Abstract: An apparatus for scanning bar code data recorded on a target includes a source emitting a beam of radiation, and optics for deflecting the beam of radiation along an axis normal to the beam. The apparatus further includes an electronic shutter element defining a plurality of adjacent regions, each region independently capable of assuming a substantially transparent state, and, digital logic, for causing the adjacent regions of the shutter element to assume substantially transparent states in a sequential, directional manner along the axis to affect directional transmission of less than all of the deflected beam onto the target. The apparatus further includes a detector for sensing the presence of radiation reflected from the target, and, optics for converting the radiation reflected from the target into a beam and for focussing the beam onto the detector.

Abstract: The invention is directed to circuitry for reproducing the data on a magnetic stripe recorded. A security access card is manually passed through a card-reading device at an uneven low velocity, storing the data in one half cycle of operation in uniform number of data storage cells despite the unevenness of speed, and reading out the data at a predetermined rate, during the other half cycle of operation for delivery to a data processing unit.

Abstract: This all electronic extensor circuitry enables any one of a multiple of remote card operated terminals to be individually switched onto an electronic data transmission line formerly accommodating only one such remote terminal. The circuitry is arranged to lock out all but the active terminal for the normal time taken to interchange control signals and to enter data. Circuitry is also included for converting very short incoming control pulse signals to very long control pulses for actuating devices and/or circuitry controlled by the terminal. The terminals are identified by tone signals transmitted over an additional wire line pair. For line lengths greater than 2 kilometers, voice grade telephone lines are preferred, and simplified modems for this purpose are disclosed.