US3637992A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for checking the presence of a set of information-bearing cards
Assignee: Gretag AG
•
Filing: 1970-07-02
•
Granted: 1972-01-25
•
Expires: 1990-07-02
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus is disclosed for checking the presence of all the cards of a set of punched cards required for a program of a data processing apparatus, the cards each bearing a different code word and the cards being stacked so that all the code words combine to produce a completion code word indicating that all the cards are present. The code words are each represented by holes and one blank space in the cards and each card has a hole in a predetermined position, the completion code word being provided when the hole positions are sensed and only that hole in the predetermined position passes completely through the stack, the other hole positions being obstructed by a blank in a card.
Inventors
- 👤 Ferdinand Ruesch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 17:48
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K21/00; G06K21/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of testing a set of cards forming a program for data processing apparatus to ensure that all the cards of the set are present comprising providing each card with a different code word, stacking all the data cards to align all the code words on each card so that they combine to form a particular code word when all the cards of a set are present and sensing the aligned code words to detect said particular code word.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of testing a set of cards forming a program for data processing apparatus to ensure that all the cards of the set are present comprising providing each card with a different code word, stacking all the data cards to align all the code words on each card so that they combine to form a particular code word when all the cards of a set are present and sensing the aligned code words to detect said particular code word.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
70 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the number of cards in a set is N and the code words each comprise N+1 bits represented by N holes and a blank, one of the N holes in each card being in a predetermined position; and including sensing that the hole in said predetermined position passes completely through the stack and all the holes in the other coding positions are obstructed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 2 including sensing all the coding positions simultaneously.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
81 words
Apparatus for testing a set of cards forming a program for data processing apparatus to ensure that all the cards of the set are present comprising means for supporting a stack of cards each bearing a different code word, the code words combining to form a particular code word when all the cards of the set are present, means for sensing the combined code words and means responsive to said sensing means to indicate the presence of said particular code word.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
81 words
Apparatus for testing a set of cards forming a program for data processing apparatus to ensure that all the cards of the set are present comprising means for supporting a stack of cards each bearing a different code word, the code words combining to form a particular code word when all the cards of the set are present, means for sensing the combined code words and means responsive to said sensing means to indicate the presence of said particular code word.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
123 words
Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said stack comprises N cards and each code word comprises N+1 bits represented by N holes and a blank one of said N holes being in the same predetermined position and said particular code word comprises N+1 bits represented by N blanks and one hole, said sensing means including a plurality of pins for sensing the coding positions of a code word and said indicating means includes an electric circuit responsive to the positions of said pins to provide an output signal upon sensing said particular code word when only one pin passes completely through said stack at said predetermined position and the other pins are obstructed from passing through said stack by blanks in said cards.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said pins are spring loaded and said electric circuit includes switches operated by said pins to provide said output signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said supporting means comprises a block having a recess therein receiving said stack of cards, a cover plate over said recess to retain said stack therein and means for locking said cover to said block.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
77 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 including first electrical circuit means for entering said particular code word, second circuit means for comparing said particular code word with the word sensed by said sensing means sensing the combined code words of the stack and third electrical circuit means for providing an output signal when the word sensed by said sensing means is the same as that entered by said first circuit means when compared by said second circuit means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-01-24 | 1975-07-26 | 1976-01-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-24 | 1979-07-26 | 1980-01-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-24 | 1983-07-26 | 1984-01-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |