. The train is restrained, from sliding down and dumping its contents through an aperture in the ramp, by a string connected to a float in a reservoir suspended in fluid communication above an evaporation tray. Liquid that evaporates from the tray is replaced with liquid from the reservoir, causing the float to descend. As the float descends, the attached train is allowed to advance under gravity's pull. Upper surface of the ramp forms a bottom for the train; hence, as the train advances over the aperture the feed falls freely through the aperture, down the chute and into the aquarium.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a printer to print data beginning at a specified distance from the reference edge of a document. Several test documents are moved through a print station and a test symbol is printed on each of them with a preselected set of heating elements from a dot matrix thermal printer. The test documents are then processed through the same print station whereupon a sensor detects the reference edge of the document and the test symbol. A master controller then determines a test symbol distance between the reference edge and the midpoint of the test symbol for each test document. A plurality of test documents is processed in this manner, and the master controller determines an average test symbol distance for the plurality of test documents. Using an average test symbol distance, the master controller determines the distance between the sensor and a given hewating element of the thermal printer.

Abstract: An aligning and protective apparatus for a stepping motor which includes a sensor housing having first and second sensor pairs located therein. An aligning cover has a receiving area therein to receive the sensor housing. The first and second sensor pairs are placed apart a predetermined distance in the housing which is positioned on the motor to coact with a timing disk used in controlling the operation of the stepping motor. The cover with the sensor pairs therein is rotated on the motor until the sensor pairs are properly located on the motor to effect the desired lead angle for the motor. The cover is also shaped to protect the sensor pairs and the timing disk from dust.

Abstract: An incremental motion mechanism which utilizes first and second one-way clutches attached to the output shaft of the mechanism. The first one-way clutch is used to prevent back up of the output member, while the second one-way clutch is used to incrementally rotate the output shaft. First and second solenoids and associated linkage under the control of a controller are used for adjusting the extent of rotation of the output shaft.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a stepping motor in start, run, and stop modes of operation. After the stepping motor is accelerated in the start mode, it is operated in the run mode by energizing the windings with a lead angle of two steps in one embodiment and by energizing the windings with a lead angle of two and one quarter steps in a second embodiment.