Abstract: A card carrier part is inserted into a contact carrier part of a card reader together with a card to be read therein. The card carrier part is embodied such that it can be slipped onto an edge portion of the card, thereby clamping the edge in place. As a result, both the size of the card carrier part and the size of a card reader that uses such a card carrier part can be reduced to a minimum.

Abstract: Upper and lower exterior members are coupled together without using ultrasonic welding process. Upper and lower metal panels are brought into electrical conduction therebetween with simple construction. In an IC card having an assembly structure wherein an upper exterior member is formed by integrating an upper frame with an upper metal panel, while a lower exterior member is formed by integrating a lower frame with a lower metal panel; and wherein an electric circuit board with specified electronic components incorporated therein and a connector to be connected to the electric circuit board are provided, in which the arrangement of the upper exterior member and the lower exterior member are coupled with each other, by which the IC card is assembled.

Abstract: A holographic security label and automated reading machine for marking and subsequently authenticating any object such as an identification badge, a pass, a ticket, a manufactured part, or a package is described. The security label is extremely difficult to copy or even to read by unauthorized persons. The system comprises a holographic security label that has been created with a coded reference wave, whose specification can be kept secret. The label contains information that can be extracted only with the coded reference wave, which is derived from a holographic key, which restricts access of the information to only the possessor of the key. A reading machine accesses the information contained in the label and compares it with data stored in the machine through the application of a joint transform correlator, which is also equipped with a reference hologram that adds additional security to the procedure.

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 print quality, see-through template determines if a hexagonal coded symbol area imprinted on a package falls within allowable limits. The template includes boundaries corresponding to a minimum allowable coded symbol areas and boundaries corresponding to a maximum allowable coded symbol areas. When placed on top of the coded symbol area of the package, it can be determined if the encoded symbol area falls within the bounds shown on the template. The template also includes alignment hexagons for lining up to orientation hexagons that exist on hexagonal code labels. Once these hexagons are lined up, a bull's eye center on the coded symbol area is compared to a dual-size, inverse-color bull's eye on the template, to ensure that the bull's eye meets the specified requirements of the hexagonal code.

Abstract: A stationary optical scanning system for the decoding of a plurality of optically readable information bearing symbols encoded using at least first and second different optical codes, and for the detection of a plurality of optical targets having at least first and second different target configurations and target data signals representative of the differing target configurations, includes a single optical sensor for optically sensing the different target configurations and optical codes as objects affixed with the information bearing symbols continuously pass within a field of view and for generating the target data signals from the sensed field of view.

Abstract: A method of entering a hand-marked response into a system by altering a predetermined modified bar code symbol in a manner so that the bar code is rendered readable. In this manner, bar code reading devices can be utilized to detect the hand marked response. In an alternative embodiment, one of several potential responses may be marked and rendered non-decodable. A bar code reading device determines which of the several responses has been hand-marked by ascertaining which is non-decodable. Marking the response sheets may be aided by using an opaque template sheet or using a pressure sensitive overlay sheet.

Abstract: A system and method for locating and reading digital data in data regions within a data field disposed on a surface of an object to be identified include the capability of compensating for optical or physical distortions of the data field as viewed by an optical reader. The data field is defined by X-axis and Y-axis intersecting basic lines disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to each other and a corner mark disposed on the opposite side of the data field from those basic lines. A plurality of positions marks for marking predetermined distances between a plurality of imaginary X and Y axis internal lines are also provided. The positions of the imaginary X-axis internal lines within the data field are determinable from their spacings and angles with respect to the Y-axis basic line. The positions of the imaginary Y-axis internal lines are determinable from their spacings and their angles with respect to the X-axis basic line.

Abstract: A method of entering a hand-marked response into a system by altering a predetermined modified bar code symbol in a manner so that the bar code is rendered readable. In this manner, bar code reading devices can be utilized to detect the hand-marked response. In an alternative embodiment, one of several potential responses may be marked and rendered non-decodable. A bar code reading device determines which of the several responses has been hand-marked by ascertaining which is non-decodable. Marking the response sheets may be aided by using an opaque template sheet or using a pressure sensitive overlay sheet.

Abstract: A memory card having a printed circuit board mounted with semiconductor elements and provided with terminal portions along one side thereof and a card basic board formed with a broad recess on the lower surface thereof for receiving said printed circuit board therein. Void contact spaces are provided along one side thereof. The card basic board is formed with upper openings for communicating with the contact spaces on the upper surface of the card basic board and with inserting ports for communicating with the contact spaces on a side surface of the card basic board. Upper beams are provided between the upper openings and the corresponding inserting ports, and lower beams are provided near the inserting ports.

Abstract: An IC card adapter is connectable to an electronic device such as a computer or printer. The adapter removably stores a plurality of IC cards which are connected to the electronic device through a connector portion. The adapter has a housing with three slots each having a card receptor portion. A first slot on the rear side of the housing is larger than the other two slots on opposed sides of the housing. This first slot and card receptor portion are located closer to the bottom of the housing than the other two slots and card receptor portions. Indicators and a phone connection device can also be provided on the housing and a printed circuit board with electronic mechanisms can be provided within the housing so that the adapter can operate without the IC cards.

Abstract: A memory card ejector has an eject knob to be externally operated and a lock release button. As a memory card is loaded in a card receiving chamber, a lock lever moves to a locking position so that a claw of the lock lever engages with a recess of the memory card to lock the card at a load completion position. In association with the lock lever, a card detecting switch turns off the supply of power to circuit components of an electronic apparatus. When the lock release button is depressed, the lock lever rotates in the counter-clockwise direction to move to a lock release position whereat the card detecting switch is turned off to stop powering the electronic apparatus. As the eject knob is slid, an associated lever together with an eject lever moves so that the end of the eject lever pushes a slide plate toward a card inlet port with a relatively strong force. A hook of the slide plate pushes the front end of the memory card to discmount it from a connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording and reproducing information using an optical card comprising a memory region in which one pit train for supplying a track servo signal and a synchronizing signal is formed at a edge portion of the memory region. The optical card achieves increased storing capacity by including only one pit train. The recording/reproduction apparatus for the card has a first and second optical heads. The first optical head scans the pit train to obtain the track servo signal and a synchronizing signal. The second optical head is used for recording and reproducing information from the optical card.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for selecting a code that has to be kept secret. The apparatus comprises a form having two separable parts, a symbol part and a selection part. The symbol part comprises a symbol area consisting of at least one symbol field made up of a plurality of symbols. Typically, there is a symbol field for each character or other symbol of the code to be selected. The selection part comprises a selection area corresponding to the symbol area, this selection area having a selection field corresponding to each symbol field. The selected symbols may be entered in clear text in the symbol fields, and an encoded version of the symbol is obtained by making an entry in the corresponding selection field position. The symbol part and the selection part each have the same identifier field, the symbols corresponding to the entries in the selection area being identifiable with the aid of the identifier in the identifier field.

Abstract: An optical card comprising a memory region in which one pit train for supplying a track servo signal and a synchronizing signal is formed at a edge portion of the memory region. The optical card achieves increased storing capacity by including only one pit train. A recording/reproduction apparatus for the card comprises first and second optical heads. The first optical head scans the pit train to obtain the track servo signal and a synchronizing signal. The second optical head is used for recording and reproducing information from the optical card.

Abstract: A system for processing batch mail in which the need for on-site inspection is unnecessary. A mail sender purchases postage from a central station thereby authorizing him to send mail equal to the amount of postage purchased. The mail sender processes batches of mail each batch being accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for that batch. The statement contains data that allows mail payment verification.

Abstract: A transactional instrument and method of producing the same is disclosed wherein a check can have a matrix array of subjectively coded symbols that are obscured from view, and which can be exposed in a particular manner for comparison with a dedicated ascertainable code to verify the transaction. Both the code and the addresses to the matrix array can be randomly generated, and removable opaque material can be used to obscure the coded symbols.

Abstract: A credit card system for providing verification of authority of a credit card bearer to use the credit card for a credit transaction. Initial authorization of card use is given to the authorized user upon selection by the user of one of a set of supplemental characters appearing on the card as the authorized user's private identifier. Presentation of the card at a point of sale initiates a check of this private identifier against a supplemental character identified by the presenter of the card as his/her private identifier.

Abstract: A coupon checker with grid pattern. Plural openings receive the coupon for alignment.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive device for magnetic ink encoding particularly suited for magnetically encoding either numerical or alphabetical characters onto negotiable instruments such as checks or mailing pieces such as envelopes. The device preferably comprises at least an upper and a lower ink impermeable element containing therebetween a carrier material permeated with one or more inks, one of which is preferably a magnetic ink, said upper element having pressure transmissive areas and markings identifying the perforations, said lower element having perforations corresponding to said upper element, such that encoding is made possible by selection of markings, applying pressure to the corresponding pressure transmissive area, thereby causing spatially oriented deposition of ink onto the substrate. The magnetic ink impressions can be automatically read by a magnetic reading device.

Abstract: A contract estimating system includes a digitizer ruler divided into a plurality of equally spaced increments. The ruler generates an output signal representing the distance along the ruler at a point touched by a hand held probe. A digitizer board carries a menu thereon including a plurality of indicia such as words, pictures and numbers representing different component parts and sizes and scale factors and generates an output signal corresponding to one of the indicia when touched by the probe. A computer automatically counts the number of each size component part and calculates the total length of pipes and similar components measured by the ruler. The results calculated by the computer can be displayed on a CRT and/or printed on a printer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for magnetically recording and reproducing information on closely spaced tracks of a magnetic recording member, such as a magnetic record card, tape, disc or other form of record member wherein electro-optical means is employed to precisely locate a magnetic transducer and a magnetic record track of a plurality of such tracks of a magnetic record member. In one form, electro-optical means is also provided for precisely locating a selected portion of the magnetic record track of a multiple track magnetic recording member to permit one or more magnetic transducers to be operatively energized when precisely aligned with such selected portion of record track.

Abstract: A bar code ruler is divided into a plurality of equally spaced increments each of which is marked by a machine readable bar code number. The ruler includes a plurality of recesses along the length thereof which cooperate with a spring biased ball carried by a slide member, the ball and recesses functioning as a detent to temporarily maintain the slide member in any desired position on the ruler. A hand held bar code reader is used to scan the bar code number on the ruler next to the slide with the edge of the slide functioning as a guide. A menu is also provided which includes a plurality of bar codes representing different component parts and sizes and a plurality of scale factors. The bar code reader can read the codes on the menu and on the ruler and feeds the information to a computer which counts the number of each size component part and which calculates the total length of pipes and similar components measured by the ruler.

Abstract: A postage and mailing information system wherein an encrypted message based upon postage and mail address information is created. This encrypted message is used in the determination of authenticity. Another aspect of the invention resides in placing the encrypted message in the address field of a mail piece for authentication by an automatic high speed sorter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for highlighting and annotating data on preprinted or standardized forms to enable rapid data transferral, whereby the forms are aligned on an upright support and covered with a clear overlay, the location of specific data on the forms is indicated on the clear overlay by using an erasable or indelible marker and the information is then read from the form through the clear overlay. The apparatus for performing this method comprises means for supporting and aligning the preprinted or standardized forms in a stable position beneath a clear overlay and which allows removal of the forms from beneath the overlay one at a time.

Abstract: A transparent plastic mark locator for determining compliance of indicia with postal specifications. The locator is a rectangular transparent plate with three perpendicular locating edges. Indicia on the plate define areas for location of postal specification information and codes including three alternative Facing Identification Mark patterns for use in a defined "FIM" print area.

Abstract: A folder having an opaque or transparent plastic template heat sealed along one edge to an overlapping opaque plastic layer. The template is rectangular and has rows and columns of rectangular openings therethrough. A lottery card is then inserted between the template and the overlapping plastic layer. The lottery card has rows and columns of indicia outlining rectangular areas thereon, all of which may be placed in registration with the template openings. Selected areas may then be filled in by hand with a ball point pen or pencil or other writing instrument.

Abstract: A bar coded index tab for affixation of a label to an article. The tab has a base (60) including a front face (70) and a notch (80) extending across the front face for affixing thereto a label (20) having machine-readable bar coded information on a portion of the label and human-readable information on another portion of the label. The machine-readable information is read in one portion of the notch and the human-readable information is read in another portion of the notch. Lips (110A and 110B) are provided along each side of the notch to grip the label. The reading instrument is located against one of the lips for movement along the lip to accurately read the bar code information without the necessity for human visual contact with the label. The tab has means (120) for attaching the base to an object to be labelled.

Abstract: A workpiece having a machine-readable coded marking abraded into the surface thereof. The marking comprises a plurality of related marks, such as bar-code marking, which have substantially different light reflectances than the surrounding surface. The markings may be made by moving a means for abrading a defined surface area along a particular path with respect to the surface to be marked. The abrading means is selectively activated or deactivated according to a prearranged program to selectively abrade the surface.

Abstract: A mark locator has a transparent plate with edge surfaces depending from the lower surface of the plate. Indicia is provided on the plate at predetermined locations relative to the edge surfaces. When the mark locator is placed upon the surface of an article having indicia, the mark locator visually indicates whether the indicia on the article is in compliance with the appropriate specifications therefor.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a recording apparatus for recording video and/or audio signals received in a television and/or radio receiver wherein a data carrier having one or more command tracks associated with a time track and preferably one or more information tracks, is marked by the user in the command tracks to identify programs to be recorded, and the data carrier is scanned along the or each command track in conformity with elapse of time during the day to generate signals for switching on the receiver and selecting the appropriate receiver channel. The invention also includes provision of a data carrier having said tracks. The invention also includes an apparatus comprising scanning means having sensors for sensor user markings in respective command tracks, and switch circuit means responsive to sensor output to switch on the receiver and select appropriate channels.

Abstract: A character recognition system incorporating a matrix of nine primary locations and four secondary locations, has a family of operator readable and machine readable alpha-numeric characters formed in relation to the matrix. Characters are designated by marking or not marking selected ones of the primary and secondary locations. The primary locations are scanned first to determine whether the combination of primary locations which is marked determines a single character. If not, the secondary locations are scanned to determine a unique character.

Abstract: A bar code label protection device includes a plate (12) and a bar code label (14), both of which are mounted to an article (10). The plate which protects the label includes a slot (15) dimensioned and configured such that a reading wand (16) may be located to the label to read the bar code. The slot provides a guide for the wand which may be properly and accurately positioned for reading even though there is no visual contact with the label.

Abstract: A device for entering data into an automated data processing system. The a for entry into the system is prepared and selected on multiple checklists where each checklist has the same format but different specific data entries. On each checklist there is also a unique black-in area. The data entry terminal or device includes a transparent overlay for entry of the data into the system. The transparent overlay aligns with and is placed over the checklist from which the data to be entered is to be selected. The transparent overlay contains a first set of code numbers corresponding to each data entry and a second set of code numbers apart from the data entries. Due to the arrangement of the black-in area on each checklist, only one member of the second set of code numbers on the transparent overlay is readable or codeable since the remaining members of the second set of code numbers are obscured by the black-in area on the checklist beneath the transparent overlay.

Abstract: A programmable controller system for controlling industrial processes in which the system includes a central processing unit including a random or other access memory, a programming tape, a tape reader for sensing computer data bits on the programming tape and connected to the processing unit for storing the data bits in memory, and means for connecting I/O devices to the processing unit, wherein a work sheet is employed that is arranged for manual marking of the program process steps in terms of I/O functions thereon in sequentially consecutive binary notation fashion computer data word form, in the order of sequence of the process steps.

Abstract: A novel optically readable message card having columns of marking areas thereon where the vertically adjacent marking areas in a column are horizontally staggered. Also, a template for the message card and having columns of horizontally staggered marking openings therein corresponding to the marking areas on the message card. The horizontal staggering arrangement assures that an unskilled user will make a sufficiently long mark in the marking area on the message card so that the mark can be read by commercially available optical mark reading equipment. Furthermore, the staggered openings in the template assure the structural strength of the template. Also, a structurally strong, easy-to-use template assembly including the template and a base plate designed to hold the message card and accurately align it with the template. Also, a method of economically mass-producing the template assemblies.

Abstract: This invention provides an inspection arrangement for a code symbol consisting of a plurality of spaced parallel bars of different widths and predetermined spacing, the inspection arrangement including a sheet having a plurality of spaced viewable areas which may be defined by the edges of windows in the sheet member. The windows have relatively wide portions which are the maximum width dimensions for the corresponding bars of the code symbol and relatively narrow portions at the minimum bar width dimensions. The inspection device is placed over the code symbol and positioned to determine if all of the bars can be made to fall entirely within their corresponding inspection windows. The device also is positioned to center the bars to ascertain if their dimensions are at least as wide as that of the relatively narrow portions of their inspection windows.

Abstract: A magnetic ticket validator includes a housing having a ticket receiving channel for receiving a coded magnetic ticket with a heat source adjacent the channel in the form of a flashbulb, with an exposure slot exposing a magnetic strip on the ticket to the flashbulb and a coded masking tape, for imposition of a binary code on the magnetic strip upon initiation of the flashbulb. The heat from the flashbulb heats selected portions of the magnetic tape exposed by the mask.

Abstract: A character recognition system incorporating a three-by-three matrix has a family of operator readable and machine readable alphanumeric characters formed in relation to a three-by-three matrix for designating a plurality of individual parameters in response to whether discrete locations within the three-by-three matrix are occupied or not occupied by a portion of the character. The characters are made available in machine readable form by being inscribed on a form which is printed with a plurality of circles which designate the discrete locations and which are arranged in each of a number of rectangular three-by-three arrays, to indicate graphically the positions which are scanned during reading of the form. Machine readable characters are inscribed in the rectangles through and around the circles, in accordance with a characteristic coding scheme, which incorporates up to 512 different individual characters.

Abstract: A novel optically readable message card having columns of marking areas thereon where the vertically adjacent marking areas in a column are horizontally staggered. Also, a template for the message card and having columns of horizontally staggered marking openings therein corresponding to the marking areas on the message card. The horizontal staggering arrangement assures that an unskilled user will make a sufficiently long mark in the marking area on the message card so that the mark can be read by commercially available optical mark reading equipment. Furthermore, the staggered openings in the template assure the structural strength of the template. Also, a structurally strong, easy-to-use template assembly including the template and a base plate designed to hold the message card and accurately align it with the template. Also, a method of economically mass-producing the template assemblies.

Abstract: A credit card system for providing verification of authority of a credit card bearer to use the credit card for a credit transaction. Initial authorization of card use is given to the authorized user upon selection by the user of one of a set of supplemental characters appearing on the card as the authorized user's private identifier. Presentation of the card at a point of sale initiates a check of this private identifier against a supplemental character identified by the presenter of the card as his/her private identifier.