Abstract: A disk (110) carries containers (such as 120) each containing a stack of cards capable of being extracted one-by-one via an orifice (126) when a wheel (151) is moved to an extraction position (151A). A first conveyor (140A) then conveys the extracted card to a programming unit (1) which is capable of being moved to a position enabling a card to be inserted therein without friction, and thereafter lowers a connector (6) onto the card. After the card has been validated and inspected, it is conveyed to a user along the first conveyor (140A) and then along a second conveyor (140B) terminating at a delivery slot (105). An invalid card may be directly rejected into a reject box (180) placed beneath the programming unit (1).

Abstract: The device comprises: an elongate support part (4) suitable for being embedded in the path and having a low upstanding wall (17) running along the edge thereof; a plate (30) cantilevered out from the low wall (17) with its cantilevered portion being subdivided into tongues (38) by slots (39) which extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the support part (4); pressure transducers received in the support part (4) beneath said tongues (38); resilient means between the tongues (38) and the transducers; and electrical connection means (350) making connections with the pressure transducers.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing checks comprises an internal path defined by a toothed belt (10) passing round a enclosed loop from inlet wheels (111, 112) to outlet wheels (115) followed by a disengagement curve (125, 126).Along this path there are provided: a station (50) for magnetizing and reading CMC7 or E13B characters, a station (60) for printing on the check by means of a dot matrix print head subjected to displacement along a circular arc and enabling printing to make place on the front or reverse face of the check as selected by the user, a station (70) for post printing the amount of the check in CMC7 or E13B characters, and a station (80) for printing a fixed endorsement.Subsequent processing of the check is then considerably simplified for the customer, the trader, and the bank. FIG. 2.

Abstract: A device for cutting a strip of paper or similar material, i.e. material in a flexible sheet which can be cut or torn easily, said strip having preestablished transverse lines of weakness. The strip is tensioned and then contacted with a blunt edged blade to tear the strip at the line of weakness.

Abstract: A system for verifying an operation in particular one that includes payment, the system comprising at least one terminal (11) and a plurality of portable objects (10) which may be coupled, preferably without contact, to the terminal. The terminal emits repeated interrogation messages suitable for triggering reading of the contents of a shift register (60, 190) in a portable object when said object is coupled thereto, only after a comparator has verified concordance between first validity data from the portable object and check data from the terminal. After processing, the terminal re-writes updated useful data in the register. Re-writing is only authorized after a comparator (240) has verified concordance between second validity data stored in the shift register with check data transmitted by the terminal into a register (220) of the portable object. The check data is produced by the terminal after decoding the validity data contained in the message derived from reading the portable object (10).