Abstract: A card reader may include a card conveying mechanism structured to convey the card; a magnetic head which is structured to abut with the card and performs at least one of reading of magnetic data recorded on the card and recording of magnetic data on the card; a head moving mechanism structured to move the magnetic head in a longitudinal direction of the card; and an abutting part structured to abut with one end of the card in the short-side direction of the card. The head moving mechanism may be configured such that, while the card conveying mechanism holds the card in a state that the one end of the card in the short-side direction of the card is pressed against the abutting part, the magnetic head is moved in the longitudinal direction of the card to perform at least one of reading and recording of magnetic data.

Abstract: A conveying direction switching apparatus includes a first and a second blade assembly, and auxiliary blades rotatably provided at a shaft. The auxiliary blades are arranged between the first and second blade assemblies. When conveying bills, the portions of the bills passing between the first and second blade assemblies in the longitudinal direction of the shaft are guided by the auxiliary blades toward the conveying direction of the bills. Thus, the conveying direction of the medium is appropriately switched.

Abstract: A conveying direction switching apparatus includes a first and a second blade assembly, and auxiliary blades rotatably provided at a shaft. The auxiliary blades are arranged between the first and second blade assemblies. When conveying bills, the portions of the bills passing between the first and second blade assemblies in the longitudinal direction of the shaft are guided by the auxiliary blades toward the conveying direction of the bills. Thus, the conveying direction of the medium is appropriately switched.

Abstract: An improved document scanner for imaging documents and decoding coded indicia such as bar codes and magnetic strips is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the scanner incorporates a set of emergency exit instructions so that a user can always retrieve sensitive documents at a moment's notice. These instructions include receiving an emergency exit command from a jamming sensor or from the user, and then attempting mechanical translation toward a first exit and further subsequent translation toward a second exit. If the document is not successfully retrieved, the scanner prepares for manual document extraction as detailed herein.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a chip card, a controlling unit, a transport mechanism, and a positioning module. The transport mechanism is electrically connected to the controlling unit and transports the chip card under the control of the controlling unit. The positioning module is electrically connected to the controlling unit and is for pushing the chip card to remove the chip card.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a chip card, a controlling unit, a transport mechanism, and a positioning module. The transport mechanism is electrically connected to the controlling unit and transports the chip card under the control of the controlling unit. The positioning module is electrically connected to the controlling unit and is for pushing the chip card to remove the chip card.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional personalization system for personalization of identification or access elements, in particular of contactless and/or contact card elements, having at least two process modules designed for the execution of different personalization and/or control processes, at least one control unit, one card receiving unit, one card transport unit and one card output unit. The card transport unit is designed especially advantageously for single and/or multiple feeding of at least one identification or access element to single process modules, and the sequence of the feeding of the identification or access element to the individual process modules is independent of the arrangement of the process modules along the card transport unit.

Abstract: A card reader for reading magnetic stripe cards which are manually inserted, and withdrawn, by a user. The card is constrained to follow a path which displaces the card laterally while the card is outside the reader, and before the magnetic stripe reaches a magnetic sensor within the reader. The lateral displacement prevents an illicit magnetic sensor, positioned externally to the reader by a hacker, from reading the magnetic stripe, since the stripe is moving in an incorrect direction while the card is external to the reader.

Abstract: An improved card scanner for imaging and decoding data contained in indicia such as bar codes on a side surface of an inserted card. The device features a double scanning method using an electronic imaging element and processor which turns off unnecessary power when not required and begins processing data as soon as one captured image is determined complete. This is accomplished through the use of a processor and software to determine if a complete image of the bar code on the inserted card has been captured and allowing immediate processing for data and removal of the card. Should the image of the bar code be incomplete, a second scan is conducted of the bar code as it is removed and a complete image formed from the second or combination of the two individual scans. The device can also be used to compare photographs scanned from a card with the digital photograph encoded in a two dimensional bar code and to display both photos for comparison.

Abstract: An improved card scanner for imaging and decoding indica such as bar codes on a side surface of an inserted card. The device is electrically powered and features a double scanning method using an electronic imaging element and processor which turns off unnecessary power when not required. This is accomplished through the use of a processor and software to determine if a complete image of the bar code on the inserted card has been captured and allowing immediate extracting of data from the bar code and immediate removal of the card. Should the image of the bar code be incomplete, a second scan is conducted of the bar code as it is removed and if complete, data is extracted and if incomplete a complete image formed from the two individual scans. The device also employs a magnetic strip data reader to extract magnetically encoded data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a card recording apparatus capable of printing in high speed as well as reducing overall dimensions of the apparatus. After a card is transported to an information recording section 200 in a lateral (short length) direction of the card, an information signal is recorded on the card thereby. Then, the card is transported to a second heating section 300. An ink image formed on an intermediate recording medium 7 by a first heating section 500 is re-transferred to the card by the second heating section 300. A warp developed on the card by the second heating section 300 is corrected by a card warp correcting section 400.

Abstract: A data storage card includes a glass substrate having first and second edges. A data storage surface region is located on the glass substrate between the first and second edges. The data surface region includes a magnetic storage medium having at least one layer of high density, high coercivity magnetic material for storing magnetic signals. The data storage card may include a relatively hard, abradeable protective coating formed on the magnetic material layer. The protective coating has a thickness between a maximum thickness which would materially attenuate magnetic signals passing between the magnetic material layer and a transducer of a read device, and a minimum thickness enabling said protective coating to be abraded by usage in an ambient natural atmosphere operating environment for removing therefrom a known quantity of the protective coating.

Abstract: An improved card scanner for imaging and decoding indica such as bar codes on a side surface of an inserted card. The device is electrically powered and features a double scanning method using an electronic imaging element and processor which turns off unnecessary power when not required. This is accomplished through the use of a processor and software to determine if a complete image of the bar code on the inserted card has been captured and allowing immediate removal of the card. Should the image of the bar code be incomplete, a second scan is conducted of the bar code as it is removed and a complete image formed from the two individual scans. The device can also be used to compare photographs scanned from a card with the digital photograph scanned from a two dimensional bar code and to display both photos for viewing.

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 scanning apparatus utilizing gravity acceleration for scanning is provided. The scanning apparatus comprises a U-shaped housing, a shaft bearing, a housing and a scanning head. The shaft bearing passes through the housing with two ends thereof respectively and rotationally fastened on two sidewalls of the U-shaped housing, thereby the housing is vertically and rotationally fastened in the U-shaped housing. The scanning head is disposed in the housing with an engageable piece engaged with a hook-shaped element of the housing so as to fasten the scanning head at a predetermined position close to the top end of the housing. When the scanning head is going to scan, the engagement between the engageable piece and the hook-shaped element is released and a starting power is applied to the scanning head by gravity acceleration. Thereby the scanning head is guided to move downward to scan via cooperation between a guiding piece and a guiding rail.

Abstract: An automatic transaction apparatus, having a processing part handles transaction information and transaction medium, a conveyer part which conveys the transaction medium corresponding to the transaction information, a temperature sensor measuring a temperature of the conveyer part and a controller connected with the temperature sensor, the controller controlling a conveyed speed of the transaction medium and an interval to dispense the transaction medium by the conveyer part in accordance with a temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: Sheet counting apparatus includes a set of rotatably mounted suction spindles mounted for movement past a stack of sheets to be counted. A vacuum is connected to the spindles. As a suction spindle passes the stack, the vacuum is supplied to the spindle so that the topmost sheet is deflected from its initial position. A monitor monitors the number of deflected sheets by monitoring the degree of vacuum within the suction spindle passing the stack. The monitor increments a count on each occasion when the monitored vacuum exceeds a predetermined level threshold for a predetermined time.

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 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: 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 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 system for synchronization of the angular position of a rotating optical assembly in a bar code scanner having a rotating optical assembly. The optical assembly is rotated by a motor which produces a fixed number of pulses per rotation, the pulses occurring at equal intervals such that each pulse indicates a degree of angular rotation of the motor. The pulses are continuously monitored and counted. Timing is simultaneously monitored. A synchronization label is placed in the scanner such that light directed through the rotating optical assembly will strike the synchronization label and be reflected back to the rotating optical assembly when the rotating optical assembly is at a particular angular position, thus establishing an initial angular position of the rotating optical assembly. Once the initial angular position is established, timing is continuously monitored and pulses are continuously monitored and counted.

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: A hand-held portable data collection system integrates ideal design features to improve and optimize the data collection process. The operator interface of the hand-held portable data collection system incorporates somatic feedback between the hand-held portable data terminal and the operator, thereby facilitating operation of the data terminal such as reading of optically readable indicia. The hand-held portable data collection system further provides optimal data collection by allowing for variable orientation of the reading field of view of the data file reader allowing for optimal positioning of the reader during the data collection process. Optically readable indicia may be disposed within the reading field of view of the data file reader without having to sight along the terminal as is typical with prior aim and shoot type data readers. The optically readable indicia may be readable regardless of orientational disposition.

Abstract: In the case of an automatic money-receiving and -dispensing machine having a banknote-receiving location (20), having a banknote-checking and recognition device, having at least one intermediate store for intermediately storing received banknotes, having a banknote-dispensing location (22), having a plurality of storage units (30, 32, 34, 36) which are arranged in a secure housing (16) and are intended for keeping, storing and/or dispensing banknotes, and having transporting path (40) which connect the receiving location (44), the dispensing location (52), the checking and recognition device (58) and the storage units (30, 32, 34, 36) to one another, at least one of the storage units (32, 30) contains an exchangeable storage cassette (31, 33) for banknotes which are to be dispensed, at least one storage unit (34, 36) having a winding store for receiving, storing and dispensing banknotes, the storage units (30, 32, 34, 36) being connected to a common, first transporting path (40), which is arranged, together w

Abstract: A card conveyance control method and apparatus that allow a card held by a plurality of conveying rollers to be conveyed and securely mounted at the proper position on a conveying platform. The conveying rollers of the first conveyer unit, which holds and conveys an optical card, are rotated in the conveying direction of the optical card, and the card conveying platform of the second conveyer unit is moved in the direction of the first conveyer unit so as to press the leading edge of the optical card conveyed from the first conveyer unit against the back edge of the conveying platform; the conveying platform of the second conveyer unit is then moved in the opposite direction from the first conveyer unit while the conveying rollers of the first conveyer unit are rotated in the conveying direction of the optical card; and this operation is repeated several times.

Abstract: A time recorder receives bar coded time cards, punches time data on the cards and stores the time data in memory. Each card has a bar code at each end corresponding to the same value. For each pay period, a unique bar code and the card on which it is printed are assigned to each employee during an initialization process. A card is inserted upside down into the time recorder for each employee and the bar code is read by the system and assigned to an employee. At the same time, employee information is printed on the card.

Abstract: A card reader includes a pad-roller supporting mechanism having a pad roller block for supporting a plurality of pad rollers for transporting a card inserted into a card traveling passage in cooperation with a plurality of drive rollers supported by a main-body block. The pad roller block is pivotally supported by the main-body block about pivotal shafts provided in parallel with the card traveling passage so as to be openable and capable of causing each of the pad rollers to come into contact with and move away from each of the drive rollers. A spring member is disposed on the main-body block and a pressing plate supported by the pad roller block and the spring member between an operating region and a nonoperating region of the spring member so as to be capable of being engaged with or disengaged from the pad roller block and the spring member, for imparting to the pad roller block a rotating urging force in a direction in which the pad rollers approaches the drive rollers.

Abstract: A record medium reading apparatus, a pachinko ball dispenser and a medal dispenser which can reduce the cost of production of record mediums and can realize an effective use of resources.When a discriminating means discriminates that there is no remaining data as the record medium has been full used, a conveying control unit controls a conveyer so as to convey, after reading, the record medium into a case for collection.

Abstract: An information storage and retrieval device comprising a card conveyor mount for supporting and conveying a card-type information storage medium; a drive means having a linear motor, for reciprocatingly driving the card conveyor mount; an electrical power control circuit having switching elements, for providing power to the linear motor; speed detection means and for detecting the speed at which the card conveyor mount is moving.

Abstract: Apparatus for scanning a data card which comprises a thin, flexible medium having leading and trailing edges and one or more data stripes formed thereon at a prearranged location and extending transverse to said leading and trailing edges. The apparatus comprises a card guide for defining a linear card guide path and an entrance slit for accepting the data card into the guide path. A card positioning assembly is cooperatively associated with the card guide and drives the data card through the entrance slit and into the card guide. The card positioning assembly positions the card in a stationary prearranged location. A transducer positioning assembly linearly scans transducers along the data stripes on the data card.

Abstract: A cards processor (100) including a gateway (101) for the insertion and discharging of cards (104) on one end side of a cabinet (2), a transport line disposed in the cabinet (2) in almost a straight line from the gateway (101) for transporting the cards in a reciprocating manner in a transport direction, read/write devices (115, 116) for reading and writing information on the cards during transporting, and a standby portion (117) where the card transporting direction is reversed and for holding the cards in standby temporarily between operations.

Abstract: A table top image based document processing machine and methods of using it. The machine is used in conjunction with a host computer like a PC. The machine includes a document track, a programmable transport mechanism for moving the document bi-directionally within the track, front and back imagers for imaging the front and rear of the document, front and back printers for endorsing data on the front and the back of the document, a magnetic card reader module, an encryption module and a MICR printer for encoding MICR data on the front of the document, for example. The machine in conjunction with the PC can be used for generating Logos, creating checks, performing remittance processing, imaging and reading checks, truncation processing, lockbox operations, and the usual bank teller operations.

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: 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: 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 (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: 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: A conveying apparatus of an IC card which is assembled in an IC card reader/writer includes upper and lower conveying belts to convey the IC card by sandwiching it. The upper and lower conveying belts are arranged so as to be deviated in the card conveying direction. A connector having contact members adapted to be come into contact with the contacts of the IC card is arranged in at least one of the spaces which are formed in both edge portions of the upper and lower conveying belts by the deviation of the positions of the conveying belts.

Abstract: An information memory system suitable for a recording medium such as an optical card which reciprocates. This memory system includes: a reading apparatus for reciprocating the recording medium and reading out the information recorded on the recording medium; an auxiliary memory apparatus different from the recording medium; and a managing apparatus for managing the reading apparatus and the auxiliary memory apparatus. The reading apparatus transfers the information read out of the recording medium to the managing apparatus, and the managing apparatus stores the information transferred from the reading apparatus to the auxiliary memory apparatus while new information is being read out. The reading apparatus has a memory for temporarily storing the information read out of the recording medium and transfers the information from the memory to the managing apparatus when the recording medium is reversed.

Abstract: A data bearing card having first contacts connected to an integrated circuit on the card is read and confiscated if invalid or bogus. The card is translated in a first direction from an admission chamber to a reading station having second contacts adapted to engage the first contacts so data signals can be coupled between the integrated circuit and a data processor. After data stored in the integrated circuit have been read through the contacts the card is fed in a second direction of travel from the reading station back toward the admission chamber until the card has been completely extracted from the reading station. If the card is bogus, the reading station pivots to open a path for the card to a confiscation bin located beneath the reading station. The bogus card is then fed in the first direction into the confiscation bin.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader for reading data for electronic locks or the like is provided. The reader "reads" data both when the card is inserted and upon withdrawal, thereby decreasing the chances of misreading the data.

Abstract: An information memory apparatus includes: an endless belt which is driven forward and in reverse by a motor and reciprocates a recording medium such as an optical card; an optical head for reading out information from the recording medium which is being moved by the endless belt; a memory for temporarily storing the information read out by the optical head; a transfer apparatus for transferring the information read out of the memory to the outside; and a control circuit for changing the positions at which the information stored in the memory is read in accordance with the reading of the information upon the forward and returning operation of the recording medium. The control circuit also changes the reading directions of the information from the memory in accordance with the forward and returning operations of the recording medium. With this apparatus, the information reading efficiency is improved and the information is efficiently transferred by a simple constitution, while reducing the number of memories.

Abstract: A card reader contains an admission chamber, a fixed guide path, including card feeding rollers, and a read station for a magnetic track of a data bearing identification card. The read station and idler wheel are on opposite sides of a card guide path. The read station comprises first and second heads, respectively mounted to turn about first and second parallel axes that extend in the same direction as the guide path. Shafts defining the first and second axes are mounted at the extremities of first and second swing arms positioned on opposite sides of the heads. The swing arms are mounted to turn about a third axis that extends toward the guide path. A shaft defining the third axis is carried on a bifurcated bracket, mounted to rotate about a fourth axis that also extends in the guide path direction. A tension spring exerts a force on the bifurcated bracket to hold the heads constantly against a face of the car as it travels through a nip formed between the heads and a drive roller.

Abstract: A card read/write device of the type comprising an inlet sensor disposed at a card insertion inlet, a shutter which opens in response to the detection signal from the inlet sensor, a transportation mechanism driving sensor disposed backwardly of the shutter, a card transportation mechanism disposed backwardly of the second-mentioned sensor for transporting the inserted card backwardly and a card information read/write means disposed within the card transportation mechanism, characterized in that when the trailing end of the card passes past the transportation mechanism sensor in the case of returning the card, the card transporting mechanism is deactivated and when the transportation mechanism driving sensor is turned on again under these conditions, the card transportation mechanism is activated again to transport the card backwardly so that the read/write operation of the card is accomplished.

Abstract: A card accessing apparatus is provided which includes a slidable unit connected to a card holder and sliding in the width direction of the card holder, a reciprocating mechanism including a motor and an endless belt for reciprocating the card holder, and a connecting member for connecting the slidable unit to the endless belt. The motor is rotated only in one direction to rotate the endless belt which causes the slidable unit to reciprocate the card holder.

Abstract: A card reader capable of conveying a card inserted therein to a predetermined position for accessing the card with respect to the data on the card. Non-volatile storage means are adapted to be set when the inserted card is conveyed to the predetermined position and react when the card is returned to its original position, power failure detecting means for detecting power failure when the non-volatile storage means is set, and driving means for returning the inserted card to its original position in response to an output generated from the power failure detecting means.

Abstract: An information retrieval system for retrieving desired information from information recorded in a record medium is disclosed. The information on the record medium is classified into at least two groups and a first mark is added to the lower class information and a second mark is added to the higher class information. The marks are detected by mark detection means and the feed of the record medium is controlled in accordance with the output of the mark detection means. When there is an error in the retrieval or in the input, the error is detected and the feed of the record medium is stopped.

Abstract: A ticket verification and reading device has a single reading and writing head (20). If a card to be read is inserted incorrectly into the entry (11), rollers (23) and (13) rotate so as to return the ticket, inverting it as it passes round roller (13). The correctly oriented ticket is then returned to the roller (13) from when it passes the reading and writing head (20) to be read.Accordingly the device will accept incorrectly inserted cards, automatically re-orientating them so that even though the device has only one reading head (20) the cards can be read and, if necessary, verified.

Abstract: A reader-writer for magnetic cards substantially reduces "jitter" or chattering vibrations which otherwise imperil the accuracy of the read-write functions. The read-write head is itself mounted rigidly for operating while the magnetic card passes along a planar tray surface. A soft rubber anvil roll is mounted directly opposite, for free idling rotation on the same shaft which impels a rubber driving wheel.In contrast with conventional constructions using a spring-mounted head or anvil, the present rigidly mounted head in combination with the free idling soft anvil roll avoids the generation of, and damps out, vibrations, which otherwise might follow from exciting forces such as irregularities in driving friction. The greatly improved accuracy makes feasible the use of debit cards, and has unexpectedly reduced head wear.