Abstract: An automatic code reading device, which is adaptable to use in object storage and retrieval apparatus, can read out the code mark affixed on an axial end surface of an object having a circular section. The device includes a housing defining a chamber in which the object should be loaded. In the housing, a read head unit for reading out the code mark and a holder for holding the drawn object are mounted. The read head unit or the holder is rotated by motor drive to scan the code mark affixed on the drawn object by the read head unit. The rotational angular extent is controlled (360.degree.+.alpha..degree.), where .alpha..degree. is at least an angular extent over which the code mark extends.The reading device is provided with a pick-up device for drawing object into the chamber and pushing out the object therefrom.

Abstract: A punched card reader for use in systems such as bulk fuel terminal dispensing systems, automated unattended bank teller machines and the like includes security provisions to prevent operation of such systems by counterfeit cards. Specifically, the system operates with a punched card made of laminated plastic or the like having a rectangular plate made of magnetic material sandwiched between the card layers. This plate is located in an area of the card adjacent the portion encoded with the variable data uniquely identifying the card and the controlling its function, etc. The card entry throat of the tape reader is modified to have a pair of spaced-apart, magnetically actuated reed switches on one side of the card entry slot. On the opposite side of the card entry slot a pair of corresponding permanent magnets are located.

Abstract: An identification card, comprising several laminated layers, one of which is of material capable of being magnetized, has 350 spots on it, each of which is capable of having one portion of the spot magnetized north and the other portion magnetized south. The 350 spots are divided into groups of randomly selected spots. One group, for example, represents the serial number of the card and has the portions of its spots magnetized accordingly. Apparatus for reading, and for remagnetizing the card to change the information recorded thereon, is also provided. This apparatus includes a horseshoe core (for each spot) that bridges the two magnetized portions of the spot. A "Hall effect" device detects the direction of the flux in said horseshoe core to respond to the direction of the magnetism of the portions of the spot. The polarity of the portions comprising the spot may be reversed by energizing a coil on the horseshoe core.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading data defined by a plurality of magnetic elements which emit respective predetermined external magnetic fields consists in subjecting an anisotropic magnetoresistive device carrying a substantially constant electrical current to the effect of the external magnetic fields, polarizing in said magnetoresistive device by a magnetic polarizing field in such a way that the direction of magnetization and the axis of easy magnetization of the magnetoresistive material of the said device form a given angle between them, defining the maximum desired value of the said external magnetic fields to which the said magnetoresistive device will be subjected, and making the value of the said angle correspond substantially to the modulus of the sum of the said maximum desired value of external magnetic field and the magnitude of the demagnetizing magnetic field which is set up by the said magnetoresistive medium in response to the said external magnetic field having the said maximum desired val

Abstract: A localized-field static magnetizing device consists of a non-magnetic substrate having a magnetic layer thereon that contains a succession of adjoining zones of alternately differing lengths and having magnetic inductions of alternately opposing directions. One of the lengths is much greater than the other and the magnetic layer has a high coercive field.

Abstract: A secure document is produced by securely attaching to a support a body of including a security feature and having a shape which conveys information to the eye. For example the body is a layer of magnetizable material having apertures of letters, numbers and the like. The document can be examined by both magnetic and optical examination apparatus to cross-check that no alteration has been made. A method of making a secure document and examination apparatus is also described. The security feature may be a pattern of magnetic anisotropy fixed into the material.

Abstract: A data storage retrieval system includes a magnetic circuit read head which comprises first and second pole members. Located and positioned between the poles is a pickup means which comprises a magnetic member having a pickup coil associated therewith. The member as positioned between the poles is located at a point which provides zero output across the coil when the poles are excited by a source of alternating potential. A magnetic material which may be positioned on an information carrying card is positioned such that it affects the flux lines between one of the poles and said pickup means. This position of the magnetic member serves to provide a signal across the coil indicative of a binary one or a zero.

Abstract: A card reader adapted to receive a coded card is provided which includes an alternating current source and sensing means connected to the alternating current source. The sensing means includes a plurality of tuned circuits, each having a sensing coil. Each coil has a pressed powder ferromagnetic core and an annular pressed powder ferromagnetic sleeve encircling the coil in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core. The coded card consists of a thin electrically conductive layer having holes selectively formed in the layer in data positions, which, when taken together with portions of the remainder of the electrically conductive layer, constitute binary coded information. The card reader contains a protrusion which prohibits access to a portion of the card reader. A notch is formed in one side of the card to receive the card reader protrusion so that the card may be fully inserted into the card reader in only one position, thereby aligning the coils and the data positions.

Abstract: Magnetic recording media including permanent structures of aligned acicular particles have been proposed as a means of identifying and authenticating a medium. A structure which has an improved remanence difference signal is described. A method of making and examining such a structure is described. Arrangements of such media and record / read-out apparatus by which information can be recorded and read-out without interference from the structural remanence differences are described. The use of the media for security documents such as credit cards is described.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader for providing an output to a utilization device. A plurality of reed switches are arranged in coplanar relationship in a manner to optimize the number of data sensors in a given area. In addition, a magnetic card is disclosed for providing completely different and independent magnetic data on the opposite surfaces thereby allowing sensing or reading devices to be placed on both sides of the card.

Abstract: A security document has a carrier and two layers of magnetizable material one overlying the other, the carrier and layers being all bonded together. One layer is for the recording of information and the other layer has a magnetic structure which can be examined for verification purposes. A preferred method of making the structured layer is to deposit magnetizable material to form the layer within the influence of a magnetic field from a recording on the information layer which is of the form of the structure. The recording is erased when the structured layer has been formed. The security document may be a credit card, a bank note or other valuable paper.

Abstract: An identification card, comprising several laminated layers, one of which is of material capable of being magnetized, has 350 spots on it, each of which is capable of having one portion of the spot magnetized north and the other portion magnetized south. The 350 spots are divided into groups of randomly selected spots. One group, for example, represents the serial number of the card and has the portions of its spots magnetized accordingly. Apparatus for reading, and for remagnetizing the card to change the information recorded thereon, is also provided. This apparatus includes a horseshoe core (for each spot) that bridges the two magnetized portions of the spot. A "Hall effect" device detects the direction of the flux in said horseshoe core to respond to the direction of the magnetism of the portions of the spot. The polarity of the portions comprising the spot may be reversed by energizing a coil on the horseshoe core.