Abstract: Jitter, characteristic of gear trains used for precision movement of magnetic cards in gear driven card readers-writers, is eliminated by forming, in situ, a resilient material as a dampening arrangement in a recess in the gear to which a drive shaft is connected for driving that movement. Alternative dampening spring arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic identification system having a portable identifier with the ability to transmit by radio or audio signal the contents of an included memory upon interrogation or command to identify the user. The identifier transmits a plurality of radio frequencies intermittently to represent the memory data in digital form. The transmitted data includes a description of the proper bearer of the identifier so that a local check can be made to ascertain that the identifier is being carried by the proper person. The reader system not only identifies the bearer, but also makes a proportional recording of the transmitted data. With dual receivers and dual receiving antennas together with the proportional recording, it is possible to determine the direction of movement of the identifier through a portal into a limited access area. With proportional recording it is also possible to analyze the memory data and separate the signals from several identifiers which may have been transmitted in a time overlapping manner.

Abstract: A process for authenticating recording media which are to be safeguarded against falsification and which possess a layer of exchange-anisotropic magnetic material, by determining the residual recording which is left over, because of the exchange anisotropy of the magnetic material, from a recording of a sequence of signals after exposure of the material to a specific temperature cycle and, subsequently, to a magnetic AC field which decreases to zero, and an apparatus for carrying out the said process.

Abstract: An analogue serial input/output device with two electromagnetic transducer heads is provided to have spellings displayed on an electronic readout and to reproduce pronunciations simultaneously from a flexible card which is mounted with a wide magnetic tape recorded with said both. The device system is capable of translating verbally and by spellings reciprocally among words of several languages.

Abstract: A time cost recorder enables entry and exit transactions to be recorded at will both by a badge bearing digitally encoded machine readable identity information and by a card bearing both digitally encoded machine readable identity information in the same recording medium and form as a badge and visible characters referring to the entry and exit transactions. Constant instructions for operation of the machine are stored in read-only memory, and a random-access memory includes locations severally allocatable to the badges and cards for recording the data relating to the entry and exit transactions of each badge or card according to the identity thereof. Thus badges are passed in the direction of arrow 4 through a combined reader and printer and cards are inserted in the direction of arrow 6 into a combined badge reader/printer that has a motor driven card transport roller that moves the card into and then out of the reader/printer.

Abstract: A magnetic card recording apparatus records information with a desired predetermined high recording density on a magnetic card moving at a varying speed. The apparatus comprises guide means for guiding a moving magnetic card, a magnetic head disposed to contact with the magnetic card moving through the guide means, an electric signal generator having a movable member moved in response to the movement of the magnetic card, a voltage signal generator for receiving the output signal of the electric signal generator to generate a voltage signal of a magnitude proportional to the moving speed of the magnetic card, an oscillator oscillating at a frequency proportional to the magnitude of the output voltage signal of the voltage signal generator, a converter for converting an input information signal on the basis of an output signal of the oscillator, and a writing controller for controlling the recording of an output signal of the converter on the magnetic card.

Abstract: A time base signal for controlling the recording of binary data is developed by measuring the velocity of a magnetic record. The velocity is measured by determining the time interval required for a mark recorded by a write head to move a predetermined distance to a read head.

Abstract: A ticket transport which is capable of rapidly reciprocating a ticket to permit a single transducer to read, write and/or verify information on the ticket. Upper and lower ticket guide plates define a ticket channel through which a ticket is propelled past an adjacent transducer by a plurality of rollers driven by a stepper motor. The upper ticket guide plate is hingedly mounted to permit access to the ticket channel. The stepper motor is controlled by special circuitry adapted to overcome the inductive time constant of the stepper motor to permit rapid acceleration, for example 0 to 50 inches per second in 30 milliseconds, of the ticket with minimum power dissipation. Sensors in the transport provide ticket position information. A combined magnetic head and pressure shoe assembly is provided for adjusting the thickness of the ticket channel.

Abstract: A time base signal for controlling the recording of binary data is developed by measuring the velocity of a magnetic record. The velocity is measured by determining an average velocity by the time interval required for a mark recorded by a write head to move a predetermined distance to a read head and correcting the average velocity as a function of the acceleration of the record. The acceleration is determined by recording a reference frequency pattern at a first station, reading the pattern at a second station, and measuring the difference between the written and read patterns.

Abstract: A film unit comprises a hub and a film disk carried by the hub having photosensitive areas for receiving a plurality of images. The hub includes a region of dispersed magnetic particulates for recording data pertaining to the film unit. Since the hub supports the film disk, the data will remain oriented relative to the disk, and to specific images on the disk, during processing steps incident to the finishing of the film unit, e.g. during developing and printing.

Abstract: In a magnetic card recording and/or reproducing apparatus, one edge of a magnetic card having a magnetic track parallel to the one edge is guided by a guiding member. The magnetic card is driven by a magnetic card drive member, and signals are recorded on, and reproduced from the magnetic card by a magnetic head. The magnetic head includes two head cores whose gaps are so arranged as to align with each other. Signals are recorded on the magnetic card by the two head cores, and the recorded signals are reproduced from the magnetic card by the one of the two head cores located at an upper position with respect to the guiding member.

Abstract: A high frequency heating apparatus, which is provided with a cooking card, and wherein a cooking program indicating a power level corresponding to a specified cooking time and a power level corresponding to a prescribed foodstuff temperature is preset in the cooking card; the data of the cooking program preset in the cooking card which are read out by a cooking card-reading device are stored in the corresponding addresses of a memory unit; cooking is carried out at a power level read out of the memory unit; and a cooking time and corresponding power level or a foodstuff temperature and corresponding power level are indicated on a display device.

Abstract: A magnetic recording structure comprises (1) a substrate having an outer surface, and (2) a laminar magnetic recording piece disposed adjacent to at least one part of the outer surface of the substrate, the recording piece comprising a magnetic layer, a color layer and a non-magnetic metal deposition layer interposed between the magnetic layer and the color layer, the magnetic layer being closer to the substrate than the color layer.The non-magnetic metal deposition layer disposed on the magnetic layer has high hiding power and, even in the form of an extremely thin layer, can effectively hide the color of the magnetic material.Accordingly, this magnetic recording structure can be produced with a surface of a beautiful color without impairing its magnetic characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading data printed on a flexible document in which the document is orientated in a vertical direction during the reading operation. The document is initially positioned on a movable support member located in the path of movement of a scanning head. Movement of the document against the support member enables a clamping member to clamp the document in a sensing position, an actuator member for moving the support member out of the path of movement of the scanner head and moving the scanning head in a longitudinal direction to read the data on the document.

Abstract: A sensor observes a timing track along a magnetic stripe on a magnetic card and detects change in the sliding speed of the magnetic card relative to the magnetic head as a timing signal, by which reading or writing of a data signal by the magnetic head is controlled. A corner of the timing track is removable to delay the timing signal and thereby control a read-only mode. The magnetic head is mounted centrally on a leafspring to follow bends in the card.

Abstract: A magnetic recording device for providing security related information includes a magnetic base carrier having substantially uniform thickness and zone of increased or decreased thickness on the base carrier forming thickness increments. The thickness increments impart different magnetic characteristics to the recording device to amplitude modulate a magnetic signal recorded thereon and thereby provide security related information. Processes for the preparation and application of such a device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Magnetic recording elements containing substantially transparent magnetic recording layers which exhibit excellent magnetic recording and reproducing characteristics. Such elements contain a support and a transparent magnetic recording layer. The recording layer has a thickness up to about 5 microns and contains acicular, magnetizable particles having an average width of less than about 0.06 micron and an average length up to about 1 micron. These particles are substantially homogeneously dispersed in a medium that comprises a binder and has a refractive index which is substantially the same throughout the thickness of the magnetic recording layer. The concentration of the binder is at least about 10 parts per 100 parts, by weight, of the particles and is up to about 30 parts, by weight, for particles having an average length of at least about 0.06 micron and up to about 40 parts, per 100 parts, by weight, for particles having an average length of less than about 0.06 micron.

Abstract: A tape recorder which can be used as a card reader is disclosed. The tape recorder includes a tape recorder body provided with a movable tape guide for regulating a tape running at a position in front of a magnetic head, and an adapter which can be inserted in a cassette chamber of the body for forming a guide groove for a "talking" card. The adapter has an opening communicated to the guide groove at the end surface opposed to the head for inserting the head and a pinch roller, the head and the pinch roller being moved to the position of the guide groove through the opening when inserting the adapter. The card is run along the guide groove by contacting the card with the head, and movement of the tape guide is prevented by a peripheral edge of the head opening, the tape guide being positioned to extend from the front end of the head to the rear. Accordingly, the tape guide does not obstruct the passage of the card over the head.

Abstract: A stripe for magnetically receiving encoded information; the stripe is bonded and adhered to any type of document having a paper substrate onto which the magnetic stripe is deposited, usually in the form of a narrow rectilinear strip, which is raised above the original surface of the paper substrate by embossing the latter during deposition of the magnetic stripe. Basically the invention entails the provision of a flexible sheet for use in forming a magnetic recording medium in the form of a magnetic stripe on a paper substrate, e.g. a document such as a bank passbook. The sheet includes a first layer of magnetic-particle-free thermoplastic material, which is bonded to the paper substrate by application of high temperature and pressure to a local narrow rectilinear area thereof. Above the first layer and permanently bonded thereto is a middle layer of magnetizable material consisting of a plurality of discrete magnetizable particles dispersed in a matrix.

Abstract: A magnetic card handling apparatus has a rotatable capstan and a magnetic head spaced apart a distance exceeding the thickness of a magnetic card on appropriate sides of a card running groove until the presence of a magnetic card therebetween is detected. The distance between the capstan and the magnetic head is thereupon decreased whereby the magnetic card is pinched between the magnetic head and the capstan and is driven past the magnetic head for recording/or reproduction of signals. Separate card running grooves with associated reproduce and record heads and separate card detecting apparatus may be provided for reproduction and recording to permit dubbing signals reproduced from one magnetic card onto another magnetic card.

Abstract: A switching arrangement for the recording of value balance information on a magnetic track disposed on a charge card. The arrangement is characterized in that a balancing circuit is connected to a reading-writing device with reading and writing heads and to a debiting circuit as well as to a balance recording device.

Abstract: A unitary, demountable, insertable modular magnetic transducer transport assembly for use with accounting records such as magnetically encoded bank account passbooks, magnetic striped ledger sheets and credit cards including self contained magnetic transducer transport for timing track and data pick-up mechanisms capable of being operably coupled to and forming part of an automatic data print out apparatus for on line data processing of accounting information.

Abstract: Apparatus for teaching reading comprises a book having lines of printed text and recordings of the text on associated magnetic strips and a pick-up member of sufficient weight to rest securely on the magnetic strips is provided with a tension member by which the pick-up member may be drawn manually or by a spring motor along the magnetic strips. The pick-up member may be shaped in a manner designed to appeal to the imagination of a user, for example as an animal.

Abstract: A cash replacement system using consumable transaction cards, each card comprising a body portion bearing multi-digit magnetically recorded validation and identification codes and a transaction portion divided into a plurality of transaction segments bearing the identification code and a denomination code, both magnetically recorded. A card reader senses the validation code and severs one transaction segment from the card for each transaction after checking the denomination and assuring presence of the required segment. Printed indicia on each card enable the user to determine the number and denomination of possible remaining transactions.

Abstract: Instant-printing film further comprises a magnetic sound-recording band on one end part thereof, and is installed in an instant-printing camera which has a sweeping magnetic recording/reproducing head that sweeps touching and along the magnetic sound recording band, thereby enables recording of ambient sound of the photographic scenery, or reproducing of the recorded sound while seeing the instant-printed photography.

Abstract: A rate adaptive magnetic card writer records data on a card having a magnetizable surface while the card is moved by hand through a slot on the card writer. The rate of movement of the card is determined and then used in adjusting the writing of the data such that it occurs at a rate generally consistent with the speed of the card. The written data is thereby reasonably dispersed on the card and can be read by a variable speed card reader.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and printing device for card mediums, having a magnetic recording section and a printing section, wherein the card mediums are transferred along the peripheral surface of a rotary cylinder which serves as a platen for printing, and during the transfer of the card mediums, data are magnetically recorded and read out by a magnetic head stationarily disposed close to but separated from the peripheral surface of the rotary cylinder.

Abstract: A magnetic recording reproducing apparatus is made ready to operation by insertion thereto of a pack housing an endless recording medium. When a magnetic card is inserted into the apparatus with the pack inserted thereto, the contents, informations or data recorded on the magnetic card are read out and recorded on the endless recording medium and then the recorded contents, informations or data are reproduced from the endless recording medium. After passage of the magnetic card through the apparatus, the reproduction from the endless recording medium will repeatedly continue. When a magnetic card is inserted into the apparatus without any pack inserted thereto, a direct reproduction from the magnetic card is performed.

Abstract: A magnetic medium feeding apparatus comprises a guide or a pressing member so biased as to keep the feeding load of magnetic medium substantially constant and also to apply a pressure to the magnetic medium through the guide or the pressing member so that a very smooth feeding of the magnetic medium may be assured in either case of automatic feed (by driving force of a motor or the like) and hand feed. The feeding apparatus for magnetic medium allows to smoothly feed various magnetic media different in thickness.

Abstract: A system for reading binary digital data, represented by two possible spacings between abrupt flux reversals appearing on a magnetic track of a credit card, as the credit card is transported by hand by and in engagement with a magnetic head of the system. A read head having an unusually large read aperture is used to translate the two possible encoded lengths into two possible waveform amplitudes which are independent of transport speed. Then, by means of amplitude discrimination, the "0" bits are detected; and by zero slope detection, the "1" bits are detected. Mechanically, the read head is located centrally in an obtusely angled long side of a housing and is opposed by a contoured Teflon pillow that substitutes for one-half of the usual card slot. This unidirectional pillow is shaped and spaced from the head so as to cause the credit card to be slightly bent around the head's face in passing.

Abstract: A magnetic encoding device and method for making the same are provided for use as magnetic storage mediums in identification control applications which give output signals from a reader that are of shorter duration and substantially greater magnitude than those of the prior art. Magnetic encoding elements are produced by uniformly bending wire or strip stock of a magnetic material longitudinally about a common radius to exceed the elastic limit of the material and subsequently mounting the material so that it is restrained in an unbent position on a substrate of nonmagnetic material. The elements are spot weld attached to a substrate to form a binary coded array of elements according to a desired binary code. The coded substrate may be enclosed in a plastic laminate structure. Such devices may be used for security badges, key cards, and the like and may have many other applications.

Abstract: A uniformly distributed magnetic recording medium is carried on or in an initially fluidizable support. During or after magnetically writing information upon the medium, the support is changed to a fluidized state, sufficient to permit some physical translational movement of the medium in localized areas corresponding in pattern to characteristic magnetic non-uniformities caused in medium by the magnetic writing. The support is then set or otherwise converted to a state in which such movement is no longer possible. Thereafter, even if the medium is degaussed, the now set non-uniformities in physical distribution of the recording medium, will permit the information that had been magnetically written, to continue to be read e.g. by magnetic analysis of the medium.

Abstract: This specification describes apparatus for reading and decoding data encoded in terms of the spacing between adjacent code bars on a document. The apparatus contains reading means for producing an electrical pulse for each bar recorded on the document as the bar passes the reading element. A counter is used to measure the time between each two pulses and the resultant counts are stored in a memory in the order in which the pulses were produced by the reading means. A microprocessor then compares this stored data with microcoded data representative of properly coded digits. If there is a compare the stored data is shifted out of the memory and into a computer for use. However if there is a no-compare the microprocessor alters the data on the assumption that a particular type of error has occurred and again compares the modified data with the microcoded data. If this results in a compare the modified data is again read out and into the using computer.

Abstract: The standard pronunciation of a word in any language is recorded on a segment of wide magnetic tape which is mounted on a flexible card or sheet. For visual reading of the same word, spelling or character is printed on the same card. A device is provided to transport and guide each card so as to have sound recording portions of the card make a sliding contact with the electromagnetic transducer head.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring court games is described in which a counter is actuated by a card bearing a predetermined code. Upon being actuated, the counter is preset to a predetermined period of play for a game in a court with which the monitor is associated. When the predetermined period of play has expired the event monitor signals this condition permitting the other players to actuate the system and commence their use of the court. The card used to actuate the counter preferably bears both an optical and a magnetic code, thereby significantly complicating counterfeiting while also providing additional information bearing areas for controlling various systems associated with the court, and preferably can be used in any of multiple directions to actuate the counter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a record/playback device for magnetic recording of manual drive type in which information can be exchanged while a magnetic card is manually being driven. In the device according to the present invention a write-only magnetic head and a read-only magnetic head are provided in a magnetic card path formed within the device. Writing of information into the magnetic card is done by said write-only head, while reading of information out of the magnetic card is done by said read-only head. Of these two magnetic heads, the one for write-in is located at a specific height above the fixed card guide formed at the deepest end of the magnetic card path, while the one for read-out is located at a greater height than the one for write-in. Between these two heads there is provided a movable card guide which is free to move along the magnetic card path.

Abstract: A magnetizable anisotropic material layer having a pattern of regions of differently aligned material has an initial pattern of remanent magnetization, when manufactured by applying directional magnetic fields. This pattern is not easily restored, and is generally impossible to restore, after demagnetization or remagnetization. By preserving the residual pattern and selectively removing it in use by the application of a magnetic field, a security feature is provided. A secure document system using such a feature is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in a card reader type audio visual teaching device. The device employs a card handling mechanism for moving an information card which may contain both audio and visual information, across a record/playback transducing head. A dual track magnetic stripe on the information card carries instructor information or a question on one track to be audibly reproduced by the device which a student can hear through a speaker or preferably a set of headphones. A microphone permits a student to record an attempted repetition or response on the second track. The improvement comprises a multispeed card transport drive mechanism which permits either the student track or both the instructor track and the student track to be driven past the record/playback head at a substantially reduced rate. Additionally, the transport drive mechanism includes a repeat mechanism for returning the card to an initial position.

Abstract: A magnetic information carrier comprising two magnetic tracks. One track contains coded magnetic information and the other track is deposited in depressions formed in the carrier and filled with a magnetic liquid, for displaying some of the coded magnetic information of the first track.

Abstract: A dynamic card reader adapted for use in reading information magnetically recorded on a card in two rows or tracks parallel to the longer dimension of the card. The information is read as the card is being inserted into the slot by two Hall effect sensors disposed in side-by-side relation at the entrance to the card slot. One row of magnet information generates a data signal and the other row generates a clock signal which is used to strobe the data signal into a shift register. The Hall sensors are connected to the detection circuitry through differentiating capacitors, such that the detection circuitry is responsive to transition of magnetic polarities as the card is inserted into the slot.

Abstract: A master card for use in a hectographic printing machine, comprises two layers of snythetic plastics material, having respective apertures therein which are aligned with each other to form a window, and a layer of carbon-receiving material between the synthetic plastics layers and closing the window. The card has an information-carrying zone including opaque areas into which holes can be punched to form transparent areas arranged in predetermined positions to provide information readable by light transmission, and a strip of magnetic material which is machine programmable by magnetization and machine readable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for transducing information with respect to record cards such as oblong cards containing magnetic recording material. In one form, a magnetic record card is made to conform or extend parallel to the cylindrical surface of a drum supporting a magnetic transducer which rotates to scan one or more selected tracks of the card. The card may extend in a circular or helical path while scanning occurs or may be driven in such a path during scanning.

Abstract: Apparatus for the recording, reproducing and automatic translation of the type utilizing rectangular magnetic cards with lines of writing on their fronts and magnetic tracks on their backs explored alternatively from left to right and from right to left by a movable magnetic head, said apparatus being characterized by the fact that each line of writing on the front corresponds to two recording tracks on the back, that each upper track of a line is traversed in the direction opposite to that of the upper track of the preceding line, that each lower line is traversed in a direction opposite to the direction of travel along the upper track of the corresponding line, the apparatus being so arranged as to permit a choice between four different patterns of travel.

Abstract: Magnetic recording media including permanent structures of aligned acicular particles have been proposed as a means of identifying and authenticating a medium. A structure which has an improved remanence difference signal is described. A method of making and examining such a structure is described. Arrangements of such media and record/read-out apparatus by which information can be recorded and read-out without interference from the structural remanence differences are described. The use of the media for security documents such as credit cards is described.

Abstract: This invention discloses a magnetic stripe card reader/writer apparatus comprising a card reader/writer device and a basic interface circuit. The recording head of the card reader/writer device is mounted on the end of a sensor arm and is driven over the magnetic stripe in an arcuate path by a head drive motor. The card reader/writer device includes a unique card locking mechanism which allows insertion of the card in only one manner and locks the card in place before initiating the reading or writing operation of the device. The interface circuit controls the forward and reverse motion of the head drive motor, converts magnetic data previously recorded on the card into digital information and records digital information onto the magnetic stripe card in the form of magnetic data.

Abstract: The recorded content of a magnetic card is transferred directly to a magnetic tape simply by bringing the magnetic card into contact with the magnetic tape and applying a magnetic field to the contacting area with the aid of a copy magnet or a magnetic printing head energized by D. C. current or A. C. current, on the condition that the coercive force of magnetic material on the card is larger than that on the tape, and a reproducing head mounted along the path of the tape reproduces the transferred content. Thus, the recorded content of a magnetic card can be reproduced many times just by engaging the card in the device once.

Abstract: A hand type record reading device for magnetized tags includes a fixed member, a moving member capable of movement toward and away from the fixed member while being parallelly aligned with respect thereto, and a tag supporting member fixed to the fixed member. The moving member has plural reading heads adjustable in position according to the thickness of the tag placed on the supporting member, as well as to the position of plural magnetically recorded portion of the tag.

Abstract: A drive reducer for a tape recorder accomplishes a large reduction from the surface speed of a motor-driven shaft to the surface speed of a drive element for advancing a tape media such as a magnetic recording tape on a flat card. A cup-shaped element is fixed to a reducer shaft and positioned so that the inner surface of a cylindrical outer wall engages the motor-driven shaft. An idler wheel freely rotatable on the reducer shaft is positioned radially inside the cup-shaped element and is formed of compressible material with a diameter large enough for compressibly engaging the motor-driven shaft and pressing it against the inner surface of the outer wall of the cup-shaped element. Rotation of the reducer shaft is transferred to the driven element preferably by a friction sleeve on the reducer shaft and a friction disk engaging the sleeve and turning a shaft supporting the driven element.

Abstract: A magnetic ticket encoding transport for carrying tickets having a centered magnetic portion, in which tickets are sandwiched between pairs of movable belts that are pinched together for exact positioning at the point of contact with magnetic heads, including positive acting alignment plates that align the tickets while being held and moved by the belts to the magnetic heads, and which belts are so arranged in spaced pairs to provide an open centered channel for the magnetic portion of the ticket to align and co-act with the magnetic head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic coding method. It is characterized by e superposing of a first binary message at a given frequency and a binary message at double frequency in space phase. Application to credit cards with a magnetic track.