Point-of sale mechanism

A secured point-of-sale mechanism is disclosed in which there is a closable two compartment housing having an unsecured door portion covering a monetary negotiable instrument section disposed within a secured portion for which a transaction price index is set to the correct sales amount purchased by a customer, wherein a plurality of switching mechanisms are actuated by the negotiable instruments in the negotiable instruments section for which a locking mechanism connected to said plurality of switching mechanisms and disposed between the secured and unsecured portions of the housing is actuated against invasion as long as the plurality of switching mechanisms are actuated.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to the field of a point-of-sale device and more 
particularly to one in which all of the transactions are completed without 
possible outside intervention. 
This invention is directd to a cost-effective, OEM address-o-graph style 
mechanism designed to utilize several types of existing credit cards such 
as a "PIN/ALGORITHM" of verifiable consumer oriented point-of-sale format 
plus all types of checks using Fed. MICR system. 
The mechanism operates in a highly desirable mode by locking both the card, 
the invoices, and any other negotiable instruments during the entire 
transaction. That is, any attempts to interfere with the transaction 
creates an abort and the system returns to its status quo. It gives the 
retailer badly needed security with minimum expenditures. 
Its expandable modular options permit verification of travelers checks, 
smart card capability, and lost or stolen credit card verification. The 
system can utilize several algorithm security codes simultaneously and can 
be programmed to give regional or local protection. 
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
One applicable reference is that of Wolfgang J. Wostle entitled "Automated 
Dispensing System", U.S. Pat. No. 3,786,421 is directed to a personal 
identification code number that is used to insure that the party making 
the transaction is the person he claims to be. 
Another reference that is relevant is U.S. Pat. No. 4,453,074 entitled 
"Protection System for Intelligent Cards" by Stephen B. Weinstein which 
makes use of a smart card with encrypted material using a private key that 
is associated with a public key. 
Another reference which is relevant is that of U.S. Pat. No. 4,439,670, 
entitled "Method and Device for The Checking of The Number of Access 
Attempts To An Electronic Store, Notably That Of An Integrated Circuit Of 
An Object Such As A Credit Card Or A Buyer's Card" by Jean-Claude Basset 
et al. This reference makes use of codes compared upon reaching a 
predetermined number of rejections in which the card then becomes 
disabled. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The herein disclosed invention is comprised of a secured point-of-sale 
mechanism having a closeable two compartment housing which in turn has an 
unsecured door portion covering a monetary negotiable instrument section 
disposed within a secured portion for which a transaction price index is 
set to the correct sales amount purchased by a customer. A plurality of 
switching mechanisms are actuated by the negotiable instruments in the 
negotiable instruments section for which a locking mechanism, connected to 
said plurality of switching mechanisms and disposed between the secured 
and unsecured portions of the housing, is actuated against invasion as 
long as the plurality of switching mechanisms are actuated. 
It is therefore a general object of this invention to provide a secured 
point-of-sale mechanism that is secured against invasion from the outside. 
It is another object of this invention to provide a secured point-of-sale 
mechanism that is connected to a micro-processor that completes all 
transactions while the mechanism is secured. 
It is yet another object of this invention to abort any transaction while 
the mechanism is secured where invasion from the outside occurs. 
It is a further object of this invention to use all forms of negotiable 
instruments at the point of sale and secure the transaction taking place. 
It is still another object of this invention to provide a printed record of 
the transaction taking place at the point of sale. 
It is still another object of this invention to provide a lock disabling 
mechanism actuated upon the printing mechanism printing a record of the 
transaction taking place.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
The sturdy main case of the device, 1-1, is formed of metal and skillfully 
designed to be aesthetically pleasing with careful attention to color 
coordination and physical refinements. The case, along with the heavily 
constructed steel cover, 1-2, protects the internal electronics from 
harmful magnetic and RF fields, dirt, corrosion, etc., as well as 
providing system integrity from vandalism, abuse, tampering, and so on. 
Reference to the first number goes to the Figure and the second number 
goes to the identification or reference number in that Figure. The cover, 
itself a vital part of the printing process, hinges upward at 1-4 exposing 
the retailer-operated functions. Lamps 1-3 are "condition lights" relating 
systems and procedures statuses. Switch 1-5 is the main power switch 
controlling both mainframe and all outboard module current. Indicator 1-23 
displays the total sale to the operator equally well in all light, from 
direct sunlight to total darkness. 
FIG. 2 shows the device with the cover, 2-2, removed although the system 
cannot be operated in this condition as explained later. A customary 
manual "purchase amount" matrix is pictured at 2-12 with its associated 
manual control at 2-10. However, an alternative electronically controlled 
matrix using a numeric keyboard at 2-10 may prove more reliable and 
workable in conveying sales amounts and other information to the outboard 
modules. The retailer's identification number is printed by his cast 
matrix 2-13 on an invoice, 2-8. The customer's credit card, 2-7, is placed 
face up in its normal position (the positioning guides 15-72 may be 
replaced by a recession slightly larger than the size of the card) 
directly over the verifier access door, 2-6, located beneath the invoice 
and the card. The verifier access door is actually a part of the verifier 
traction mechanism, as shown in 2-24, and more particularly as disclosed 
at 5-24 and 6-24. The cover, 1-2, fits down over the main deck housing 
2-37, and onto the rabbet, 2-11 activating the non-defeatable cover 
switches, 2-15, (only one shown in FIG. 2) and in this closed position is 
able to be secured by the locking pins shown as 2-9. These locking pins 
fit into recesses in the lid at 3-22. 
FIG. 3 shows the printing mechanism consisting of a slightly convex-shaped 
steel "spring plate" 3-14 mounted into the cover 3-2, a heavy, rigid 
"printer plate" 3-19 and the print actuator, 3-17. When all security and 
transaction conditions have been correctly met, the actuator carries the 
"floating" matrices 2-12, 2-13 and the credit card upward and squeezes 
them and the invoice between plates 3-14 and 3-19 to print the invoice. 
The convex shape of the spring plate "rolls" the printing process to the 
outside edges of the invoice assuring clear printing. 
Closing the cover automatically signals the onboard CPU to ask the 
following (and other) questions: (A) Is the cover locked (signified by the 
3-20 solenoids being engaged)? (B) Is there a valid smart card inserted at 
4-66 or a credit card and invoice present (proper responses from 3-18 and 
3-18A)? (D) Does the purchase-price matrix mechanism (3-16) show an entry? 
(E) Does the PIN entered by the customer match the one interpolated by the 
onboard algorithm decryption systems from the card mag-stripe or the smart 
card? (F) Does the search reveal a terminated, stolen, counterfeit or 
over-extended card? Only if all questions are correctly answered will the 
CPU allow completion of the transaction. Completion involves recording of 
the transaction, charging the smart card the appropriate amount (and 
recording same) and actuation of the print mechanism, 3-17, moving it 
upward to print the invoice. When the print mechanism has cycled, the 
cover automatically pops open which clears the computer and the process 
begins again. 
FIG. 3 also shows the relative position of the matrix control mechanism, 
3-16, to the print plate, 3-19, and the cover solenoid lock mechanism, 
3-20, which slides the large steel pins, 2-9, into the recesses shown at 
3-22. 
FIG. 4 shows the positioning of the security electronics in the heavy metal 
drawer, 4-28. This drawer completely encloses the vital security and 
interface modules and protects them from outside probing, tampering and 
vandalism. The security drawer is externally locked by a high quality 
lock, 4-27, and when fully inserted into the system mainframe, connects 
with associated internal electronics via a reliable multi-pin connector, 
4-29. The wide flange on the drawer, 4-26, assures that the security 
modules 4-39 will disconnect from 4-29 and destroy themselves (via 
self-destruct circuitry) before any probes can be introduced into the 
module area. Each 4-39 module contains electronics (and algorithm 
decryption circuits) unique to each card or check issuer. 
The actual transaction printing process begins when the retailer lifts the 
normally unlocked cover, 1-2. Lifting the cover off the switches at 3-15 
(3-15A) triggers the security systems and alerts the electronics (CPU) to 
receive the customer's personal identification number (PIN) which is 
conveniently entered on the numeric keyboard FIG. 4-44. Meanwhile, and not 
necessarily in this order, the retailer will enter the purchase price at 
2-10 or 4-64 which will read out automatically to the customer and the 
retailer at 2-23 and 4-65 and 4-40, and insert the credit card and the 
invoice in the system which triggers the "card/invoice present" switches 
at 3-18 and 3-18A. Insertion of a valid smart card in slot 4-66 overrides 
the "card present" function of 3-18 but not the "invoice present" function 
of 3-18A. 
Rather than having separate housings for the PIN keyboard 4-45 and the 
"smart card reader" 4-64 as shown, the units could be contained in the 
main housing unit 1-1 to eliminate the need for outboard mechanisms. 
When the cover (1-2) is closed for the verification and print cycle, a 
preset tension of the print plate 3-19 squeezes the card and/or invoice 
against the spring plate (3-14) just hard enough to insure proper 
operation of the "card/invoice present" switch and to offer card stability 
during the mag-stripe scan but not hard enough to print. 
When the retailer closes the cover to print the invoice, the 3-15 (3-15A) 
switches activate the solenoid cover locks and signal the CPU to begin the 
system analysis and card verification functions. The credit card, invoice 
and purchase price matrix remain locked under the cover until either (A) 
the succesful verification and transaction cycle opens it, or (B) the 
transaction is aborted due to a security breach in the system or a 
premature removal of the smart card, or (C) the transaction is terminated 
because an incorrect PIN is detected or not received within 30 seconds, a 
smart card reveals insufficient funds, or a system search reveals an 
invalidated, bogus or stolen card has been presented. Any detected fault 
will automatically abort the transaction and the cover will unlock and 
open without printing the invoice and/or charging the purchase to the 
smart card. 
FIG. 5 illustrates the system's mag-stripe scanning mechanism. This figure 
is a side view showing the credit card, 5-7, being held in place by the 
curved spring-plate 5-14 and the recess in the printer-plate deck housing, 
5-37, which limits the card's lateral movement. Since printing pressure 
need only be applied beneath the card's embossments at 5-38, the 
retailer's matrix (2-13) and the purchase-amount matrix 2-12, the print 
plate 5-19 leaves the card's mag-stripe readily exposed for scanning by 
the mag-stripe reader, 5-36 and MICR read head 4-76. During scanning, the 
reader's traction unit, 5-24, 6-24, moves read head 5-36 and MICR read 
head 4-76 from left to right following a precision path afforded by a ball 
bearing and track system, 5-34 and 6-34. The read head scans all three 
tracks of the mag-stripe simultaneously and the CPUs decipher appropriate 
information and automatically select the correct security module 4-39 to 
deal with the PIN verification process. If the correct module is faulty, 
damaged or non-existent, or if the customer has entered the wrong PIN, the 
transaction is aborted and the cover opens automatically resetting the 
machine. This allows another attempt for the correct PIN by the customer 
or easy removal of the card and invoice. 
The mag-stripe reader 6-36 is assured effective and reliable contact with 
the mag-stripe by "floating" over the stripe with the aid of a sensitive 
suspension system, 6-35, which allows operation in any attitude. The read 
head begins its course in almost direct contact with the mag-stripe due to 
its location in relation to the card and the verifier access door, 6-6 and 
2-6. This access door immediately precedes the read head on its path 
across the mag-stripe and returns with it to offer secure protection 
against dust, intrusion and vandalism. 
FIG. 4 illustrates the customer's PIN entry keyboard module, that has a 
main housing, 4-45. The keyboard, 4-44, uses reliable, long-life, magnetic 
contact keys resistant to dust, moisture, sunlight, most common solvents 
and cleaners and reasonable abuse. A purchase amount display, 4-40, which 
matches the mainframe display 1-23 allows the customer and the retailer to 
monitor the purchase amount being selected by the retailer on the print 
matrix. The keyboard is connected to the main body by means of a high 
quality multi-conductor cable, 4-43. 
FIGS. 7 and 8 are more detailed drawings of the print actuator mechanism 
previously shown as 3-17. It consists of two cam wheels, 7-51, driven in 
opposite directions by means of gear teeth. Both are driven by the cam 
motor 7-48, through its drive shaft (7-49) and cam drive gear (7-50). Each 
cam wheel gear (7-51) has two "high" lobes and two "low" lobes indicated 
by "H" and "L" markings respectively. These lobes are "timed" so that all 
four print-plate lift wheels, 7-52, center on either H or L positions 
simultaneously to achieve equal lift throughout the print cycle. Only 
one-half revolution of each cam-wheel is required to complete each print 
cycle so the cam motor (7-48) may be gear (speed) reduced to achieve a 
slow enough rotation and adequate torque to lift the print-plate through 
its cycle. The 7-51 cams, the print-plate support body, 7-58, and the cam 
table (ball) bearing (7-56) and bearing race (7-55) are all precisely 
aligned by the two cam shafts, 7-53. These shafts drift upward with the 
print-plate and its support mechanisms (and the matrices) while the cam 
gears and table bearings remain firmly seated on the main-frame body 
represented by 7-54. The print-plate support body is constructed so as to 
allow sufficient clearance for the purchase-price matrix assembly (7-16). 
Regarding the check verification function, suppose an unknown customer from 
Montana, for example, would find himself in Florida without cash or credit 
cards. The customer would present his check to the retailer with this 
system. The retailer would insert it in the proper fashion into the 
system, enter the check amount at the keypad (2-10) and close the lid. The 
retailer would then press the "verify" button on top of the system (in the 
verification mechanism, FIG. 5 and 6, which would "read" the MICR 
information and compare the offset or PVV number and subsequent PIN with 
the PIN entered by the customer at 4-44. If the PINS match, then th CPU 
would activate the "Phone in Verification Module" which would include a 
suitable modem for an AT&T hook-up with the Fed's MICR system. This would 
connect the system to the customer's own bank and the check could be 
verified for sufficient funds and proper I.D. If all is correct, the 
system would stamp the word "Verified" on the check and the lid would pop 
open resetting the machine for the next transaction. 
This invention anticipates the use of checks as they currently exist using 
the Fed MICR system. However, a modified check may be used in the future 
which is a standard check save for the addition of an "NCR" (no carbon 
required) slip on the back entitled D-8 and a mag-stripe adhered to the 
front labeled D-17/D-18 shown in FIG. 11. The NCR page would include the 
amount of the check, D-16 and the serial number of the check D-15 as well 
as the company's logo and other regulated information. It may or may not 
include the duplication of the payer's signature and countersignature, 
D-11 and D-13. However, it would naturally reproduce the Payee's name, 
D-12, and the date, D-14. D-11 and D-13 could possibly be obscured by a 
vision blocking ink screen such as seen on common personal checks with NCR 
pages. 
FIG. 3 shows the printing mechanism consisting of a convex shaped, steel 
"spring plate" (3-14) mounted in the cover (3-2), with a corresponding 
flat steel "print plate" (3-19) and the print propulsion system or 
actuator shown as 3-17. When all security, verification and transaction 
conditions have been correctly met, the 3-17 actuator carries the 
appropriate embossments and matrices upward and squeezes them and the 
invoice or check between plates 3-14 and 3-19 thereby printing the 
information on the check or invoice. The convex shape of the spring plate 
"rolls" the printing process to the outside edges of the invoice assuring 
legible reproduction. This "squeezing" method eliminates the "shearing" 
action of many common printers and the problems associated therewith. 
When the cover (1-2) is closed for the verification and print cycle, a 
preset tension of the print plate and/or spring plate (3-19 and/or 3-14) 
squeezes the card and invoice or traveler's check, personal check, 
Government check (all types), food stamp etc., against the spring plate 
and/or print plate just hard enough to insure proper operation of the 
"card/invoice/check present" switches and to offer card stability during 
the mag-stripe or MICR scan but not hard enough to print. 
All security sensors and devices relating in any way to the system 
Main-frame and its modules are continually being monitored by their 
associated CPU's to insure uninterrupted integrity of the system device 
and the algorithm modules located at 4-39. Back-up battery power provided 
by the system main-frame will have its own internal charger to assure 
power should the AC line fail. 
The 4-39 security modules will be powered during shipment to individual 
system locations by their own inboard lithium batteries (or suitable 
substitute) and will have the ability to monitor their own security during 
said transit. Should modules sense serial scanning, X-rays, infra-red rays 
(used for disarming, etc.), or other types of "electronic tampering" 
designed to disarm security or otherwise compromise the integrity of the 
security modules, the battery will "dump" and neutralize the security 
module. This battery power will last a minimum of ninety (90) days from 
date of manufacture and should the ninety days pass before 4-39 module is 
installed, it will automatically "dump" the secure algorithm chips. The 
security chip will destroy itself automatically upon any interference of 
power. 
OPERATION/TRANSACTION/VERIFICATION/PRINT CYCLE 
The actual transaction/verification/print cycle begins when the retailer 
lifts the (normally closed) cover, 1-2, to insert the credit card, 
invoice, check, food stamp, etc. Lifting the cover off the non-defeatable 
switches at 3-15 far enough (this is a two stage switch as will be 
explained later) alerts the system's CPU to begin a thirty (30) second 
countdown in which the customer must enter his PIN number at the keypad 
(4-44). 
The retailer will enter the purchase price amount at 2-10 (or if a smart 
card is being used, 4-64) which automatically sets the entered amount at 
2-12 which then reads out to the customer and the retailer at 4-40 and 
2-23 and 4-65, only if a smart card is being used. 
The retailer will insert the credit card, travelers check, personal check, 
food stamp and/or invoice in the system at their proper location as seen 
by Figure 15. These will be held in place prior to spring plate pressure 
by the retractable pin guides, 13-72 and 15-72, guides at 15-88 (or the 
alternative slot 16-91 and/or appropriate recesses in the deck housing. It 
consists basically of a lengthened 14-70 reader housing thereby creating a 
slot or groove long enough to insert the entire (long) edge of a 15-78 
check. It may in fact be long enough for common larger checks such as 
payroll checks, etc. This groove 16-91 in the 16-6A verifier access door 
insures reliable reading of the MICR line and all tracks of the credit 
cards. This is accomplished since proper insertion by the retailer will 
necessarily eliminate folds and wrinkles in checks and food stamps and may 
even accomodate minor tears and destruction of the MICR line area. The 
"bottom" of the 16-91 groove will correspond to the location of the 15-88 
guides. Obviously, the 15-36 and 15-76 heads will begin and end their read 
cycle in the same location seen as 14-77. 
Triggering the 15-18 switch tells the CPU that a card is present and to 
switch to "Card Mode." The CPU will automatically select the mag-stripe 
reader head (15-36) and all "Card Mode" verification systems and 
functions. The 15-18 switch may be overridden by the 4-94 slot switch 
indicating a smart card is present. Triggering of both switches 4-94 and 
15-18, will cause an abort. Triggering of either the 4-94 switch or 15-18 
without proper triggering of 15-18A, indicating an invoice is present will 
cause an abort. Triggering of switch 15-86 in conjunction with either 4-94 
slot switch or switch 15-18 will cause an abort. 
Triggering the 4-94 slot switch tells the CPU that a "smart card" is 
present and to switch to the "Smart Card" mode. The CPU will automatically 
cancel the "cycle command" of the verifier head traction mechanism (4-24) 
since its function is not necessary in the "Smart Card" mode. 
Additionally, the CPU will automatically select all "Smart Card" 
verification and transaction functions with respect to record keeping, 
printing of the invoice, etc. Triggering of the 4-94 slot switch demands 
that an invoice be present and that the 15-86 not show a check present. A 
violation of either condition will cause an abort. 
Triggering of switch 15-86 signals the CPU that a "check" is present and to 
switch to the "Check Mode." ("Check" shall mean traveler's checks, 
government checks, personal checks, food stamps or any means of monetary 
payment which utilizes the Federal Reserve Bank's MICR system.) The CPU 
will automatically select the 15-76 MICR reader head and all "check" 
verification systems and functions which shall include the phone-in 
module, the diskdrive, etc. Simultaneous triggering of the 4-94 slot 
switch, the 15-18 or the 15-18A with the 15-86 will cause an abort of the 
T/V/P Cycle. 
Triggering the 15-18A signals the CPU that an invoice is present. It must 
be triggered with the 4-94 slot switch or the 15-18 to become usable 
information to the CPU. 
After the retailer has inserted the proper combination of invoice, card, 
and check and has made the proper keypad entries, he will close the 1-2 
lid to begin the T/V/P Cycle. (Note: As mentioned in the first paragraph 
of the T/V/P Cycle text, the 3-15 switch is a dual function device. The 
two functions shall be entitled "3-15" and 3-15A." When the 1-2 cover is 
in its "rest" position between transactions, neither 3-15 or 3-15A is 
activated. Lifting the cover off the 3-15 switch triggers the CPU to 
receive the customer's PIN entry within 30 seconds. Once triggered, the 
3-15 then becomes inert until the next cycle begins. Closing the 1-2 lid 
with the application of 6 oz. of pressure or more then triggers the 3-15A 
function which signals the CPU to begin the entire T/V/P Cycle.) When the 
3-15A switch is triggered, the CPU then begins to ask a series of 
questions. All questions will be on an "if `yes,` proceed" and an "if 
`no,` abort" basis. "Abort" shall mean that the 1-2 cover will "pop" open 
and the system will not have printed the invoice or caused any funds to be 
transferred in any way whatever. One option may be that an attempted 
purchase with a proven lost, stolen or counterfeit check or card will be 
recorded with the date, account number and dealer I.D. number (for 
location) to help the police in the apprehension of criminals. 
(1) Does the system have standard 110 v. (220 v. for export) power? This 
shall be within the limits described elsewhere. If `yes,` proceed - if 
`no,` abort . . . 
(2) Is the 1-2 cover locked as signified by the 3-20's being engaged? 
(3) Are any of the onboard/outboard security systems or any of the 4-39 
module security systems compromised? 
(4) What mode is the system to function in as designated by responses from 
15-18, 15-18A, 15-86 and 4-94 slot switches. 
(5) Does the purchase price matrix mechanism (3-16, 15-10, 15-12) show an 
entry? 
(6) Has a verified correct PIN number been entered at 4-44 within the 30 
second time limit? The 30 second limit may be modified for more time if 
research mandates such a change. Verifying the PIN will involve comparison 
of the PIN entered by the customer with that computed by the 4-39 security 
modules, the PIN returned from the issuer's computer via a phone in module 
or verification via the MICR system. 
(7) In the case of personal checks does the account the check is drawn on 
show sufficient funds? The system anticipates the use of PIN's with 
personal checks to identify the writer and bearer of the check to be in 
fact the valid bearerr. Also, a check of the account balance that shows 
sufficient funds would warrant the automatic stamping of "VERI." on the 
check. This would in some degree insure payment to the retailer. The 
"VERI." stamp is described as either 15-81 or 15-85. 
(8) If in the "smart card" mode, does the card show sufficient funds? Does 
the card show a verified correct PIN entry? Has the card been prematurely 
removed from the 4-66 slot as indicated by the 4-94 slot switch? 
The main system CPU keeps a running total of all sales for a given day or 
shift and will display them following a predescribed key command at 4-23. 
This display will show the total of funds paid to the retailer by cash, 
check or credit card at the POS; a separate total of all "EFT" funds 
transferred to the retailer's account in his bank (as per common practice) 
and a grand total of both. 
The 4-39 modules will mount into the 4-28 drawer by sliding into 
appropriately spaced slots or "rails" and will be secured in place by a 
suitable machine screw. When the 4-39's are inserted fully into the 
drawer, they make contact via a reliable multi-pin connector with a 
parallel-wired circuit rail which in turn plugs into the system at 4-29. 
Thus, all 4-39 modules are wired similarly in parallel or "gangs" and all 
receive identically the same information. However, when one module 
"recognizes" its algorithm, processes the input and returns an "accept" 
signal to the system, the passive output (at this stage) of the other 
4-39's will not impede the transmission of this "accept" command to the 
system. 
FIGS. 13 thru 16 show an alternative design to that discussed so far in 
this section. This alternative design more readily accomodates traveler's 
checks, personal checks, food stamps, etc. and in fact constitutes 
refinement and improvement over that system shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. A MICR 
reader device, 14-76, 15-76, and 16-76, such as that in common use by the 
Federal Reserve Banking System is installed adjacent to the 13-36 (14-36 
and 15-36) magstripe reader head. This is possible since the three 
mag-stripe tracks on common credit cards and the MICR line on all checks 
are in such close proximity as shown by FIG. 15. Due to strict Standard's 
regulations, This phenomenon is likely to remain indefinately. As has been 
previously stated, the selection of which "head" to use is automatically 
made prior to verifier movement by the system's CPU in association with 
the switches numbered 15-18, 15-18A and 15-86. The position of the MICR, 
PIN, or offset number on the 15-78 check is shown at 15-75A and will be 
read as a part of the routing and transit numbers and account numbers 
preceding it in the MICR line. 
FIGS. 14 and 16 show the correct method of inserting the travelers checks 
and all instruments with MICR line information to allow MICR reading. They 
are inserted into the 16-91 slot upside down with the MICR line toward the 
front of the machine, which means the MICR line must be closest to the 
14-70, 16-70 read-head assembly. Since the 14-70 and 16-6A devices are 
attached forming a single unit, reliable tracking is assured during the 
entire field of motion. 
It will, of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the 
form, details, arrangement and proportions of the parts without departing 
from the scope of the invention which consists of the matter shown and 
described herein and set forth in the appended claims.