Photoelectric punched card and document reader

Claim 2

A document reader for reading documents or cards of the type in which coded information is represented by holes in columns and rows comprising means for receiving and locating said coded document or card in a fixed stationary location, a light source disposed on one side of said receiving means for projecting light towards the same, a plurality of photoresponsive devices disposed on the other side of said receiving means to receive the light from said source, said photoresponsive devices being spaced and directed whereby the line of sight between each of the photoresponsive devices and the source of light passes through a corresponding hole position in a column of a document or card placed in said positioning means, means for supporting said light source and said plurality of photoresponsive devices, means for moving in unison said light source and photoresponsive devices to scan across a stationary document placed in said receiving means, and means providing a signal for indicating the column position as said light source and photoresponsive devices are moved.

Claim 3

A document reader as in claim 1 wherein said column position indicating means includes a light and a photoresponsive device.

Claim 4

A document reader as in claim 2 wherein said light and photoresponsive means are associated with said means for moving said light source and photoresponsive means.

Claim 5

A document reader as in claim 1 wherein said document receiving means comprises a well the sides of which are adapted to receive and engage at least two edges of a document or card.

Claim 6

A document reader as in claim 1 wherein said light source, Photoresponsive devices, and means for supporting and moving them in unison are disposed within a cabinet which is sealed from said means for receiving and locating said coded document or card and from the ambient atmosphere, said cabinet including windows through which light may pass from said light source through coded holes in said coded document or card to said photoresponsive devices.

Claim 7

A document reader as in claim 1 wherein light responsive means are provided for sensing the presence or absence of a card.

Claim 8

A document reader for reading documents or cards of the type in which coded information is represented by holes in columns and rows, comprising means for receiving and locating said coded document or card in a fixed stationary location, a light source disposed on one side of said receiving means for projecting light towards the same, a plurality of in-line photoresponsive devices disposed on the other side of said receiving means to receive light from said source, said photoresponsive devices being spaced and directed whereby the line of sight between the photoresponsive devices and the source of light passes through a hole position in a column of a document or card, means for carrying said light projecting and said photoresponsive means for movement in unison to scan across said document in said receiving means, motive means including a motor for moving said carrying means, control means for controlling energization of said motor whereby to cause movement of said carrying means through one cycle of operation in response to a start signal, and means providing a signal for indicating the column position being read as the carrying means is moved.

Claim 9

A document reader for reading documents or cards of the type in which coded information is represented by holes in columns and rows, comprising means for receiving and locating said coded document or card in a fixed stationary location, a light source disposed on one side of said receiving means for projecting light towards the same, a plurality of in-line photoresponsive devices disposed on the other side of said receiving means to receive light from said source, said photoresponsive devices being spaced and directed whereby the line of sight between the photoresponsive devices and the source of light passes through a hole position in a column of a document or card, means for carrying said light projecting and said photoresponsive means for movement in unison to scan across said document in said receiving means, motive means including a motor for moving said carrying means, control means for controlling energization of said motor whereby to cause movement of said carrying means through one cycle of operation in response to a start signal, and means providing a signal for indicating the column position being read as the carrying means is moved.