Abstract A magnetic card containing important informational data that is to be preserved is physically altered by, for example, clipping one of its corners. This physical change in a card located in the operational position for recording or reading is detected by a sensor, which thereupon disables the recording mechanism to prevent inadvertent obliteration of the important informational data contained on the card. A linear guide fixed with respect to a magnetic recording head aligns the card as the card is driven past the recording head by a cylindrical capstan. This cylindrical capstan is angled slightly with respect to the end edges of the rectangular card in the plane of the card so as to apply a lateral force component to the card and thus hold it against the linear guide.
Magnetic card reader-recorder apparatus comprising: recording means, including at least one magnetic recording head, for recording informational data on a magnetic recording card; receiving means, including a driving and guiding mechanism, for receiving the magnetic recording card and locating it in an operational position and for moving the magnetic recording card along a path in close proximity to the magnetic recording head; first detecting means, including a first sensor, for detecting the leading edge of the magnetic recording card when the magnetic recording card is in the operational position; second detecting means, including a second sensor, for detecting the absence of a portion of the leading part of the magnetic recording card when the magnetic recording card is in the operational position; and control means, coupled to the first and second detecting means and to the recording means, for disabling the recording means in response to detection of the leading edge and the absence of a portion of the leading part of the magnetic recording card by the first and second detecting means to prevent unintentional obliteration of the informational data on the magnetic recording card.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
186 words
Magnetic card reader-recorder apparatus comprising: recording means, including at least one magnetic recording head, for recording informational data on a magnetic recording card; receiving means, including a driving and guiding mechanism, for receiving the magnetic recording card and locating it in an operational position and for moving the magnetic recording card along a path in close proximity to the magnetic recording head; first detecting means, including a first sensor, for detecting the leading edge of the magnetic recording card when the magnetic recording card is in the operational position; second detecting means, including a second sensor, for detecting the absence of a portion of the leading part of the magnetic recording card when the magnetic recording card is in the operational position; and control means, coupled to the first and second detecting means and to the recording means, for disabling the recording means in response to detection of the leading edge and the absence of a portion of the leading part of the magnetic recording card by the first and second detecting means to prevent unintentional obliteration of the informational data on the magnetic recording card.