Automatic reader of processing condition data for articles to be

Abstract

A pneumatic apparatus used for reading punch cards containing processing condition data for articles being processed in an automatic system. The apparatus has a pneumatic reading head for reading the punch cards, and the head has a plurality of air conduits therein. Each conduit has an inlet and an outlet. An air supply is connected to the air conduits for supplying air thereto, and a back pressure detector is provided in each conduit for detecting back pressure therein. The apparatus also includes a movable carrier jig for holding and carrying the article being processed in said system and the jig has a card fitting portion thereon for holding the punch card. The carrier jig is movable toward and away from the conduits so that the card on the card fitting portion can be positioned adjacent the outlets of the conduits. Air passing through the conduits creates a back pressure in the conduits corresponding to those portions of the punch cards which are solid when the punch card on the carrier jig is positioned adjacent the conduit outlets, and the back pressure is detectable by the back pressure detecting means, thus permitting the solid and punched portions of the punch card to be determined.