Patent GB-961776-A (GB)
Title: Card recording and scanning apparatus
IPC: B41L45/02
Filed: 1962-04-19
Abstract: 961,776. Shop fittings. W. S. MILLER. April 19, 1962, No. 15198/62. Heading A4T. [Also in Divisions B6, G2, G4 and H2] Apparatus for holding one of a series of e.g. credit or library cards each carrying a different group of identifying indicia and also having an element carrying a series of groups of indicia corresponding to some but not all of the groups on the cards, has means for making a record of at least some of the information on said one card, and scanning means for comparing the different groups on the elements with that on the card and responding automatically should there be correspondence. Each card 11, Fig. 8 is provided with an identification in the form of raised letters 12 and further coded identification in the form of a selection from a row of preferably eleven downward dimples 14. Card 11 together with an embossed identification plate are placed into slot 30, Fig. 1 together with a sales slip and carbon paper 13 so that when the handle 27 is moved horizontally a roller 37 cams into and along slot 48 whereby a record of the indicia on the card and plate is reproduced on the sales sheet 13. In the base 17 of the device a sheet 56, Fig. 6 in the form of a band 61 with sprocket holes 62, Figs. 1 and 2 passes around two sprocketted rollers 57, 58 which are rotated via gears 64, 65 so that a single movement of handle 28 produces a complete revolution of the band 61. The band has a series of rows 67 of opening 66 each row corresponding to the coded row of dimples 14 on certain of the cards or preferably the spaces between the opening 66 correspond to the position of the dimples. Whenthe card 11, Fig. 3 is pushed into the device up to stop 33 the dimples 14 depress spring arm contacts 75 downwards through some of the openings 67 in sheet 56 to engage an electrical contact 70. Sheet 56 also carries openings 61 which lie between or bridge the rows 66 as shown in Fig. 6. A further spring arm contact similar to that of Fig. 3 extends through an opening 68 so that as the shet 56 in the form of bands 61 is moved underneath the contacts 75, whenever contact 75 is lifted away from contact 70 by the solid sheet between each row 66 of openings 67, contact is then made via the bridging openings 68. However, should the row of dimples 14 correspond to a row of spaces between the openings 66 in sheet 61, then electrical connection between the two contacts e.g. 70, 75 will be momentarily broken whereby a lamp 82 will light up to indicate that the card 11 is identified on the sheet 56 and e.g. is therefore unacceptable for credit. When contact is normally made via openings 68 and some of openings 67 in the row 66 and connects a potential from source 85 across a neon glow lamp 83 to cause it to glow. Parallel lamp 84 does not glow since it has a slightly higher striking voltage. When the circuit is interrupted by sheet 56, lamp 83 is extinguished and when contact is re-made through the openings of the next row 66, resistors 87, 88 and capacitance 90 ensure that the potential across indicating lamp 84 is high enough to light it. Spring arms 75 may be replaced by hinged arms co-operating with raised dimples or by two spring arms one moved by the card and the other by the band 61 and both having a common second contact. In another embodiment the record is made photographically rather than by printing. In a further embodiment handle 27 is pushed in to operate the band 61 and on being pulled out a hinge device acts on a cam to lift a spring loaded plunger and then releases the plunger to effect the printing. If during the inward movement the scanning apparatus indicates that the card in the device should not be honoured, the current through the indicating lamp also acts through a solenoid to actuate a stop and prevent the handle from being pulled outward and therefore to prevent the printing operation.