US3693019A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fiber optic mark sense read head, mechanically free from electrical connections
Assignee: Honeywell Inc
•
Filing: 1970-06-16
•
Granted: 1972-09-19
•
Expires: 1990-06-16
Abstract
Abstract In a mark sense card reader having a read head with light sensitive elements therein, a novel construction is provided whereby the head may be pivotable away from the reading station for easy access for cleaning or repair. The head is free from electrical connections to the card holding tray and reading station to prevent problems arising from bending or twisting electrical connections.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward P Grenda
- 👤 Jacques Guiguizian
- 👤 Harold M Shneider
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 10:58
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
118 words
A card reader comprising: a. a support having a reading station across which a card to be read travels, b. said support having a light source thereon, c. said support having light sensitive elements mounted thereon, d. a reading head having a reading surface containing light transmission means, e. said reading head being pivotably mounted, with respect to said support, such that said reading surface is adjacent said reading station in an operating position whereby the light transmission means provides a light path from the light source, through the reading head, to the light sensitive elements, f. said reading head being pivotable away from said reading station in a non-operating condition whereby said light path may be interrupted.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
118 words
A card reader comprising: a. a support having a reading station across which a card to be read travels, b. said support having a light source thereon, c. said support having light sensitive elements mounted thereon, d. a reading head having a reading surface containing light transmission means, e. said reading head being pivotably mounted, with respect to said support, such that said reading surface is adjacent said reading station in an operating position whereby the light transmission means provides a light path from the light source, through the reading head, to the light sensitive elements, f. said reading head being pivotable away from said reading station in a non-operating condition whereby said light path may be interrupted.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
A card reader as set forth in claim 1 wherein said light transmission means further comprises a reading interface, whereby light passing from said light source through said light transmission means is reflected from a card on said reading station, reenters said light transmission means and is directed to said light sensitive elements.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A card reader as set forth in claim 1 wherein said light transmission means has an origin and an output interface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
A card reader as set forth in claim 3 wherein said light source is positioned adjacent said origin of said light transmission means and said light sensitive means is positioned adjacent said output interface when said reading head is in an operating position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A card reader as set forth in claim 4, further comprising alignment means for providing proper alignment between said light sensitive means and said output interface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A card reader as set forth in claim 5 further comprising a support member for said light sensitive means, said alignment means secured to said support member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A card reader as set forth in claim 4 wherein said light transmission means are fiber optic bundles.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A card reader as set forth in claim 7 wherein said light sensitive means are phototransisters.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
52 words
A card reader as set forth in claim 7 wherein said fiber optic bundles contain a reading interface adjacent said reading station and aligned with portions of a card to be read, said reading interface directing said light from said source to said card and receiving reflections of light from said card.
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) | 1975-09-19 | 1976-03-20 | 1976-09-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-19 | 1980-03-20 | 1980-09-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-19 | 1984-03-20 | 1984-09-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |