Abstract: An information recording/reproduction apparatus comprises an insertion opening into which an optical recording medium is inserted, a detector for detecting that the optical recording medium is inserted into the insertion opening, a table on which the optical recording medium is placed, an optical head for recording information on the optical recording medium placed on the table, and recording power controller for correcting the recording power of a laser beam emitted from the optical head after the detector generates a detection signal and before the optical recording medium is carried to a position in which the laser beam is emitted from the optical head.

Abstract: A device for reading bar codes affixed in a predetermined order on an elongated photographic film. The bar codes are provided at the same positions relative to a plurality of image frames that are recorded in the longitudinal direction of the photographic film as the photographic film is being conveyed in the longitudinal direction. The film includes a plurality of symbol reading units disposed parallel to the direction in which the photographic film is being conveyed for reading symbols. The results read by the plurality of symbol reading units are compared with each other, and a determination is made as to whether or not the read symbol is a bar code on the basis of the comparison results. In consequence, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of bar codes.

Abstract: A device for coding key cards for magnetically operating locks and the incorporating of such a device which is as simple as possible plus the corresponding key cards in an entrance control system. The key card has, in addition to the locking code, a second identity coding, both of the codings being produced, insofar as possible, in a single passage through the device.

Abstract: There is provided an optical card processing apparatus comprising: a card holder which is supported to a guiding mechanism so as to be reciprocated and is formed with an optical card holding portion on a lower surface; a card loading/ejecting mechanism, arranged at a card inserting port, for detecting an optical card and for attaching and detaching the optical card to and from the optical card holding portion of the card holder. A card inclination correcting mechanism is arranged for the card holder, for making a track line direction of the optical card coincide with a moving direction of the card holder. A card transfer mechanism in which a pair of pulleys are arranged along a moving path of the card holder, an endless belt is wound between the pair of pulleys, a proper portion of the belt is coupled with the card holder, and one of the pulleys is coupled with a drive motor which rotates in a single direction.

Abstract: A card conveyance mechanism used in a card reader so as to convey a card in a card travel path. The mechanism includes an abnormal card travel detecting device for detecting whether the card has jammed, and a card discharge device for discharging the card from the travel path in response to an output from the abnormal card travel detecting device. The discharge device includes an endless belt or chain (7) having a projecting pawl (8) which may normally be kept outside the card travel path by position detection sensor (9). The card may be discharged either to the card insertion port (4) or to a recovering box (5).

Abstract: An information recording/reproducing apparatus comprises a housing having a card conveying path, a guiding mechanism for guiding one surface and one side edge of an information recording card having bisected data areas along the conveying path to permit the card to be conveyed in the conveying path, two pressing members for pressing the card against the guiding mechanism by abutting the other side edge of the card, a drive shaft for conveying the card in the conveying path, rotatable around a horizontal axis perpendicular to the conveying path and disposed in almost middle of the two pressing members, and a distance between the two pressing members being set longer than a length of the card along the conveying path.

Abstract: A shutter and an intake roller are mounted to a gate to form an integral structure. The shutter and the intake roller are interlockingly operated by the swinging of the gate. During the processing of a used ticket, the shutter prevents another used ticket from being inserted into the machine through the inlet port. Also, the used ticket is guided from the ticket transporting path to the recovery transporting path by the swing of the gate.

Abstract: A read head for optically scanning a ballot on which votes are cast by marking the ballot with a writing instrument within a voting area defined between a pair of spaced-apart timing marks includes infrared emitters illuminating the timing marks and emitters of visible light illuminating the voting area between the marks. The illuminated portions of the ballot are imaged onto three PIN photodiodes place in a line. The outer two PIN photodiodes are effectively apertured to resolve the timing marks and the middle PIN photodiode is effectively apertured to resolve a voting mark of a predetermined minimum size. The ballot, the image and the apertures are carefully aligned such that the photodiodes detect changes in light level associated with an image of a mark passing across the apertures.

Abstract: A card reader has a guide channel followed by a connector and it includes a cradle pivoting about a stationary axis, a roller whose axis is parallel to the stationary axis being mounted in the cradle with freedom to move in translation along a direction .increment. perpendicular to the roller axis, said direction .increment. being at an acute angle .alpha. to the direction in which the guide channel extends, the cradle including resilient return means urging the angle .alpha. to close and drive means acting on command and of greater power than said return means to urge said angle .alpha. to open. The roller includes resilient means urging it along the direction .increment. towards the vertex of the angle .alpha.. When the reader is in the rest position, the roller obstructs said channel, when a card is fully inserted in the reader, at least a portion of the card remains outside the reader, the cradle being in abutment in a position where the angle .alpha. is less than the angle .beta.

Abstract: In an apparatus for magnetically or optically reading documents and selecting the same, a belt following a closed, continuous, U-shaped path transfers a document from a sending slot to a receiving slot chosen by a computer unit housed in the apparatus body.

Abstract: A ticket processing device for use on a mass transportation vehicle. A housing, has a substantially horizontal top, provided with an opening therein for receiving a stack of flat cards, and a slot, for accommodating tickets, at said top of said housing spaced from said openings. Within the housing is a U-shaped pathway having a central axis, the central axis of the pathway being linear through a first, vertical portion thereof adjacent to the opening, an elongated cartridge, for accommodating said stack of flat cards, disposed within the first, vertical portion of the pathway. The cartridge has a slot on one sidewall, adjacent the bottom of said cartridge, for permitting the lowest card in the stack at a given time to be expelled.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively reading or writing data on a magnetic data stripe on a data card which is thin and flexible and for selectively returning or capturing the card. The apparatus includes a card guide arrangement comprising a cylindrical card guide path section, an entrance card path section with an entrance slit for admitting the data card, and an exit path section with an exit slit for discharging the data card for capture. A drive arrangement drives the data card through the entrance slit, throughout the cylindrical card guide path section, and through the exit slit. A transducer with a read head and write head is mounted relative to the cylindrical card guide path section. A position tracking arrangement determines the position of the data card within the cylindrical card guide and a card-in sensor senses the presence of a data card in the entrance path section. A microprocessor based control circuit is used to operate the system and control operational features.

Abstract: A document reader for reading manually fed edge coded documents, comprising a first component including a side wall, a second component orthogonally positioned with respect to the first component and having a second sidewall, the first and second sidewalls positioned adjacent one another so as to form a document receiving slot therebetween, the first sidewall containing an opening, a drive means, the drive means positioned within the first component and adapted to project through the first sidewall opening and substantially across the slot, the second sidewall including an opening, reading means contained within the second component, the reading means including a light source, means for directing light from the source through the second wall opening to the document, means responsive to light reflected from the document for converting the reflected light to digital data, control means coupled to the drive means, sensing means positioned proximate to the slot for sensing the precise location of the document, th

Abstract: An optical card scanning apparatus includes a mechanism for forwardly conveying an optical card inserted into a housing through an insertion port toward a carrier, while a shutter is open. First and second detectors for detecting the card passing therethrough are provided between the insertion port and shutter, and between the shutter and the carrier. The time difference between the detecting signals from the first and second detectors are compared with a standard time, and when the compared values are different, the inserted card is backwardly conveyed and outwardly ejected from the housing through the insertion port by the conveying mechanism.

Abstract: In an inserter system, an apparatus for bar code scanning includes a scanner, a travel bar attached to a frame of an inserter, and adjustable brackets for slidably fastening said scanner to the travel bar. The travel bar is positioned wherein said scanner is moveable transverse to a paper path travelled by a sheet having a bar code symbol thereon. The apparatus further includes a plate attached to the adjustable brackets, and nylon and hook type fasteners for fastening the scanner to the plate. A transparent medium deck is positioned between the scanner and the paper path. The transparent medium deck is resistive to abrasion and has optical characteristics which would allow scanning by the scanner through the transparent medium deck.

Abstract: A card carrier in use with an optical data record/reproduction system for reading data from and writing data to a card, including a press contact slide member (26, 27) which prevents a table for carrying the card from being tilted and deviated from a predetermined traveling direction, and a table drive member which prevents the transfer of a vibration to the table. With this arrangement, data is exactly written into and read out from the card.

Abstract: A reading device includes an inlet port for a boarding pass, a reading section for reading data recorded on part of the boarding pass, and a feeding section for transporting a boarding pass from the inlet port to the reading section. The reading device further includes a rotating section for holding a boarding pass fed thereto and rotating together with the boarding pass, and a control circuit for checking the orientation of the boarding pass inserted into the inlet port, and instructing the feeding section to temporarily feed the boarding pass to the rotating section and instructing said rotating section to turn over the boarding pass when it is detected that the boarding pass has been inserted in a particular incorrect orientation.

Abstract: A shutter mechanism for use in a recording and/or reproducing apparatus having a guide slot through which a record card is inserted/discharged. The mechanism includes a shutter blade arranged behind the guide slot, shafts secured to side walls of the blade, and contact members, with inclined surfaces, disposed on the rear surface of the blade. The shafts are inserted into U-shaped recesses formed in supporting members so as to move rotatably and up and down. A first coiled spring biases the blade to rotate to close the guide slot, and second and third coiled springs press the blade downward to close the guide slot. During insertion of the card, the blade is pushed by the front edge of the card to rotate the blade about the shafts against the force of the first spring to open the guide slot. After full insertion of the card, the blade is returned to an upright position to close the guide slot.

Abstract: Apparatus for reading a data card which comprises a thin, flexible medium having leading and trailing edges and a data stripe formed thereon at a prearranged location and extending transverse to said leading and trailing edges. The apparatus comprises a card guide arrangement defining a cylindrical card guide path and an entrance slit for accepting said card into said guide path. A drive arrangement cooperatively associated with said card guide arrangement for driving said data card through said entrance slit and around said cylindrical card guide path. A transducer arrangement positioned at a prearranged location on said cylindrical card guide path for detecting data on said data stripe of a data card being driven around said cylindrical card guide path by said drive arrangement.

Abstract: A card reader and validator for use in wagering terminals includes a housing with a paper path. A paper drive surface of a drive wheel projects into the paper path. A platen assembly includes a pressure roller for pressing paper against the paper drive surface of the drive wheel and a platen surface for pressing paper agianst the paper path at a processing zone. The platen assembly is pivotally mounted to the housing in a manner such that it is biased toward the paper path when the drive wheel rotates in one direction and is lifted away from the paper path when the drive wheel rotates in the opposite direction. Corresponding ribs in the platen surface and paper path flatten the paper in the processing zone to facilitate the reading of optical marks on the paper by optical sensors. An ink jet printhead is provided for printing indicia on a portion of paper traveling through the paper path. A wick mounted to the platen assembly absorbs ink from the ink jet printhead during a purge cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the processing a magnetic-track ticket, especially an air transport ticket, of the type comprising: an insertion station (G1, G2), a magnetic reading/writing station (19), an issuing station (G3, G4) and a belt (C1) wound in a closed circuit around rollers, one of which is a driving roller, and designed to drive the ticket along an internal path extending from the insertion station to the issuing station.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjustably positioning a scanner along a transport deck includes a cartridge; and a belt structure rotatably mounted in said cartridge, for positioning the scanner transversely along the transport deck. The belt structure includes a reach parallel to the transport deck having an aperture at which the scanner can be mounted. There is adjustment structure, adjacent the belt structure, for rotating the belt structure to adjust the position of the aperture.

Abstract: Two bar code sensors are disposed at opposite sides of a passage of a photographic film, each bar code sensor having first and second photosensor arrays. The first and second photosensor arrays are located at the passages of the clock track and the data track, respectively, along a line perpendicular to the transportation direction of the photographic film. The DX bar code data and frame number bar code data are discriminated automatically based on the bar code data configuration read out with the bar code sensor units. The setting condition of the photographic film is detected, also based on the bar code data configuration. In case of an abnormal state of the setting conditions, an alarm display is output. The bar code data is written in a memory when the data change, or synchronously with reading the clock track of the DX bar code. The number of a frame set at the film mask is calculated by measuring the feed amount of the read-out frame number bar code.

Abstract: An information recording and reproducing apparatus according to the invention includes an emergency conveying device for conveying an information recording medium on a carriage member from an information recording and/or reproducing position to an ejecting port. The emergency conveying device includes a device for moving the carriage member to the ejecting port by coming into engagement with the carriage member. A gear (20) is manually actuated in case of a power failure so as to manually move the carriage (3) toward the discharge area.

Abstract: A memory cartridge loading/unloading device is disclosed which loads and unloads a memory cartridge from an apparatus for using the memory cartridge by means of motor driving. In the loading/unloading device, until the memory cartridge reaches a given position within a main body of the apparatus, the memory cartridge is pulled in by rotating a roller which presses against the memory cartridge such that there can be produced a given friction force with respect to the memory cartridge. When the memory cartridge reaches the given position, then an engagement member is brought into engagement with the memory cartridge and then the engagement member is moved in a cartridge insertion direction by means of motor driving, so that the memory cartridge can be pushed into a connector disposed within the apparatus main body.

Abstract: An information recording and reproducing apparatus includes a housing provided with an opening through which an optical card is inserted into the housing and which is selectively opened and closed by a shutter, and rollers for conveying the inserted optical card to a recording/reproducing section. The shutter and conveying rollers are simultaneously moved by a motor through a transmitting mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus (570) for forming a window in which printed characters on an item such as an envelope can be read. The apparatus (570) comprises a base member (572) fastened to a planar horizontal surface (508) and positionable intermediate a reader device (50) and an on-edge envelope. The base member (572) has an elongated vertical slot provided (576) therein. A slide member (584) has a bottom edge which includes a dimpled portion. The dimpled portion of the slide member (584) fits into the elongated vertical slot (576) of the base member (572). The base member (572) carries a block (578) which accommodates a screw (582) for selectively adjusting the position of the bottom edge of the slide member (584) relative to the base member (572). A bottom edge of the slide member (584) and a portion of the elongated vertical slot (576) below the bottom edge of the slide member (584) form a read window through which characters are readable.

Abstract: A symbol reader is disclosed that uses a dynamic random access memory 24 as a detector element and a gradient refractive index material as the lens 14 to capture a symbol image. The rod shaped lens 14 passes through an opaque cover 26 and confronts the array of memory elements in the memory 24. The cover 26 is glued to a memory device package 28. The PN junctions of the random access memory 24 are activated by light reflected from a symbol 6 and appear as data when the random access memory 24 is read out. The light can be provided by light emitting diodes 34 positioned adjacent to the memory package 28 and in a hand held wand 46 that includes a light reflecting shield 48 in which the symbol is positioned for reading. The wand 46 is positioned over the symbol 6 and a read button 50 is depressed.

Abstract: A depository apparatus includes a common entry slot (14) for receiving both envelopes and single sheets, such as checks and a thickness sensor (216) for providing an output indicative of whether a deposit item is an envelope or a sheet. Transport apparatus (38) transports deposit items along a common feed path to a printer (42) for printing data on envelopes and sheets, and to a read head (40) for reading data from sheets. A sheet alignment mechanism is included in the common feed path and is operable to bring about alignment of a sheet relative to the read head (40) by moving the sheet into engagement with a reference member (170). Operation of the transport apparatus (38) is interrupted during operation of the alignment mechanism. Envelopes are fed directly into a first container (146). After reading of data from a sheet, operation of the transport apparatus (38) is reversed to feed the sheet into a selected one of two additional containers (138, 140).

Abstract: A photographic film is provided with decimal numbers and bar codes both representative of serial frame numbers. When a sensor reads a bar code, measurement of the advanced length of the photographic film is started to obtain a distance of either the bar code or the decimal number relative to the sensor. After the positioning of a frame to be printed in a film framing mask at the printing station, a fram e number represented by a decimal number or bar code whose moved distance is within a predetermined range of distances is selected, thereby identifying the picture frame in the film framing mask to have the drawn frame number.

Abstract: An information recording and reproducing apparatus comprising a movable shuttle on which an information recording medium is mounted, a movable head for reproducing or recording information from or on the information recording medium mounted on the shuttle, a shuttle lock mechanism for locking the shuttle, a head lock mechanism for locking the head, and a drive source and a link member for commonly driving the shuttle lock mechanism and the head lock mechanism.

Abstract: Two bar code sensors are disposed at opposite sides of a passage of a photographic film, each bar code sensor having two photosensors disposed along a line perpendicular to the transportation direction of the photographic film. Each time a photographic film is fed by a predetermined distance, signals outputted from the two bar code sensor units are sampled and are compared with the signals obtained at the second preceding sampling timing to convert them into binary signals. Based on the data configuration of binary signals, i.e., based on the discrimination between the start code and end code, or the presence or absence of a clock track, automatic discrimination is performed between DX bar code data and frame number bar code data which then are decoded into a film type and frame number, respectively. The setting conditions of a photographic film also can be determined based on the bar code data configuration. An alarm is output if the setting conditions are not normal.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a ticket includes a circular ticket guide having a drive apparatus for driving a ticket in the circular ticket guide, an arcuate ticket guide having a ticket drive apparatus for driving a ticket in the arcuate ticket guide, a ticket transfer guide extending tangentially between the circular and arcuate ticket guides for transferring a ticket between the circular and arcuate ticket guides, at least one ticket input guide extending tangentially into the circular ticket guide for inputting a ticket into the circular ticket guide from an associated ticket input area, a ticket output guide for outputting a ticket from the arcuate ticket guide to an associated ticket output area, ticket writing and reading mechanisms for writing and reading information on a ticket and a ticket printer for printing information on a ticket.

Abstract: A prepaid card processing device processes a prepaid card provided with a memory for storing information related to an account and a printing portion on which monetary information is to be printed. The prepaid card processing device comprises a reading/writing portion for reading the information stored in the memory and for writing information into the memory. A recording portion records monetary information on a receipt and a recording control portion carries the prepaid card to the recording portion so that the monetary information can be printed on the printing portion of the card. A single recording portion thus records monetary information on both the receipt and the printing portion of the prepaid card.

Abstract: An optical card processing apparatus includes a holder feed mechanism (4) for reciprocating a card holder (2) holding an optical card (8), an optical head (5) for recording information on and/or reproducing information from the optical card held by the card holder, and a card holding mechanism provided on the card holder for pressingly holding at least three sides of the optical card. Deformation of the optical card can be corrected and vibration thereof suppressed by the card holding mechanism. As a result, focal-point error due to card curvature and vibration is reduced and optical cards can be fed at a higher speed.

Abstract: An alignment and transport roll made of flexible material has a curved cross section and comprises a ring like thicker outer circumferential part. The outer part of the roll 1 is deflected in an alignment direction, by a variable thickness item to be transported such as a passbook. Upon rotation of the roll or movement of the paper, the item is aligned and transported. The alignment force is generated in the same direction regardless of the direction of movement of the item. Such a roll can also be provided with a supporting structure on one side to avoid alignment in the wrong direction when the roll flips over as happens when the roll is deflected in the wrong direction. The roll and supporting structure, or roll along can be joined in a pair of rollers coacting with each other. A roll or roller pair can be used in any alignment unit. The preferable use is in a passbook printer to align the passbook for printing purposes and for reading the magnetic stripe on the passbook.

Abstract: Reader apparatus for chip cards. The reader apparatus has a reader station with at least one insertion opening for a chip card and is also equipped with a bidirectional drive and a contact device for reading the chip card. Respective inward transfer and/or outward transfer conveying channels are provided adjacent the insertion opening and adjacent a further opening of the reader station lying opposite the insertion opening. Each of the conveying channels has an outer opening, and a respective, bidirectional drive that is independent of the drive of the reader station, each of the drives having conveyor belts arranged in pairs. Controllable locks are also provided inside the reader station in the region of the two openings, these locks stopping the chip card in a read/write position, the chip card being supplied from the opening lying opposite the lock stopping the card.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling an optical card which is generally rectangular in shape and formed with a first plurality of circular, concentric recording tracks and a second plurality of arc-shaped, concentric recording tracks in each of a pair of sectors defined by a pair of hypothetical diagonal lines of the card and located outside of the first plurality of circular, concentric recording tracks. An optical pick-up is moved to a desired track first by a coarse seek operation which uses the difference between a selected count and the count from a linear sensor, and a fine seek operation which uses the sum of a track correspondence voltage and a track error signal.

Abstract: The IC card reader includes card positioning and guide means and contact elements which provide electrical connections with conducting areas on the IC card, via which circuits are established with the apparatus in which the IC card reader is incorporated. The card reader includes, in particular, a carriage (8) which is moveable relative to a contact frame (3), having a rest position that it occupies when there is no card in the reader, being urged into its rest position by return means (RA), and an actuated position into which it is thrust by a card (100) inserted in the reader. The carriage (8) is arranged to co-operate with the contact elements (35, 36) in such a manner that when in its rest position, the carriage (8) causes the contact elements (35, 36) to be held in a rest position in which they lie off the insertion path (62) of a card, and when in its actuated position, the carriage (8) causes the contact elements (35, 36) to bear against the contact positions of the card.

Abstract: A first sensor is arranged at a predetermined position on a conveying path of an IC card. When the IC card is detected by the first sensor, the conveyance of the IC card is stopped. A connector supported to a supporting member provided at a predetermined position approaches the contacts of the IC card and comes into contact therewith. There is also provided a second sensor to detect that the connector is located at a position adapted to come into contact with the contacts of the IC card on the basis of the motion of the supporting member. The supporting member has a projecting portion adapted to about on an IC card which has overrun from the predetermined position. When the projecting portion abuts on the IC card, no detection signal is output from the second sensor.

Abstract: A datacard arrangement in an apparatus in which several datacards are used simultaneously, including a datacard receptacle designed to receive two datacards, and two datacards lying one on the other inserted into a data transmittal position in the datacard receptacle.

Abstract: A card conveying structure for card accessing devices, comprising: a casing defining a card inlet and a card guideway; a drive pulley and a driven pulley supported on one side of the card guideway by a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis, respectively, defining a zero or small angle relative to a vertical line perpendicular to a major surface of a card guided by the guideway; and an endless belt passed around the two pulleys, effective diameters of the first and second pulleys being selected in relation with spacings of the pivot axes relative to the card guideway so that a linear span ofthe belt may extend along the guideway and abut the major surface of the card. By urging the linear span of the belt against the card, the card may be conveyed by the movement of the belt. Alternatively, by slanting at least one of the pulleys towards the guideway until its periphery or the belt passed around it comes into contact with the card, the movement of the belt or the pulley can be transmitted to the card.

Abstract: In a card reader for reading information from a card which may contain the information as optical, magnetic, electronic or physical data, inside a casing is provided a carriage which carries the card and is adapted to be conveyed from an outer position to an inner position by a linear drive mechanism. By not using a pair of drive and pinch rollers as opposed to conventional card readers, the card is free from contaimination by the rollers, and the operation reliability of the card reader is improved. Further, the elimination of rollers also contributes to the reduction in the overall height of the card reader. The clamp mechanism for securing a card to the carriage may be provided with interlocking means which prevents the movement of the carriage until a card is securely gripped by the clamp mechanism.

Abstract: A sealed holder for an IC card formed into a card shape and having an imbedded IC chip such as a semiconductor integrated circuit. A card socket (30) is arranged within a holder housing (10), and an insertion/ejection port for the IC card (20) is closed by a pivoting door (1) to seal the holder. Linkage and transmission means are operatively associated with the door to facilitate insertion and withdrawal of the IC card.

Abstract: An optical reading device which is capable of being assembled readily and assures stabilization of the distance between a sensor of the reflecting type and a surface of a medium to be read by the sensor. The sensor is carried on a holding member, and an engaging member is pivotally supported on the holding member at a location spaced from the sensor. A screw shaft and a guide shaft extend in parallel to each other and to an axis of pivotal motion of the engaging member. The screw shaft has a spiral groove formed thereon for meshing engagement with a toothed portion formed on the engaging member or the holding member and is rotated to move the holding and engaging members therealong. A record medium to be read by the sensor is fed in a direction perpendicular to the screw shaft. A contact element is provided on the holding member for assuring a minimum distance between the sensor and a surface of the record medium to be read by the sensor.

Abstract: A ticket checking/issuing apparatus for checking and issuing a ticket on which data is recorded, includes a ticket holding unit for holding the ticket, and a head unit which is moved along the holding unit. The head unit has a magnetic head which is brought into sliding contact with the ticket held by the holding unit so as to record and/or reproduce data on and/or from the ticket. A friction member is arranged on a surface of the holding unit opposing the head unit. The friction member has a friction coefficient between itself and the ticket larger than that between the magnetic head of the head unit and the ticket. The friction member is brought into sliding contact with the magnetic head when the head unit is moved while the holding unit does not hold a ticket, and is brought into contact with the ticket held by the holding unit when the holding unit holds the ticket.

Abstract: A cleaning device comprises a cleaning member having a cleaning surface adapted to abut against a recording surface of an information recording medium, apparatus for holding the cleaning member, apparatus for moving the cleaning surface of the cleaning member, and apparatus for moving the hold means relative to the recording surface.

Abstract: An automatic payment machine is provided for electronically checking the validity of instruments of payment with deliverance of a voucher. It includes means for maintaining the voucher in a waiting position in the path of the instrument of payment so that this latter takes it along with it when it passes, for restoring the instrument and the voucher simultaneously.

Abstract: A reader-writer apparatus for an optical memory card for reading and/or writing data with respect to the optical memory card having a data storing face, which apparatus includes a card holder including a carriage for carrying and holding the card inserted thereon and transporting the card to a reading or writing position and a feeding mechanism for driving the carriage. The reader/writer in another aspect of the present invention includes an optical waveguide holder holding an optical waveguide, which is connected at a base end thereof to the light emitting and receiving section of a reading head, so that another end of the optical waveguide may oppose a data recording face of the optical memory card. The waveguide holder is moved independently of the movement of the card holder.

Abstract: The present invention describes linear reciprocating motion device comprising an object which is movable exclusively in a prescribed direction, a cam groove which is formed on a closed curve, a linking rod whose one end is connected to the object and its the other end is engaged with the cam groove, and methods for moving the other end of said linking rod along the cam groove with a prescribed angular velocity. The moving methods with angular velocity comprises a crank arm whose length is free to be increased or decreased, with its one end connected to the other end of the linking rod and rotates in the interior of the closed curve, and a motor that causes the crank sub-arm that is linked to the crank arm to rotate at a constant speed.