Abstract: An information recording and reproducing device includes a head for recording and reproducing information on and from a recording medium, a drive for reciprocally driving the recording medium relative to the recording and reproducing head at a faster speed in a reproducing mode than in a recording mode, a frequency signal producer for producing a frequency signal representing a drive speed of the recording medium, a first control for comparing an output signal of the frequency signal producer with a reference clock signal and feeding a phase error therebetween back to the drive, a second control for detecting the drive speed of the recording medium and feeding a signal representing an error between the detected drive speed and a target speed back to the drive and a switching device for activating at least the first control in the recording mode and deactivating the first control and activating the second control in the reproducing mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting, cleaning or performing recording and/or reproducing of information from a card-like medium is disclosed. The recording medium includes an information recording area and a non-recording area. The transporting apparatus includes a receiving transport device and a discharging transport device. The receiving transport device transports the recording medium into and within the apparatus. The discharging transport device discharges the card-like information recording medium outside the apparatus and includes transporting the recording medium and stopping the recording medium such that the information recording area remains within the apparatus. The apparatus for cleaning the recording medium includes a cleaning device for cleaning the recording medium, a moving device for moving the recording medium relative to the cleaning device and a receiving device for receiving the recording medium in the apparatus.

Abstract: An optical card recording/reproducing apparatus comprises a fixed optical head for scanning the surface of the card with a light beam, a shuttle for holding an optical card, and a motor for moving the shuttle with respect to the optical head. The moving position of the shuttle is detected by a rotary encoder coupled to the motor. The detection output of the encoder provides data which represents the relative positional relationship between the shuttle and the optical head and is used to control the moving speed of the shuttle in such a way that a data area on the optical card is scanned by the light beam at a constant speed. The state in which the optical card is loaded in the shuttle can also be detected, and this detection output is used to compensate for the detection result of the rotary encoder. As a result, the moving speed of the shuttle can be controlled in accordance with the relative positional relationship between the optical head and the optical card.

Abstract: Digital data apparatus is programmable by means of digital data encoded on one or more datastrips contained on an application insert. In order to substantially increase the amount of digital data in each datastrip, fixed-length digital data is compressed according to a predetermined compression/decompression code to produce variable length data which are then encoded on the datastrip. The disclosed apparatus minimizes the time required (1) to read the encoded data into the digital data apparatus and (2) to decode the encoded data so that the decoded data can be ready to be used. As disclosed, a reader reads the encoded data into digital memory during one pass of the reader over the length of the datastrip and while the reader returns to its starting position, the encoded data is decoded according to the predetermined code.

Abstract: An information recording-reproducing apparatus comprises a head, a first pair of rollers for guide-driving a recording medium relative to the head, a second pair of rollers for guide-driving the recording medium toward or from the first pair of rollers, and a controller for timingly controlling the first and second pairs of rollers. The first and second pairs of rollers are disposed at such an interval that the recording medium may not be caught by both of the first and second pairs of rollers at a constant velocity movement of the recording medium.

Abstract: An information recording and reproducing apparatus comprises a mount table on which an information recording medium is mounted, a structure for reciprocating the mount table relative to a recording and reproducing head, and an energy storer for decelerating the mount table in a deceleration mode, storing an energy generated during the deceleration and transducing the stored energy to a kinetic energy of the mount table in an acceleration mode to accelerate the mount table.

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.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for recording information on a card-shaped optical information recording medium with a light beam and/or for reproducing information recorded on the medium. The apparatus includes a device for irradiating the medium with a light beam, a device for causing relative reciprocal movement between the medium and the light beam, and a device for terminating or displacing the light beam on the medium, after the lapse of a predetermined period of time from a moment when the relative speed of the medium and the light beam is reduced below a predetermined speed. The method includes the steps carried out by the apparatus.

Abstract: A public telephone set includes a card controller for reading information recorded in a card and performing conveyance and data processing of the card on the basis of the read information, and a speech controller for performing speech control corresponding to types of cards on the basis of data from the card controller. The card controller includes a card guide port, connected to a first convey path, for receiving plural types of cards and dispensing only a specific type of card, a return port, connected to a second convey path, for dispensing only remaining types of cards which are not dispensed to the card guide port, and a card selector mechanism for switching the cards into the first and second convey paths on the basis of a property inherent to the types of cards inserted into the card guide port, whereby charging processing corresponding to different types of cards is performed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a card-personalizing apparatus comprising at least one device for treating the cards and one handling robot. The treating device comprises a plurality of personalizing units associated with a control unit. The handling robot includes a feeding hopper (1), a stacking hopper (6), a scrapping hopper (7) and gripper device for gripping the cards (3) mounted on a 2-way shift device (4), a control logic (L) being connected to the control unit to manage the personalizing operations.

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: Disclosed is a read/write apparatus for magnetic card, which includes a card conveyance passage along which a flexible magnetic card is guided. The passage has a direction changing portion where the direction of the passage is gradually changed, and a downstream portion where the passage extends vertically of the apparatus. By virtue of this arrangement the apparatus can be small in depth size and have a thin body.When an additional insertion button of the apparatus is depressed by a customer, zero value is written on the magnetic card and the card is returned. Upon insertion of an additional card, the sum of the balance of the additional card and the previous card is transmitted to an external information processing unit installed in a vending machine, to permit a single sales operation within the sum of the balances.

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 portable card writer for a card with a magnetic stripe provided thereon comprises a chassis, a drive mounted on the chassis for moving the card to and fro, guided along the chassis, a magnetic writing head mounted on the chassis, a magnetic reading head mounted on the chassis, and a printer for writing data in the card at a portion other than the magnetic stripe.

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 ticket processing terminal includes a cylindrical ticket guide around which tickets are driven by a single drive cylinder which rotates in the ticket guide. An entry port, a feed port, and an exit port all connect to the ticket guide in a spaced relationship around the guide. Raed/write mechanism are placed adjacent the guide at a position which is passed by a ticket entering the guide through the entry or feed port and before the exit port is passed. Tickets are issued by the terminal by providing information to the write mechanism from an external source, feeding a ticket into the guide from either the feed port or the entry port, writing the information on the ticket, reading the printed information for validation, and then diverting the ticket to the exit port before completing a revolution. After being issued, a ticket bearing written information can be processed by the terminal for cancellation.

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 sheet transportation control apparatus comprising a sheet conveyor for sequentially fetching and conveying sheets, a detector for detecting a jam of sheets during conveyance, a speed switching circuit for switching conveying speed of the sheet conveyer between high and low speeds, and a conveying direction switching circuit for switching a conveying direction of the sheet conveyer between both forward and reverse directions. After the conveying direction switching circuit reversed the sheet conveyer for only a predetermined period of time in response to a detection of the jam by the detector, the sheet conveyer is again forwardly rotated, thereby automatically solving the jam of sheets.

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

Abstract: A fraud-resistant manually-fed reader-writer is especially suited for debit card use, in which a credit balance is read into the memory of the reader. When the card reaches the end of its insertion-reading movement, a validity indication encoded on the magnetic stripe of such card is automatically eradicated by energizing a de-gaussing coil. If, after effecting transactions which debit the memory, the card is removed by some artifice without re-writing it with a reduced balance, such removed card will lack a validity indication and hence be incapable of re-use. Provisions are made to time the re-writing and to avoid forfeiture of the balance if the card should be withdrawn too slowly or too rapidly.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing and issuing tickets has a circular ticket guide in which a drive cylinder is disposed to selectively rotate in a forward or reverse direction. A ticket magazine feeds a blank ticket into the ticket guide in the forward direction and the cylinder rotates, driving the ticket in the forward or reverse direction in order to execute a series of process steps involved in issuing the written ticket. Arrayed in an arcuate sequence adjacent the ticket guide in the forward direction are a printing and reading apparatus, a ramped impound aperture, and a ramped issue aperture. A ticket is fed from the hopper in the forward direction and the drive cylinder is rotated to carry the ticket past the printing and reading apparatus where information is written and verified on the ticket. The drive cylinder continues to rotate in the forward direction, carrying the ticket past the impound, and then the issue aperture.

Abstract: A bar coded or user marked document is moved along a first transport path, where it is read. A portion of the document is situated in a curved retaining section. If validated, the document is moved completely into the retaining section and then into a second transport path, past a head for imprinting bar codes and text, to an output hopper. If invalid, the document is returned along a portion of the first transport path, along a reject transport path, to a hopper designated for this purpose. Blank documents may be fed from an internal stack into the second transport path for printing and then to an output hopper. First, second, and third frame sections define the first and second transport paths and are pivotally interconnected. Correspondingly curved portions of the first and second frame sections define the retaining section. The first frame section is mounted to the second frame section and can be pivoted relative thereto to provide access to the first path.

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.

Abstract: A ticket diverter for use in conjunction with a ticket processing apparatus. The diverter has an entry passage through which a ticket enters and an exit passage through which the ticket is expelled. A stationary diverter ramp deflects the ticket from the entry passage to the exit passage. The ticket is propelled in the exit passage by a reversible exit drive roller toward either a dispensing outlet or a capture outlet.

Abstract: A ticket handling system for use in a ticket preparation system that includes a signal processor for providing print signals to indicate information to be printed on the tickets and write signals to indicate information to be encoded on the tickets; a printer for printing information on ticket stock in response to the print signals; and a transducer for encoding information on the ticket stock in response to the write signals. The ticket handling system includes a feeder module including a feed system for feeding a strip of ticket stock; a cutter module; a cutting device for cutting ticket blanks of a given length from the fed end of the strip; a printer module including the printer for printing ticket information on the ticket blanks in response to the print signals; and a transport module including the transducer for encoding ticket information on the ticket blanks in response to the write signals.

Abstract: A module for applying a magnetic stripe character to a plastic card. A tiltable carriage moves the card along a transfer path past magnetic code applying apparatus when tilted in a first position. When the carriage is tilted into a second position, it returns along the transfer path to engage a further card while the first card is removed from the card transfer path by pinch rollers driven by a unidirectional clutch. Defective cards are removed from the card transfer path by a tiltable plate which opens a slot in the card transfer path to allow them to fall through the base plate.

Abstract: A bill and coin changer in which a circuit employing a programmed microcomputer controls the bill-validating and coin-dispensing procedures and searches for faults in the operation of the sensors and electromechanical components of the changer. During bill validation, a bill is moved at a predetermined speed along a path past a plurality of sensors, and rejection signals are generated if a particular sensor is actuated for other than a predetermined permissible duration or generates a predetermined output within a test period delimited by the delayed output of the other sensors. In response to a rejection signal, the bill is returned to the customer and a diagnostic hexadecimal rejection code character is displayed indicating the condition prompting rejection. Jammed objects are extricated from the bill transport by alternatingly actuating the transport to move the object in one direction and then in the other upon sensing a jammed condition.

Abstract: Photo-optical apparatus for reading a label or the like carrying a label code readable in the form of a binary code characterized by presence or absence of optically detectable indicia at predefined zones of predetermined dimension. The apparatus includes optical sensors disposed adjacent to a path so as to be responsive to indicia carried by the label travelling in a direction such that the indicia is disposed in first and second tracks parallel to the direction of label travel. A programmed microprocessor is responsive to the state of the sensor outputs for detecting the direction of label travel and reversals of the direction of travel, and for selectively controlling entry and output of the label code to and from a data storage register such that upon completion of a read cycle the order of data significance can be determined independently of direction of travel of the label through the path past the sensors and independently of the left or right side mounting of sensors with respect to label travel path.

Abstract: A ticket metering and barrier module for a ticket processing machine includes a housing defining a metering passage that is dimensioned to a predetermined maximum ticket thickness and includes sensing apparatus for sensing predetermined minimum ticket width and length and a barrier gate selectively movable into and out of blocked positions for blocking the insertion of tickets into the passage.

Abstract: A high frequency heating apparatus, which is provided with a cooking card, and wherein a cooking program indicating a power level corresponding to a specified cooking time and a power level corresponding to a prescribed foodstuff temperature is preset in the cooking card; the data of the cooking program preset in the cooking card which are read out by a cooking card-reading device are stored in the corresponding addresses of a memory unit; cooking is carried out at a power level read out of the memory unit; and a cooking time and corresponding power level or a foodstuff temperature and corresponding power level are indicated on a display device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanison to read and process a prepaid, flexible, magnetically coded card bearing marked sections adapted be cut off representing value used. Upon insertion into the mechanison a forward/reverse drive means takes control of the card. The card is read and a decoder processes the code signals and signals a "good code" or "bad code" output which activates the forward or reverse drive of the card and associated means, including a card shear which acts upon the card at the decoder relected position, and to return the card.

Abstract: A drive system for processing passbook data includes a bi-directional stepper motor responsive to programmed input signals, cam sets rotated by the stepper motor for initiating data sensing, document positioning, and data transfer operations, and cam followers actuated by the contour of their associated rotating cam sets for moving their reacting components to perform those operations. Appropriate cam followers cause a pressure plate and sensor to move toward and sense coded data on a document, a gate to open and close to position the document for further processing, and a print platen to advance toward the document, provide a backing during data transfer, and then retract.

Abstract: A dual belt drive for use in a document transport using two belts having teeth thereon which mesh to lock a document in place. The belt is spring loaded to compensate for documents of various thickness.

Abstract: Flexible material secured at one end and pressed against a document guide of the other end is used to provide a directional document guide and diverter. Dual fingers press against the guide with a feed belt moving through a slot in the diverter. The document forces the diverter to one side permitting the document to pass therethrough. However, upon return the diverter changes the course of the document directing it away from its original input position to a storage hopper.

Abstract: After having been read, individual sheets are initially introduced only partially into a first collection space for successfully read sheets. These partially introduced sheets are then introduced completely into said first collection space upon occurrence of a "go" decision from the reading. In contrast, upon occurrence of a "no go" decision, the partially introduced sheets are again withdrawn from the first collection space for successfully read sheets by an oppositely directed movement and are supplied to a separate second collection space for unsuccessfully read sheets. Also the apparatus for carrying out the foregoing.

Abstract: A card reader includes a housing enclosing the operating components thereof which is provided with a card insertion slot. A baffle is movable between blocking and unblocking positions to block and unblock the card insertion slot, as desired. Located interiorly of the housing is a card carriage which reciprocates between a first limit position proximate the card insertion slot and a second limit position remote therefrom for transporting an inserted card along a path past a transducer located inside the housing proximate the second limit of travel for reading information from the card. A cam is provided on the carriage which cooperates with a cam follower associated with the baffle for camming the baffle from its card insertion slot blocking position to its card insertion slot unblocking position and vice versa, as the carriage moves toward and away from, respectively, its first limit position proximate the card insertion slot.

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

Abstract: A card reader is disclosed for reading cards and like materials one at a time, the card reader having a transport mechanism and special control circuitry for control of same so as to provide single feed card transport over a predetermined transport cycle. The reader controls provide means for selecting the amount of data to be read from the transported card and for controlling the transport cycle in accordance with the selected portion of the card which is to be read. The reader of this invention is suitably a subcombination of an addressable system comprising a plurality of like devices which are addressably controlled by a central processing unit.

Abstract: A card handling device, which includes a card inserting aperture for inserting a card therethrough, a card reader for reading information data from an inserted card and means for carrying the card from the inserting aperture to the reader, in which there is provided a detector for detecting a deformed or curved card disposed at a position between the card inserting aperture and the card reader, whereby the deformed card is fed back through the card inserting aperture while a non-deformed card is fed to said card reader by the card carrying means.

Abstract: A note discriminating apparatus includes first and second detectors for detecting the characteristics of a note, a reference level generating section for generating a reference level signal by utilizing the output of the first detector, and a level detecting section for comparing the reference level signal with the outputs of the second detectors to recognize the note. The apparatus further includes a means which, when a note conveyed through the note inlet to the note discrimination position is detected as abnormal, conveys the note back to the note inlet, and conveys the note to the note discrimination position again.

Abstract: A piece of scrip is engraved or printed with groups of patterns which can be sensed by a validator for scrip and one of those groups of patterns will define a code which will permit that piece of scrip to be accepted only by a scrip validator or by scrip validators which have that same code stored therein. Two additional groups of patterns define codes which can cause that scrip validator or those scrip validators to automatically respond to the codes stored therein to actuate price-determining relays within a vending machine. Each pattern is formed by a number of spaced parallel lines, and the various patterns on a piece of scrip can be given different identities merely by changing the spacing between the trailing edges of those spaced parallel lines. The patterns in each group of patterns will be sensed in a prescribed sequence, and the sequentially-sensed patterns in any of those groups of patterns can be given various identities.

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