Dynetics Engineering Corporation, Inc.

Other

James E Hill

Baesley I Dahlstrom

Robert D Fisher

Robert W Brandt

A card counter (10) prints card inventory information locally and communicates with a remote computer (43) for permanent storage and retrieval of inventory information. A microprocessor controller detects a counting error in response to the actual count failing to match a preset count, failing to match a precount information machine read from a machine readable precount label (130) attached to the cards (18), in the event of a phrase error from a pair of parallel scanning card sensor circuits (58, 59) or if the final counts of the two card sensor circuits (58, 59) do not match. In the event of detection of a counting error, an error indication is provided and entry of the count into an accumulator memory is inhibited. The present number is entered into memory by selectively entering an actual count into the preset memory. A pair of separate accumulators are provided for concurrently accumulating totals of two different groups of cards (18). The card sensor circuits (58, 59) are digitally filtered by the microprocessor (44) which also automatically performs self diagnostics to reduce counting errors due to malfunction. Malfunction of a scan drive motor (61) is reduced through provision of a slip clutch (FIGS. 10A and 10B). Alphanumeric display units are both electrically connected to the control circuit (FIG. 2) and releasibly, mechanically attached to a printed circuit board (112) of said control circuit (FIG. 2) by means of a multiline electrical connector (120) attached to the edge of the printed circuit board (112).

Credit card counter with phase error detecting and precount comparing

A card counter (10) prints card inventory information locally and communicates with a remote computer (43) for permanent storage and retrieval of inventory information. A microprocessor controller detects a counting error in response to the actual count failing to match a preset count, failing to match a precount information machine read from a machine readable precount label (130) attached to the cards (18), in the event of a phase error from a pair of parallel scanning card sensor circuits (58, 59) or if the final counts of the two card sensor circuits (58, 59) do not match. In the event of detection of a counting error, an error indication is provided and entry of the count into an accumulator memory is inhibited. The preset number is entered into memory by selectively entering an actual count into the preset memory. A pair of separate accumulators are provided for concurrently accumulating totals of two different groups of cards (18). The card sensor circuits (58, 59) are digitally filtered by the microprocessor (44) which also automatically performs self diagnostics to reduce counting errors due to malfunction. Malfunction of a scan drive motor (61) is reduced through provision of a slip clutch (FIGS. 10A and 10B). Alphanumeric display units are both electrically connected to the control circuit (FIG. 2) and releasibly, mechanically attached to a printed circuit board (112) of said control circuit (FIG. 2) by means of a multiline electrical connector (120) attached to the edge of the printed circuit board (112).

Card counter with card counting preset data entry system method

A credit card counter (40) with a self-adjusting card loading apparatus (42) having a card elevator plate (46) for elevating a rack of cards (14) to a position with the top edges (19) aligned with a sensor location (26) for optimal sensing. A spring (56) biases a pivot plate (52) to rotate in a direction to move the card elevator (46) until the top edges (18) abut a card guide member (50) aligned with the sensor location (26) which is located above the cards (14A) and out of path of debris carried by the rack of cards (14). The connection to the elevator plate (46) is by means of a pivot axle (72) and the sides of a slot (44A) in a base plate (44) have a snug fit with the sides of the elevator plate (46), so that relative movement is substantially translational. The elevator plate (44) is lowered sufficiently to allow the edges (18) under the guide member (50) and then permitted to rise to the correct position depending upon the height of the cards (14A).

Card counter with self-adjusting card loading assembly and method

Apparatus and method of verification of credit cards, including sensing information thereon and comparing said information with information on a specially designed pre-printed carrier, followed by insertion of one or more cards in the matching carrier as required, folding and stacking card-inserted carriers in a manner ready for subsequent insertion into mailing envelopes. Sensing, input, comparison logic, and timed command circuitry for coordination of operation includes a pause mode of card advance and may optionally include a multiple card search mode to find matching cards when card sequence is improper.

Verifying insertion system and apparatus

Device and method for reading indicia embossed, punched or impressed in a sheet of base material, such as credit-type cards and the like. The reader employs a head having a plurality of movable fingers disposed to sense the holes or embossing when the card is moved relative to the head. The fingers carry light guides thereon which are spaced from and disposed to transmit light from a fixed source. A light cut-off shield is disposed between the source of the light and the light guides to intercept and prevent or permit transmission of the light when the fingers pass over the embossed indicia or holes. Light detectors are disposed at the opposite terminus of the light guides to detect the presence or absence of light and produce electrical pulses corresponding thereto. These electrical pulses can be used or processed in any circuitry as information input correlating to the indicia on the base material, e.g., as input for numerical or letter display, as input for counting, as input for correlation with other input or stored information, and the like. The device also employs a special card guiding mechanism, including special search finger for one-at-a-time sequential feeding of credit cards into proper position to be read by the reader fingers. The device and method are particularly useful for reading of credit-type cards at remote retail installations, for reading of credit-type cards in verifier inserter systems, and for reading of Braille, or punched tape or cards.

Embossed character reader

Verifying insertion system apparatus and method of operation

This disclosure deals with a system for monitoring the rate of operation of a cyclically operating machine or process or the rate of cyclically recurring events. The system monitors the rate by sensing each cycle occurring during a sampling time interval or duration and generating a signal which is taken as a standard value representing a standard rate. Either the length of time required for a specific number of events is measured, or the number of events occurring in a specified time is measured. The measured value is compared with the standard value and an indication is made of the comparison.

Monitoring system

Single-sheet, multi-panel carriers for receiving and retaining credit cards during credit card issue and mailing procedures. Cards may be inserted in the carriers manually or by machine. Plural carrier forms are preferably provided in a continuous fan-folded web, and individual carriers are separable therefrom at perforations between subsequent and/or adjacent carriers. The carriers have special slits or slots for retaining one to four cards singly, or double that in a piggy-back manner, in vertical or horizontal configurations. Carriers also have a plurality of panels which assist in retaining the cards by wedge trapping during manual or machine issue processing (inserting, collating, verification and stuffing) and mailing operations. Carriers also carry verification and/or identification information thereon relating to the account, e.g., name, number of cards, account(s) number(s), credit limit, address, debit usage criteria, and the like, in one or more forms which may be read visually, electro-optically, mechanically, optically, electromechanically, magnetically and/or electronically. Carriers are specially adapted for production by sheet-fed glued, or roll-to-fold, high-speed web printing procedures. Imprinting of verification and/or identification indicia may be done by any impact or non-impact procedures, e.g., by drum, line, or computer-controlled, non-impact, spray-type printers.

Growing community of inventors

Prospect Heights, IL, United States of America

James E Hill