US3706874A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Embossed card reader
Assignee: Vertex Industries Inc
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Filing: 1971-05-18
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Granted: 1972-12-19
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Expires: 1991-05-18
Abstract
Abstract The disclosure relates to a card reader for reading embossed indicia cards utilizing an optical scanner of the embossing which scans various parts of the indicia by means of reflection of light therefrom, reflection being dependent upon whether or not an embossment appears at that point. Fiber optic devices are utilized to conduct the optical scanning. The card is accurately located in the card carriage by means of a knife edge which abuts the extreme upward or downward row of indicia along the entire length thereof to accurately position the indicia relative to the read head. The card reader also includes an ejector device for ejecting the card after a reading has beem completed.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph Larue Lockard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:28
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K13/00; G06K13/02; G06K13/08; G06K7/00; G06K7/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
176 words
In a read head for reading embossed indicia which are transported serially past said read head and for supplying a code to a decoder, the improvement comprising: a block in said read head, a light source mounted in said block, a single group of light transmitting cables mounted in said block, the terminal ends of said single group of light transmitting cables being directed at a single line, said single group of light transmitting cables transmitting light from said light source to said single line, a second group of light transmitting cables mounted in said block, the terminal ends of said second group of light transmitting cables being located generally adjacent to and being directed at said single line, said first group of cables having their respective terminal ends selectively and intermittently covered by the embossed indicia serially transported past said read head to provide a code of intermittent optical signals incident upon said single line, said second group of cables receiving said code of intermittent optical signals and transmitting said code to said decoding means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
176 words
In a read head for reading embossed indicia which are transported serially past said read head and for supplying a code to a decoder, the improvement comprising: a block in said read head, a light source mounted in said block, a single group of light transmitting cables mounted in said block, the terminal ends of said single group of light transmitting cables being directed at a single line, said single group of light transmitting cables transmitting light from said light source to said single line, a second group of light transmitting cables mounted in said block, the terminal ends of said second group of light transmitting cables being located generally adjacent to and being directed at said single line, said first group of cables having their respective terminal ends selectively and intermittently covered by the embossed indicia serially transported past said read head to provide a code of intermittent optical signals incident upon said single line, said second group of cables receiving said code of intermittent optical signals and transmitting said code to said decoding means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
The structure as recited in claim 1, wherein, said terminal ends of said single group of light transmitting cables are generally coplanar and selectively and directly engagable by said indicia serially transported past said read head to provide intermittent shuttering by direct contact with the terminal ends of said single group of light transmitting cables, thereby producing said code of intermittent optical signals.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The structure as recited in claim 1, wherein, said single group of light transmitting cables is entirely composed of five optical transmission paths having their terminal ends in lineal, generally coplanar alignment.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
231 words
In a card reader for reading a card provided thereon with embossed indicia, the reader including a read head, a decoder and a transport mechanism, the improvement comprising: card receiving means on said transport mechanism, an edge on said card receiving means for engaging a plurality of embossed indicia provided on said card and for aligning said plurality of indicia in desired serial alignment, said card receiving means being slidably displaceably mounted on said transport mechanism for positioning said serially aligned indicia of said card in a desired location internally of said card reader, a latching mechanism on said transport mechanism for latching engagement on said card receiving means and for retaining said card receiving means in desirable position on said transport mechanism, driving means internally of said card reader and operatively coupled to said latching mechanism, said driving means being operatively activated upon latching engagement of said latching means with said card receiving means for displacing said card receiving means serially past said read head, said read head being substantially fixedly mounted interiorly of said card reader, said latching means and said edge cooperating to position the embossed indicia of said card internally of said card reader and to align saId indicia for serial displacement together with said card receiving means past said read head, said read head serially reading said indicia and supplying a coded input to said decoder.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
231 words
In a card reader for reading a card provided thereon with embossed indicia, the reader including a read head, a decoder and a transport mechanism, the improvement comprising: card receiving means on said transport mechanism, an edge on said card receiving means for engaging a plurality of embossed indicia provided on said card and for aligning said plurality of indicia in desired serial alignment, said card receiving means being slidably displaceably mounted on said transport mechanism for positioning said serially aligned indicia of said card in a desired location internally of said card reader, a latching mechanism on said transport mechanism for latching engagement on said card receiving means and for retaining said card receiving means in desirable position on said transport mechanism, driving means internally of said card reader and operatively coupled to said latching mechanism, said driving means being operatively activated upon latching engagement of said latching means with said card receiving means for displacing said card receiving means serially past said read head, said read head being substantially fixedly mounted interiorly of said card reader, said latching means and said edge cooperating to position the embossed indicia of said card internally of said card reader and to align saId indicia for serial displacement together with said card receiving means past said read head, said read head serially reading said indicia and supplying a coded input to said decoder.
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) | 1975-12-19 | 1976-06-19 | 1976-12-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-12-19 | 1980-06-19 | 1980-12-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-12-19 | 1984-06-19 | 1984-12-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |