Card handling mechanism with movable card guiding means

Claim 2

An information card handling mechanism which has detection means for utilizing information on the card, first drive means operable for feeding the card from an initial position in a forward direction past the detection means, second drive means operable for returning the card in the reverse direction including a backup roller and a power driven roller mounted for movement toward said backup roller in actuated position to press the card therebetween guide means operable for diverting the card from said first drive means, and common control means for actuating said second drive means and also actuating the guide means upon operation of the second drive means returning the card in reverse direction, said guide means comprising a plate mounted for movement with said power driven roller responsive to actuation of the common control means, the plate having a rounded camming edge for camming the card away from engagement with said first drive means.

Claim 3

The mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein said plate is L-shaped and the rounded edge is at a leg end.

Claim 4

In an information card handling mechanism which has detection means for utilizing information on the card, first drive means operable for feeding the card from an initial position in forward direction past the detection means and second drive means operable for returning the card in the reverse direction, the improvement comprising guide means operable for diverting the card from said first drive means and common control means for actuating the second drive means and also actuating the guide means upon operation of said second drive means returning the card in reverse direction, said control means including manually operable selection means for causing the second drive means and guide means to engage the information card for movement in return direction along its proper path.

Claim 5

In an information card handling mechanism which has detection means for utilizing information on the card, first drive means operable for feeding the card from an initial position in forward direction past the detection means and second drive means operable for returning the card in the reverse direction, the improvement comprising guide means operable for diverting the card from said first drive means and common control means for actuating the second drive means and also actuating the guide means upon operation of said second drive means returning the card in reverse direction, said control means including manually operable selection means for causing the second drive means and guide means to engage the information card for movement in return direction along its proper path.

Claim 6

An information card handling mechanism comprising: a transducing means for recording information on the card and producing information from the card; first drive means selectively operable for operatively engaging the card with the plane of the card in a generally vertical orientation and feeding the card from an initial position in a forward direction in a path of travel past the transducing means; a second, idler drive means spaced from said first Drive means in said forward direction and selectively operable for returning the card in the reverse direction to any desired position, said idler drive means being selectively movable bodily from a first position out of engagement with a card in a direction generally transverse said path of travel to a second position in operative engagemeent with the card; generally rigid guide means disposed adjacent said path of travel and between said first and second drive means and movable generally transverse to said path of travel for camming a card away from engagement with said first drive means; and control means for actuating said guide means upon operation of said second drive means returning the card in reverse direction.

Claim 7

An information card handling mechanism comprising: a transducing means for recording information on the card and producing information from the card; first drive means selectively operable for operatively engaging the card with the plane of the card in a generally vertical orientation and feeding the card from an initial position in a forward direction in a path of travel past the transducing means; a second, idler drive means spaced from said first Drive means in said forward direction and selectively operable for returning the card in the reverse direction to any desired position, said idler drive means being selectively movable bodily from a first position out of engagement with a card in a direction generally transverse said path of travel to a second position in operative engagemeent with the card; generally rigid guide means disposed adjacent said path of travel and between said first and second drive means and movable generally transverse to said path of travel for camming a card away from engagement with said first drive means; and control means for actuating said guide means upon operation of said second drive means returning the card in reverse direction.

Claim 8

The mechanism as defined in claim 4 wherein said guide means comprises a plate having a rounded camming edge for camming a card away from engagement with said first drive means.

Claim 9

The mechanism as defined in claim 4 wherein said control means is a common control for also actuating the second drive means.

Claim 10

The mechanism as defined in claim 6 wherein said guide means and second drive means are actuated simultaneously by said control means.

Claim 11

The mechanism as defined in claim 6 wherein said common control also disengages said first drive means while actuating the second drive means and guide means.