Abstract: Badge reading apparatus for reading a data encoded badge or the like has a channel for receiving the badge, the channel having a slide positioned therein which clock-holes for producing synchronizing timing signals, the slide being adapted to move within the channel in abutting relation to the badge. Means are provided for maintaining the badge and slide in fixed abutting relation while the badge is moved so as to read, such means incorporating a wrap-around spring on which the badge rides and which keeps the badge properly aligned. The slide element further incorporates a fold-over arrangement for the clock-holes, whereby the slide need not contain the same number of clock-holes as there are rows of data to be read from the badge, thereby enabling a smaller slide element and reduced size of the overall apparatus.

Abstract: Document handling apparatus for determing the fitness of documents such as paper sheets, paper currency and the like and including a feed mechanism for feeding documents in a single file through an examining location. Documents pass through the examining location and are examined for relative limpness or stiffness, density (i.e. clean or dirty,), perforations, cuts, tears, holes and the like, missing and/or folded corners and a test for document genuineness. Based upon the results of the tests, the sheets, which are still moving at high speed in a single file after examination, are directed toward a rotatably mounted gating roller which, dependent upon the condition of the examined sheets, is rotated either in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, at extremely high speed, to deflect sheets toward either of two possible output paths. The gating roller may be either a continuous or dicontinuous member.