Abstract: There is disclosed sound slide assemblages which comprise a generally rectangular body incorporating an image bearing portion and a magnetic sound track portion. The image bearing portion is adapted to receive either a mounted or unmounted transparency. The sound track portion is contiguous to the image bearing portion and is capable of receiving sound tracks having various configurations such as spiral, arcuate, parallel and sinuous. The assemblages are characterized by their thinness and simplicity of structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording and/or reproducing video signal information employs, as a record medium, a sheet assembly composed of at least two normally closely adjacent, confronting flexibly resilient sheets which provide mutual protection, when in that relation, for video signal information recorded, for example, magnetically, on at least one of the sheets.

Abstract: A data collection system comprises magnetically encoded tickets and reading/writing/data collection elements -- one or more magnetic transducers -- for reading from (and/or writing on) the tickets together with means for manual input of data onto storage media while selectively maintaining running totals. The tickets are fed into a reading/writing apparatus comprising a self-aligning means, a pivotal platform movable between loading and read/write positions and further comprising a motor driven capture and eject mechanism. The tickets are either automatically ejected by the motor after reading/writing or manually releasable if not capable of reading/writing or eject. The ticket is maintained in effective, reliable reading contact with the transducer(s) during reading/writing.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is provided for printing on a document or bank passbook which has affixed thereto a magnetic stripe on which information with respect to the print operation is written and/or read by a magnetic head scanning assembly. The printing apparatus includes a document holder for accommodating the document to be printed on, and an automatic line positioning device in the form of a stepper motor to move the holder, and accordingly the document, to the line to be printed on as recorded on the magnetic stripe, at which time the platen is advanced against the document, and the data printed on the line by the print head. The magnetic head scanning assembly at beginning-of-stripe position is retracted from the magnetic stripe on the document, and when actuated, advances the head to contact the magnetic stripe to read data on the stripe.

Abstract: An instrument for use in recording sound or data on a small disc of magnetic recording media having a pressure sensitivie adhesive backing. The center point of the recording instrument is placed in the center point of the magnetic disc. After manual release a mechanism drives a recording head around the magnetic disc causing a recording to be made on the surface of the disc. The magnetic disc can then be affixed on a flat surface of an item to identify the contents thereof.

Abstract: A dampening system operative to effectively lower the transmission function of an external frequency coming in on a drive mechanism as to an associated magnetic read head so that the head's natural frequency is significantly below its response level.

Abstract: Miniature apparatus for reproducing sound from a stationary record which comprises a base and a main shaft mounted on the base. A disc-like member is rotatably mounted on the main shaft and means is carried by the base for rotating the disc-like member. A cartridge having a stylus therein adapted to engage the record is provided. An arm assembly carries the cartridge in one end thereof and means is provided for mounting the arm assembly on the disc-like member to permit swinging motion of the arm assembly about horizontal and vertical pivot axes. The disc-like member has an arcuate slot therein through which the stylus can extend to engage the record.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for verifying the status of an account such as a credit card account or that the holder of a card is the party indicated by information recorded on the card. In one form, information is recorded on a magnetic recording strip of a card which is automatically read when a magnetic pick-up is caused to scan the recording. The signals generated are then fed to a comparator which compares same with information reproduced from a memory or signals generated in scanning a characteristic of the card holder such as a voice or photoelectrically generated signals scanning a finger print or other physical characteristic of the holder. Special card scanning means is also provided.

Abstract: A system for recording and reproducing both still pictures and sounds related to such pictures employs a magnetic tape having index signals at intervals therealong to identify respective portions of the tape which is moved in a predetermined path to bring a selected tape portion to a recording and reproducing station at which video signal and audio signal magnetic heads are moved at relatively high and low speeds, respectively, across the path, preferably obliquely thereto, for scanning respective stripe-like areas on selected tape portion, and the heads are operated during the movement thereof to selectively record and reproduce video and audio signals in the respective stripe-like areas being scanned thereby.

Abstract: An elongated magnetic tape has a pair of longitudinally extending servo track areas, one of which is closer to the longitudinal center of the tape than the other. The lateral space intermediate the servo areas receives data signals, while the space between said one servo area and one edge contains identification and address signals. The tape is particularly adapted for use with rotating head recorders having two gaps on the rotor, with an intergap distance slightly greater than the lateral extent of the servo areas. A recording or write gap precedes an immediately trailing reading or recovery gap. When the rotor gaps pass the one edge in the one servo area, the write gap senses the servo track; while the read gap senses the identification signals. The arrangement is such that prior to the time the write gap reaches the data recording area, the read gap has sensed the identification signals.