Abstract: A data symbol reader for reading a data symbol formed on a reading surface which includes: a head portion which is placed on the reading surface to cover the data symbol when reading the data symbol; an image pick-up device on which an image of the data symbol is to be formed; and an image-forming optical system for leading light reflected on the data symbol to the image pick-up device to form the image of the data symbol on the image pick-up device. The head portion includes an enclosing portion for enclosing the data symbol while an open end of the enclosing portion contacts the reading surface. The enclosing portion includes a light transmissive member through which the inside of the enclosing portion is visible from the outside of the enclosing portion. The light transmissive member is inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to an optical axis of the image-forming optical system.

Abstract: A card receptor for use in an internet set-top box is provided with a pivotable door, a card carrier with card/disk insertion slots to receive and to keep a card/disk therein through the card/disk insertion slots and a driving mechanism. The card carrier moves toward an inside position wherein the card/disk insertion slots stay within a housing of the internet set-top box, with the pivotable door being closed by the driving mechanism, and toward an outside position wherein the card/disk insertion slots stay outside a front panel through an opening of the housing, with the pivotable door being opened by the loading mechanism.

Abstract: Portable transaction terminal apparatus adapted for use in eating and drinking establishments. A terminal housing has a generally rectangular shape and a size slightly larger in length and width to corresponding dimensions of a restaurant guest check. A folio-type cover is mounted to a left side portion of the terminal housing by a hinge arrangement and thereby adapted to swing between open and closed cover positions, the cover corresponding in length and width to the terminal housing so as to completely cover a top face of the terminal housing in the closed cover position and to lie flat against a surface in the open cover position. A data entry keypad and an alphanumeric display are carried on the top face of the terminal housing. A card reader module is mounted in the terminal housing for accepting and reading a transaction data card selected for use by a guest of the establishment for payment of the amount of the guest check.

Abstract: Process for identifying characters, which are formed on a plurality (2) of silicon sheets, whereby the sheets are arranged in parallel planes (P.sub.0) and are aligned relative to the support (1), and comprises:inserting luminous reflector (5) between a first (2a) and a second (2b) successive sheet of the plurality of sheets starting from underneath the plurality of sheets;illuminating the characters, which are formed on the first sheet, via the intermediacy of a first incident luminous ray (R.sub.1) which is reflected by the luminous reflector and which are inserted between the first and the second successive sheets in such a way that the first incident luminous ray, which is reflected by part of the first sheet which is parallel to the parallel planes (P.sub.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in an unsupervised public setting to receive a smart card so the card front portion can enter a card reader (20), which safeguards the card reader from vandalism. A card gate mechanism (30) includes a gate device (32) that is moveable between a closed position wherein it blocks the card path (16) and an open position which allows passage of the card to the card reader. At least one lever (34, 36, 38) has a card-engaging part (50, 52, 72) lying along the card path so the lever is deflected by the leading edge (46) of the card to release the gate device so it can open. Preferably, a plurality of card-engaging levers have card-engaging parts which must be deflected by the card leading edge to allow the gate to open, with at least one and preferably two of the levers deflected to the side of the card path by the leading edge of the card. The gate has a roller (100) that rolls along the top of the card when the gate is raised, to avoid scratching the card.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a structural improvement on ID card processor, including such components as a base plate, one or more sets of terminals, a movable press plate and a clamping piece, that are designed to reduce the friction between the ID card and the terminals after the ID card slides into the processing slot, and that when the ID card reaches its extreme position, the movable press plate will be prompted to push the ID card towards the terminals to enable their connection, and when the ID card reaches its position inside the processor slot, a clamping piece will enable the movable press plate to hold the ID card, so the terminals can steadily contact the ID card without swaying.

Abstract: A magnetic data processing device for a bankbook having a magnetic stripe. A magnetic head is arranged for reading and writing magnetic data when the bankbook is in a magnetic data processing position. Three rows of drive and pinch rollers are arranged to convey the bankbook. The central row is arranged near the magnetic head, and the pinch rollers of the outside rows a removable for regulating the pinching pressure between the respective drive and pinch rollers. The pinching pressure is reduced when the bankbook is substantially within the magnetic data processing position. Also, the magnetic head is movable between a normally retracted position and an operative position when the bankbook is substantially within the magnetic data processing position. Also, a dummy head is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for recording and reproducing information prevents the bearing surface of an auxiliary bearing of a card carriage which is in sliding contact with an auxiliary guide rail from being locally worn. A main guide rail and the auxiliary guide rail are spaced in the same plane. The axis of the auxiliary guide rail is oblique at a predetermined very small angle to the axis of the main guide rail. The auxiliary bearing has a bearing bore having a slot-shaped cross section. Portions of the bearing surface of the bearing bore which are in contact with the auxiliary guide rail are displaced transversely to the direction of the stroke of the card carriage during the stroke.

Abstract: A card reader 20 includes a dielectric housing 22, a plurality of resilient connector elements 70 disposed along the bottom wall 28 of the housing 22 and adapted to establish electrical connection between contact pads 104 of a circuit board 102 and contact pads 96 of a card 90 inserted into a card-receiving slot 40 of the reader 20, a horizontal plate 42 slidably mounted within the housing 22, and an actuator 54 for moving the plate 42. The horizontal plate 42 is proximate the top surface of the housing 22 and is movable upon actuation toward a card 90 inserted into the card receiving slot 40 beneath the plate 42 to exert pressure on and moving the card 90 toward said bottom wall 28 to effect electrical engagement between the contact pads 96 of the card 90 and the resilient connector elements 70 that, in turn, engage the contact pads 104 of the board 102.

Abstract: An optical information recording and/or reproducing apparatus for recording and/or reproducing information with a light beam in or from a card information recording medium provided with a plurality of linear tracks, includes a card holder on which the medium is mounted, an optical head for projecting the light beam toward the medium, and a card holder moving mechanism for moving the card holder in a transverse direction to the tracks. An optical head moving mechanism translates the optical head in a direction along the tracks, and a holding mechanism provided below the card holder, holds the medium on the card holder.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader assembly includes a magnetic read head being biased into a guide slot. The guide slot is defined by a first side wall, a second bottom wall and a third side wall. The first side wall has an opening for receiving the magnetic read head. A U-shaped member has a first leg and a second leg. The first leg is integrally connected to the first side wall as one piece unitary member. A read head mounting frame is fixedly connected to the magnetic read head.

Abstract: A structure of a card insertion port includes a card reader, an insertion port plate, and a coupling portion. The card reader is incorporated in an apparatus main body and reads/writes information from and on a card. The card reader has a slit-like card intake port arranged to oppose a front case of the apparatus main body. The insertion port plate is formed to be physically separate from the card intake port and mounted to an opening in the front case. The insertion port plate has a slit-like card insertion port extending from a front surface to a rear surface of the front case and is closely opposite to the card intake port. The coupling portion couples the card insertion port and the card intake port, thereby constituting a card intake path extending from the card insertion port to the card intake port. A method of mounting a card insertion port member is also provided.

Abstract: A data symbol reader which reads a two-dimensional data symbol includes a reading device which receives light reflected from the data symbol, a casing in which the reading device is provided, and a guide member which defines a symbol reading area in which the data symbol can be positioned. The guide member is attached to the casing and is moveable between a fisrt postion in witch the position of the data symbol realative to the symbol reading area can be viewed from the exterior of the data symbol reader, and a second position in whitch the data symbol can be read by the the reading device in the casing.

Abstract: A document processing system comprising a sensor array for sensing the size and position of a document; a movable magnetic scanner for scanning the document for coded information thereon; an imager for obtaining digitized image data of the document; a movable printing device for printing information on a document; a reversible document transport for conveying a document relative to the sensor array, the magnetic scanner, the imager, and the printing device; and a control unit connected to the sensor array, the magnetic scanner, the printing device and the document transport, the control unit controlling the movement of the document by the document transport between the sensor array, the magnetic scanner, the imager and the printing device, and further controlling movement of the magnetic scanner and the printer relative to the document transport.

Abstract: In the case of a device for holding chip cards in a position associated with a scanning device and comprising a retaining device arranged adjacent to an intake gap, simple and low-price means are employed to ensure that there is definitely no possibility of a chip card, once inserted, being prematurely and improperly withdrawn, because the retaining device comprises an intake mouth with at least two jaws delimiting it, of which at least one jaw is able to be moved towards the other jaw and is able to be moved away from it and at least one jaw has a retaining claw adapted to lock onto the other jaw when the intake mouth is closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading information off a document such as a check is herein disclosed. The apparatus includes an apparatus housing defining a specific path through which the document is intended to pass during normal operation of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes an arrangement including a read head positioned at a fixed point on the path and cooperating circuitry for reading specific information off of the document as the document is caused to move through the path and across the read head. And, the apparatus includes an arrangement for moving the document through the path and across the read head along with causing the document to engage against the read head as the document moves across the read head. This document moving arrangement includes an arrangement supporting a freely rotating idler roller which is positioned to engage the document against the read head.

Abstract: Apparatus consisting of a flat, two-dimensional array of laser/photo diodes; an optical storage card positioned below the array; and a mechanism to move the card in both the X- and Y-directions to position the laser/photo diode array over any one particular location on the card. A further mechanism serves to move the card in the X- and Y-directions and angularly to provide an initial alignment of the card with respect to the laser/photo diode array. Yet another mechanism moves the card in the Z-direction for focusing purposes. A laser/optical interface positioned between the laser/photo diode array and the card which is formed of an array of collimating and focusing holographic micro lenses (HOE) with surface diffraction patterns. An electronic section functions as an interface between a central processing unit (CPU) and the lasers and photo diodes of the array. The optical storage card is a thin, re-writable phase-change type.

Abstract: A deposit processing module comprising a first transport having a first end for receiving envelopes and single document deposits and a second end from which the deposits are discharged, and a second transport operatively positioned for receiving and returning single document deposits to and from the first transport. A printing device is provided for printing deposit information on the deposits, a magnetic charge/read head is provided for charging and reading magnetic information on the single document deposits and an imager is provided for imaging one side of the single document deposits. A gate mechanism associated with the second end of the first transport is movable between a first position wherein envelopes and single document deposits may be discharged from the module and a second position wherein single document deposits may be transported between the first transport to the second transport.

Abstract: A data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, is disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder. Transaction data including compressed signature signals and signals indicative of the presence of the card are transmitted to the host computer system of a transaction processor, who guarantees the transaction as chargeback-protected under certain circumstances.

Abstract: Resilient wipers (4a, 4b) cooperate with inclined planes (13a, 13b) to maintain the card (7) constantly parallel to the base part (1) of the card reader during the introduction of the card into the reading compartment (12). The free ends of the wipers (4a, 4b) are biased into a plane further from that of the base part (1) than that which the free ends of the reading wipers (3a, 3b) tend to assume. This device is simple and compact and makes it possible to eliminate static electricity created by the card rubbing against the card reader.

Abstract: The contacting device described is designed to contact the contacts of boards of different sizes with preferably the same contact pattern, using a chip board reader which is adapted by means of a board holder, preferably a SIM board holder, in such a way that the SIM board can be read with the chip board reader.

Abstract: A shuttle for loading thereon an optical card having upper and lower surfaces and right and left edges and for moving the card relative to a head to read/write information from/on the card, comprises a base, a reference end face connected to the base and abutting against the right edge of the card to guide the card, card stop members attached to the base and abutting against upper surface of the card to guide the card, a push plate attached to the base to be movable relative to the base, and abutting against the lower surface of the card to support the card with the card being interposed between the push plate and the card stop members, a mechanism for pressing the card against the card stop members by abutting against left edge of the card, and mechanism for releasing the card from pressure of the pressing mechanism when the push plate moves with respect to the base.

Abstract: A card reader-writer includes a body provided with a card inserting opening into which a card to which reading and writing of information can be made is inserted, magnetic heads arranged in the body to read and write information from and on the card, and a device for carrying the card which is inserted into the card inserting opening to the magnetic heads. The carrying device includes a card chucking unit for chucking the card and a carriage for moving the chucking unit along a certain passage. The position of the card chucked by the chucking unit is corrected by a card position adjusting or correcting unit.

Abstract: Azimuth related problems common to hand-inserted, magnetic card readers are avoided by a spring loaded edge guide track which extends along the entire length of travel of the card rather than only in the vicinity of the read head. The invention of both advancing edges of the card within tracks and a pressure plate maintain the advancing card in the plane of travel in a prescribed vertical position necessary for cards with active electronic elements as well.

Abstract: An automated food vending system includes a vending machine having a plurality of stacks and dispenser mechanisms for dispensing standardized food package units, a microwave oven having a code reader located in a predetermined position in an interior cavity of the oven, and the food package units having standardized shapes corresponding to the vending stacks and to the microwave oven cavity. The food packages have a code for controlling the microwave oven printed in a predetermined position which is readable automatically by the code reader when the package unit is inserted in the oven. The dispenser mechanism has a configuration which allows it to be installed in existing vending machines for canned beverages. It may be formed as a pair of pivotable holding members spaced apart in the widthwise direction of the holding stack, or as a pair of continuous belts spaced apart in the depthwise direction of the holding stack.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for use with a bar code scanner, to enable consistent bar code reflectance quality measurements. The apparatus includes a holder (60, FIG. 1 ) which holds a hand-held bar code scanner (20) at a predetermined distance (B) and angle (A) with respect to the surface of a sheet (12) that has been imprinted with a bar code. The holder has a lower end (66) for lying "flat" against the sheet, and has a plurality of switches (81-83, FIG. 3 ) at locations spaced around the lower end of the holder. Only when all switches are operated, is the lower end of the holder flat against the sheet, and only when all switches are simultaneously actuated is the bar code scanner operated to generate a display that indicates reflectance quality.

Abstract: A data input/output system comprises a mounting portion on which a data memory card having data input keys is mounted freely detachably. The mounting portion having an opening through which keys on a mounted card can be operated positions the mounted card using a simple configuration so that the data memory card and the main unit can transfer signals accurately.

Abstract: Magnetic characters arranged in a row on a check are read in an apparatus effecting relative linear displacement between the check and a magnetic reader. The displacement is effected either by manually removing the check from the apparatus, or by manually moving the reader.

Abstract: A chip card receiver is divulged comprising an opening 59, a first connector 54 for thick cards 57 guided by first fixed guide means 65, 63. It has a second connector 52 for thin cards 53, slanted with respect to the direction in which the thick cards 57 are introduced and guided. The thin cards 53 are deflected and guided by a spring 61 in the direction of connector 52. The thick cards 53 cannot pivot in opening 59 and when they are introduced therein they cause spring 61 to retract.

Abstract: An encoding apparatus (20) encodes or reads information on a magnetic stripe on a card (50). The encoding apparatus (20) advances the card (50) along a card transport path defined by a frame (24), side support members (42 and 44), and top guide member (46). The card (50) advances by reversible drive means (26) having a single drive roller (28). Encoding is accomplished by an encoding head (36) in communication with an encoder (22) coupled to an idler roller (34) for encoding by position.

Abstract: A card reader receives electronic chip cards of different thicknesses incing relatively thick and thin chip cards, each card having electrical interface connection terminals thereon. The reader includes a front panel having a card introduction opening. A first mating connector is positioned to engage the interface connection terminals of the thick chip cards. A fixed first guide positions the interface connection terminals of the thick cards into engagement the first mating connector. A second mating connector is positioned to engage the interface connection terminals of the thin chip cards. A moveable second guide means guides the interface connection terminals of the thin chip cards into engagement with the second mating connector. The second guide is retractable under action of introduction of the thick cards against a resilient return means.

Abstract: A point of sale terminal having a reader assembly for reading a data carrier having data stored on at least one data track thereon. The terminal includes a housing defining a guide slot location for the data carrier and a transducer for detecting data stored on the data track. A removable guide element is mounted to the housing at the data carrier slot location. This guide element has a read head bracket which is snap mounted thereto. A registration arrangement permits mounting of the read head bracket in two registered positions for determining which of multiple data tracks will be read by the transducer.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for aligning a card with optically readable annular data region thereon. The card is moved along a generally linear track and pushed onto a rotatable card holder which is secured in a first position for receiving the card. The data card is aligned on the card holder so that the annular data region thereon is in a desired registry with a focused laser beam. The card holder and card thereon are then rotated about a central axis of the annular data region and the laser beam is moved across the annular data region of the rotating card for data transfer. Once the desired data transfer is accomplished, the card holder rotation is stopped, the card holder is realigned in its first position and the card removed from the card holder. During rotation of card holder, a plurality of flyweights flatten the data card as a function of the rate of rotation of the card holder.

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

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

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

Abstract: A card or badge reader is provided for reading badges or cards on which there are coded indicia such as a bar code symbol. The reader has a front wall plate that is removably affixed onto the front of the main housing, but separated a slight amount to define a badge reader slot. A wear plate is disposed horizontally between the front wall plate and the front wall of the main housing to define a floor for the badge reader slot. The wear plate comprises an elongated web with downturned end flanges, and is suspended in one of a plurality of parallel horizontal grooves in the front wall plate. The position of the wear plate can be changed from one of these grooves to another, as desired.

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

Abstract: Data can be recorded onto an optical card (102; 200; 601; 800) on which a plurality of tracks are parallelly arranged and can be reproduced therefrom. The optical card is supported by card supporting means (101; 501). This card supporting means is reciprocated in a first direction by card drive means (109; 511). An optical head (103; 503; 603) is provided above the optical card to selectively provide access to tracks by a light beam. This optical head is reciprocated in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction by head drive means (108; 507). The reciprocating motion of the card supporting means is accelerated and decelerated when the optical head scans on guide sections (G) provided on both the sides of the optical card. Error correcting codes are added to data recorded onto the optical card. Thus, error correction is made by an error correction circuit (136). Motors of respective drive means are enclosed with vibration proof metal (321, 323) and vibration proof rubber (322).

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

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

Abstract: An IC card having means for protecting erroneous operation. A circuit for detecting incomplete contact is provided.

Abstract: When an electronic card is inserted into the device, a first reject plate is pressed to elongate first and second coil springs to anchor the card. When no writing or reading ROM and RAM of the card, electric current instantaneously flows through a solenoid to cause a stopper stopping a second reject plate to rotate through a slight angle so as to disengage the stopper from a front end of the second reject plate. As a result, the second reject plate is depressed by the second coil spring. At the same time, a reject arm provided on the second reject plate moves a reject oblique surface of a card latch to move the card latch through a slight angle to lower a card guide, so that the card is pushed by the first coil spring out of the device. In this manner, the card is not pushed out during writing or reading and hence contents of the card are not damaged. A solenoid requires only a force for moving the stopper through a small distance. The small solenoid and a little power are sufficient to operate the device.

Abstract: A card reader for reading data strips carried on cards, the reader having a housing with an input slot carrying a removable card alignment tray to receive the cards. A sensor is used to detect the presence of an inserted card and cause the card, once sensed, to be drawn in by card driving mechanisms and forced into, and held, in alignment. Alignment is three dimensional in that the card is held against two perpendicular guides and flat against a window. A detector senses when the card is in its aligned position and actuates an optical scanner to scan the data strip on the card. Scanning is through the window, assuring that the plane of the card is correct. When scanning is completed, the input mechanism is reversed to eject the card.

Abstract: A card conveying appartaus is arranged between the right and left frames. A card one-sided setting member is swingably attached to one of the frames. This card one-sided setting member is obliquely held by a spring toward the side of the other frame. When a card is conveyed by the conveying apparatus, the card is pressed to the side of the other frame by the one-sided setting member, so that the position is restricted. The one-sided setting member is returned to the side of one frame by the card. The returned one-sided setting member is detected by one sensor. A detection signal of this sensor functions as a card detection signal indicating that the card is being conveyed.

Abstract: Digital data apparatus includes a reader for reading digital data encoded on a datastrip on an application insert. Disclosed is a sensor for sensing whether or not an application insert is positioned for reading by the reader. The digital data apparatus includes a platen upon which an insert is positioned and which is accessible through a door. An end of the platen is located adjacent to the door. Opening the door moves the end of the platen so that an application insert can be positioned on the platen. Closing the door allows the platen to press the insert towards the reader to facilitate reading digital data on a datastrip of the insert. The sensor is a microswitch, mounted on the platen. The microswitch has an actuator which is engageable by an application insert positioned on the platen. The microswitch is only actuated when the door is closed and an application insert is positioned on the platen.

Abstract: Digital data utilization apparatus includes a datastrip reader for reading digital data encoded on one or more datastrips on an application insert. Disclosed is a system for guiding a user in orienting the application insert relative to the datastrip reader so that the datastrips are read in the correct sequence. The digital data utilization apparatus includes an electronic display which displays messages to prompt the user in correctly orienting the application insert relative to the reader. The apparatus also includes guide marks which align with marks on the insert, to further assist the user. Preferably, the application insert also includes a membrane touch pad which overlays a membrane touch pad on the digital data utilization device.

Abstract: In an apparatus for recording and reproducing information, an information recording medium is reciprocated relative to a head for effecting information recording and reproduction, under such conditions that one end of the recording medium is urged against a guide member extending in a direction of the reciprocation of the recording medium.

Abstract: An electromechanical vault cartridge receptacle has an opening for inserting a vault cartridge, the cartridge passing between a pair of laterally biased rollers which continuously engage asymmetrically contoured sided surfaces of the cartridge. A front surface edge of the cartridge bears upon and causes the backwards motion of a movable frame, the motion of which causes top and bottom surfaces of the cartridge to be securely engaged between an opposed pair of horizontally planar cartridge bearing members. The backwards motion of the movable frame also results in roller supporting members to be locked when the cartridge is fully inserted, thereby preventing lateral movement of the rollers. A cartridge ejecting means comprises electromechanical means adapted for engaging a back surface of the movable frame to move the movable frame in a forwards direction, disengaging the cartridge engaging members and unlocking the roller supporting members, whereby the cartridge is pushed back out of the opening.

Abstract: An electromechanical vault cartridge receptacle has an opening for inserting a vault cartridge, the cartridge passing between a pair of laterally biased rollers which continuously engage asymmetrically contoured sided surfaces of the cartridge. A front surface edge of the cartridge bears upon and causes the backwards motion of a movable frame, the motion of which causes top and bottom surfaces of the cartridge to be securely engaged between an opposed pair of horizontally planar cartridge bearing members. The bearing members comprise conductive plate means which are brought into registration with corresponding plate means beneath top and bottom surfaces of the cartridge for defining signal coupling capacitors. The backwards motion of the movable frame also results in roller supporting members to be locked when the cartridge is fully inserted, thereby preventing lateral movement of the rollers.