Abstract: A medium feeding apparatus includes a feeding portion that performs a feeding operation, which feeds a medium to a downstream side, and a reverse feeding operation, which feeds the medium to an upstream side, and a wind-up portion that performs a wind-up operation, which winds up a medium fed to the downstream side by the feeding operation, and a unwinding operation that unwinds the wound up medium, in which the wind-up portion performs the unwinding operation prior to the reverse feeding operation.

Abstract: A lock device including a keyway sized and configured to receive a key, a sensor assembly including an optical source and a key height sensor, and a controller in communication with the sensor assembly. The optical source is configured to generate an optical signal, and the key height sensor is configured to generate a key height signal in response to receiving the optical signal. The key is configured to interact with the optical signal such that the key height signal varies based upon the height of the key. The controller is configured to generate a key profile based at least in part upon the key height signal, to compare the key profile to authorization data, to select an action based upon the comparing, and to perform the action.

Abstract: An illumination light source emits illumination light toward a target to be read by image capture. An imaging assembly captures the illumination light returning from the target along an imaging axis over a field of view that extends along mutually orthogonal, first and second directions that are generally perpendicular to the imaging axis. A compound parabolic reflector receives, and optically modifies, the emitted illumination light to generate a generally uniform illumination light pattern that is substantially congruent to, and substantially overlaps, the field of view along both of the first and second directions. The compound parabolic reflector has first and second pairs of parabolic segments for respectively reflecting the emitted illumination light over first and second illumination angles along the first and second directions.

Abstract: A system for audio and visual documenting of personal meetings between two or more persons whereby the documentation is stored in a memory means where the access to the memory means can be done only by consent of said participants and by a positive action made by each of them. The system includes a casing, a memory means, a recording voice means or a video recording means, a locking means and authorized keys. The memory means is saved in the casing and locked by the locking means. Opening the locking means and the casing can be done only by using authorized keys. The locking means is a locking means selected from the group consisting of a mechanical locking, an electronic lock, an electric lock, a lock based on magnetic cards, a biometric lock, a locking means based on finger print, retina or DNA sample.

Abstract: A security element is provided for a document of value. The security element includes an array of apertures through at least a portion of the document of value, the arrangement of apertures relative to one another forming an observable data item. The array of apertures includes apertures of at least two different shapes or orientations, the occurrence of the different shapes or orientations within the array representing an encoded data item. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a security element on a document of value, including: obtaining a first data item and generating an aperture array template; obtaining a second data item and encoding the second data item within the aperture array template; and perforating at least a portion of the security document according to the encoded aperture array template.

Abstract: A laser scanning system with sufficient power to drill very small holes or marks in materials. The holes or marks are so small that they cannot be seen with the human eye. These holes and marks can be arranged in an ID matrix barcode or other barcode that can be detected with a specially designed barcode reader.

Abstract: A security element is provided for a document of value. The security element includes an array of apertures through at least a portion of the document of value, the arrangement of apertures relative to one another forming an observable data item. The array of apertures includes apertures of at least two different shapes or orientations, the occurrence of the different shapes or orientations within the array representing an encoded data item. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a security element on a document of value, including: obtaining a first data item and generating an aperture array template; obtaining a second data item and encoding the second data item within the aperture array template; and perforating at least a portion of the security document according to the encoded aperture array template.

Abstract: Aimed is easy locating of a card placed on a touch panel, when identifying card type by sliding a touch pen, etc. along card slits. When a reference slit determining unit (404) of a card identification device (401) determines that a locus input from a touch panel unit (402) matches a reference slit, a slit region display control unit (405) displays longest slit regions images in which value slits are to be included on an image display unit (403). When a value slit determining unit (406) determines that a locus input thereafter matches any value slit, an input-finished slit display control unit (409) displays the image of the identified value slit on the image display unit (403), overlaying it on the longest slit region. When all value slits are identified, a card identifying unit (407) identifies the card type based on types of the identified value slits, and outputs it.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for processing gaming voucher images are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes recording voucher information on a gaming voucher, creating an image of the gaming voucher, causing the image to be stored, and dispensing the gaming voucher.

Abstract: An optical mark reader includes a housing formed by a base and an upper housing assembly. A scanner is associated with the upper housing assembly for performing scanning operations on cards that are input into the housing. The base and the upper housing are detachably connected to each other by a quick connect/disconnect fastening system which permits easy access to the lens of the scanner, whereby the lens can be cleaned as needed. In addition, the housing includes a unique card path defined, in part, by a pair of guide walls on the base. The card path includes an inlet that is tapered both vertically and horizontally make insertion of cards into the housing easier. Further, a single, offset drive wheel is used to transport cards through the housing.

Abstract: All data registering devices, including voting machines, are subject to error, either from human lapses or mechanical malfunction. The object of the present invention is to disclose a device that incorporates features that immediately alert the user to the fact that an error has occurred, before it is too late or too inconvenient for the user to correct it. In voting devices that produce a machine-processable record card, such as the Votomatic and the Poll Star, votes are counted photo-electrically by shining a light through holes punched in the ballot card. According to the present invention, the greatest certainty regarding what punch-outs represent a valid vote can be obtained only if the same principle is employed to inform the voter as to whether his punch-out is or is not in the intended position and is a complete punch-out. To provide the voter with this verification, backlighting is introduced that directs a beam of light upward through each punch-out toward the voter's eye.

Abstract: The invention proposes an arrangement of the type comprising a unit into which a badge is introduced manually into a housing in the unit, and which comprises a lever for immobilizing the badge in an active position in the unit and an electromagnet made to lock the immobilizing lever, wherein this arrangement comprises a member for manually unlocking the immobilizing lever which acts on the mobile core plunger of the electromagnet. It is applicable on board of a motor vehicle in which the anti-theft functions are partially or completely fulfilled by data processing, some of which data represents an authorized user of the vehicle.

Abstract: A disk arrangement is formed for a key by installing a plurality of disks, where each disk is either penetrable or non-penetrable by infrared light, into a plurality of through holes in the key. Selection of different types of disk for installation results in different disk arrangements for the key and the key is specified by its own disk arrangement. A lock is set to identify the key by detecting and storing the disk arrangement of the key by transmitting and receiving infrared light through the disks. The detected disk arrangement is stored in a memory device of the lock.

Abstract: This invention in its preferred embodiment comprises an apparatus and process (including a computer program) for controlling unmarked lock-opening keys in a security systems, whereby the conventional metal keys used to unlock rooms or cars or other entities can be controlled even though unmarked. The technique of the invention effectuates such control through taking electronic photographs, creating a silhouette of the side of unmarked keys using their individual configurations on the edge, generating an individual and distinctive electronic signal, specific for each such key to generate a digital coordinate series of numbers for each key and inventorying each such identifying signal representing a key so that keys are recognized by these signals rather than numbers or codes marks on the key. Although marked keys can be utilized in such a system, it would be a waste of the identifying ability of the invention.

Abstract: An energy saving, optoelectronic system provides a means for energizing and deenergizing electrical loads. The system includes a continuous light transmission source and a light receiving circuit that senses a light pattern and, in response, develops a first or a second output signal. The system also includes a gating circuit that receives the output signal. The gating circuit comprises a logic circuit arranged such that the receiving circuit will transmit the second output signal upon receiving a predetermined light signal. The system further includes a power switch that is open in response to an open circuit signal from the gating circuit and is closed in response to close circuit signal from the gating circuit.

Abstract: A punchcode reader is provided for reading data encoded in a punchcode hole array on a dosimeter. The dosimeter falls through a passage in the reader containing photosensor detectors disposed along the passage which provide output signals to a microprocessor. The signals are processed to determine the orientation of the dosimeter in the reader, the location and state of punchcode holes in a two row array thereby decoding the encoded data. Multiple rate of fall calculations are made, and if appropriate matching of the punchcode array is not obtained in three tries, an error signal is outputted to the operator. The punchcode reader also provides for storage of data from multiple dosimeters passed through the reader, and for the output of decoded data to an external display or a computer for further processing.

Abstract: A low power consumption type tape reader permits miniaturization of reel motors and ensures stopping a tape (3) at a first rewind stop code, even if the response of a brake magnet (11) is somewhat poor. When a rewind command is received, the rotational speed of a capstan motor (12) is switched from a forward low speed to a reverse low speed, and then a feed magnet (14) is actuated to rewind the tape (3). The rotational speed of the capstan motor (12) is gradually increased to a reverse high speed. When a rewind stop code is detected, the speed of the capstan motor (12) is gradually decreased to the reverse low speed, and then the brake magnet (11) is actuated to stop the feed of the tape (3) temporarily. A reversible counter (40) stores the number of rewind stop codes detected during the time interval between the detection of the first rewind stop code and the temporary stopping of the feed of the tape (3).

Abstract: A watchman's tour recording system includes a portable housing containing a data reader for reading and recording data from tour stations and a printer for printing out recorded station data and entry time in alphanumeric form. The printer is located in a locked compartment and is accessible by supervisory personnel for periodic tour entry monitoring. Station keys carry coded identification as a linear array of apertures filled with alternative pellet materials which are transmissive or non-transmissive to infrared light but are visibly indistinguishable. Strobe holes are positioned in a parallel linear array for synchronizing data reading. During assembly, the pellets are mutually distinguishable by split and continuous rings which serve as energy directors during ultrasonic welding of the pellets into the key, and which are hidden from view in the assembled product.

Abstract: Tag reading for Kimball-type price tags, where a reader is fed manually with tags and prices are automatically read into a cash register. According to a preferred embodiment, the tag reader may take either hole-code tags or tags provided with printed points instead of code-holes.

Abstract: A protective cap for a pressurized gas cylinder includes a ferro-magnetic body having an outer surface which is provided with a linear array of holes arranged to encode cylinder data in binary form. The presence or absence of a hole in each of a plurality of linearly spaced positions indicates one of two logic states. While the presence of a hole in a given position indicates one logic state, the absence of a hole at that position indicates the opposite state. Data is encoded in a repetitive but inverse form in two linear side-by-side rows. The data is read by a dual-head inductive transducer which is moved along the linear array such that each of the heads senses the presence or absence of holes in separate ones of the side-by-side rows to generate two separate trains of electrical pulses which are indicative of the encoded data, with one of the trains of pulses being substantially inverse in form from the other of the trains of pulses.

Abstract: An optical scanner produces an image signal corresponding to a shape of a ticket scanned by the optical scanner. Signal components corresponding to a given range of the ticket is extracted from an image signal of the optical scanner. A level of the signal components is compared with a reference level. Presence or not of a punch hole in the ticket is judged on the basis of the result of the comparison of the comparator.

Abstract: Badge reading apparatus for reading a data encoded badge or the like has a channel for receiving the badge, the channel having a slide positioned therein which clock-holes for producing synchronizing timing signals, the slide being adapted to move within the channel in abutting relation to the badge. Means are provided for maintaining the badge and slide in fixed abutting relation while the badge is moved so as to read, such means incorporating a wrap-around spring on which the badge rides and which keeps the badge properly aligned. The slide element further incorporates a fold-over arrangement for the clock-holes, whereby the slide need not contain the same number of clock-holes as there are rows of data to be read from the badge, thereby enabling a smaller slide element and reduced size of the overall apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an information data processing and audio message delivering system useful as a promotional feature to attract customers by housing same into an appealing body exhibiting a pleasant and sympathetic character. The information data are registered on a punch card or ticket which is introduced into a reading circuit that generates signals representative of each read information data. These signals are stored in a memory and latching circuit to feed a period validation circuit which defines the time period within which the punch ticket may be used. A further validation circuit is provided to validate a prize granted to a ticket holder, in accordance with related data registered on the punch ticket.

Abstract: A sorting machine for sorting covers comprises a transport device for moving the covers along a path through the sorting machine. A feed mechanism holds the covers and advances them towards the transport device. A vacuum feed has a first position for gripping a cover in the feed mechanism and a second position for feeding the gripped cover into the transport device. Additionally, the covers are passed in front of a recognition device which is operatively connected to a computer. The computer recognizes the covers to be sorted and instructs the sorting machine accordingly.

Abstract: An optical punched badge reader is provided for slidably receiving a data badge, and reading data holes punched therein. The badge reader includes a row of pairs of registered data sensing apertures arranged perpendicular to the axis along which the data badge is received. The slidable movement of the badge into the badge reader actuates the slidable movement of an electro-optical strobe pair along a stationary strobe strip. In operation, the row of data sensing apertures reads the row component of each punched hole on the data badge while the electro-optical strobe pair and the stationary strobe strip read the column component.

Abstract: An optical punched card reading apparatus is disclosed wherein a plurality of air passageways are disposed throughout the apparatus. The various electrical and photo-electric components in the apparatus generate heat and through convection heat the air. The temperature differentials cause pressure differentials which in turn cause air flow in the apparatus. The air passageways channelize the air flow, removing dust and dirt particles that otherwise would accumulate in the photo-electric components of the apparatus.

Abstract: A badge reader which uses infrared light employs circuitry for determining whether portions of the identification badge are relatively opaque or transparent to infrared radiation upon insertion of the badge into the badge reader. The circuitry includes a source of infrared radiation, such as an infrared emitting diode, a detector of infrared radiation such as a phototransistor, an alignment device for detecting the alignment of the opaque or transparent portions of the badge with the source and detector and for producing an alignment signal. The alignment signal is delivered to an infrared emitting diode driver for driving the diode to produce a pulse of infrared radiation in response to the alignment signal. The detector detects a sufficient amount of infrared radiation only when that portion of the card is relatively transparent, and produces an output in response thereto.

Abstract: A new and improved micro card reader includes a unitary molded base member having a planar rectangular slot therein for slidably receiving a punched data card of standard credit card size having a plurality of columns and rows. Along one edge of the base member is a plurality of registering depressions disposed in the outer facing side of the base member which are adapted to receive optical components. The registering depressions also include registering data sensing apertures therethrough, the number and spacing of the apertures correspond to the number and spacing of the data rows in the data card. Adjacent to one face of the base member is a plurality of light sources disposed within the depressions and aligned with the registering apertures therein. Adjacent to the other face of the base member is a plurality of light sensors which are also aligned with the registering apertures of the base member.

Abstract: A commodity key for use in connection with radiation sensitive encoding devices provides a unique pattern of radiation identifying the type and/or unit price of a commodity in a computing scale. The key has an elongated body (10) with a code area (20) formed of a frangible plastic material opaque to the radiation used in the encoding device. The code area has a first plurality of insets or blind holes (21) in one side thereof, and a complementary second plurality of insets or blind holes (25) in the opposite side. The sets of insets are individually adjacent and aligned to define potential radiation transmissive openings through the code area, and the insets in one set are somewhat larger than the insets in the other set. The material (27) dividing adjacent insets thus is readily frangible in response to pressure exerted thereon through the smaller of the adjacent insets to form effective radiation transmissive openings, thereby facilitating on-site encoding of a key.

Abstract: A garment tag reading system which includes a Kimball tag reader and a data processing unit is described for reading and decoding information encoded on a garment tag. An interface unit is used to permit direct communication between the tag reader, which has a memory for storing the coded information read from the garment tag, and the data processing unit. The interface unit includes a column driver having a plurality of low voltage amplifiers which provide amplified output voltages in response to voltage-level increases caused by the programmed operation of the data processing unit. The output voltages are serially applied to the tag reader memory for interrogating the memory to retrieve the coded information. The information from the tag reader memory is received by a data input/output circuit in the interface unit in the form of decimal coded output voltages and is subsequently entered into the data processing unit for decoding into a readable format.

Abstract: A data storage element includes selectively programmable rows of data locations with at least one row including a predetermined detectable pattern of indicia. When scanned by a detector the data storage element provides signals which are stored and analyzed to verify that a data storage element has been read and data reading accuracy checks performed to assure the correct reading of data information programmed on the data storage element.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable apparatus for rapidly reading continuously and sequentially a plurality of ticket records having specific data encoded thereon as the tickets are removed individually from a supply magazine and conveyed along a prescribed path by a ticket feed assembly, an escapement assembly and a transport drive wheel to a ticket data sensing station. Data encoded on each advancing ticket is read in timed relation with displacement of a ticket advancing through the apparatus by control means and transmitted to equipment for storing and/or reproducing of the data in another form.

Abstract: This invention describes a system for access control, wherein a control card is presented to a control means. If the control card is authenticated, then access is gained. If it is not authenticated, access is not gained, the control card is retained, and an alarm may be sounded.The control card contains at least two means; (1) machine readable indicia identifying the card, and (2) a random pattern of micro spots, which pattern is derived (by direct copying-such as by focussed laser beam) from one of a plurality of different patterns, retained in a bank of such micro patterns, each such micro pattern identified by, and selectable in accordance with, different unique indicia, identical with the machine readable indicia on said cards.In use the control card is introduced into the control means and the indicia are read. Master micro pattern corresponding to the indicia is selected from the bank. The card micro pattern and master micro pattern are compared. If the comparison okay, the card is authenticated.

Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a locking device, security system and the like and for arming and disarming associated alarm systems. The apparatus includes an information carrier, preferably carrying a digitally coded set of data which is presented to a reading device by manual insertion of the data carrier. The data carrier may be a key-like object on which the data track occupies the central tang portion or it may be an actual mechanical key used to operate a tumbler cylinder and additionally provided with a central data track. Preferably, the data track is a series of transparent and opaque fields which are subjected to infrared radiation in the reading device. The read-out data from the data track is compared in the apparatus with stored information and, when coincidence occurs, an actuation signal is generated to operate the associated locking system and/or alarm system.

Abstract: A light emitting source and a light sensing device are permanently fixed on one side of a moving object substantially separated one from the other. The light rays from the source are bent or reflected in a predetermined path so that the light rays to be sensed passes through at least two holes in said moving object before being sensed, thus enhancing the light to dark ratio and reducing the probability of false readings.

Abstract: A detector arrangement for a data-card reader is capable of reading both punched cards as well as cards marked in writing. A light source emits light in the direction of the data-card surface, and a detector receives the light reflected from said direction and delivers an output signal in response to the intensity of such light. A surface having a reflective power higher than that of the card material is provided at the back of the data-card in essentially parallel relation to the latter. A high-level output signal is obtained when a hole in the card is detected. A medium level is obtained when there is no marking on the card, and a low level is obtained when a pencil mark is encountered on the card.

Abstract: A card reader capable of accurately reading a data card inserted in any of four possible orientations includes a card with two data tracks, a card reader producing two corresponding data pulse trains, and two differentiation networks for producing two differentiated data pulse trains. The differentiated data pulse trains are combined to form a clock pulse train and, further, are latched to produce two latched data trains. A first selector circuit assigns a first binary code value to the latched data train exhibiting the first appearing pulse and a second selector circuit sets a storage direction flag dependent upon the position of a subsequent data pulse. The latched data train assigned a first binary code value, the clock pulse train, and the storage direction flag are received by a serial to parallel converter which stores least significant digit first or most significant digit first dependent upon the flag.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of data-sensing systems for identification and/or security purposes (data input), and more particularly relates to a new and novel cartridge assembly for use with data sensing systems of the type as may be applied to credit cards, security badges or the like. By the term, "card" is meant herein to include any type of media wherein it might be desirable to provide codes (invisible or otherwise) for identification and/or security purposes or any type of data input.The cartridge assembly of the invention incorporates a new and novel "pluggable" cartridge unit adapted to receive a data carrier, such as a credit card, security card, or the like for automatic reading of coded information which is susceptible for use in a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: A perforation detector including a housing having a first portion and an oppositely disposed second portion for receiving the perforated area of a traveling web therebetween. One portion supports an optical signal emitter and the other portion supports a receiver for detecting the optical signal. The first portion is connected to a source of pressurized fluid such as filtered air. Such portion has a passage for directing the fluid flow, in the form of a fluid curtain, about the optical element in that portion and toward the optical element in the second portion. The fluid flow thus prevents accumulation of signal interferring particulate matter on and between the optical elements.

Abstract: A data card and data card reader combination including a data card incorporating two data tracks consisting of a plurality of perforations spatially arranged to represent encoded data. A card reader incorporates at least one radiant energy source, two radiant energy detectors, and guide means for guiding the movement of the data tracks between the radiant energy source and the radiant energy detectors whereby a first data pulse train and a second data pulse train corresponding to the perforations of said data tracks may be produced. An "OR" circuit receives the first data pulse train producing a clock pulse train, which in turn is fed to a holding shift register. A selector circuit selects the data pulse train exhibiting the first appearing pulse and in turn feeds the selected data pulse train to the holding shift register.

Abstract: A column sensor includes a disc which is rotatably supported at one end of a lever arm and in proximity to a card reading station of a manually operable card reader. The lever arm is itself supported for rotation and biased by a spring bearing on an end of the lever arm so that a circumferential surface of the disc is urged into contact with one of the major boundary surfaces of an elongated passageway in the card reader. As a card is moved through the passageway, incremental rotation of the disc due to contact of the circumferential surface thereof with a surface of the card is detected by a light source - light detector pair mounted on the lever arm and on opposing sides of the disc, with light being coupled from the light source to the light detector through a plurality of circumferentially-spaced, axially-extending apertures in the disc so that the light detector accordingly provides an alternating electrical output signal representative of the spacing of data columns on the card.

Abstract: An apparatus for verifying the tolerance of the positions of holes in in form of a continuous web is moved over an opaque plate on which there are a plurality of transparent areas in the form of slits. The slits in the plate are illuminated by light sources placed above the plate. Photocells are placed below the plate in position with the slits so as to be responsive to the light coming therethrough. The moving web of punched material is positioned with respect to the plate such that when the holes are in tolerance they pass between pairs of slits, thereby blocking the light from reaching the photocells. If a hole position is out of tolerance, it passes over one or more of the slits, thereby permitting the corresponding photocells to provide an output. This indicates the presence of an out-of-tolerance hole.

Abstract: A data processing machine, especially ciphering equipment, comprising an input device for the entering of data to be processed. The input device comprises a perforated tape reader containing a scanner unit for scanning standardized teleprinter perforated tapes which possess a number of parallel information tracks formed by information perforations and a feed track formed by feed perforations. The information perforations have a different diameter than the feed perforations. The scanner unit or device is connected with a circuit which, based upon the signals received from the scanner device, determines which of the scanned tracks constitute the information tracks and which the feed track.

Abstract: The tape in a tape reader is braked to a stop relatively slowly instead of being stopped on one character. Two sprocket reading photocells are mounted on the tape reader to provide quadrature sprocket waveforms which are applied to a bi-directional sprocket counter coupled to the address conductors of a buffer memory. The data read off the tape by the tape reader is written into the buffer memory at the addresses indicated by the sprocket counter. An output pointer counter is also coupled to the buffer memory address conductors in parallel with the sprocket counter through a time division multiplexer. During the time interval in which the output pointer counter is connected to the buffer memory address conductors, data can be read out of the buffer memory at the address indicated by the output pointer counter independently of the sprocket counter.

Abstract: The method for reading information from a punched carrier, consists of modulating a radiation flux emitted by a radiation source by information holes of the punched carrier and then additionally modulating by an additional modulation means. The double-modulated radiation flux is then reflected by a reflector to a photosensitive input of a main converter which converts the radiation flux into a primary information signal. The primary information signal is then compared to a reference signal which changes according to the law of additional modulation, whereupon the preset signal is discriminated. The proposed device for effecting the method comprises a radiation source optically connected to a reflector through the information holes of the punched carrier, as well as through an additional modulation means. The additional modulation means can performthe functions of the reflector.

Abstract: A method of representing decimal numbers in a quasi binary coded decimal (BCD) form is disclosed along with apparatus for using the same. The value assigned to a combination of binary bits is dependent on the location of the combination on the medium which is encoded. Use is made of the direction of motion of the medium to determine the position and hence the decimal value of specific combinations of binary bits. By interpreting certain combinations of bits in two different ways, an additional binary bit of information can be obtained from a given number of bits increasing the obtainable information from conventional BCD codes.

Abstract: In a high speed document printing system a hole mask circuit is provided to compensate for erroneous indications of the entry of additional documents into the system due to the sensing of a discontinuity or aperture within the body of a valid document. The hole mask circuit receives a document present signal from an associated sensor and employs a retriggerable timing means to inhibit the recognition of an additional document unless the sensor has previously signaled the continuous absence of a document for a preselected time interval. The circuit is capable of discriminating between a valid document having apertures of a preselected maximum size, documents having invalidly sized apertures and spacings between successive documents.

Abstract: An on the fly optical card reader is provided for reading a card or badge bearing a predetermined number of digits of identifying data spaced in one direction along the card or badge. A guide mechanism guides the displacement of the card past an essentially slot-shaped optical sensing arrangement extending transversely relative to the path of the card and consisting of a light source on one side of the card and a plurality of light detectors on the other side of the card. A correspondingly slotted spring member biases portions of the card on opposite sides of said optical sensing arrangement in the direction of said light detectors. The device is adapted for temporary storage of the output of he optical sensing arrangement and transmission thereof upon detection of the proper passage of the card past the sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for reading a plurality of apertured cards in sequence in response to a series of command signals includes a supply hopper for storing a vertical stack of cards. The apertures of the cards are located in a matrix of columns and rows. A solenoid-actuated plunger moves the bottom card from beneath the stack and into engagement with a card drive mechanism. The card drive mechanism includes a floating transport equipped with endless tracks for riding on top of cards passed from the bottom of the stack and exerting a substantially constant downward and forward force on the cards while continuously moving each card in sequence across an array of optical detectors in register with the columns on the cards. A line source of light is carried by the transport for illuminating a card along a line parallel to the rows of apertures on the card.

Abstract: A method of representing decimal numbers in a quasi binary coded decimal (BCD) form is disclosed along with apparatus for using the same. The value assigned to a combination of binary bits is dependent on the location of the combination on the medium which is encoded. Use is made of the direction of motion of the medium to determine the position and hence the decimal value of specific combinations of binary bits. By interpreting certain combinations of bits in two different ways, an additional binary bit of information can be obtained from a given number of bits increasing the obtainable information from conventional BCD codes.