Patent GB-1279657-A (GB)
Title: Machine for processing magnetic cards
Inventor: CORTONA ALESSANDRO
IPC: G06K13/07
Filed: 1969-09-02
Abstract: 1279657 Statistical apparatus ING C OLIVETTI & C SpA 2 Sept 1969 [14 Sept 1968] 43471/69 Heading G4M An account card provided with a magnetic strip is inserted in a hopper 60, is aligned against one side and the base 63 of the hopper, and is subsequently processed in a cylindrical path structure which includes a magnetic head 16 for reading and recording information. The machine is associated with an electronic computer which supplies program instructions to a program register and data is transferred between the machine and the computer by way of a buffer register. The inserted card is aligned by skewed rollers 65, 73 and, when aligned, actuates a lug which projects into the space between plates 61, 62 and which releases mechanism for disengaging rollers 65, 73, operating microswitches indicating that the card is present in hopper 60 and is aligned, and releasing pressure rollers 204 and projections 220 which enter the space between plates 61, 62 for subsequent deflection of the card into the cylindrical processing path while at the same time preventing insertion of a second card. In response to the "card aligned" signal, a control unit executes an instruction from the program register to selectively energize a solenoid unit which actuates mechanism for rotating rollers 203, 312 to drive the card into the processing path. Removal of the card from the hopper allows the lug to return and this triggers mechanism for operating microswitches signalling that the hopper is empty and that a card is present in the processing path. In addition, a projection is swung into the exit path 538, 539 to block it, and deflecting fingers 534 are pivoted to close exit guide 535 and complete the processing track. The card continues past skewed roller 321 and magnetic head 16, its arrival at photo-cell 24 enabling the buffer register to receive data from the head. On the next passage past photo-cell 24, the control unit calls up an instruction enabling head 39 to read the magnetic spot indicating the position of the last printed line on the card, and in response to sensing of this spot, the control unit energizes a solenoid to stop the card feed and to raise plates 457 out of the path of printing elements 586. A microswitch is also operated to signal that the card is stationary and the control unit initiates tabulation and printing, which may involve line spacing and recording of a second spot identifying the last line. The program register then causes actuation of the solenoid unit to actuate mechanism for replacing plates 457, and restarting the card feed. When the card again reaches photo-cell 24, new data is transferred from the buffer register to head 16 for recording; and passage of the rear end of the card past photo-cell 24 calls up an ejection instruction to actuate the solenoid unit. Fingers 534 swing into the position shown and the card is seized by rollers 544, the projection in the guide 538, 539 being pushed out of the way by the card and operating a switch to signal ejection. The old line identifying mark is erased by head 39 as the card is ejected. A further photo-cell 23 is provided for controlling the recording of a spot identifying the first line of a new card, erasing of an old spot when line spacing takes place, and, in conjunction with head 39, indicates when a card is completely filled.