Abstract: Credit card blanks are manufactured with a plurality of random, secure codes (24) such as randomly applied infrared readable bits. A card encoding apparatus (B) includes a secure code reader (32) for reading the secure code from one of the blanks. The secure code and account information are operated on by an encoding algorithm (36, 38) to generate a verification code which is electromagnetically recorded (40) or embossed (42) on the card. In conjunction with a credit card transaction, the merchant passes the credit card past an electromagnetic read head (50) and an infrared read head (52) to read the electronically encoded account information, verification code, and secure code. A keyboard (54) enables the merchant to manually enter this data if the electromagnetic recording should be unreadable. The verification apparatus operates on the account information with a verification algorithm (66, 68, 70) to generate an answer corresponding to the verification code.

Abstract: A credit card (10) has a layer (28) of high coercivity magnetic material which is of a sufficiently high magnetic coercivity that once its dipoles are polarized, they are unable to be returned to a randomized distribution. The card is embossed with a man-readable code (30) and is electromagnetically recorded with a man-nonreadable code. Particularly, the electromagnetically recorded code includes an account code (42, 44), a visual comparison algorithm code (50), a visual comparison code (52), an electronic comparison code (54), a card identification number (56), and a personal identification number (58). A reader (60) reads the account code and produces a man-readable display (102) of the electromagnetically coded account number. To verify that he has compared the display with the account number on a receipt, the merchant marks the symbols on the receipt which correspond to the highlighted symbols of the display.

Abstract: An automated token system (particularly for toll roads) utilizing a token which may be permanently magnetized and demagnetized. The token is made of permanent magnetic materials such as barium ferrite and a plastic material, is circular and has a uniform thickness.The system includes a mechanism for magnetically and visually writing on the token at an entrance to a controlled area or road and a reader for reading information at the exit. The mechanism for writing includes an electromagnetic conditioner which erases old information and an electromagnetic head or heads which place data bits of information on the token. An input from a computer and/or shift register and/or switches and appropriate amplifiers signal the electromagnetic heads. The reader for reading includes a scanning head which takes the information from the token and transmits it to a shift register or computer.

Abstract: There is provided an improved patient operated traction apparatus characterized by an articulated frame having a head portion which is pivotally mounted relative to the elongated side rails of a foot portion. The side members of the head portion are pivoted intermediate their ends, thereby providing a projection extending beyond the pivot point and useful as a lever arm for actuating the head portion relative to the foot portion whereby the respective distal extremities are moved in a direction away from each other for applying tension to the patient. Suitable straps are provided at the opposite ends of the apparatus for attachment to the body of the patient.

Abstract: Means to control the speed of correction of a probe, and a slave such as a torch or welding head, for a welding guidance system, and the like, wherein the response of the probe controls or actuates a device, which is responsive to a predetermined electrical condition, characteristic or information, to continuously vary the magnitude of the output of the device in proportion to the change or deviation detected by the probe to actuate at least one motor to correct or change the position of the probe and the slave.

Abstract: An electrical liquid treatment apparatus for eliminating and preventing hardness effects includes an enlarged fitting adapted for coupling in a flow line and a screen insulatively supported in the fitting with an electric potential applied between the screen and the fitting, and a cleaning device having sharp edges is positioned in the fitting to clean mineral and other deposits from the screen.

Abstract: An electrical liquid treatment apparatus for eliminating and preventing hardness effects includes an enlarged fitting adapted for coupling in a flow line and a screen insulatively supported in the fitting with an electric potential applied between the screen and the fitting, and a cleaning device having sharp edges is positioned in the fitting to clean mineral and other deposits from the screen.