US3738487A
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Assignee: Varian Adco
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Filing: 1971-11-03
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Granted: 1973-06-12
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Expires: 1991-11-03
Abstract
Abstract A system for sequentially reading the notched edge code on a microfiche carrier compensates for lateral misalignment of the carrier by the use of multiple banks of fiber optic code sensors. The appropriate bank is energized by use of additional sensors for a code guide formed on the carrier. A prescribed field of view also accommodates bowing of the carrier. Use of fiber optics reduces the need for complicated lenses.
Inventors
- 👤 R Way
- 👤 A Odell
- 👤 D Smith
- 👤 G Clifford
- 👤 R Henkel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 19:07
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K17/00; G06K17/0003; G06K17/0009
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
198 words
A system for locating randomly stored data in the form of relatively rigid geometrically shaped sheets each carrying a unique identifying code said sheets being retained in an elongated bin in similar relationship to each other; a carriage mounted for moving along said bin; a head mounted on said carriage for movement therewith for sequentially sensing said identifying codes of said sheets; means for comparing said sensed codes with a predetermined code and for providing a compare indication; retrieving means mounted on said carriage for movement therewith and responsive to said compare indication for retrieving said sheet carrying said predetermined code the improvement comprising means for sensing said identifying codes, each of said identifying codes having a predetermined plurality of spaced bits, said sensing means including a plurality of individual sensors in proximity to said bits at least double the number of said bits, said sensors being divided into at least two interdigitated groups said identifying codes also including a guide bit, at least two of said sensors sensing said guide bit for indicating displacement of said sheet from a normal position, said guide sensors determining which one of said sensor groups it to sense an associated bit.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
198 words
A system for locating randomly stored data in the form of relatively rigid geometrically shaped sheets each carrying a unique identifying code said sheets being retained in an elongated bin in similar relationship to each other; a carriage mounted for moving along said bin; a head mounted on said carriage for movement therewith for sequentially sensing said identifying codes of said sheets; means for comparing said sensed codes with a predetermined code and for providing a compare indication; retrieving means mounted on said carriage for movement therewith and responsive to said compare indication for retrieving said sheet carrying said predetermined code the improvement comprising means for sensing said identifying codes, each of said identifying codes having a predetermined plurality of spaced bits, said sensing means including a plurality of individual sensors in proximity to said bits at least double the number of said bits, said sensors being divided into at least two interdigitated groups said identifying codes also including a guide bit, at least two of said sensors sensing said guide bit for indicating displacement of said sheet from a normal position, said guide sensors determining which one of said sensor groups it to sense an associated bit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
78 words
A system as in claim 1 where said bits are formed by notches in an edge of said sheets, the presence of a notch indicating one state and the absence a second state, said sensing means including a light source directed at said notched edges, said sensors sensing the level of reflected light, the bottom edge of said notches being slanted at an angle to reflect light from said source in a direction away from the associated sensor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
74 words
A system as in claim 1 where said bits are formed by notches in an edge of said sheets, the presence of a notch indicating one state and the absence a second state, said sensing means including a light source directed at said notches edges, said sensors sensing the level of reflected light, together with reference means including a predetermined unnotched bit for setting a reference level of reflected light for each sheet scanned.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
69 words
A system as in claim 1 where said bin carries bench marks physically associated with each stored sheet and together with means for counting said bench marks for stopping said retrieving means in proximity to a sheet carrying said predetermined code a fixed number of counts after said compare indication said means for counting including two photosensors and a differential amplifier having as inputs the outputs of said photosensors.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
A system as in claim 1 where said sheets are stored in spaced parallel vertical relationship in slots in said bin and where said sensors are aligned and have a field of view perpendicular to said alignment substantially equal to the center to center spacing of said sheets.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
95 words
A system as in claim 5 where said bits are formed by notches in an edge of said sheets, the presence of a notch indicating one state and the absence a second state, said sensing means including a light source directed at said notched edges, said sensors sensing the level of reflected light, and where said field of view of said individual sensors in a direction parallel to said alignment is substantially equal to the width of a notch such field of view being substantially equal to said field of view in said aligned direction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
76 words
A system as in claim 1 where said bits are formed by notches in an edge of said sheets, the presence of a notch indicating one state and the absence a second state, said sensing means including a light source directed to said notched edges, said sensors sensing the level of reflected light, and where said field of view of said individual sensors parallel to said edges is substantially equal to the width of a notch.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as in claim 1 where said sensors include a fiber optic reading head in proximity to said sheets.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3519832A
Cited
US3595388A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-06-11 | 1976-12-11 | 1977-06-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-11 | 1980-12-11 | 1981-06-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-11 | 1984-12-11 | 1985-06-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |