Patent GB-1165140-A (GB)
Title: Sheet Marking Apparatus
IPC: G06K13/06
Filed: 1966-12-21
Abstract: 1,165,140. Ticket handling apparatus; sensing records. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. 21 Dec., 1966 [14 Jan., 1966], No. 57199/66. Headings G4M and G4T. A sheet marking apparatus for sheets which are to be marked on one predetermined face comprises a sheet entry station, a sheet marking station, means arranged to transport a sheet along a first or second path between the stations depending upon the orientation of the faces of the sheet sensed at the entry station by an orientation sensor, the first and second paths being such that the said one predetermined face is presented for marking at the marking station. The illustrated apparatus is for use in fare collection systems and is adapted to receive tickets carrying information on one side only and is computer controlled. The ticket carries printed information relating to places of entry and exit in a transport system, and the remaining value of the ticket, and a magnetic stripe carrying information to be fed to the computer. When placed in the opening 11a a sensor 26 senses whether or not the stripe is on the side facing the sensor, and conditions a drive control 28 accordingly. The control actuates motor 29 to rotate a main roll 31, and magnet 37 to bring roll 33 into engagement with the main roll. A read/write head 44 transmits the information on the stripe to the computer. The ticket then passes to the printing station at which the ticket is initially positioned by a pair of fingers 46a, 46b. When the fingers are withdrawn from the ticket, it is stepped incrementally to its correct position relative to print wheels 51, 52. Each numeral on a print wheel is presented in normal and reverse positions. The wheels are driven via friction clutches 56 by a shaft 54. Associated with each wheel is a ratchet wheel 55 adapted to be engaged by an armature 57a of an associated magnet 57. A " home " position for each wheel is defined by an enlarged tooth, which is engaged due to a projection 58b of armature 58a by its associated armature 57a even when the magnet 57 is de-energized. An emitter 60 is driven in the same manner as the wheels provided with a similar ratchet wheel the " home " tooth of which is engaged by tail 58c of the armature 58a. The matter to be printed on the ticket is written into register 65, and magnet 58 is momentarily energized thus removing the armatures 57a and tail 58c from the " home " teeth. The wheels and emitter therefore rotate and the position of each wheel, sensed by a counter 64, is compared with the matter in the register 65. Upon there being a correspondence the magnet 57 associated with an appropriate wheel is energized and the corresponding armature locks the wheel in its appropriate position. When all the wheels are properly positioned impact plates 67 actuated by magnets 67a force the ticket against a ribbon 68. The emitter continues to rotate during printing until its home tooth is engaged by the tail 58c. The magnet, 57 are then de-energized and the print wheels are rotated to their " home " positions. After printing the ticket is returned to the opening 11a via a second read/ write head 43 which updates the information on the magnetic stripe. At an exit of the underground if the cost of the journey has exceeded the remaining value on the ticket, that ticket is stored, and a new ticket is issued from a roll 71 upon receipt of an appropriate amount of money. The orientation of a ticket may be sensed by photo-electric means.