Abstract: An optical reader head with a video compensation circuit for use in high speed document reading. The reader head utilizes small focussed bulbs to illuminate the scanning line, with the head being comprised of first and second body sections housing a lens which focusses the light reflected from a document at the scanning line to a light array comprised of 256 sensors. Light from four adjacent sensors along the scanning line is integrated to produce a composite pixel which becomes one of 64 such composite pixels for a scanning line of data permitting the use of low wattage bulbs and also eliminating the possibility of burning a jammed document. A peak comparison PROM is used for adjusting document background levels, for example, for use in thresholding the pixel data.

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: A quickly assembled apparatus for moving documents, like checks, along a document track. The apparatus includes a drive roller assembly having a first shaft extending therefrom and an idler roller assembly having a second shaft extending therefrom, with the idler roller assembly being biased into engagement with the drive roller assembly to drive a document therebetween. The drive roller assembly has a two piece housing which seats two ball bearings which support the drive roller assembly which also has first and second elastomeric members positioned on the periphery thereof to function as first and second drive rollers. The idler roller assembly has first and second ball bearings whose outer races function as first and second idler rollers for engagement with the first and second drive rollers.

Abstract: A document reader module which provides precise alignment for the document being read and the associated reader, like an optical reader. An integrated frame member provides accurate control surfaces for the precise alignment mentioned. An elevator mechanism mounted on the frame member provides an apparatus for adjusting the read head relative to the line of data on the documents being read. A special pinch roller construction, which can be locked in a retracted position, facilitates the removal of jammed documents from the associated document track.

Abstract: A printing apparatus which includes a single revolution clutch. The clutch includes first and second cam sections which comprise the output member of the clutch. When the clutch is released, a spring accelerates the output member to bring a control surface on the second cam section into operative engagement with a cylindrically-shaped, rotating, input member. An abutment member on the first cam section cooperates with a follower arm to stop the rotation of the output member after a single revolution. A solenoid and linkage are used to raise the follower above the abutment stop to release the clutch for another single revolution of the output member.

Abstract: A printing apparatus including a support body and a printer. The support body has a first area for storing media to be supplied to the printer, and a second area for receiving media from the printer which is mounted on the support body. The support body has a linkage mechanism to enable the support body to be moved from a home position to an accessing position where the accessing of media in the support body is facilitated.

Abstract: An apparatus for pocketing documents in vertically-aligned pockets. The apparatus includes a frame and slides for mounting the frame for reciprocal movement between a home position and an extended position relative to the apparatus. A plurality of vertically-aligned, pocket members is mounted on the frame for selectively receiving documents to be pocketed. A transfer station, having first and second track members, receives a document therebetween, with the first track member being mounted on the frame for movement therewith. A first transport apparatus is used to move a document in a first direction to said transfer station, and a second transport apparatus is used to move a document in a second direction from the transfer station to the plurality of pocket members. A transfer apparatus is used to transfer a document at the transfer station from the first transport apparatus to said second transport apparatus.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus having a track for guiding a sheet therein, with the track having an upstream end and a downstream end, and with a staging area located therebetween. Transport rollers are used for moving a sheet from the upstream end towards the downstream end. The apparatus also comprises control means including a stationary member and a moveable member located at the staging area; the moveable member is moveable between first and second positions with regard to said stationary member and one of the transport rollers. The moveable member, when in the first position, is operatively uncoupled from a transport roller and is operatively coupled to said stationary member to stop a sheet therebetween at the staging area, and the moveable member, when in the second position, is operatively uncoupled from the stationary member and is operatively coupled to one of the transport rollers to move the sheet from the staging area towards the downstream end.