Abstract:
1,240,639. Photo-electric currency valedators. VENDO CO. May 27, 1970 [Dec.19, 1969], No.25343/70. Heading G1A. [Also in Divisions G4-G6] A combined optical and magnetic transducer 20 comprises a magnetic core 22 with a transparent gap 24 which may be a glass or quartz spacer and an optical element 36 disposed to sense the optical properties of an article 12 through the gap. In the embodiment described the article is a currency note with magnetic markings 14 carried by a transparent conveyer 10 but may also be, for example, a recording tape; a light source 16 coacts with a diffused-junction silicon photo-voltaic light sensor to determine the transmittance of the note and coil 26 delivers an output through capacitor 32 indicative of the sensed magnetic properties. The same zone of the article is therefore sensed independently and simultaneously for optical and magnetic information.
Abstract:
A combined optical and magnetic transducer for sensing both optical and magnetic properties of an article, for example, a piece of paper currency or other document having both visible and magnetic markings to be tested or read, an information-bearing medium such as a data-recording tape to be read, or the like. The transducer comprises a magnetic-sensing head having a transparent gap separating the poles of the magnetic core of the head, a photoelectric element being disposed in the head in alignment with the gap. Outside the head, one side of the article contacts or is in close proximity to the poles at the gap, and the article is illuminated by a light source, so that both magnetic properties and optical properties of the article may be detected simultaneously during relative movement of the article and the transducer.