Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the distance between transitions from a first logical state to a second logical state stored on a medium (i.e., a document). This determination is used to precisely characterize the information pattern in order to authenticate the information and the medium on which the information is stored. The invention uses a reader having a leading and trailing read apparatus which allow information to be read simultaneously from two or more locations spaced a known distance apart. The distance between the centerlines of each read apparatus is preferably an odd integer multiple of one half the distance between logical clock transitions. The distance between a first transition at the leading read apparatus and a next transition at the trailing read apparatus is used as a reference (i.e., the “Reference Value”). The Reference Value is compared with the distance between the first transition and the next transition on the medium (i.e., the “Jitter Value”).

Abstract: System and method for the processing of MICR documents that produce read errors. MICR documents are read and sorted to a destination pocket for processing subject to a determination that existing digit errors do not prevent the routing of the document. In example embodiments, an error does not prevent the routing of the document if it is not related to the routing/transit field. An optical character recognition (OCR) process is performed on the stored, electronic image of the document to correct digit errors in the stored data read from the documents. If a determination is mode that the correction cannot be determined through the OCR process, the image and corresponding MICR data is displayed on a user terminal, for manual correction by reference to an image of the document, rather than the document itself.

Abstract: A magnetic stripe card reader for reading a magnetic stripe on a card having at least one track of magnetically stored information stored thereon as a stream of encoded discrete data bits separated by bit times is disclosed. Aa magnetic head is provided for reading the magnetic pulses as the magnetic stripe is passed thereby to output a time varying analog signal. A data converter incorporated on an integrated circuit is then operable for converting the analog signal to a digital time series of digital values. A processor incorporated on the integrated circuit can ten process the digital output of the data converter and is operable to first determine potential bit boundaries and then recover timing information from the digital time series to discriminate the bit times between data bits. The value of each data bit is then determined during each bit time to provide a stream of extracted data bits.

Abstract: An antenna design of compact dimensions is provided by incorporating the antenna structure into an integrated circuit or small circuit module. A radiation pattern adjustment mechanism permits dynamic, real-time adjustment of the antenna pattern in response to motion, repositioning, handovers, or other changing conditions. Pursuant to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the antenna includes a plurality of substantially conductive elements embedded into or formed on the integrated circuit. At least one of the conductive elements is coupled to a radiation pattern adjustment mechanism in the form of a switching diode or relay. The antenna elements are arranged in a manner so as to provide parasitic interaction.

Abstract: Magnetic field response sensors designed as passive inductor-capacitor circuits produce magnetic field responses whose harmonic frequencies correspond to states of physical properties for which the sensors measure. Power to the sensing element is acquired using Faraday induction. A radio frequency antenna produces the time varying magnetic field used for powering the sensor, as well as receiving the magnetic field response of the sensor. An interrogation architecture for discerning changes in sensor's response frequency, resistance and amplitude is integral to the method thus enabling a variety of measurements. Multiple sensors can be interrogated using this method, thus eliminating the need to have a data acquisition channel dedicated to each sensor. The method does not require the sensors to be in proximity to any form of acquisition hardware. A vast array of sensors can be used as interchangeable parts in an overall sensing system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the distance between transitions from a first logical state to a second logical state stored on a medium (i.e., a document). This determination is used to precisely characterize the information pattern in order to authenticate the information and the medium on which the information is stored. The invention uses a reader having a leading and trailing read apparatus which allow information to be read simultaneously from two or more locations spaced a known distance apart. The distance between the centerlines of each read apparatus is preferably an odd integer multiple of one half the distance between logical clock transitions. The distance between a first transition at the leading read apparatus and a next transition at the trailing read apparatus is used as a reference (i.e., the “Reference Value”). The Reference Value is compared with the distance between the first transition and the next transition on the medium (i.e., the “Jitter Value”).

Abstract: A method for sound-enabling a plastic card without interfering with the operation of the card consists of drilling small holes in the card in the area that does not have a magnetic strip or embossed characters, and inserting thin integrated circuits containing a touch sensor, a speaker, a rechargeable capacitor and a controller. A thin sticky film is used to hold the system together. Electrical connectors on the surface of the card are used to recharge the battery and to change the recording. The user of the plastic card can activate the sound recording by pushing a touch sensor.

Abstract: To reliably process a card such as a credit card to acquire accurate card information in accordance with the present invention without lowering job productivity, magnetic data is read from the card and in the same operation the front of the card is scanned to secure an image of data information such as the card number. The resulting image data is stored in memory. A control unit in conjunction with a reading evaluator such as a computer determines if the magnetic data has been successfully read or not. If reading the magnetic data is not successful, an OCR unit extracts the card number from the card by OCR processing of the scanned image data. The card number extracted by the OCR unit is then used for a card C authorization check.

Abstract: An adaptor in accordance with the present invention allows a conventional magnetic stripe card POS reader to receive information from contact-based or wireless sources while maintaining the concurrent ability of the reader to interact with a magnetic stripe card. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the adaptor includes an inductor capable of generating a magnetic field of sufficient power to couple with a head of a magnetic stripe card reader through the housing of the reader device. In this manner, the adaptor can be positioned external to the reader device, leaving the slot of the reader accessible for conventional interactions with magnetic stripe cards. Selective inductive communication with individual heads of the reader device may exploit their differing sensitivity to external magnetic fields generated by the adaptor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electronically processing financial transactions involving corporate checks. A front end device at a location associated with a merchant and a check processing service configured to detect and process corporate checks. In one embodiment, the detection of the corporate check is achieved at the front end device by reading of an auxiliary on-us field in the check's magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line. Such information denoting the check as a corporate check is used by the check processing service to at least partially base its assessment of whether to approve and process the corporate check electronically.

Abstract: The card reader prevents fraudulent use of the data read from a magnetic card. The card reader takes a card having a magnetic stripe at a card insertion port into a card reader and a magnetic head reads data recorded on the magnetic stripe. The data read is saved and a timer is started. After a given time elapses, the saved data is made unavailable for reading.

Abstract: Apparatus and Methods for imaging magnetic fields and for using images of magnetic fields in the authentication of magnetic stripe cards or documents are disclosed. The systems described provide an increased tolerance for misalignments of magnetic reading heads. One preferred embodiment of the invention includes sensing circuitry for sensing an image of the magnetic field using an array of magnetic reading heads and sampling circuitry connected to the sensing circuitry.

Abstract: A document reading apparatus reduces processing time and affords excellent ease of use when reading a slip document to acquire both magnetically read data and image data. Transportation unit 19, 20 convey slips through a transportation path. Magnetic reading unit 21, 22 output magnetically read data acquired by reading the printed magnetic ink characters from the slip as the slip passes through the transportation path, and optical reading unit 23, 24 output image data captured by optically imaging the same slip during the same pass through the transportation path. A control unit 11 interprets control commands and controls slip transportation, the magnetic reading process, and the optical reading process accordingly. A single-pass multiple-reading command controls executing a single-pass multiple-reading process for applying both the magnetic reading and optical reading of specified slip during a single pass through the transportation path.

Abstract: Magnetic field response sensors designed as passive inductor-capacitor circuits produce magnetic field responses whose harmonic frequencies correspond to states of physical properties for which the sensors measure. Power to the sensing element is acquired using Faraday induction. A radio frequency antenna produces the time varying magnetic field used for powering the sensor, as well as receiving the magnetic field response of the sensor. An interrogation architecture for discerning changes in sensor's response frequency, resistance and amplitude is integral to the method thus enabling a variety of measurements. Multiple sensors can be interrogated using this method, thus eliminating the need to have a data acquisition channel dedicated to each sensor. The method does not require the sensors to be in proximity to any form of acquisition hardware. A vast array of sensors can be used as interchangeable parts in an overall sensing system.

Abstract: The apparatus and method described herein provides for creating multiple spatial patterns, such as magnetic patterns on credit cards. The invention includes storage of information from which patterns may be created, a pattern creation device for creating the spatial patterns, and control whereby the information which is stored is selectively utilized to cause the pattern creation. This allows multiple desired patterns to be simulated, allowing convenient replacement of a number of separate pattern carrying devices.

Abstract: A cleaning card system and method for cleaning contaminants accumulated in a card reader and pushing dust or dirt out the back of the card reader is disclosed. The card reader cleaning plow of the invention includes a semi-rigid material having the same or similar width and thickness of a data bearing card that is normally read by the card reader, but being longer and having a notch, or notches, cut in the leading edge of the card reader cleaning plow that allows the insertion of the card reader cleaning plow beyond the limiter post, or posts built into the card reader. The card reader cleaning plow may be inserted into the card reader and cleans the reader heads, any rollers or guides and the feed path, and harmlessly pushes the dust and particulates build-up through the device.

Abstract: A data system (1) includes a credit card type substrate (3) and a data unit (2). The substrate has first and second edges (28, 30) and a data surface region (26) between the edges. The data unit includes a base (4), a substrate support (60) mounted to the base for controlled movement along a first path (14), and a data head driver (6), also mounted to the base, including a data head which reciprocates along a second path (10) oriented perpendicular to the first path. The data head contacts the data surface region on the substrate and first and second data head support surfaces (120, 122) located at opposite ends of the second path adjacent to the first and second edges of the substrate. The data head support surfaces and the data surface rer˜ioI1 are coplanar.

Abstract: To provide a loop antenna capable of attenuating the distant electric field with the attenuation of the magnetic flux in the vicinity of an electromagnetic wave restrained, and a contactless IC card read/write apparatus. A loop antenna 10 has an electromagnetic wave shield 1 over at least one side of the loop antenna, the electromagnetic wave shield 1 comprising a plurality of electric conductors 2, a ground contact 3 for grounding the plurality of electric conductors and a lead wire 4 for connecting the plurality of electric conductors 2 to the ground contact 3. The plurality of electric conductors 2 are electrically connected via the lead wire 4 to the ground contact 3 and the plurality of electric conductors 2 are arranged so that the paths of the respective electric conductors 2 from any of their given points to the ground contact 3 via the lead wire 4 are determined uniformly.

Abstract: A method of detecting a magnetic thread comprises causing relative movement between the thread and an array of magnetic heads, each head generates a signal upon detecting a portion of the thread. The arrival of a thread at one of the heads is detected, that head being denoted a primary head, and the head on each side a secondary head. Output signals from the primary and secondary heads are monitored to generate a representation of the thread, and the magnitude of the signals from the primary and secondary heads are compared such that if the magnitude of the output signal from a secondary head exceeds that from the primary head, the primary and secondary heads are reallocated accordingly.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body that has monolithically formed top and bottom surfaces and opposed top and bottom edge portions respectively. An annular magnetic member is directly affixed to one of the top and bottom surfaces and is positioned adjacent to one of the top and bottom edge portions. The annular magnetic member is sufficiently sized and shaped for affixing the body against a support surface elevated from a ground surface. The annular magnetic member has a smooth and arcuate outer perimeter which effectively resists premature peeling and fraying during manufacturing processes. The annular magnetic member and the body further have substantially equal thicknesses for occupying minimum interior space defined within a postal envelope.

Abstract: The invention concerns a man/machine interface method for a ticket processing device (DIS) comprising a magnetic read/write station (PIL), a thermal printing station (TT) and control means (UC), including the following steps: a) writing on the magnetic stripe of a configuration ticket at least certain operating parameters of the ticket processing device to be configured (DIS), and printing said parameters on said configuration ticket, corresponding to said configuration parameters; b) inserting the configuration ticket into the processing device to be configured; c) reading the content of the configuration ticket magnetic stripe; d) storing the configuration parameters read, thereby enabling the control means (UC) to provide the configuration for the functioning of the ticket processing device using said stored configuration parameters and an installer to be provided with a ticket configuration whereon are printed said corresponding configuration parameters.

Abstract: An oilfield equipment identifying apparatus comprising a computer loaded with an oilfield equipment database. A unique identification code is input into the computer for each piece of oilfield equipment in the drill string to form a reference in the oilfield equipment database to each piece of oilfield equipment in the drill string. A drilling monitoring device receives input signals indicative of at least one of rotating and non-rotating usage of the drill string and output signals to the computer wherein the computer continuously and automatically monitors the cumulative rotating usage and non-rotating usage of each piece of oilfield equipment identified in the drill string.

Abstract: A universal credit card with a cellular telephone that has inside of an outer housing and adjacent to a side thereof a magnetic reader/writer capable of reading data from a magnetic strip of a credit card. Along a side of the outer housing adjacent the magnetic reader/writer is a wide and deep enough slit to swipe the credit card. When a template credit card is swiped through the slit, a magnetic strip of the template credit card reads or writes data from at least one credit card that the user selected on the telephone's keypad from a plurality of credit cards whose data had been entered into memory. A controller and software operate the magnetic reader/writer the user's keypad selection. Alternatively, there is a slot in the outer housing rather than a slit, and insertion and/or removal of a credit card in the slot constitutes swiping the credit card.

Abstract: An adaptor allows a magnetic stripe card reader to receive information from other media such as wireless proximity chip cards while maintaining the ability to receive a magnetic stripe card. In accordance with one embodiment, the adaptor includes a simulacrum structure of sufficiently narrow width to fit substantially permanently within the slot of the magnetic stripe reading device, while providing sufficient room for a magnetic stripe card to also be concurrently accommodated within the slot and read by the reader head. The simulacrum structure may be in electronic communication with one or more transceivers of wireless communications such as RF and IR.

Abstract: A value holding system includes a receiving unit that receives an instruction to add or remove a value relating to a payment, a judging unit that judges whether the instruction is identical to a previously received instruction, and a rejecting unit that rejects the instruction when the judging unit judges that the instruction is identical to the previous instruction. According to the value holding system so constructed, it is possible to reject an invalid payment request in order to prevent an incorrect collection of payment.

Abstract: A reading method for data in a card reader including: (a) inserting a card provided with a magnetic stripe into a card insertion part, (b) reading data in the magnetic stripe with a data read section at least at a time of insertion or extraction of the card, (c) comparing an output level from the data read section with a predetermined read decision reference value, and then (d) changing the read decision reference value when the data have not been read. The read decision reference value may be changed from a low sensitivity setting to a high sensitivity setting or maybe circularly changed. The reading method for data is effectively utilized for a manual card reader.

Abstract: A Universal Ticket Transport (UTT) 10, 150 may be configured to read from and write to many types of magnetically encoded tickets 20 currently used in fare collection systems. The UTT 10, 150 includes a mechanical insertion interface and automated movement along a transport path 18 for tickets 20 of varying thicknesses that are presented at a range of different angles 40, 42 into and exiting from the UTT 10, 150. The UTT 10, 150 includes a mechanical assembly 156, 158 which may be rotated, and the belts 22, 24, 152, 154 and rollers 30, 32, 34, 36 reconfigured, to accommodate tickets 20 having top-face or bottom face magnetic stripes. The belt subassemblies A, C and the magnetic head subassembly B are configurable across a width W of the UTT 10, 150 to process tickets 20 having magnetic stripes which are offset from a center line 86.

Abstract: Information pertaining to characteristics of consumables such as metal welding electrode wire and shielding gas and which characteristics are useful in connection with adjusting welding parameters in an arc welding process and/or selecting between operating modes in a welding system are encoded on welding wire and/or on other memory components such as bar code labels and tags, RFID cards and tags, IC cards, and Touch Memory buttons, and the memory device is scanned prior to and/or at the point of use of the welding wire or shielding gas for enabling tracking of product distribution, manual and/or automatic selection of an operating mode for the welding system, manual and/or automatic adjustment of welding parameters in a given operating mode, consumables inventory, and the like.

Abstract: An adaptor allows a magnetic stripe card reader to receive information from other media such as wireless proximity chip cards while maintaining the ability to receive a magnetic stripe card. In accordance with one embodiment, the adaptor includes a simulacrum structure of sufficiently narrow width to fit substantially permanently within the slot of the magnetic stripe reading device, while providing sufficient room for a magnetic stripe card to also be concurrently accommodated within the slot and read by the reader head. The simulacrum structure may be in electronic communication with one or more transceivers of wireless communications such as RF and IR.

Abstract: A data distribution system (10) including an information card (12) and a reader (14). The information card (12) includes visible indicia (20) on its front and stripe zones (34) and a ring zone (36) on its back. The zones (34, 36) are suitable for magnetically recording data, and optional characteristics for such data. The reader (14) may be a linear reader (14a), a rotary reader (14b), or a card-stationary reader (14c, 14d) and may optionally act automatically in response to reading one or more of the optional data characteristics. If the reader (14) is a rotary reader (14b) the information card (12) may particularly be loaded into a cartridge (16) which is loaded into the rotary reader (14b).

Abstract: An automatic ticket checking apparatus of the present invention is arranged along a passage and has a first conveying mechanism which conveys a magnetic ticket in a first direction along the passage and a second conveying mechanism which is arranged facing in the passage direction against the first conveying mechanism. This automatic ticket checking apparatus reads the information recorded on magnetic tickets and wireless tickets and executes the checking process for user who are advancing in the first direction along the passage and further, reads the information recorded on magnetic tickets and wireless tickets carried by users who are advancing in the second direction along the passage and executes the checking process for users who are advancing in the second direction.

Abstract: A key card encoder incorporates a plunger that is pushed downward as the card is manually inserted into a slot in the encoder and a potentiometer whose value changes based on the plunger position to indicate the card's position at all times. As the card is inserted into the slot, a head encodes a magnetic strip on the card as the card is inserted into the slot, while the head verifies the code in the reverse direction as the card is withdrawn from the slot. The slot is illuminated in different colors and flashing patterns to guide the user through the encoding process and notify the user if there is an encoding error.

Abstract: The semiconductor device has a security coating with embedded magnetic particles and magnetoresistive sensors. This renders possible a measurement of the impedance of security elements defined by magnetoresistive sensors and security coating. If initial values of the impedance are stored, actual values can be compared therewith to see if the device has not been electrically probed or modified. Such a comparison can be used to check the authenticity of the device.

Abstract: A card reader that transports a card having a magnetic strip with a drive means to read and write information on the card that includes prehead for detecting the insertion of the card by searching the presence of the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic strip, and a card detecting switch for detecting the card. When the card detecting switch determines that a card is present, the prehead searches the magnetic information. When the card detecting switch does not detect a card, the card is distinguished as a specially-shaped card.

Abstract: A bar code (10) has primary information (46, 48, 50, 51) encoded in one direction (e.g., horizontally) and secondary information (13, 21, 36) encoded in another direction (e.g., vertically) in single (11) or multiple tracks (35) in selected ones of the vertical bars (11) of a bar code (10). Using a non-linear, variable amplitude scanner, all of the bars are scanned in the one direction to obtain all of the primary information and all of those vertical bars having secondary information are scanned in the other direction to obtain all of the secondary information. The one direction which is perpendicular to the vertical bars (11), is determined by first rotating the scan path axis (86, 87) until both start (46) and end (48) code bars are read thereby placing the scan path entirely within the total bar code, and, then, further rotating the scan path (88, 89) to determine the direction of the minimum crossing width (Lsc 80) of the total bar code (10).

Abstract: A character reading system efficiently and quickly applies an optical verification process to detect magnetic ink character misreads. In the system, a magnetic ink character reading device reads magnetic ink characters on a processed medium and generates magnetic ink character data, an image reading device scans an image of the processed medium and generates image data, and a position calculator calculates positions of magnetic ink characters on the processed medium and generates magnetic ink character position information. A communication controller sends the magnetic ink character data, image data, and magnetic ink character position information to a host device which includes an optical recognition device that optically recognizes select magnetic ink characters from the image data based on the character position information. By selectively applying optical verification (e.g.

Abstract: A print media processing apparatus having scanner feed rollers for holding and transporting print media against an image scanner appropriately controls the scanner feed roller position. The scanner feed rollers are opposite the image scanner, which is disposed along a vertical segment of a transportation path along which a check or form is transported. A roller retraction mechanism moves the scanner feed rollers between a closed position in which the rollers press against the scanning surface, and an open position in which the rollers are retracted therefrom. The scanner feed rollers retract to the open position a specific time after scanning ends. By delaying retraction of the rollers in this manner, the present invention solves the problem of a check or other print media, after having been processed and transported to the exit side of the rollers, from slipping down between the rollers and the image scanner into the vertical transportation path because the rollers opened as soon as scanning ends.

Abstract: An oilfield equipment identifying apparatus comprising a computer loaded with an oilfield equipment database. A unique identification code is input into the computer for each piece of oilfield equipment in the drill string to form a reference in the oilfield equipment database to each piece of oilfield equipment in the drill string. A drilling monitoring device receives input signals indicative of at least one of rotating and non-rotating usage of the drill string and output signals to the computer wherein the computer continuously and automatically monitors the cumulative rotating usage and non-rotating usage of each piece of oilfield equipment identified in the drill string.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process of selective transfer of labels from an initial support to a final support, each label including at least one element constituent of a microelectronic and/or optoelectronic and/or acoustic and/or mechanical device, with the elements made in a surface layer of the initial support, and the process including the following stages: a) Fixing a transfer support on the surface layer of the initial support; b) Eliminating the part of the initial support that does not correspond to the surface layer; c) Laterally defining the labels by cutting according to the thickness of the surface layer, with the cutting leaving zones to be broken off; d) Grasping one or several labels to be transferred and tearing them off by means of energy intake in the corresponding zones that can be broken off; e) Transfer and fixing the label or set of labels torn off in stage d) on the final support.

Abstract: An output of a resonant circuit 60 which electromagnetically couples with an external communications apparatus is rectified and taken out, and a resultant output voltage V is monitored by a switch control circuit 61. After the output voltage V has risen to or beyond a threshold Vth1, a switch element SW is turned on and off, and a state of the switch element SW in which the output voltage V becomes higher is determined. While holding the switch element SW in the state thus determined, a power supply switch element PSW is turned on when the output voltage V has further risen. As a result, even when a plurality of noncontact IC cards 6 overlaid with one another are brought close to the communications apparatus, the individual noncontact IC cards 6 can carry out data communication.

Abstract: A magnetic stripe card manual swipe reader (MSR) unit capable of attaching to and communicating with a conventional personal digital assistant (PDA) from various manufacturers, using only the electrical power available as supplied by the PDA device, and capable of effective electrical power management and conservation operations. Additionally, this PDA attachable MSR unit is capable of recognizing multiple magnetic encoding formats and data record formats and converting said formats to a standardized output format, includes the capability of updating and adding new formats while in field service, and is readily allows verifying card data and encoding sensitive material prior to transmission to the PDA. These custom formats can then be used to fulfill current needs in age verification, law enforcement, security, and numerous other applications.

Abstract: A technique for directing a credit card based payment to a payee for a payor having a credit card issued by a credit card issuer is provided. A request for a payment service provider to make a payment to the payee on behalf of the payor is received. Payment information associated with the payment request is sent to the credit card issuer. The information is not sent via a credit card network. The credit card issuer then sends funds to the payment service provider in response to the sent payment information. These funds are not sent via a credit card network. The payment service provider delivers funds to the payee, not the credit card issuer.

Abstract: A security device, such as a security thread, uses multiple security detection features provided by combining metal and metal/magnetic security features on a carrier substrate. The security detection features basically comprise an optionally repeating pattern of discrete metal/magnetic indicia and discrete metal or metal-dot formed indicia. The security detection features may also include at least one metal strip extending along the length of the carrier substrate and/or a plurality of metal dots located on metal-free portions of at least one surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A structure of a card gate mechanism in a card reader of, e.g., an ATM (automated teller machine). In order to constitute a gate opening (3) of a card gate mechanism (1), a gate frame (4a, 4b) which includes a wide-open portion (5) which leads a card (2) to a card carrying path (14) by using a material which transmits light is provided on at least one surface side of the card (2), and a light source portion (6) which irradiates the gate frame (4a, 4b) with the light is provided, thereby causing the wide-open portion (5) to shine by emitting the light from the light source portion (6). In this case, when a part of the gate frame (4a, 4b) is formed as a lens portion (9), a direction of light irradiation can be controlled, thereby alleviating irregularities in an element.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing an ID code for a loyalty program from non-restricted information from a payment card or other ID card having restricted information.

Abstract: The gate system includes a center to perform the ticket reservation control, an automatic gate apparatus that is connected to the center and examines a magnetic recording medium or a wireless card inserted as a ticket, a ticket vending machine to issue a ticket, and an in-compartment ticket issuing terminal carried by a trainman in a train for performing a fare adjustment for a riding past ticket, etc. through the wireless communication.

Abstract: A system for processing cards including a magnetic medium extending along one side of the cards and printing on both sides of the cards is disclosed. The system is a plurality of card processing stations (14, 30, 24) spaced along a card transport (18?) extending between a card input 12 and a card output 16. A first drive motor (54) drives a transmission (60) coupling the motor to a card drive associated with each station to transport the cards at each station during processing thereof. A second drive motor 56 rotates a combined magnetic encoding and card flipping station. A controller 60 controls operation of the stations and the first and second motors so that the combined magnetic encoding and flipping station flips the cards to a reverse orientation to print a second side.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to techniques for creating and controlling a magnetic field for use with electronic article surveillance (EAS) markers. In particular, the techniques make use of current switching devices to generate a signal having one or more current pulses for creating the magnetic field. An electronic article surveillance (EAS) system includes a coil to create a magnetic field for changing a status of an EAS marker and a drive unit to output a signal having one or more current pulses for energizing the coil. A programmable processor within the EAS system controls the drive unit to generate the output signal according to a desired profile. By selectively activating and deactivating current switching devices within the drive unit, the processor can direct the drive unit to generate the output signal according to a desired profile having a number of current pulses of different amplitudes and direction.

Abstract: A method for ribbon color thermal printing and encoding cards, particularly pre-paid, smart cards, chip cards, and the like is disclosed. The method includes the steps of detecting the printing ribbon color, controlling the thermal printing energy feed and driving the printing, encoding and detection, in which the encoding is carried out at a location upstream of the thermal printing. The color detection is carried out at a location between the encoding and/or thermal printing, and at the same time as the printing.

Abstract: Magnetic stripe documents are identified and authenticated on the basis of repeatable magnetic characteristics of a stripe recorded with digital data and waveform characteristics of the sensed digital data. Stripes are sensed to provide an analog signal, only the portion storing leading zeros being used. Cyclically, the leading-zero portion is sampled and digitized to provide a target number of samples using a frequency locked loop. The target number of samples is then reduced by a selection process that attains a predetermined number of digital samples from central locations in magnetized portions of the record specifically, spaces between data transitions. Selected groups, each of a predetermined number of digital samples, are then combined to provide magnetic characteristic data. Such data is then combined with waveform data (range) to provide an identification word. Documents are verified by correlating reference and sensed identification words.