Abstract: A system and apparatus for encoding magnetic information on a magnetizable substrate where the substrate is liable to be moved erratically, e.g. manually, past a magnetic head. Two parallel tracks are provided on the substrate and the first is encoded with binary information conventionally with shorter spaces between change of field representing one binary digit and longer spaces representing the other digit. The other track is encoded using changes in field on the first track as a timing reference such that any change of field on the second track substantially coincides with a change of field on the first track and one digit of the binary pair is represented by no change in field as the field changes on the first track while the other binary digit is represented by a change of field coincidentally with a change of field on the first track. The system and apparatus are eminently suited for use in parking meters where a power source to drive a card consistently past a reading head is not available.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader for magnetic-stripe cards, has a drive drum that rotates in a forward direction to draw the card into the device and read data from the stripe, and rotates in a reverse direction to eject or expel the card and to write new data on the stripe. The drive drum has first and second removable resilient tires carried on it at positions axially spaced on the drum. A magnetic recording/pickup head is positioned below the drive drum at the position of the first tire. A floating adjustable vertical head support assembly mounts the head to the frame and permits up and down movement of the head, but not back and forth or sideways travel. This floating head support assembly can favorably comprise a leaf spring. An idler pulley is positioned below the drive drum at the position of the second tire to urge the magnetic card against it. The idler pulley is mounted on a spring-loaded idler arm so that the pulley can follow variations in thickness of the cards.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus of an IC card which is assembled in an IC card reader/writer includes upper and lower conveying belts to convey the IC card by sandwiching it. The upper and lower conveying belts are arranged so as to be deviated in the card conveying direction. A connector having contact members adapted to be come into contact with the contacts of the IC card is arranged in at least one of the spaces which are formed in both edge portions of the upper and lower conveying belts by the deviation of the positions of the conveying belts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a card-personalizing apparatus comprising at least one device for treating the cards and one handling robot. The treating device comprises a plurality of personalizing units associated with a control unit. The handling robot includes a feeding hopper (1), a stacking hopper (6), a scrapping hopper (7) and gripper device for gripping the cards (3) mounted on a 2-way shift device (4), a control logic (L) being connected to the control unit to manage the personalizing operations.

Abstract: A ticket issuing apparatus comprises a ticket stock having ticket containing portion for containing a plurality of tickets each of which has magnetic stripe, and ticket supply roller for leading out the tickets one by one, a conveyor for conveying the ticket from the stock, a magnetic head for recording a given data on the magnetic stripe of the ticket on the conveyer, a thermal head for printing on the ticket on the conveyer in accordance with the given data, a manual-insertion guide having at its one end an insertion opening into which a ticket is manually inserted from outside, the other end of which communicating with the conveyer, a side passage guide having at its one end a side opening communicating with the conveyer between the ticket stock and the magnetic head, and a control device for controlling the conveyer so as to move, at first, the ticket, inserted into the insertion opening of manual-insertion guide, through the conveyer into the side passage guide at the side opening, and, then, to move the

Abstract: A reader for a disk-shaped carrier with Wiegand wires is described which manages with only two permanent magnets (1, 2). The variation of the magnetic field needed for detecting the Wiegand wires is effected by flux concentrating pieces (3, 4, 7) attached to the permanent magnets (1, 2). In order to be able to read the carrier with the Wiegand wires without change when it is inserted into the reader rotated by 180.degree. round its longitudinal axis coinciding with the direction of insertion (14), the flux concentrating pieces (3, 4, 7) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis (14) which is a two-fold axis of symmetry. To pick-up the Wiegand pulses, two E-shaped soft magnetic cores (9) are provided which carry on their center leg an electrical sensor winding (17). The free ends of the legs of the E-shaped cores (9) face one another and are also arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis (14).

Abstract: An identification recording data method for an identification medium includes the steps of printing or laminating an information identification bar code strip and then affixing a magnetic recording strip to the identification medium. A data set is encoded into N encoded data using N algorithms. The bar code strip has the N encoded data recorded thereon. The magnetic recording strip has the data set recorded thereon. The N encoded data is decoded and compared with the data set recorded on the magnetic strip. Comparision of the data yields a determination as to the integrity of the identification medium.

Abstract: Signal heads are displaced relative to a recording surface on a stationary recording medium having a separate surface on which visual data is recorded and displayed. Differential drive mechanism and adjustable resistor means effects signal head displacement along a predetermined path on the recording surface at a constant speed.

Abstract: Apparatus for high speed bulk magnetic encoding of lottery tickets passes a web of tickets by an encoding apparatus which supports plural skates each having wheels or rollers which ride along the surface of the web to provide a controlled gap between the web and a magnetic write head. Also included on the skate are a magnetic read head and an inkjet print head. After encoding and printing, the perforations in the web are bursted, and the web is sliced into individual magnetically encoded lottery tickets.

Abstract: A portable card writer for a card with a magnetic stripe provided thereon comprises a chassis, a drive mounted on the chassis for moving the card to and fro, guided along the chassis, a magnetic writing head mounted on the chassis, a magnetic reading head mounted on the chassis, and a printer for writing data in the card at a portion other than the magnetic stripe.

Abstract: A card reader contains an admission chamber, a fixed guide path, including card feeding rollers, and a read station for a magnetic track of a data bearing identification card. The read station and idler wheel are on opposite sides of a card guide path. The read station comprises first and second heads, respectively mounted to turn about first and second parallel axes that extend in the same direction as the guide path. Shafts defining the first and second axes are mounted at the extremities of first and second swing arms positioned on opposite sides of the heads. The swing arms are mounted to turn about a third axis that extends toward the guide path. A shaft defining the third axis is carried on a bifurcated bracket, mounted to rotate about a fourth axis that also extends in the guide path direction. A tension spring exerts a force on the bifurcated bracket to hold the heads constantly against a face of the car as it travels through a nip formed between the heads and a drive roller.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved method of and apparatus for transporting an optical recording card along a predetermined path to a rotational reference axis whereat the card is rotated about so that concentric and/or spiral data tracks can be read by the optical reader.

Abstract: An information recording-reproducing apparatus, in which an information recording medium is held on a supporting table and the supporting table is reciprocally moved relative to a recording and/or reproducing head thereby to accomplish recording and/or reproduction of information, has means for feeding the information recording medium onto the supporting table and/or means for taking out the information recording medium from the supporting table.

Abstract: A fare collection ticket transport mechanism transports tickets along an open longitudinal slot with a portion of the ticket projecting sideways out of the slot so that a patron depositing the ticket in the mechanism can see it while it is being transported and can grasp the projecting portion to release it if it becomes jammed. The portion of the ticket within the slot passes over read, write and verify components of the mechanism. The slot has a side wall or guide projecting out of the slot for guiding the projecting portion of the ticket. The guide has spaced notches to permit a patron to grasp a ticket and vertical ridges or lips at the outer edge of the guide act as stops for the outer edge of the projecting portion of a ticket to prevent the ticket from moving transversely out of the slot.

Abstract: In a conventional cash or credit card, since the magnetization angle between the magnetic head and the recording medium formed on the card is fixed, data recorded on the card can easily be discriminated or copied through a card reader for allowing dishonest use of the card. To overcome these problems, data are written or read on or from the card on the basis of a head motion pattern code recorded at the head area of the recording medium. In operation, the read/write head is moved relative to a moving card in accordance with a head motion signal corresponding to a recorded head motion pattern code so that the magnetization angle between the head and the recording medium is intermittently varied in both data recording and reproducing operations.

Abstract: A system for reading a data record stripe on a credit card which includes an injection molded case including a card guide slot integrally molded into the case near one side thereof and a read head window integrally formed in one sidewall of the card guide slot. A data read head assembly having a read head on a front face thereof is mounted in the read head window and is spring biased toward the wall of the card slot opposite the read head window. A circuit arrangement is coupled to the read head assembly for detecting data signals on a card passing through the slot and converting the data signals to a substantially square wave signal pattern representing binary signal data in the form of positive and negative signal transitions of the square wave signal.

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 magnetic stripe reader adapted for reading stripes on media of different thicknesses includes a magnetic head with a position which adjusts to the medium thickness. A head stop arrangement permits a simple technique for setting the maximum head position to be used. A special tool is inserted in a bracket fixed to a reader wear plate. A bracket is positioned to mate with a head which is displaced its maximum distance from an opposing rail. A conducting shim is placed between the head and the opposing rail and a current flowing through an electric circuit including the head and the shim is measured by an ohmmeter in the circuit. The bracket rotates about a pin to adjust the position of the head until continuity of the circuit is broken. The bracket then is secured into position.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus for an optical recording card is disclosed, which comprises an optical recording card (10) provided with an optical recording medium (11), a recording light source (5) for recording an information signal on the recording medium (11), a reproduction light source (1) for reproducing the information signal recorded on the recording medium (11) and a line sensor (15) for reading out the information recorded on the recording medium (11) from the light beam reflected from the recording medium (11). A light path of a light beam emitted from the recording light source (5), a light path of a light beam emitted from the reproduction light source (1), and a light path of the light beam reflected by the recording medium (11) are independent of one another.

Abstract: A method for reading data stored on a magnetic strip on a business card includes the step of mounting the card on a floppy disk carrier that operates in a floppy disk drive of a computer. The floppy disk carrier is inserted into a floppy disk drive of a computer which is then operated so that the read/write head of the floppy disk drive moves relative to the magnetic strip thereby reading the information stored thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing vouchers includes a drive system suitable for causing a magnetic track on a voucher to pass over a magnetic head (170) which is connected to circuits for controlling writing and including a data transfer unit (22) and a data modulator (23). The stepper motor (185) has at least five phases, and the same clock (21) is used to control the stepper motor (185), the transfer of data from said unit (22), and the data modulator (23) in order to establish control transitions which are applied to the magnetic head.

Abstract: In commercial transactions, settlement is conventionally made by cash or by checks drawn from a current account in a bank. Users of such checking system enjoy its convenience. In the conventional process of check negotiation, however, such system involves a vast amount of complicated procedures including several steps of mechanical as well as manual processing. An automatic check card issuing apparatus for issuing check cards to the customer who draws a check from a financial institution such as bank, etc. is a great advantage to the financial institution as well as to the user. Check cards may be promptly issued by a simple operation according to the present invention.

Abstract: Apparatus for recording and reproducing audio signals on flat rectangular recording media comprising a magnetic coating or the like on at least one side. A magnetic head on a swing arm moves across the magnetic media in mutually parallel lines guided by a heart-shaped cam, the recording medium being stationary during recording and reproducing so its visible surface can be examined without difficulty. The heart-shaped cam is of asymmetric configuration, and the magnetic head is pivotably mounted on one end of the swing arm which carries between its ends a cam follower peg which continually engages the heart-shaped cam while under spring loading. The other end of said swing arm is pivotably mounted on a sliding carriage plate which is moved stepwise perpendicularly to the chord of the curved path of movement of the magnetic head for each line. The stepwise perpendicular movement of the sliding carriage plate is produced by a mechanism which is controlled by the reversal of direction of the magnetic head.

Abstract: A digital video tape recorder comprises a rotary transducer head arrangement comprising an advance read head and a confidence head both capable of reading audio signals recorded in portions of oblique tracks on a magnetic tape, the heads being positioned relative to one another such that an audio signal at any given position on the magnetic tape reaches the advance read head a predetermined time before the same signal reaches the confidence head, and a delay device for delaying the output of the advance read head by that predetermined time.

Abstract: A cassette having a drawer composed of a rigid support shelf and one or two data cards mounted to the shelf, and a rigid cassette case having sides defining a slot at a front end in the case for edgewise insertion of the drawer into the case. The drawer has at least one and preferably two holes at a front end therein coinciding with notches in sides of the case. A boss on either the drawer or the case is received by a groove in the other when the cassette is closed, thereby forming a detent. A second boss and groove may be provided on the opposite side. Each data card may be composed of a thin backing sheet adhered to the shelf, a strip of laser recording material disposed on the backing sheet and a transparent scratch-resistant plastic cover disposed over the strip.

Abstract: A multimedia reader and/or writer such as a credit card reader is adapted to receive media of different thicknesses, such as checks, cards and passports. The medium enters a channel defined by walls or rails, one of which includes a spring loaded section which adjusts to the different thicknesses. The medium moves against a wear plate which includes striations to guide the edge of the medium away from the spring loaded section in order to avoid catching the medium.

Abstract: With a device for pressing at least one magnetic read/write head (16) against a recording medium (14) in motion relative to it with a swivel-mounted pressure lever (52) carrying the read/write head (16) that runs in the recording medium's (14) direction of motion and is pressed to the recording medium (14) by means of spring force and with stationary guide elements (76, 78) that limit read/write head (16) movement at right angles to the recording medium's (14) direction of motion. The read/write head (16) is equipped with pivot pins (90, 92) that, in the pressed operating position of read/write head (16), define a swivel axis lying approximately parallel to recording medium (14) as well as its direction of motion and that are held in the position at pressure lever (52) as well as by means of guide elements (76, 78) that are displaceably directed in the direction of pressure of the read/write head.

Abstract: In a device for friction-driven conveyance of a card-shaped recording medium (14), such as an I.D. card, relative to an evaluation device (16) which is situated on an extended linear transport path (36) between an inlet (38) and an outlet or reversal point (40), the linear transport path (36) is bordered on the one side by a section of a closed-loop conveyor (26) and on the other side by a pressure strip (28) which runs approximately parallel to the path (36) and is stressed toward the conveyor (26) with the aid of a pressure device (52). Rollers as active transport elements are thereby eliminated, insuring error-free transport of even deformed recording media.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for driving a magnetic band, print head, or a similar carriage assembly which is movable on parallel guide rods by a band or cable loop. The drive unit consists of a drive motor and a drive pulley. The drive unit is also movable on the parallel guide rods and supported through a spring element to produce the band or cable tension, while the deflecting pulley or idler pulley is rigidly supported in the frame.

Abstract: Device for reading and cancelling thin film areolae of material having uniaxial, magnetic anisotropy and deposited on credit cards or the like, comprising: (i) at least one head including a reading probe formed by a support member carrying at least an assembly formed by an excitation winding associated to a detection winding, said windings being wound in orthogonal relationship to each other around said support member; and at least a pair of cancellation electrodes assembled at the intersection area of said windings and adapted to provide an electric arc therebetween and to be faced to the areolae of the material to be examined and (ii) circuit means for producing the excitation current and for receiving the response signal representative of the characteristics of the material in the areola under examination, and for effecting a comparison of the phase and the amplitude of said signal with reference signals as well as for detecting eventually the rotation by 180.degree.

Abstract: A magnetic head retaining device, comprising a support member carrying a magnetic head which contacts a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic card moving in one direction relative thereto and at least a pair of support holes provided downstream and upstream to the magnetic head on an imaginary line passing through the magnetic head in parallel to the direction of the motion of the magnetic recording medium and a mounting member having at least a pair of legs inserted through the corresponding support holes and a spring portion for biasing the legs downwards. Each of the legs is provided with a step for restricting the upward motion of the supporting member. By forming the mounting member out of a single plate, the device may have the flexibility required for achieving an intimate contact between the magnetic head and the magnetic medium and the rigidity required for accurately positioning the magnetic head.

Abstract: The invention provides a magnetic reading and/or writing device comprising a guide for a magnetic data carrier and a magnetic head support. The magnetic head support has a stirrup piece movable in translation with respect to a fixed piece and a magnetic head rotatably mounted on the mobile stirrup piece. The mobile stirrup piece is urged resiliently to press the magnetic head against the magnetic carrier.

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: A single message recording and readout device that employs a rigid elongated stick having at least one flat surface thereon containing a magnetic recording tape for recording and playing back short messages. A guideway for slidably receiving said stick passes through a housing containing a drive unit and appropriate electrical recording and playback circuitry. The drive unit includes a pair of pinch rollers that are mounted within the passage of the guideway for driving the stick along a linear path of travel past a magnetic head. A switch, which is operatively connected to the drive unit, and the recording and playback circuitry is positioned at the entrance to the passage which activates the drive unit as the leading edge of the stick passes through the entrance region and which further deactivates the drive unit when the trailing edge of the stick clears the entrance region.

Abstract: A modularized roller assembly for holding a flexible, magnetically encoded card moving in a feeding direction through a channel against a curved transducer surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reader-encoder of an magnetic card, which comprises means for maintaining the support in a fixed and well determined position in contact with read-write means disposed on a carriage moving in a uniform rectilinear movement. It comprises means for orienting the read-write means with respect to the magnetic track of the support and drive means associated with two transmission belts, one elastic, the other rigid. The reader-encoder is employed for magnetic cards used in banks.

Abstract: A reader-writer for magnetic cards substantially reduces "jitter" or chattering vibrations which otherwise imperil the accuracy of the read-write functions. The read-write head is itself mounted rigidly for operating while the magnetic card passes along a planar tray surface. A soft rubber anvil roll is mounted directly opposite, for free idling rotation on the same shaft which impels a rubber driving wheel.In contrast with conventional constructions using a spring-mounted head or anvil, the present rigidly mounted head in combination with the free idling soft anvil roll avoids the generation of, and damps out, vibrations, which otherwise might follow from exciting forces such as irregularities in driving friction. The greatly improved accuracy makes feasible the use of debit cards, and has unexpectedly reduced head wear.

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 position 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: 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: A record card transducing apparatus and method employing a rotational support, such as a turntable for supporting a record card, to cause the card to be driven in a circular path when the turntable rotates, wherein one or more circular tracks of the card may be recorded on or reproduced from as the card is so rotated. In one form, the card is so positioned on the turntable, and its concentric circular tracks are configured to center at center of rotation of the turntable so that as the card is rotated, a magnetic recording and/or reproduction transducer may be moved across the turntable into alignment with a selected circular track and may scan such selected circular track as the turntable rotates. In a particular form, a magnetic record card or a card having a wide magnetic record strip, is manually or automatically placed in a cavity formed in the top wall of a circular turntable, disposing its magnetic recording surface or strip in the plane of or above the plane of the upper surface of the turntable.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader of the moving head type in which a magnetic head is supported by a leaf spring on a supporting member horizontally. The leaf spring has an aperture at the center thereof to accommodate and support the magnetic head so that two wings of the leaf spring extend outwardly from opposite sides of the magnetic head in directions parallel with the reading direction or the direction in which the magnetic head travels carried by the supporting member. The leaf spring is supported by the supporting member so that a resilience is exerted against the magnetic card and also the magnetic head is rotatable about the axis along the two wings of the leaf spring by twisting the same.

Abstract: A magnetic reading head is provided in a tray acceptor for determining the presence of magnetic characteristics in a paper tendered as a valid currency or note. Fundamentally, the invention comprises a spring assembly, receiving a magnetic reading head, which is adjustable to position the reading head in sensing engagement with the paper maintained in the tray and offered for validation. The magnetic reading head provides a series of pulses corresponding to the presence of magnetic characteristics in the paper to a capacitor which charges upon the receipt of each pulse. When the tray reaches a set position, the charge on the capacitor is sensed, and a determination is made as to whether the paper has sufficient magnetic characteristics to constitute a valid note or currency. A time delay circuit is provided such that the magnetic sensing function can be performed only once during a preset time period.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device adapted to read and erase magnetically encoded information on a ticket or card. A compact self-contained device is provided for attachment to a local utility meter (e.g. electricity meter) or a gas meter. The device comprises a compact casing 10 which is attached to an electrical drive motor 11 which, via roller 9, drives a drive roller 13. The casing 10 includes an entry mouth 18 which leads to a flow path 19 passing between the drive roller 13 and a pinch roller 15 and terminating in an exit mouth 20. Adjacent the entry mouth 18 are sensors 21, adapted to energize the motor 11 when a card is pushed into the entry mouth 18. Similarly adjacent the exit mouth 20 are sensors incorporating switches 22 which may be used to de-energize or reverse the motor. A magnetic read-head 25 is located within the casing 10 and is adapted to read information magnetically recorded on the card or ticket as it flows along the flow path 19. An erase head 23 may also be provided.

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 magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus are provided employing a flat, flexible magnetic record member, such as a plastic sheet or card coated with or containing a magnetic recording material and having parallel closely spaced record tracks. In one form, a flexible record card is arcuately deformed into the configuration of a cylinder or a partial cylinder and one or more magnetic transducers are caused to scan a selected circular track of the card and to record on and/or reproduce from the selected track. Rapid relative axial movement between the arcuately deformed card and the transducer is effected until the transducer becomes aligned with a selected track of the card, whereupon transducing is automatically effected for scanning at least a selected portion of such selected track.

Abstract: A reproducible image and information bearing medium, termed herein as a photorecord, includes a visible image bearing media, such as a photographic print, negative, transparency or the like, and an attached information storage medium. The information storage medium such as a magnetic or optical stripe, is encoded with machine readable information that corresponds to the associated visual image. An original photorecord is manufactured by affixing a blank magnetic stripe to the visual image bearing medium optically reading the visual image, converting the so read optical information to an electrical signal, and recording this signal as machine readable information on the magnetic stripe.

Abstract: A method of producing a controlled number of authorization members used for providing access to limited access machines or restricted areas, the method including generating a hierarchy of members having different levels of authorization prior to producing the authorization member.

Abstract: A device for recording both machine readable information and visible information on a recording member such as a time-card or ledger card or pass-book with a strip of magnetic record material on it. The device includes recording apparatus for recording machine readable information on the recording member, a transport mechanism for moving the recording member and the recording apparatus relative to each other, a printer for printing visible characters or other marks upon the recording member, and print spacing apparatus which uses the relative motion between the recording member and the recording apparatus to space the characters from one another on the recording member. In a preferred embodiment, the recording apparatus is a magnetic recorder and the magnetic recorder and the printer are fixed relative to each other during the motion created by the transport mechanism. Preferably, the same mechanism which creates the relative motion for recording also moves the record card into and out of the device.

Abstract: This invention provides a reference member for supporting and giving reference positions to principal components, i.e. a feed roller for transporting magnetic cards, a driver for driving said feed roller and a member for pressing magnetic cards against the feed roller. Further the reference member supports a card support for placing the magnetic card by one side of the support, the pressing member through a biasing member, and a magnetic head for information writing or reading. A limiting member for blocking the displacement of the magnetic head is composed as a part of the pressing member, and a lateral pressure plate and a counter-plate are provided to ensure stable transport of the magnetic card. In this manner error in information writing or reading are prevented by a simplified composition.