Abstract: A multiple function printer for reliably re-magnetizing MICR character on a cut-sheet form without regard to operator experience or the manner in which the form is inserted method. The transportation mechanism of the printer drives the cut-sheet form inserted in an insertion opening of the printer in reverse until the leading edge of the form is detected by a top-of-form (TOF) detector disposed in the insertion opening. Next, the cut-sheet form 5 is fed in reverse to position the beginning of the MICR characters on the form within the effective flux density range of the magnetizing magnet 17. The cut-sheet form is then advanced forward from this position to re-magnetize and then read the MICR characters using a magnetic head.

Abstract: A security system is provided for use in association with a media entry slot (14, 24) on the user interface (12) of a self service terminal (10), such as a automated teller machine (ATM). At least three profile sensors (60a-60e) are arranged to detect the profile of the leading edge of an object (16) inserted into the slot, (14, 24). An access control means allows objects having a leading edge profile corresponding to a predetermined profile only to access a restricted zone such as the card reader module or a depository. This arrangement reduces the risk of fraudulent access to sensitive parts of the self service terminal via the media entry slots provided on its user interface (12).

Abstract: In order to make it possible to determine the erroneous insertion of an information recording medium at a position close to a recording medium insertion port by utilizing a notch portion provided at the information recording medium, the present invention relates to an electronic apparatus comprising a recording medium insertion port for taking in and out a memory stick having a notch portion used to prevent erroneous insertion and provided in one corner, and an erroneous insertion preventive mechanism provided inside the recording medium insertion port so as to prevent the erroneous insertion of the memory stick, and recording and/or reproducing an information signal using the memory stick. The erroneous insertion preventive mechanism is moved outside for the notch portion of the memory stick to allow the insertion of the memory stick, and is engaged for corners other than the notch portion to hamper the insertion of the memory stick.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing extraction of a card-shaped functional device from an information-processing apparatus. The apparatus prevents extraction by audibly warning an operator when a slot cover for covering a card slot of the information-processing apparatus is opened and operational power is supplied to the card-shaped functional device. The apparatus stops the warning when the slot cover is closed or the operational power is not supplied to the card-shaped functional device.

Abstract: An electronic card which is a composite of various materials, including an optically sensitive digital storage section which is capable of being formatted and having digital binary data stored within its surface. The card is capable of being erased and having new data written and of being easily carried on a person in a wallet or purse. An optical screening reader/writer drive is capable of formatting the storage media, writing data onto the card, erasing data from the card and rewriting data onto the same card.

Abstract: A skew detecting apparatus has a spherical roller rolling in contact with the surface of a medium guided on a medium transfer path; and skew detecting device for acquiring a skew displacement of the medium which is transferred on the basis of a degree of rolling of the spherical roller detected in both medium transfer direction and medium transfer-width direction. Accordingly, the degree of skew of the medium to be transferred is acquired to assure the normal data processing for the medium.

Abstract: A loading mechanism of a storage device includes a loader tray into which cartridge is loaded. A stopper spring is arranged on an opening of the loader tray. One side of the stopper spring is attached onto the loader tray, and the stopper spring is bent so as to include an engagement portion in a “V-like” shape. A pair of extending portions, extending toward the stopper spring, are formed on a side of a release plate. If the release plate is moved toward the stopper spring, the pair of extending portions move underneath an inclined portion of the stopper spring, so as to push up the engagement portion.

Abstract: A card reader including a card guide path for guiding a card into the device, a card holding configuration for holding the card at a prescribed position in the device, a card position retaining configuration for retaining the position of the card held by the card holding configuration even if an external force is applied, and a driving configuration for generating power for ejecting the card, in which the driving configuration generates driving force for ejecting the card by a card eject command signal.

Abstract: A media escrow unit (24) is provided for use in dispensing or depositing media. The escrow unit (24) is arranged in use with a media removal path (42) leading from a media receptacle (32), and communicating with a media return path (44) leading to the media receptacle. In use, media may be removed from the receptacle (32) and passed through media validation sensors (20, 22) before being returned to the receptacle (32). The media may then either be presented from the escrow unit (24) to a user, or passed via the media removal path (42) to a media storage location, depending on the outputs obtained from the media validation sensors (20, 22), and the actions of the user. Also provided is a self-service terminal incorporating such an escrow unit; and methods of dispensing or depositing media.

Abstract: A card reader which drives a card transporting device with a driving motor to transport cards by the card transporting device in a card passage, having a card entering passage formed in the same direction as the card passage by extending the distance between a front surface of a card inlet, from which the cards are inserted, and a front edge of the card transporting device. The card entering passage has card guiding portions formed in the same direction as the card passage for supporting inserted cards from both sides in the card transporting direction and a space for discharging foreign matter formed between the card guiding portions at both sides using nearly the entire space in the width direction between the card guiding portions.

Abstract: A unitary guide and shield member (13) for use in guiding time cards (10) to a time and attendance recorder is provided. The guide and shield member serves to (1) guide the time card to feed rolls (16), (2) hold the time card at a substantially constant distance from a light source and a light sensor, and (3) protect the light sensor from ambient light.

Abstract: A smart card verification insertion system (10) for inserting smart cards (30) into corresponding carriers (50) only after verifying the card data read with a mag stripe reader (72), an embossed character reader (74), an IC chip reader (64), and a first bar code reader (68) and a back bar code reader (70) and data encoded on the printed carrier read with a carrier reader (106) correspond to one another and also correspond to account data stored in a smart card account data memory (67). If it is determined that the card has been incorrectly prepared, an incorrect card reject mechanism (96) is actuated by a verification controller (66) in response to the mismatch. Similarly, if the data read by the carrier reader (106) does not match the data read from the card or retrieved from the smart card account data memory (67), a mismatch card reject mechanism (110) is actuated.

Abstract: A bill deposit/withdrawal machine for performing deposit or withdrawal of bills according to a transaction includes a deposit/withdrawal port for performing deposit or withdrawal of bills; a bill discriminating unit for discriminating bills, bill accepting boxes for accepting bills transported from the deposit/withdrawal port or accepting bills to be transported to the deposit/withdrawal port and a bill transport path for connecting the deposit/withdrawal port to the bill accepting boxes through the bill discriminating unit and transporting bills. The deposit/withdrawal port and the bill discriminating unit are disposed in an upper part of the bill deposit/withdrawal machine, and the bill accepting boxes are disposed in a lower part of the bill deposit/withdrawal machine.

Abstract: A card reader which drives a card transporting device with a driving motor to transport cards by the card transporting device in a card passage, comprises a card entering passage formed in the same direction as the card passage by extending the distance between a front surface of a card inlet, from which the cards are inserted, and a front edge of the card transporting device. The card entering passage has card guiding portions formed in the same direction as the card passage for supporting inserted cards from both sides in the card transporting direction and a space for discharging foreign matter formed between the card guiding portions at both sides using nearly the entire space in the width direction between the card guiding portions.

Abstract: It includes a card guide path for guiding a card into the device, card holding means for holding the card at a prescribed position in the device, card position retaining means for retaining the position of the card held by the card holding means even if an external force is applied, and driving means for generating power for ejecting the card, in which the driving means generates driving force for ejecting the card by a card eject command signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a PC card connector which has a small number of parts, and which makes it possible to obtain good operating characteristics and a low-operating force by means of a relatively simple structure. A guide plate assembly (70) of the PC card connector has a guide plate (32) which has guide grooves (80, 84) and a circular cam groove (82); furthermore, the guide plate assembly (70) also has pressing-bar assemblies (72a, 72b) which are disposed on both sides of the guide plate 32. Each of the pressing-bar assemblies (72a, 72b) has a swinging plate (76) which is pivot mounted on a pin (74) in a front portion. Pins (74, 77) and projection (89) of the pressing-bar assembly (72a) respectively slide along a guide groove (80), circular cam groove (82) and guide groove (84) of the guide plate (32) in accordance with the operation of the pressing-bar assembly (72a).

Abstract: In order to assure a reliable insertion into the data exchange position even of cards with strongly bent downwards surface in longitudinal direction for a card reader (1), into which a data storage card (2) can be inserted for information exchange, with a card guide (4,5) which guides the card (2) approximately horizontally into its data-exchange position, which card guide is interrupted downwards in a section in the direction of insertion (3), the length (L) of said interrupted section is less than the normal card length, and with a drop opening (8) for cards (2′) of shorter length than normal cards (2) provided beneath the interrupted section (7), where when in the data exchange position, the front end (2a) of the card rests against a support (11) in the card reader (1), a stopping segment (15) extends, counter to the direction of insertion (3), from the support (11) to beneath the interrupted section (7) of the card guide.

Abstract: In a method of prolonging an electrical connection between a card that has a readable and a writeable memory and a reader/writer of the card, a writing cycle commenced on the card has time to be completed before the electrical connection is broken. The card is placed in the reader on a sliding carriage that moves with the card, during which time the card and the reader are in electrical contact. An inner contact breaker allows a signal permitting writing on the card when the card reaches its end position. An outer contact breaker allows a signal permitting reading of the card before the card reaches its end position.

Abstract: A card reader connector includes a main body (10) and an extension bracket (50) removably attached to the main body. The main body includes an insulative housing (12) and metal contacts (22). A memory card (90) is inserted into slide grooves (24) of the housing, connected to the metal contacts, and supported by the housing. When the extension bracket is attached to the main body, it guides the card into the slide grooves and facilitates support of the inserted card. In one use, the main body without the extension bracket is mounted to a circuit board(72)of an electronic device (70). Part of an inserted card remains exposed outside of the device. In an alternative use, the main body 10 with the extension bracket attached thereto is mounted to a circuit board (82) of an electronic device (80). An inserted card is thus hidden within the device.

Abstract: A fluorometer for sensing the fluorescence of a sample utilizes an optical energy source for exciting a sample to be tested and an optical energy detector for detecting the emitted energy from the excited sample. Drive electronics are used for positioning the sample with respect to the optical components allowing a plurality of sample regions to be tested. A processor is utilized to control the operation of the test in accordance with test instructions and for processing the emitted energy detected from the sample to determine test results. A ROM chip socket accepts a plurality of ROM chips, wherein each ROM chip stores test data sets for one or more test types to be performed. ROM chips can be swapped to allow the fluorometer to be configured and reconfigured to perform a plurality of different tests. A communications interface facilitates the sharing of test information between the fluorometer and external entities.

Abstract: A medium issuing apparatus using at least a paper roll medium and an automatic teller machine including the apparatus are disclosed, in which the operation of changing the width of the paper rolls for issuing a medium, the maximum diameter of the paper rolls, the printing surface and the tandem arrangement or juxtaposition of the paper rolls is performed with a single apparatus. The medium issuing apparatus is so configured that the paper rolls are held on a replaceable holding frame, the roll paper from the desired paper roll is transported and printed in a common printing mechanism. The printed roll paper is cut off and a predetermined number of cut pieces are stored and bundled in a temporary storage section. The roll paper cut off and bundled are transported to a common ejection opening by a transport mechanism, and ejected from the same common ejection opening by another transport mechanism. The outer diameter, width and winding direction of the paper rolls can be changed by the holding frame.

Abstract: When a through-the-wall ATM which is expected to be installed into a wall having a thickness of 6 inches or so, is attempted to be installed into a relatively thick wall having a thickness of 13 inches or so, a carrier unit is attached to a BDU, a EDU, and so on in the ATM to carry bills and deposit envelopes. This carrier unit enables the facade of the ATM to be separated from the BDU, etc., by a desired distance, and provides the ATM with an improved operability.

Abstract: An IC card reader comprising a lock lever and a lock lever driving member. The lock lever prevents a card from being drawn out. The lock lever driving member drives the lock lever diagonally distant from a card in an unlocking operation, and drives the lock lever adjacent to the card in a locking operation. Preferably, the IC card reader further comprises a restricting portion restricting the movement of the lock lever in an unlocking direction during locking.

Abstract: To provide a card reader adaptable to a variety of cards and excelling in card carrying ease. The card reader includes: a card passage; a carrying unit for moving a card within the passage, a data recording/reproducing unit for at least either recording data onto or reproducing data out of the card present in the passage, an image forming unit for forming a visible image on the card, and an image erasing unit for erasing any visible image formed on the card, and has a configuration of handling cards differing in thickness.

Abstract: A motorized card reader module (10) having a throat portion (14) defining an entry/exit slot (16) for receiving cards (78) is described. The module (10) includes a sweeping mechanism (28) comprising one or more arms (62) coupled to a driving mechanism (64, 66). The arms (62) include a hook portion (68) for catching any obstruction present in the throat portion (14). When the driving mechanism (64,66) is energized the arms (62) sweep horizontally across the slot (16) defined by the throat portion (14). This enables the arms (62) to detect and/or remove any obstruction within the throat portion (14). A self-service terminal (80) for preventing fraud and a method of preventing fraud using the module (10) are also described.

Abstract: A connector with a slot for receiving a smart card with contact pads, includes contacts that are held away from the card slot until the card becomes fully inserted, using a mechanism with a minimum number of easily formed parts. The mechanism includes a rocker (142) with a control part (144) that is pivotally mounted about a rocker axis (Y—Y) and that has a rear end forming a tab (186) that projects into the rear end of the card slot, to be deflected downwardly by the card reaching its fully inserted position. The control part also has a front end (174) that is coupled to the contacts to depress them until the card is fully inserted, whereupon the contacts are released to move up. The rocker, which is formed from a single piece of sheet metal, includes a pair of laterally-spaced fastening plates (150) that are fixed to the housing, and a pair of deflectable portions (148, 154) that can be resiliently deformed to permit the control part to pivot.

Abstract: The invention is an embossing system, embosser and indent imprinter and method of operation thereof. The invention includes a plurality of stations (34, 36, 40, 42, 44 and 46) including an embossing station (38); a carriage (162) for holding an item (60) to be processed by the system at the plurality of stations including the embossing station; a carriage transport (180) which moves the carriage while holding the item to be processed along a plurality of spaced apart transport paths; and wherein at least one station is disposed on each of the plurality of transport paths and the carriage transport moves the carriage holding the item along the plurality of transport paths to each of the plurality of processing stations at which processing is performed on the item.

Abstract: A card processing method for a card reader into and from which a magnetic/IC card is manually inserted and pulled through a card insertion slit, and which includes a magnetic head and an IC contact block for reading and storing data from and into the card for data processing, including the steps of: inserting the card into the card reader and pulling out the card from the card reader; selecting a process for magnetic data by the magnetic head or a process for IC data by the IC contact block; and discharging the card from the card reader immediately after the card is inserted into the card reader irrespective of the kind of data process.

Abstract: The invention proposes an arrangement (10) of the type in which the unit comprises a controlled member (70) for locking the immobilizing lever (34), characterized in that the immobilizing member is a member which is controlled manually by a first “on” push-button (70) mounted to slide between a pushed-in “on” position in which the immobilizing lever (34) is locked in the immobilizing position, and an “out” position of rest, and in that there is a retaining mechanism (104, 120, 118) for automatically keeping the first push-button (70) in the “on” position, the release of which is controlled by a second “off” push-button (94) which is mounted to slide between an “out” position of rest and a pushed-in “off” position in which the first “on” push-button (70) is free to slide.

Abstract: An apparatus which can data process IC cards and can issue IC cards is provided using a simple structure, which can draw cards one by one. The apparatus can data process IC cards inserted from the exterior of the apparatus and can issue a processed IC card to the exterior of apparatus. A processor with an electrical connection data processes an IC card when it is positioned by positioning structure, which connects the inserted IC card to the processor connection. The apparatus includes a roller and an idler, the idler being mounted on an idler shaft rotatable about a rotation axis of the roller to transfer the IC card to a collection position.

Abstract: A data card holder (20) is provided which comprises a housing defining an aperture (22) for receiving the data card (21), such as an RF card or SIM card, and a cover (27). The cover is movable with respect to the housing, between a closed position in which it prevents removal of the card from the housing, and an open position in which it allows removal of the card from the housing. Also provided is an ejector (28) which is coupled to the cover (27) so that it ejects the card from the housing when the cover is moved to its open position. Preferably the cover (27) and the ejector (28) form a unitary structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chip card reader with a frame and/or contact support supporting reading contacts with a cover fixable on the contact support and with a limiting switch, wherein the limiting switch is located in the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus is adapted for reading optically detected information stored in a data storage medium. The data storage medium is formed as a rectangular card body, at least one surface of which is provided with a data storage track having a plurality of parallel and equally spaced apart track sections stored with the optically detected information. The apparatus includes a first moving unit, associated operably with a carrier unit that has the data storage medium loaded thereon, for moving the carrier unit back and forth between first and second limit positions along a first axis parallel to the track sections, an optical detector unit for reading the optically detected information stored in one of the track sections when the carrier unit is moved by the first moving unit, a second moving unit, for moving the optical detector unit along a second axis transverse to the first axis, and a controller unit coupled to the first and second moving units and the optical detector unit.

Abstract: An information recording-reproducing apparatus is provided which effects any one of recording of information on an information recording medium and reproduction of the information from the information recording medium by a head while relatively moving a carriage, on which the information recording medium has been mounted, and the head, wherein the apparatus satisfies the following relationship Y<{(0.8−3.0)/(800−150)}X+3.5 wherein X is a velocity (mm/sec) of continuous movement of a moving member of the carriage or head, and Y is a movement distance (mm) of the center of gravity in the whole apparatus.

Abstract: A PCMCIA connector having a header retaining a number of terminals therein, a shield having a pair of downwardly and inwardly bent extensions to define a receiving slot for receiving a PCMCIA card, and a card ejection mechanism for releasing the inserted card. An engaging device is formed on one of the extensions of the shield and a guide of the ejection mechanism for retentively mounting the guide to the shield. By such a design, occupied space on a printed circuit board on which the connector is mounted is reduced, and assembly of the card ejection mechanism is facilitated.

Abstract: An information detection apparatus and information detection method for processing recording media to ascertain validity of checks and other negotiable instruments and print as necessary on the recording media. The information detection apparatus for processing recording media comprises in sequence along transportation path 1009 from the insertion opening 1006 a recording medium transportation mechanism 1003, printing mechanism 1004, and reading mechanism 1005. When a recording medium 1008 is transported by transportation mechanism 1003 along transportation path 1009 to a predetermined position, the check is positioned between presser roller 1051 and a detector 1052 of reading mechanism 1005. Presser roller 1051 then presses recording medium 1008 against detector 1052 while transportation mechanism 1003 pulls the recording medium and particular information recorded to the recording medium is detected. This operation straightens wrinkles and removes slack from recording medium 1008 to reduce reading errors.

Abstract: This invention provides an IC card processing apparatus in which a contact error does not occur in contact elements even when a warped card is inserted, and the service life of the contact of the contact elements can be prolonged. When an IC card 1, 1′ is inserted to the deep end, the distal end of a second arm 42 of a pivot lever 40 abuts against the upper surface of a contact element block 50, to regulate the contact element block to swing about a fulcrum on a line almost perpendicularly intersecting one surface of the contact element block 50 and extending through almost the center of a contact element group, or a support axis perpendicularly intersecting this line, as the center. Therefore, the contact pressures between the respective contact elements 51 of the contact element block 50 and the respective contacts of the IC card 1, 1′ become almost equal to each other.

Abstract: A card reader card capture clamp having a base plate for slidably receiving a card. A switch detects movement of the card past a predetermined position and produces a “card insertion” signal representative thereof. A clamp plate pivots between a clamped position in which the card is clamped between the two plates, and an unclamped position in which the card is movable relative to the plates. The clamp plate is biased into the unclamped position in the absence of production of the card insertion signal. A solenoid coupled between the two plates is actuated upon production of the card insertion signal to overcome the biasing and move the clamp plate from the unclamped into the clamped position. The switch includes two switch arms respectively pivotally mounted on opposed rearward ends of the clamp plate. Magnets are provided on the switch arms, and magnetic field sensors are mounted adjacent to the switch arms.

Abstract: A card reader includes a card insertion slot through which a card is inserted, a card transferring device which transfers the inserted card from the insertion slot along a card driving path, and a reading device along one point of the path for reading data stored on the card. The card may be a magnetic card or an IC card having an IC terminal thereon. The card reader also includes a pressing mechanism disposed between the card insertion slot and the reading device which presses against one edge of the card so that the opposite edge of the card is pressed against a card driving reference plane.

Abstract: A credit or smart card reader for processing bent, bowed, or warped credit or smart cards. A standard reader has an insertion slot for inserting a card to be read and processed. A normal, undamaged card is inserted into a slot provided in the insertion slot. The normal card travels along a processing path contacting a supporting card ramp. A bent, bowed, or warped credit or smart card, however, misses the supporting card ramp and is confiscated. A deflection guide in accordance with this invention is provided for redirecting the deformed card into the processing path.

Abstract: A card ejection device of an electronic card connector includes a card driving portion and a manual operation portion. A shielding member includes a plate for substantially shielding the connector and two side walls extending therefrom. The card driving portion includes a rocking member rotated by a follower bar to eject an electronic card received in the connector. The manual operation portion includes a casing mounted to the side wall of the shielding member. A cam plate is fixed in one side wall of the casing and defines a closed-loop groove. A push bar is movably received in the casing and overlaps the cam plate. A slider is arranged between the push bar and the cam plate. The slider defines a hole for receiving a pivot of the push bar and forms a pin movably received in the groove of the cam plate whereby when the push bar is manually operated, the groove guides the movement of the slider and the push bar.

Abstract: When, in the case where card take-in means 3 takes in a magnetic card 10, a magnetic head 4 outputs a predetermined reproducing signal, the magnetic card is taken in; and when the predetermined reproducing signal is not outputted by the magnetic head, the magnetic card take-in operation is stopped. The magnetic head 4 is provided near a card inserting inlet 2, so that, when the card take-in operation is stopped, the rear end 10a of the card 10 is protruded from the card inserting inlet 2.

Abstract: When selected documents traveling along a first feed path (46) are to be fed to a second feed path (48), a solenoid is energized causing pivotal movement of a pair of flipper arms (56a, 56b) so as to direct the documents onto the second feed path (48). When the solenoid is de-energized, documents on the first feed path (46) may proceed to the continuation portion thereof i.e., path (46a), or documents from the second feed path (48) may be fed to the continuation portion (46a) of the first feed path (46). The flipper arms (56a, 56b) are coupled by gearing mechanisms so that they are moveable relative to each other, pivotal movement of one flipper arm (56a, 56b) causing pivotal movement of the other arm (56a, 56b). Such relative movement between the flipper arms (56a, 56b) allows for a compact and reliable structure and activation of the mechanism is required only when documents are to be fed from the first feed path (46) to the second feed path (48).

Abstract: The invention provides for a card reader, and a self-service terminal employing the same, the reader comprising a card receiving means for receiving a card having stored data to be read and card reading means for reading the stored data, the reader being arranged to deliver a card received at the card receiving means to the card reading means via a delivery path, and including a signal source arranged to provide an output signal that can cover the complete width of the path, and detecting means arranged to receive the output signal and serving to detect the presence of an object in the path in response to the object interfering with the signal.

Abstract: A card transmission device includes a motor and a shaft connector, a worm shaft with worms on both ends thereof, two transmission shafts with one end engaging with the worm and another end having a transmission pulley, and a driven pulley arranged below the transmission pulley, whereby the motor rotates the transmission shaft to enable the transmission pulley and the driven pulley to clamp and move the card. By the inventive device, the advantages of compact size, broad applicability and fewer accessories can be achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus of simple construction that can pass the front portion of a smart card to a card reader, while safeguarding the card reader from vandalism. A gate device (32) whose front end (52) can be pivoted up by the leading edge of the card, is initially prevented from pivoting up by a pair of release members (34, 36) lying within laterally opposite sides of the card path (24). The opposite corners (J, K) of the card leading edge push the release members laterally (L) out of the card path and causes the release members to release the card gate to pivot up.

Abstract: A credit or smart card reader for processing bent, bowed, extremely warped, or cut credit, or smart cards. A standard reader has an insertion deck for inserting a card to be read and processed. The card to be read is inserted into a slot provided in the insertion deck. The card will travel along a processing path contacting an extended supporting card ramp. The bent, bowed, extremely warped, or cut credit or smart card will contact the extended supporting card ramp, allowing for its processing.

Abstract: An information detection apparatus and information detection method for processing recording media to ascertain validity of checks and other negotiable instruments and print as necessary on the recording media. The information detection apparatus for processing recording media comprises in sequence along transportation path 1009 from the insertion opening 1006 a recording medium transportation mechanism 1003, printing mechanism 1004, and reading mechanism 1005. When a recording medium 1008 is transported by transportation mechanism 1003 along transportation path 1009 to a predetermined position, the check is positioned between presser roller 1051 and a detector 1052 of reading mechanism 1005. Presser roller 1051 then presses recording medium 1008 against detector 1052 while transportation mechanism 1003 pulls the recording medium and particular information recorded to the recording medium is detected. This operation straightens wrinkles and removes slack from recording medium 1008 to reduce reading errors.

Abstract: A drive unit (7) of an electronic apparatus drives a first transport mechanism (4) for transporting a memory card (1) between an eject position and an intermediate position, and a second transport mechanism (5) for transporting the memory card (1) between an intermediate position and a play position. The second transport mechanism (5) is coupled to the drive unit (7) by a lead screw transmission (9,14).

Abstract: A unit for processing chip and/or magnetic stripe cards. The unit comprises a minimum of one card storage magazine to store cards to be processed, a minimum of one chip and/or magnetic stripe processing station to record data on the chip (semiconductor element) and/or the magnetic stripe of the card, and a minimum of one card body processing station to record visible, unmodifiable data on the card body. The unit further includes an optical identification station with an evaluation unit to verify accuracy and/or quality of the data recorded on the card body, with cards exhibiting incorrectly or defectively applied visible data being rejected as defective.