Abstract: An optical embossing reader wherein the presence of embossing at predetermined locations on a reflective plane surface is detected including means for illuminating a region of said predetermined location and light sensing means for receiving light originating from said illuminating means reflected from said reflective plane surface. The sensing means is positioned relative to the illuminating means and predetermined location for the gating by the embossing of the quantity of reflected light actually received by the sensing means if the predetermined location is embossed.

Abstract: An optical data reader and processor utilizing a two dimensional array of photosensitive elements operated at a high frame rate; a shift register of one character width, and greater than one character height to store the binary representation of the character image; unique black/white threshold detection and character recognition logical circuitry; and timing means to overcome inaccuracies arising from the loosely constrained movement of a hand-held scanning device.

Abstract: An information reader for optically reading information recorded in the form of an array of aligned embossments on a card, comprising a slit plate positioned over a card transport table having two slits, one for directing incident light toward the embossed card and the other for leading to a light-sensitive element series light which has passed past the first named slit and then reflected from a planar surface or raised surface of the embossed card. While the information containing card causes reciprocating motion on the card transport table at a fixed rate, light passed past the last named slit is detected in a storage mode by sequentially scanning the multiple light-sensitive elements so that pattern recognition for the recorded information is carried out by measuring the detection light.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for controlling a document inserting machine having a plurality of operating stations therein, one of which includes a high speed feeder for feeding documents bearing control function indicia thereon. The process involves detecting the leading edge of the document and generating time signals in accordance with the speed of the document through the feeder. The control function indicia are scanned for generating control function data bits therefrom which are stored and recycled on the occurrence of a first data bit, thereby converting the time measurement to a distance measurement which provides a means for producing accurate distance measurements between the occurrence of a first data bit and subsequent data bits based on the control function indicia on the document.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for scanning a concave coded record which is adapted to be disposed in the inside of an open-ended tube. A rotor carries a source of illumination which illuminates the record. Light reflected from the record is reflected onto a mirror carried by the rotor and passes along the axis of rotation of the rotor through a suitable lens or lenses and is focused on a mask. The mask has an aperture through which light passes to a light receptor such as a photodetector. The light receptor is stationarily mounted to the frame. The frame also mounts a motor for driving the rotor and bearings for rotatably mounting the rotor. A cover adapted to abut the end of the tube is mounted for movement between one position in which the cover is in the reflected light path and another position in which the cover is out of the reflected light path.