Abstract: A card reader may include a main body frame, an IC contact block and a guide shaft for moving the IC contact block between a contact position and a retreated position. The guide shaft may be inserted through and pulled out from the IC contact block. The main body frame includes a first shaft holding part and a second shaft holding part which hold the ends of the guide shaft. The first shaft holding part is formed with an arrangement hole which is a first cam groove structured to move the IC contact block and the second shaft holding part is formed with a second cam groove structured to move the IC contact block. A coming-off prevention member which prevents coming-off of the guide shaft from the first shaft holding part and the second shaft holding part is detachably attached to the guide shaft or the main body frame.

Abstract: A sorting device for sorting a stack of playing cards laid in an input bin in four stacks and removing them at the four cardinal points of the sorting device includes two receiving bins disposed on top of each other, of which the upper receiving bins are adjustable in height in order to selectively deposit playing cards in the lower receiving bins or upper receiving bins. The upper receiving bins are disposed on a rotatable subframe that, after sorting, is rotatable for a quarter of a turn in order to bring the upper receiving bins into a removal position in which the playing cards can be removed at the four cardinal points. At the four removal positions, doors are present that open automatically and through which ejector pins then move the playing cards outside.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of automatically shuffling a deck of playing cards is described. The apparatus includes three compartments disposed laterally with respect to each other and at least one compartment movable vertically with respect to another other compartment. Cards placed in one of the compartments are dispensed into the other two compartments so as to cut or strip the deck, and are returned to the original compartment by interleaving cards from the other compartments. The process may be repeated to substantially randomize the deck for use in playing a game of cards. The cards may be removed either through a top aperture through which the cards were introduced into the apparatus or using a removable tray.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of automatically shuffling a deck of playing cards is described. The apparatus includes three compartments disposed laterally with respect to each other and at least one compartment movable vertically with respect to another other compartment. Cards placed in one of the compartments are dispensed into the other two compartments so as to cut or strip the deck, and are returned to the original compartment by interleaving cards from the other compartments. The process may be repeated to substantially randomize the deck for use in playing a game of cards. One of the compartments may be operable, either manually or by motive means so as to project outside the envelope of the apparatus so as to accept or dispense a deck of cards.

Abstract: An automated banking machine includes a mechanism for accepting deposited items. Deposited items may be provided to the machine in envelopes which are first passed to a user from an envelope storage area (132) in the machine through a transport (124) and which are presented to the user through an opening (244). An envelope storage and dispensing device (134) is operative to assure that only a single envelope is delivered to the user. A user may thereafter include deposit items in the dispensed envelope. The deposited items are passed through the opening (244) and are deposited in a deposit-holding container (128). The deposited items may be marked with indicia corresponding to the transaction or properties of the deposited item where the envelope originally dispensed to the user for holding the deposited item.

Abstract: A box for collecting ballots from an electronic ballot tabulating machine includes a base assembly, and front and rear support assemblies pivotally attached to the front and rear ends of the base assembly, the three assemblies are foldable into compact and generally parallel-spaced portions for transport and storage, in its storage state, the box is easily transformed from the storage state to an upright voting state wherein the ballot tabulating machine is positioned at a convenient height for the voter by unfolding the assemblies, in its set-up or voting state, the box receives ballots from the tabulating machine and stores them in one or more secure ballot compartments.

Abstract: A collapsible ballot box for collecting ballots from an electronic ballot tabulating machine includes a base assembly, and front and rear support assemblies pivotally attached to the front and rear ends of the base assembly. The three assemblies are foldable into compact and generally parallel-spaced portions for transport and storage. In its storage state, the ballot box is a compact unit with wheels and a handle that can be comfortably transported and/or stored. The ballot box is easily transformed from the storage state to an upright voting state wherein the ballot tabulating machine is positioned at a convenient height for the voter by unfolding the assemblies. In its set-up or voting state, the ballot box receives ballots from the tabulating machine and stores them in one or more secure ballot compartments. An auxiliary ballot compartment can be provided in the front support assembly for receiving unmarked ballots.

Abstract: A solid substance removing device comprising a body provided with a fluid inlet pipe and a fluid outlet pipe and a filtering part disposed between the fluid inlet pipe and the fluid outlet pipe inside said body, the filtering part having (a) a thickness in the range of 5-500 mm, (b) a percentage of voids in the range of 60-99.5 vol. %, and (c) a contact surface area in the range of 100-2000 m2/m3. Owing to the construction described above, it is made possible to facilitate removal of the solid substance and, at the same time, prevent new generation of a polymer during the production of an easily polymerizing substance.

Abstract: A workpiece identifying method is provided, being characterized in that a plurality of identification areas of plural columns and rows are plotted in an identification mark providing region provided in the area of the unused portion of a workpiece or a product, identification holes are formed in the proper number of identification areas, whereby an identification mark is provided to the workpiece or the product. A workpiece is produced with identification holes formed in the proper number of identification areas. An identifying method for detecting the identification holes formed in the proper number of identification areas of the workpiece and workpiece identification apparatus are also provided. Sheet metal machining apparatus is further provided, having the workpiece identification apparatus placed in a workpiece feed device side or a carry-away device side for a sheet metal work machine. Thus, an identification mark is easily and surely provided to the workpiece, making it easy to identify the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a document storage device which allows for temporary and secure storage of a number of documents upon their exit from a document processor. The device (10) is comprised of a document stack system (12), a retrieval system (14), and a control unit (16) for tracking the position of each document in the stack. As documents are deposited into the document stack, an identifier is attached to each document's position in the memory of the control unit (16). After deposit of a first document, a first pair of separator sheets (6a, 6b) are deposited above the document. A second document can then be deposited above the first pair of separator sheets. Thereafter, a second pair of separator sheets are deposited above the second document. One sheet from each pair acts as the top or bottom cover for the document (5) against which it is in contact. This deposit process can be continue for additional documents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a package handling and sorting system which sorts small packages according to destination, segregating those with the same destinations for combined shipments. The system depends on a unique combination of conveying equipment automatically controlled by programmed data processing units which utilize data obtained by scanning electronically readable package labels, as well as other information and detection equipment, to examine packages introduced into the system, and to transfer those consigned to the same location to vehicles routed to such locations. The system also generates an electronic trail of package movements, thus providing the capability to trace packages lost in transit.

Abstract: A sound recording and reproducing apparatus for receiving a two-part cassette-type case containing a stack of records or sheets carrying mechanically or magnetically recorded information. The apparatus includes a record selecting mechanism which is operated for selecting any one of the stacked records in the case for recording or reproduction by separating the stack of records into upper and lower parts and placing the uppermost record of the lower-part of the stack in a position for recording or reproduction while moving the upper-part of the stack up away from the lower-part of the stack. The records or sheets for use with the apparatus have a particular selecting aperture arrangement, and the record selecting mechanism of the apparatus includes selecting rods which are operated to select records according to the particular selecting requirements of the records. The cassette-type case consists of two releasably locked parts, and permits a selection of records by operating the selecting rods.