US3566083A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sensor for punches and marks
Assignee: MEASUREMENT RESEARCH CENTER IN
•
Filing: 1967-10-16
•
Granted: 1971-02-23
•
Expires: 1987-10-16
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for optically reading data cards bearing both standard perforations and marks. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of bifurcated optical fiber bundles are arranged to scan the card to be read column by column. Each bundle is arranged in the form of a Y. Light is directed into one branch of the Y and a light sensitive element is connected to the other branch. Light is reflected into the second branch from the first as the card is being read. The amount of light reflected is determined by whether a perforation or a mark is detected and by the density or blackness of the mark.
Inventors
- 👤 John V Mcmillin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:41
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/04; G02B6/06; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10821; G06K7/10831
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
In an apparatus for sensing perforations, marks and both perforations and marks on a data card, the combination comprising: a plurality of aligned sensing elements, each of said elements having a light input portion, a light output portion, and a portion common to both, wherein; each of said sensing elements is comprised of a bundle of optical fibers, bifurcated into two branches at a location intermediate of said bundles, said bundles ends and having fibers from both branches intermixed and uniformly distributed throughout said common portion; and light reflecting means positioned adjacent said common portion, each light input portion being capable of transmitting light to said reflecting means, and said reflecting means being operative to reflect such transmitted light to said light output portions of said sensing elements for transmission thereby, the intensity of light transmitted by said output portion depending upon whether a perforation or a mark is being sent.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
In an apparatus for sensing perforations, marks and both perforations and marks on a data card, the combination comprising: a plurality of aligned sensing elements, each of said elements having a light input portion, a light output portion, and a portion common to both, wherein; each of said sensing elements is comprised of a bundle of optical fibers, bifurcated into two branches at a location intermediate of said bundles, said bundles ends and having fibers from both branches intermixed and uniformly distributed throughout said common portion; and light reflecting means positioned adjacent said common portion, each light input portion being capable of transmitting light to said reflecting means, and said reflecting means being operative to reflect such transmitted light to said light output portions of said sensing elements for transmission thereby, the intensity of light transmitted by said output portion depending upon whether a perforation or a mark is being sent.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 including light sensitive means operatively associated with each of said light output portions for generating an electrical signal proportional to the light transmitted to it by said output portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein said sensing elements are arranged in a side-by-side relationship with the ends of the common portions being colinearly disposed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein the ends of the common portions of said bundles are rectangularly shaped, having dimensions of approximately 0.015 inch by 0.075 inch.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said common portion ends are positioned with a center-to-center spacing of 0.097 inch.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3327584A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-02-22 | 1974-08-24 | 1975-02-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-22 | 1978-08-24 | 1979-02-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-22 | 1982-08-24 | 1983-02-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |