Abstract: A card reader locking and unlocking apparatus has a locking lever. One end of the locking lever supports a hook which hooks over a card when the card is locked in position during reading. A key, when brought into abutment with the locking lever, raises the locking lever so that the hook clears the trailing edge of the card and permits the card to be withdrawn. A solenoid acts on the locking lever by a release lever to electrically lock and unlock the card. The release lever is forked so that movement of the locking lever by the key does not cause corresponding movement of the solenoid armature.

Abstract: A reader/writer for an IC card as an external memory is constructed with a carriage longitudinally movable in a casing which is normally held in a waiting position. The carriage is held by a spring and moved to an operating position by manually inserting the IC card engaging therewith against the force of the spring. A block having contact pins is snugly embraced by the carriage and is adapted to vertically move relative to the carriage when the carriage is moving to the operating position by sliding up a sloped floor to establish an electrical connection with contact points on the IC card.The IC card is held by angularly movable hooks actuated by a lever to be moved by the carriage. The hooks are retracted by disengaging the lever from a latch. Concurrently, the carriage is returned to the initial waiting position to eject the IC card out of the casing.

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 Provisions are made to time the re-writing and to avoid forfeiture of the balance if the card should be withdrawn too slowly or too rapidly.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 and method are provided for reading contiguous, conterminous, parallel data lines (76) of minute, rectangular bits of information printed on a substrate (2) and together forming a data strip (3) with its length, perpendicular to the data lines (76).The reader (1) includes alignment means for holding the strip (5) and includes data line scanning means (33, 40, 130) on a chassis (20) which moves longitudinally of the data strip (3) while simultaneously and synchronously scanning the tranverse data lines (76) at a rate that scans each data line a plurality of times. An infra-red light source (50) illuminates the data line (76) being scanned, and crossed cylindrical lenses (30, 32, 40, 130), moving relative to each other and to the data strip (3), focus individual scanned bits upon a matched infra-red detector (42).Multiples (33) of one of the cylindrical lenses, mounted on a rotating drum (44), are used to increase speed of operation.

Abstract: Tickets with customer markable areas are insertable into an input slot facing the agent side of the processor, an input slot facing the customer side of the processor, or by either the agent or the customer into an input slot located on the top of the processor. The slots feed different points along an arcuate channel. The end of the channel is located at the beginning of a straight line transport path passing through a ticket reader and a ticket printer to an output slot facing the agent side of the processor. A single drive motor, actuated by a ticket sensor at the end of the channel, provides power to all of the drive rollers. A lock-out mechanism located in the channel prevents tickets from being inserted from the agent side or the top surface if a ticket has been received from the customer side, and prevents tickets from being inserted from the customer side if a ticket has been received from the agent side.

Abstract: A credit card telephone station adapted to permit the initiation of telephone calls in response to the movement of a credit card having a stripe of magnetic characters on one face thereof past a magnetic card reader includes a housing for containing a telephone receiver-transmitter and circuit means including a magnetic card reader for enabling a call to be made. A telephone handset and supporting hook switch is provided and dial means accessible from the exterior of the housing is utilized for dialing calls. The telephone station includes a credit card receiving slot structure having an open edge accessible from outside the housing to permit a magnetic stripe containing portion of the credit card to be moved along a slot while manually gripped by a user. The slot structure includes a pair of spaced apart sidewalls, one of said walls having a window defined along a longitudinal path of movement for the credit card.

Abstract: A method and system for decoding time-varying, two-frequency, coherent-phase data, such as data from the stripe on a magnetic stripe-bearing medium, includes detecting flux intervals at the beginning of a bit cell of such data; timing with a clock or counter the length of such a bit cell; digitally determining the average length of at least the two bit cells immediately preceding the cell being measured; and digitally determining whether or not another flux reversal lies at or near the midpoint of the bit cell being decoded.

Abstract: Apparatus for magnetically encoding a card which includes a timing wheel frictionally engaging the card as the card is moved along a slot. The wheel has about its peripheral annulus a series of evenly spaced magnetic timing bits which are read out by a read head located adjacent the annular surface of the wheel. As the card moves along the slot, the frictional engagement rotates the wheel in a precise one-to-one spatial relationship between the position of the card and the rotative position of the wheel, and hence of the rate at which the timing bits are picked up by the read head. The output from the read head is interfaced with a unique card code to cause coding bits to be applied by a write head to the card as it continues to move along the slot. The positions of the code bits on the card are precisely determined by the timing bits through an interfacing circuit, which includes a series of AND gates.

Abstract: Magnetic stripe media reader/encoders include reader/encoder body modules made of two complementary body elements that provide a track or path for guiding a magnetic stripe-carrying medium over a magnetic reader head, and magnetic head-carrying devices for magnetic stripe medium reader/encoder magnetic heads including a magnetic head-holding frame linked to a gimbaling frame-and-shaft combination linked, in turn, to a springy mounting mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a magnetic stripe disposed on a card which is inserted in the apparatus in a direction perpendicular to the stripe includes a magnetic head, a head supporting member for supporting the head for movement having a component in parallel with the stripe, and a mechanism for driving the head supporting member in response to the insertion of the card so as to move the head along the stripe of the moving card, whereby the stripe of the card which is inserted into the apparatus in a direction perpendicular to the stripe is sensed by the head.

Abstract: A hand-fed data-card reader compatible with cards of different widths and having a selectively actuable perforator for conveying cards past a reader head and for selectively cancelling desired cards via the perforation thereof. Cards are conveyed via a belt/pulley drive train that is operably coupled to a spiked perforator that engages each card at a preset one of two pressures so as to selectively convey the card with or without embossing the surface in a chadless fashion and whereby cancellation is achieved. Data media of differing widths are accommodated via an adjustable, lower, spring loaded guide assembly.

Abstract: In a data processing apparatus, a device for reading data stored in a card is provided with a housing having a slit through which the card can be manually inserted and engaged by guides within the housing for movement in a predetermined path to an operative position, a slider member movable within the housing and having a portion interposed in the path of the card so as to be engaged by the latter and moved thereby, against the force of at least one spring, from an initial position to a displaced position upon insertion of the card through the housing slit to its operative position, a lock assembly engageable when the card is inserted to its operative position for holding the slider member in its displaced position against the force of the spring, and a lock release for disengaging the lock assembly and thereby permitting the spring to return the slider member to its initial position during which the card is propelled outwardly through the housing slit.

Abstract: A key card receiver is mounted in the cab of a truck. The driver inserts a card with a power-in contact shorted to several data output contacts. A power-out contact provides power to the receiver to operate three sequentially connected integrated circuits and another integrated circuit for pulsing the three serially connected circuits to convert concurrent binary data of shorted or open conductors on the driver card to a sequential data signal.

Abstract: A key card receiver has a key card slideway facial insert and upper and lower body halves. The insert has a tapered guideway and a flat slideway with opposite parallel walls and side walls which extend perpendicularly from the guideway walls. Abutments are connected to the side walls, and the abutments include elongated hooks which extend around pedestals of the upper and lower body halves and lugs which extend into recesses in a jack in the lower body half. The upper and lower body halves are joined together by pedestals which have complementary knobs and depressions. Larger pedestals have aligned openings for mounting. A front vestibule formed between the body halves receives the key card slideway insert, and a rear chamber provides space for mounting an electronic circuit for converting identification data on the card to a pulse train.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader for reading signals recorded on the magnetic track of a card. The magnetic reading head is mounted on a supporting body contained within a housing, and the card is inserted through a slot in the housing to engage a stop on the supporting body. The stop and the supporting body is moved against the force of a spiral spring until the supporting body reaches an end-position within the housing, whereat the stop engages a counterstop to lower the stop beneath the magnetic card. The supporting body thereby is released for return movement in response to the force of the spring, and the magnetic track on the card is read during this return movement. The spring in one embodiment is a spring band spiral spring wound on a support roller rotatably carried by the reading head supporting body, providing a uniform return velocity of the supporting body for a uniform scanning rate of the magnetic card.

Abstract: When a magnetic card having two recording zones is inserted into a magnetic card drive device for a read/write operation of each recording zone, a magnetic card generation indicator lights an indicator lamp after a predetermined period of time following a first insertion of the magnetic card, turns ON and OFF the lamp upon pulling out of the magnetic card from the magnetic card drive device, lights the indicator lamp again after a predetermined period of time following a second insertion of the magnetic card, and puts out the lamp upon pulling out of the magnetic card. By lighting, turning ON and OFF and putting out of the indicator lamp, it is possible to prevent mishandling of the magnetic card having two recording zones to ensure the read/write operation of the both recording zones and timely pulling out of the magnetic card from the magnetic card drive device.

Abstract: A dual peak detector circuit containing a first circuit for receiving the input voltage and storing the maximum value of the input voltage and a second circuit for receiving the input voltage and storing the minimum value of the input voltage. Both are connected to third circuit which also receives the input voltage and provides an output when the input voltage transitions from the maximum input value to the minimum input value. When the input voltage transitions from the minimum input value to the maximum output value, the third circuit alters the output to indicate the input voltage change.

Abstract: An Automatic Teller Machine is adapted to block the acceptance of foreign objects. A blocking member is misaligned with an entrance slot except when sensors signal the presence of an object which meets established criteria. In the presence of the signals, the blocking member is moved into alignment with the slot permitting passage of the conforming objects.

Abstract: Apparatus and test film strip for evaluation of a film processor, particularly an x-ray film processor, based on a photodetector signal sequentially indicating the optical density of graded density test areas on a developed film and comparing the output thereof to a preselected voltage relating to the acceptable/too dark threshold of an unexposed or base fog area, the acceptable or too light threshold of a maximum density or dark area and the acceptable/too light and acceptable/too dark threshold of a medium density test area. Sequence testing of the graded density areas is functionally related on a single film strip to timing marks, adapted to be read by photodetector and timing circuitry, the timing marks and graded density test areas being linearly spaced and relatively disposed along the length of film strip.

Abstract: The method of aligning generally flat data supports of flexible sheet material such as credit cards, identity cards, check cards and similar documents includes the steps of engaging at least one edge of the data support and exerting an alignment force thereon; prior to exerting the alignment force on the data support edge, an arching force is exerted substantially normally on at least one main surface of the data support to deform the latter into a generally arched state. Preferably, the data support is deformed into a shape having a generally waved cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the arching force. At the end of the alignment operation, the data support is restored into its flat shape by a pressure plate urging the data support against a flat supporting face of a receiving member.

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

Abstract: Keycard reader has entry slot aimed at an angle to the vertical and a vertical lower portion so that flexible keycard is bent as it is inserted. This provides a convenient entry, precludes the malicious insertion of coins, sticks, and other objects into reader to render it inoperative, blocks light into the reader and makes it unnecessary to make an enlarged opening in the door to receive the lock.

Abstract: The invention is directed to circuitry for reproducing the data on a magnetic stripe recorded. A security access card is manually passed through a card-reading device at an uneven low velocity, storing the data in one half cycle of operation in uniform number of data storage cells despite the unevenness of speed, and reading out the data at a predetermined rate, during the other half cycle of operation for delivery to a data processing unit.

Abstract: A card reading assembly includes a drive for driving a card carrying recordings on one or more entry regions thereon along the course of travel typically due to the force of gravity on the card. A plurality of stops force the card to a temporary stop during the course of its travel and a pickup head disposed in the course of travel of said card scans said entry regions of the card arrested by the stops for reading the recordings on the entry regions.

Abstract: A reader for punched hole cards having a movable housing member containing a coil spring is disclosed, the housing member is actuated by a card inserted in the reader and moved to an activated position against the action of the spring. Secured to the housing member is an air vane governor rotated upon movement of the housing member to an inserted position. Upon release of the card, the card is driven past sensing members by the spring at a constant speed controlled by the rotating air vane governor. Timing means associated with the punched hole configuration of the card being read is provided.

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

Abstract: A magnetic card recording apparatus records information with a desired predetermined high recording density on a magnetic card moving at a varying speed. The apparatus comprises guide means for guiding a moving magnetic card, a magnetic head disposed to contact with the magnetic card moving through the guide means, an electric signal generator having a movable member moved in response to the movement of the magnetic card, a voltage signal generator for receiving the output signal of the electric signal generator to generate a voltage signal of a magnitude proportional to the moving speed of the magnetic card, an oscillator oscillating at a frequency proportional to the magnitude of the output voltage signal of the voltage signal generator, a converter for converting an input information signal on the basis of an output signal of the oscillator, and a writing controller for controlling the recording of an output signal of the converter on the magnetic card.

Abstract: A time base signal for controlling the recording of binary data is developed by measuring the velocity of a magnetic record. The velocity is measured by determining the time interval required for a mark recorded by a write head to move a predetermined distance to a read head.

Abstract: A time base signal for controlling the recording of binary data is developed by measuring the velocity of a magnetic record. The velocity is measured by determining an average velocity by the time interval required for a mark recorded by a write head to move a predetermined distance to a read head and correcting the average velocity as a function of the acceleration of the record. The acceleration is determined by recording a reference frequency pattern at a first station, reading the pattern at a second station, and measuring the difference between the written and read patterns.

Abstract: A cassette loading/unloading apparatus for a tape recorder employs a motor driven pinion driving a rack for moving a cassette guided by guide members between a loading/ejection position and an operational position. A single switch senses the insertion of the cassette to begin the loading sequence and also stops the motor when the cassette reaches the operational position. In addition, the switch stops the motor at the conclusion of the ejection sequence when the cassette reaches the ejection position.

Abstract: A sensor observes a timing track along a magnetic stripe on a magnetic card and detects change in the sliding speed of the magnetic card relative to the magnetic head as a timing signal, by which reading or writing of a data signal by the magnetic head is controlled. A corner of the timing track is removable to delay the timing signal and thereby control a read-only mode. The magnetic head is mounted centrally on a leafspring to follow bends in the card.

Abstract: An optical character reader for conversion of information to a machine readable code from a strip of alpha-numeric characters on the face of a document. It includes an elongated document slot along which the document may be hand guided through a predetermined path. Optical viewing means is provided across a scan line intersecting the path of the alpha-numeric characters. A character scanning assembly electronically generates images of each character. Recognition processing means encodes these images into a machine readable code. All of the physical, optical and electronic components are contained within a compact single enclosure.

Abstract: A rate adaptive magnetic card writer records data on a card having a magnetizable surface while the card is moved by hand through a slot on the card writer. The rate of movement of the card is determined and then used in adjusting the writing of the data such that it occurs at a rate generally consistent with the speed of the card. The written data is thereby reasonably dispersed on the card and can be read by a variable speed card reader.

Abstract: A system for reading binary digital data, represented by two possible spacings between abrupt flux reversals appearing on a magnetic track of a credit card, as the credit card is transported by hand by and in engagement with a magnetic head of the system. A read head having an unusually large read aperture is used to translate the two possible encoded lengths into two possible waveform amplitudes which are independent of transport speed. Then, by means of amplitude discrimination, the "0" bits are detected; and by zero slope detection, the "1" bits are detected. Mechanically, the read head is located centrally in an obtusely angled long side of a housing and is opposed by a contoured Teflon pillow that substitutes for one-half of the usual card slot. This unidirectional pillow is shaped and spaced from the head so as to cause the credit card to be slightly bent around the head's face in passing.

Abstract: A low insertion force, handfed card reader is disclosed comprising a housing having a profiled passageway therein opening to a frontal side. The passageway is defined by a top wall having an array of contacts mounted therein, and a bottom wall slanted downwardly from a backward end of the passageway toward the frontal opening. A tray is provided within the passageway having a like-slanted bottom surface which is positioned against the bottom wall of the passageway. An encoded card can be freely inserted into the passageway a distance onto the tray, and as the tray is slid backward along the bottom wall, the encoded card is thereby moved upwardly against the contacts. A profiled retention spring system is further provided and pressures the encoded card against the top surface of the passageway to maintain the card reader in its read-mode until subsequently released by the user.

Abstract: Signal processing circuitry for a bar-coded data input terminal having a bar-code reading device, such as light pen, for reading bar-coded identity data, from bar-coded identity labels, attached to items to be identified for instance takes an output signal from the reading device and derives a processed signal in which changes of signal level are cleaner than corresponding level changes in the output signal. The signal processing circuitry employs a high gain operational amplifier to an input of which the output signal is passed through a capacitor. The amplifier has a capacitor and two diodes, with their conduction directions opposite, connected in parallel between the input and the output of the amplifier, from which an amplified signal opposite to the reading device output signal is delivered. A threshold detector receives the amplified signal and provides a processed signal in which signal level changes in dependence upon the amplified signal passing through threshold levels.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for reading a data encoded badge or document, wherein the operator manually inserts the badge into the reader. In the preferred embodiment, there is provided a movable slide element having clock holes thereon and means for ensuring that such slide moves in synchronism with the badge as it is inserted into and withdrawn from the reader by the operator. Suitable sensors and accompanying electronics are provided to synchronize the reading of data from the card with the detection of the passage of slide clock holes past a predetermined point in the reader. Special reader electronics is provided to ensure reliable clock detection, and to inhibit false generation of clock signals which could result from sensor ringing.

Abstract: A hand type record reading device for magnetized tags includes a fixed member, a moving member capable of movement toward and away from the fixed member while being parallelly aligned with respect thereto, and a tag supporting member fixed to the fixed member. The moving member has plural reading heads adjustable in position according to the thickness of the tag placed on the supporting member, as well as to the position of plural magnetically recorded portion of the tag.

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

Abstract: In the disclosed method, pre-recorded bit markers are read from a magnetic medium as it is moved by hand at a highly variable speed past a magnetic read head. Pulses of a fixed frequency are counted between the reading of adjacent ones of the bit markers. Magnetic flux is written in one direction on the medium upon the reading of the bit markers; and magnetic flux is written in an opposite direction after a time period equal to a fraction of the number of pulses counted between bit markers times the reciprocal of the fixed frequency. Also disclosed is apparatus for performing the steps of the disclosed method.

Abstract: Reading and recording apparatus for cards having at least one magnetic track in which the card is held stationary and a magnetic head suspended in gimbals is utilized to read or write upon the card.

Abstract: A magnetic information card encoding apparatus wherein the train of clock pulses used to synchronize the release of binary data from a storage register to a recorder head is generated by the motion of the card itself. Structural means forms a card receiving slot into which the card is manually inserted and removed. A rotatable carriage assembly consists of a drive shaft, photoelectric means responsive to rotation of the drive shaft for generating the clock pulse train, an idler wheel, and spring biasing means for urging the idler wheel against the drive shaft in a friction drive relationship. A second spring biasing means urges the carriage assembly to rotate such that the idler wheel frictionally engages the card so as to be driven thereby. A switch is actuated by the leading edge of the card to provide a signal defining the position of the card in the slot. The arrangement is such that the information card is erased on insertion and encoded on withdrawal.

Abstract: Access control system in which a magnetically coded key or card is inserted into a reader which reads the recorded code. The key is coded by small permanent magnets embedded in non-magnetic body of key at positions on a 4 .times. 4 regular grid of possible positions. The reader includes row of 4 Hall Effect sensors adjacent keyway entrance so that the 4 rows of magnet positions pass successively across them. Signals generated in sensors are transmitted to signal storage units and extracted from the storage units on withdrawal of the key. Activation of sensors and transmission of signals is controlled by successive interruption by leading edge of key of light beams along the keyway.

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

Abstract: A punched card reader includes a base member for slidably receiving a punched data card having a plurality of columns and rows. Along one edge of the base member is a row of apertures corresponding in number and spacing to the rows on the data card. The base member further includes a centrally located strobe aperture. A strobe generator is slidably mounted on one face of the base member. The strobe generator includes a central column of slots disposed perpendicular to the row of apertures on the base member and disposed so as to pass over the strobe aperture as the inserted data card displaces the strobe generator away from the row of apertures on the base member. The slots correspond in number and in spacing to the columns on the data card. Adjacent to one face of the base member is a plurality of light sources aligned with the row of apertures and centrally located strobe aperture.