Abstract: A credit card counter (40) with a self-adjusting card loading apparatus (42) having a card elevator plate (46) for elevating a rack of cards (14) to a position with the top edges (19) aligned with a sensor location (26) for optimal sensing. A spring (56) biases a pivot plate (52) to rotate in a direction to move the card elevator (46) until the top edges (18) abut a card guide member (50) aligned with the sensor location (26) which is located above the cards (14A) and out of path of debris carried by the rack of cards (14). The connection to the elevator plate (46) is by means of a pivot axle (72) and the sides of a slot (44A) in a base plate (44) have a snug fit with the sides of the elevator plate (46), so that relative movement is substantially translational. The elevator plate (44) is lowered sufficiently to allow the edges (18) under the guide member (50) and then permitted to rise to the correct position depending upon the height of the cards (14A).

Abstract: Apparatus and method of verification of credit cards, including sensing information thereon and comparing said information with information on a specially designed pre-printed carrier, followed by insertion of one or more cards in the matching carrier as required, folding and stacking card-inserted carriers in a manner ready for subsequent insertion into mailing envelopes. Sensing, input, comparison logic, and timed command circuitry for coordination of operation includes a pause mode of card advance and may optionally include a multiple card search mode to find matching cards when card sequence is improper.

Abstract: Device and method for reading indicia embossed, punched or impressed in a sheet of base material, such as credit-type cards and the like. The reader employs a head having a plurality of movable fingers disposed to sense the holes or embossing when the card is moved relative to the head. The fingers carry light guides thereon which are spaced from and disposed to transmit light from a fixed source. A light cut-off shield is disposed between the source of the light and the light guides to intercept and prevent or permit transmission of the light when the fingers pass over the embossed indicia or holes. Light detectors are disposed at the opposite terminus of the light guides to detect the presence or absence of light and produce electrical pulses corresponding thereto. These electrical pulses can be used or processed in any circuitry as information input correlating to the indicia on the base material, e.g.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of verification of credit cards, including sensing information thereon and comparing said information with information on a specially designed pre-printed carrier, followed by insertion of one or more cards in the matching carrier as required, folding and stacking card-inserted carriers in a manner ready for subsequent insertion into mailing envelopes. Sensing, input, comparison logic, and timed command circuitry for coordination of operation includes a pause mode of card advance and may optionally include a multiple card search mode to find matching cards when card sequence is improper.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with a system for monitoring the rate of operation of a cyclically operating machine or process or the rate of cyclically recurring events. The system monitors the rate by sensing each cycle occurring during a sampling time interval or duration and generating a signal which is taken as a standard value representing a standard rate. Either the length of time required for a specific number of events is measured, or the number of events occurring in a specified time is measured. The measured value is compared with the standard value and an indication is made of the comparison.

Abstract: Device and method for reading indicia embossed, punched or impressed in a sheet of base material, such as credit-type cards and the like. The reader employs a head having a plurality of movable fingers disposed to sense the holes or embossing when the card is moved relative to the head. The fingers carry light guides thereon which are spaced from and disposed to transmit light from a fixed source. A light cut-off shield is disposed between the source of the light and the light guides to intercept and prevent or permit transmission of the light when the fingers pass over the embossed indicia or holes. Light detectors are disposed at the opposite terminus of the light guides to detect the presence or absence of light and produce electrical pulses corresponding thereto. These electrical pulses can be used or processed in any circuitry as information input correlating to the indicia on the base material, e.g.

Abstract: Single-sheet, multi-panel carriers for receiving and retaining credit cards during credit card issue and mailing procedures. Cards may be inserted in the carriers manually or by machine. Plural carrier forms are preferably provided in a continuous fan-folded web, and individual carriers are separable therefrom at perforations between subsequent and/or adjacent carriers. The carriers have special slits or slots for retaining one to four cards singly, or double that in a piggy-back manner, in vertical or horizontal configurations. Carriers also have a plurality of panels which assist in retaining the cards by wedge trapping during manual or machine issue processing (inserting, collating, verification and stuffing) and mailing operations. Carriers also carry verification and/or identification information thereon relating to the account, e.g.

Abstract: A swim fin including a quick-release mechanism associated with the heel strap. The quick-release mechanism includes a lever and a link which are secured together and to the strap in such a way as to define an over center, toggle, lever arrangement whereby the effective length of the strap can be quickly and abruptly changed to allow easy entry or release of the foot of a swimmer from the foot receiving cavity of the fin.