Micr character reader using magnetic peaks to update timing clocks

Abstract

An apparatus for use in reading magnetic waveforms, like E13B, which are printed on a carrier like financial documents or checks. The waveforms include positive and negative peak values and substantially zero values occurring at predetermined times for a predetermined character. A shaft encoder is used to develop a nominal count which is correlated to the velocity of the carrier. Teh nominal count is used to generate a timing clock which is used to clock the positive and negative peak values and substantially zero values into registers for subsequent character recognition. The occurrence of the timing clock is adjusted by utilizing the occurrence of a positive or negative peak itself.