Abstract: A document security system is described for encoding documents such as credit cards, chargecards and the like with a unique signal representative of the user which cannot be read by the unaided eye and can only be read using a document reading means such as a card swipe machine. In a preferred arrangement the signature of a user is digitized by a digital scanner and compressed and magnetically encoded onto the magnetic stripe of the credit card. The user's portrait can also be digitized and printed on the anti-tamper panel on the card. In use, the user presents the card in a bank or store and the portrait is initially compared with user and assuming there is a likeness, the card is swiped through a card swipe reader and the encoded signature is read and displayed on a LCD-type display. The vendor or teller at the point of use can compare the signature read from the card with the user's actual signature to verify the authenticity of the user.

Abstract: A vision system for detecting mispositioned parts during the operation of a powder metal press and preventing damage to the press and tooling associated therewith, wherein the gross level of light is read at specified locations of the press during predetermined points in the press stroke, compared to gross light levels established during a teaching stroke of the press, with the press being automatically deactivated when the difference between the gross light level read and the established gross light level is not within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A system for detecting penetration through a blank by the beam of a laser cutter prior to cutting a workpiece from a blank. The laser cutting includes a frame defining an interior area bounded by first and second side walls, first and second end walls and a bottom. Means are provided for supporting the blank within the confines of the side walls and end walls and above the bottom. A gantry structure extends transversely of the frame and movable longitudinally thereof. A laser head is connected to and is movable longitudinally of the gantry. A main control for the laser cutter causes the beam to be reflected through the gantry structure and the laser head toward the blank. The system comprises at least one sensor module mounted on the frame beneath the support means. The sensor module is operatively connected to the main control such that the laser cutter begins cutting the blank upon detection of the penetration by the sensor module.

Abstract: An electronic control system for operating the hydraulic cylinders associated with a press brake wherein independent control of each of the hydraulic cylinders is achieved to insure that the cylinders track against a fixed reference to insure more accurate forming of the workpiece. The cylinder tracking is under computer control which also establishes a creep speed slower than the normal forming speed near the point of ram reversal. A plurality of press brake may be operated simultaneously from the same tracking reference.