US3831749A

US3831749A - Selector mechanism including cassette storage

Info

Publication number: US3831749A
Application number: US00272192A
Authority: US
Inventors: A Nelson; Pherson R Mc; M Martin
Original assignee: CUBIC IND CORP
Current assignee: Consolidated Micrographics Inc; CUBIC IND CORP
Priority date: 1972-04-26
Filing date: 1972-07-17
Publication date: 1974-08-27
Anticipated expiration: 1991-08-27
Also published as: FR2182529A5

Abstract

A selector mechanism for use in selecting an individual one from a plurality of cards and wherein each card has an individual code formed by openings through the card and notches extending from a back edge of the card and including a cassette for receiving and storing the plurality of cards adjacent to each other with the openings and notches aligned along parallel axis and including an open front for allowing forward movement of the cards in planes perpendicular to the parallel axis and with a table for supporting the cassette in a horizontal plane and with the forward movement of the cards in a horizontal direction and with a pin assembly including a plurality of pin members movable along vertical axes coextensive with the vertical axes of the aligned openings and notches of the cards and with the pin members movable in a vertical direction to have the pin members pass through at least one opening in all of the cards except one and with compressed air coupled to the cards for providing horizontal forward movement of the cards and with all of the cards except the one card restrained by the pin members from forward movement.

Description

United States Patent [191 Nelson et al.

[ SELECTOR MECHANISM INCLUDING CASSETTE STORAGE [75] Inventors: Alfred M. Nelson, Redondo Beach;

Robert G. McPherson; Maurice S. Martin, both of Palos Verdes Peninsula, all of Calif.

[73] Assignee: Cubic Industrial Corporation, San

Diego, Calif.

[22] Filed: July 17, 1972 [21] App]. No.: 272,192

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 247,805, April 26,.

1972, abandoned.

[52] US. Cl. 209/110.5

Deprez 209/1 10.5

[ Aug. 27, 1974 Primary Examiner--Richard A. Schacher Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Brown and Martin [57] ABSTRACT A selector mechanism for use in selecting an individual one from a plurality of cards and wherein each card has an individual code formed by openings through the card and notches extending from a back edge of the card and including a cassette for receiving and storing the plurality of cards adjacent to each other with the openings and notches aligned along parallel axis and including an open front for allowing forward movement of the cards in planes perpendicular to the parallel axis and with a table for supporting the cassette in a horizontal plane and with the forward movement of the cards in a horizontal direction and with a pin assembly including a plurality of pin members movable along vertical axes coextensive with the vertical axes of the aligned openings and notches of the cards and with the pin members movable in a vertical direction to have the pin members pass through at least one opening in all of the cards except one and with compressed air coupled to the cards for providing horizontal forward movement of the cards and with all of the cards except the one card restrained by the pin members from forward movement.

25 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PATfimEnmszmu v sum ear 5 This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 247,805 filed Apr. 26, 1972, and now abandoned. This application relates to a selector mechanism for use with a cassette storing a plurality of cards for selecting one of a plurality of microfiche cards from the cassette and for moving that card to a position so that the card may then be operated upon by a microfiche card reader for readout of an individual one of the frames on the microfiche card. Specifically, a card reader such as the type shown in application Ser. No. 219,103 filed Jan. 19, 1972, listing Alfred M. Nelson, Robert G. McPherson and Maurice S. Martin as inventors and assigned as the same assignee as the instant application, may be used in association with a selector mechanism of the present invention so as to provide for an automatic selection and readout of an individual one of the frames on a microfiche card.

It is common to provide for the storage of information on microfiche cards divided into a plurality of frames and wherein such cards provide storagein the individual ones of the frames of visual information such as drawings, pages of specifications, pages of books, etc. it is therefore possible to provide on a single card a considerable amount of information discretely arranged along rows and columns at the individual frame positions. The copending application referred to above provides for a card reader which when provided with an individual microfiche card provides for movement of the card to a reading station and specifically provides for movement of the card so as to provide for a readout of a particular one of the frames on the card at the reading station. This reading of individual ones of the frame on the card may be provided either manually or automatically by using the mechanism described in the copending application Ser. No. 219,103.

The present invention provides for a selector mechanism so that an individual one of a plurality of cards may be presented to the card reader. ln addition, the selector mechanism of the present invention provides for the selection of an individual one of a plurality of cards which are stored in a card cassette which cassette is designed for cooperation with the selector mechanism for selection of the individual cards. In addition, the cards are stored within the cassette so that the cards are protected within the cassette.

It is desirable to provide for the microfiche cards to be protected within the cassette so as to eliminate manual handling of the cards which could damage the cards or could provide for an optical deterioration of the cards. lt can be seen, therefore, that the microfiche cards may be maintained in groups contained in a plurality of cassettes so that an entire storage system may be provided wherein groups of cards are maintained in cassettes. Individual ones of the cards may be read by first choosing the cassetee containing the desired card and then inserting such cassette into the selector mechanism. The selector mechanism then automatically chooses the individual one of the card to be presented to the card reader and the card reader is used to choose the particular one of the frames on the card for readout.

The selector mechanism generally operates in the following manner. The cassette containing the desired one of the individual cards is inserted into the selector mechanism. The top cover and front wall of the cassette are integrally formed so that when the cover is lifted, the front of the cassette is exposed to allow for the removal of an individual one of the cards. The cover supports a weighted member hinged to the cover which weighted member rests on the top of the cards even when the cover is in the raised position. This weighted member provides for a constant pressure on the cards within the cassette no matter the number of cards. The individual cards include an edge coding formed by a series of holes and notches. Each one of the cards has a unique coding relative to the remaining ones of the cards.

The selector mechanism itself includes a plurality of pin members each one of which may be moved between two positions. The movement of the pins is solenoid controlled in accordance with a pre-selection such as through the use of a keyboard as shown in copending application Ser. No. 219,103. Once all of the pins are properlypositioned, the entire pin structure is moved upward to pass within the openings or notches at the edge of the cards. At the same time, the cover of the cassette is lifted to expose the front edge of the card. It can be seen, therefore, that by theappropriate coding of the cards and the proper positioning of the pins, all of the cards may be restrained from forward movement except one, and with that one particular card having the pins passing through only notches on the card.

The cassette includes openings at a rearward position to expose the back edges of the cards. Once the pin mechanism is set to secure all of the cards with the exception of the individually chosen card, then air may be supplied through these openings in the back of the eassette so as to displace the cards relative to each other in a vertical position and thereby provide for the free movement of the individually selected card in a horizontal position in accordance with the flow of air. This movement of the individually selected card in a horizontal direction out of the cassette may be facilitated by maintaining the air in a narrow stream and by displacing the entire cassette relative to this stream of air. The individually chosen card is now moved toa position extending from the front of the cassette so as to be in a forward position relative to the remaining cards in the cassette. The individually chosen card may now be grasped by a jaw assembly which may be of the type shown in copending application Ser. No. 219,103.

The apparatus of the present invention also includes specific structural improvements which are advantageous over the prior art and provide for particular ad vantages with the present invention. For example, the cassette includes at a top position a plurality of dummy cards and may also include a plurality of dummy cards in a bottom position. These dummy cards are to insure that when the stream of air is directed to the back edge of the cards, the boundary air impedance for the first few or the last few cards is not a factor in the selection of an individual one of the cards. In the replacement of a selected card, the replacement always occurs at a top position, so that there are no critical points in inserting the card into the cassette. Because of the use of a plurality of dummy cards at a top position, the metal weighted member referred to above includes a folded edge portion to capture these dummy cards at the for ward position. This insures that the replacement of a selected card is always the top position for the active cards within the cassette, while providing that the dummy cards do not enter into the selection process other than by providing for the elimination of the air boundary condition. The cassette also includes an interlock, which cooperates with the selector mechanism so that once the cover member of the cassette is lifted, it is impossible to eject the cassette from the selector mechanism.

The selector mechanism itself is simple in construction in providing for the movement of the pins between two positive positions which positions are controlled by stop members. The use of only two positions for the pin members-thereby eliminates difficulties which might occur with multiple positioning of the pin members. The pin members are normally biased in a first position and with the individual solenoid control providing for the movement of any of the pins to a second position so that the positioning of the pins is very simply accomplished by either energizing or not energizing the individual solenoids.

The selector mechanism of the present invention also includes a plurality of sensors which detect different positions for the various operating members in the apparatus of the present invention, and with the output of such sensors used to control the initiation of the various steps in the select and replace cycles for the individual card members.

A clearer understanding of the present invention will be had with reference to the following description and drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of the selector mechanism of the present invention and including a cassette in position for the selection of an individual one of a plurality of cards within the cassette;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of an interlock which prevents the removal of the cassette once the cover member of the cassette has been lifted and the pin assembly has been lifted;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the cassette in position within the selector mechanism and showing the exposure of the cards at the front position;

FIG. 4 illustrates the weighted metal member which rests on the cards to maintain the cards under constant pressure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cassette with the cover in a closed position;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cassette with the cover in an open position;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of a select and replace cycle for the selector mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of a system including a single nozzle for supplying air to the plurality of cards;

FIG. 9 is a detail of the nozzle used in the structure of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a modification of the flow diagram of FIG. 7 to improve the selection of an individual one of the plurality of cards.

In FIG. I an individual microfiche card 10 is shown in a position extending from the front portion of a cassette 12. The card 10 is also shown exploded in an upward position for clarity and it can be seen that the card includes a plurality of individual frames 14 which frames may contain visual information and with the frames arranged along rows and columns. The readout of the individual frames on the card 10, once the card 10 has been selected from within the cassette 12, may be accomplished using a card reader of the type disclosed in copending application Ser. No. 219,103 referred to above.

It can be seen in FIG. I that the back edge portion of the card 10 includes a plurality of openings 16 and notches l8 interspaced along a portion of the back edge. The card 10 shown in FIG. 1 shows an opening alternating with a notch at adjacent positions, but it is to be appreciated that by a proper positioning of openings and notches at selected positions along the back edge of the card, a particular code may be provided for each individual card so that each card has a code different from the other cards. In this way, a pin mechanism may be used which when passing through all of the cards provides for restraint of all of the cards but one since that particular card will have the pins only passing through notch positions.

The cassette 12 which contains a plurality of cards may be seen with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 through 6. The cassette 12 includes a tray member having bottom wall 20,

side walls

22 and 24, and a back wall 26. The front of the tray member is open to provide for re moval of the individual ones of the cards within the eassette. The back wall 26 includes a pair of

openings

28 and 30 which are used to provide access for a source of air to the back edges of the cards 10.

The cassette 12 includes a cover member 32, including an integral front wall 34 which cover member when in a closed position as shown in FIG. 5 provides for the closure of the front edge of the tray to thereby form a complete box enclosing the plurality of microfiche cards. The cover member 32 may be hinged using a spring ribbon 36 formed from a material such as berillium copper, which ribbon member 35 extends between the cover member 32 and a member 38 extending forward from and integral with the back wall member 26.

The plurality of microfiche cards 10 which are maintained in a downward position by a metal weight member 40 which is coupled to the cover member 32 through the use of flexible tape members 42. The weight member 40 includes a front edge portion 44 which is bent backwards so as to receive a plurality of dummy cards as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 at position 46. As can be seen in FIG. 6, even when the cover is in the up position, the weighted member 40 maintains the cards 10 under a constant pressure since the flexible tape members 42 allow the weighted member 40 to move downward against the plurality of cards 10. The front edge of the weighted member 40 is not only bent over to form the portion 44, but the portion 44 and the adjacent portion of the weighted member 40 are also bent upward so as to allow a replacement of a selected card into the cassette at a position between the portion 44 and the top card member in the group of cards 10. The use of the folded over portion 44 allows for the re taining of the dummy cards at position 46 within the cassette so that at the rearward position these dummy cards form part of the group of cards. The dummy cards alleviate a problem of failure of selection of one of the first few cards due to boundary air impedance. Since the dummy cards at the front portion of the cassette are held by the folded over portion 44, these dummy cards do not interfere with the replacement of selected cards to the top position.

The cassette 12 also includes a guide member 48 which is formed as a half round section, which guide member 48 cooperates with a slot or notch 50 in each card so as to insure that the cards 10 are properly positioned within the cassette 12 and to insure that the openings and

notches

16 and 18 are aligned with each other in the plurality of cards within the cassette 12. The guide member 48 also insures that the cards cannot be put into the cassette 12 in an upside-down positlon.

In order to maintain the cover 12 of the cassette closed, the cassette includes a spring member 60 which engages a portion 62 of the front cover. The spring is exposed by opening 64 in the side wall and opening 66 in the cover.

Turning now to the selector mechanism which re ceives the cassette 12 including the cards 10, the selctor mechanism includes a table l00 and the various elements of the selector mechanism are mounted on the table 100 so that the table may be moved in a vertical position and with the other elements of the selector mechanism moving with the table. Mounted on the table 100 but dropped down to a lower position for clarity in FIG. 1 is a pin selector mechanism 102 including a plurality of pin members 104 each of which may be moved between two pre-set positions as controlled by stop members 106. Each of the pins 104 passes through openings in arm members 108 and with each arm member mounted for rotation about pivot points 110. Although only two such arm members 108 are shown in H6. 1, it is to be appreciated that each pin member has associated with it such an arm member. The arm members 108, and therefore the pin members 104, are maintained in a preselected position by spring members 112 which extend from a block 114 and bear against the arm members 108 to provide for a clockwise rotation of the arm members 108 around the pivot points 110.

The position of the pin members 104 in either of its two possible positions is controlled by a plurality of solenoids 116. four of which are shown to the right of the pins and four of which are shown to the left of the pins. A plurality of wire members 118 extend from the solenoids 116 through openings 120 and are connected to the arm members 108 at appropriate positions relative to the pivot points 110 so to provide for counterclockwise rotation of the pin members 104 upon acti vation of the solenoids 116. The activation of the solenoids 116 may be controlled in accordance with a key select from a keyboard of the type shown in copending application Ser. No. 2 l 9, l 03 referred to above, or each solenoid could be directly controlled.

The cassette 12 is normally slid into the selector mechanism on the table 100 and with a channel member 122 riding in a groove 52 in the portion 38 of the cassette 12 so as to provide for a guiding of the cassette to the appropriate position. As the cassette 12 is being slid into position, the side wall 22 engages an arm member 124 to provide for a tensioning of a spring 126 which is coupled between the arm member 124 and an extension 128 of the channel member 122. The cas sette 12 is pushed against the arm 124 until a pawl member 130 drops into a slot 54 formed in the portion 38 of the cassette l2. T He pawl member 130 is an extension of an arm member 132 which is pivoted about position 124. This is more clearly shown with reference to FIG. 2, wherein it can be seen that pawl member 130 at the end of arm member 132 rotates about the pivot point 134. The pawl member 1130 is normally maintained in a counter-clockwise position by a spring member 136, which spring member is held at the end of a permanently affixed arm member 138.

When the cassette is slid in position, an arm 180 en- 7 gages the spring 60 through the

openings

64 and 66 to release the cover 12 so that the cover may be opened for selection of individual cards. When the cover is allowed to close and the cassette released, the spring member 60 will automatically latch the cover in position.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the cassette may be released through the use of a rotatable lever member which includes an inner portion 142 to engage the lower end of arm member 132. The arm member 140 is supported for rotation about a pivot point 144. It can be seen therefore that by depressing the lever 140, the portion 142 engages the arm 132 to thereby provide for clockwise rotation of the arm 132 and the pawl 130 to thereby release the pawl 130 from the slot 54. Since the spring 126 is in tension because of the cocking of the spring due to the movment of the arm 124, the arm 124 will eject the cassette 12 in a leftward direction as shown in FIG. 1.

To insure that the cassette 12 will not be accidentally ejected during the selector operation, an arm member 146 will be pivoted to the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the cover 32 of the cassette 12 is lifted. The arm member 146, when in the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, prevents the lower portion of the arm member 132 from rotating in a clockwise position, thereby preventing the release of the pawl 130 from the slot 54. The cover 32 is lifted in the upward position by an extension 148 of the arm member 146 and with the arm member 146 controlled by a. second pivoted arm member 150, which in turn is controlled through a wire 152 by a solenoid 154. The activation of the solenoid 154 therefore provides for a movement of the arm member 146 in an upward direction so that the portion 148 engages the cover member 32 and lifts the cover member to the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. In this upward position, the front edge of the cards 10 are exposed to allow for the selection of an individual one of the cards from the plurality of cards 10 and with a replacement of that selected card.

The solenoid 154 in addition to controlling the opening of the cover member 32, also provides for a movement of the pins 104 in the upward direction so as to pass through the appropriate opening 16 and notches 18 of the cards 10 and thereby select the appropriate one of the cards 10 to be moved 1111 a forward direction. Solenoid 154 controls the movement of the pins through the use of an arm member 156 which rotates in accordance with rotation of the solenoid 154 and with such rotation providing for upward movement of a support member 158. The support member 158 supports a slotted tube 160 and a rod member 164 which rod member receives the arm member 156. The pin member 104 includes ball ends 105 which ride in the slotted tube 160 for horizontal movement. The support member 158 is guided for vertical movement by extensions of the tube 160 which ride in slots 162.

The pin members 104 slide through the openingsin the arm members 108, and such arm members 108 therefore provide for a guiding of the pin members 104 as they are moved vertically in the upward direction. In

addition, the table 100 may include a plurality of openings 166 at all possibile locations for both openings and notches in the cards to provide for an additional guiding of the rod members 104. It can be seen therefore that activation of the solenoid 154 provides for vertical movement of the pins 104 in an upward direction so as to provide for selection of an individual one of the cards within the cassette and also provide for the openings of the cover of the cassette to allow the selected card to be horizontally moved to a forward position for readout.

In order to provide for the horizontal movement of the selected card to the forward position, a pair of pipes 168 conduct compressed air to nozzles 170 which nozzles are

adjacent openings

28 and 30 in the rear wall of the cassette. The nozzles 170 direct the compressed air with sufficient force in a restricted area so as to vertically spread the cards relative to each other and so that the selected card, which is not restricted by any of the pins 104, may be moved forward by the air to a position where the card extends from the group of cards 10. The pipes 168 are maintained in a stationary position and the table 100 supporting all of the elements of the selector mechanism and the cassette is moved in a vertical direction through the use of a motor 172 shown in FIG. 3. As the table 100 is moved in the vertical direction, the air from the nozzles 170 provides for the spreading apart of the cards and when the appropriate selected card is reached, that card moves forward due to the force of the air. As explained above, a plurality of dummy cards may be provided at the top and bottom of the pile so that the boundary condition of the top and bottom where there is a change in air impedance occurs with relation to the dummy cards. Because of this boundary condition, it might be difficult to provide movement of the first few cards at the top or bottom of the group of cards.

It is also noted that the

openings

28 and 30 are located to the side of the notch positions since the notches disturb the air fiow which may effect reliability of card selection.

In order to provide for the-cycling of the selection of a particular one of the cards 10 within the cassette l2 and to provide for the replacement of the selected card, a number of sensors are positioned to detect the movement of particular members within the mechanism during the operation of the selector mechanism. For example, a pair of

microswitch sensors

200 and 202 provide output signals representative of the position of the table 100 either at a bottom position, as detected by sensor 202, or at a top position, as detected by sensor 200, which positions are known as table down and table up". A microswitch sensor 204 is positioned above arm 156 so as to detect when the pin members 104 are in the up position. Finally, a light sensitive detector including a source of light 206 and a photodetector 208, are used to detect the presence or absence of a card 10 in th sense position.

Turning now to FIG. 7, a How diagram of the operation of the selector mechanism of the present invention in combination with the cassette is shown. In FIG. 7, it is assumed that a cassette, including a desired microfiche has been inserted into the selector mechanism and is latched in position by the use of the pawl member 130. At that time, a keyboard input would be provided to key in the appropriate one of the individual microfiche cards in the cassette. This keyboard would be of the type shown in the above-mentioned copending application Ser. No. 219,103, and would be used essentially to select appropriate ones of the solenoids 116. As indicated above, the keyboard setting may be eliminated and the selector pins 104 may be set by directly activating appropriate ones of the solenoids 116 for selection of a desired one of the microfiche cards.

The keyboard as shown in the copending application also normally includes a key which would be used to control the actual selection process. Once the selecting process is activated, as shown by step 256, then the mechanism of FIGS. 1 through 6 is set in operation. First the pins 104 and the lid 32 of the cassette 12 are lifted as shown by step 258. This happens very rapidly and when the pins are in the upposition, this is detected by sensor 204 as shown by step 260. Once the pins are in the up position, the air is turned on as shown by step 262 so as to supply air through the pipes 168 and from the nozzles 170 towards the

openings

28 and 30 in the back wall of the cassette so as to direct air to the back edges of the cards 10.

At the same time that the pins 104 are lifted, the movement of the table is started as shown by 264. The air is turned on very shortly after the movement of the table is started and the air is turned on before the table has reached the position where the nozzles 170 is directing air to the cards 10. As the table is moved up and with the air directed to the back of the cards, the cards are separated by the air but are restrained from forward movement by one or more of the pins 104 passing through one or more openings 16 in all of the cards in the group except for the selected card. With that particular selected card, the pins pass only through notches 18 so that when the table reaches the position where the air is directed toward that particular card, that card is separated from the surrounding cards and is moved forward under the guidance of the stream of air.

The selected card will therefore be moved to a forward position as shown in FIG. 1, extending from the face of the cassette 12 and intercepting the beam of light supplied by the light source 206. The edge of the selected card 208 reflects this light back towards the photodetector 208 to provide for a sensing of the pressure of the card as shown by the sense/select step 266. When the selected card is sensed, the table is stopped as shown by step 268. When no card is sensed and when the table reaches the top position as shown by step 270, which top position is detected by detector 200, when the pins and the lid are both dropped as shown by step 272. If a card is sensed and the table is stopped, then a jaw mechanism in the card readout which may be of the type shown in the copending application Serial No. 219,103 referred to above, grasps the card and pulls it clear of the cassette. The removal of the card is shown by step 274 and the detection of this removal may be provided by the photodetector 108 no longer receiving light, or by some other sensor in the card reader. The sensing of the removal of the card is used to provide an input to an OR gate 276. In addition, the sensing of the table at the top position is used to provide an input to the gate 276. Prior to the table reaching the top position, an OR gate 278 receives inputs representing the table having started up but not having reached the top position. The output of the gate 278 maintains the sensing of the selection of the card as shown by step 266.

The output from the gate 276 is used to control the table starting down as shown by step 280 and also the turning off the air as shown by step 282. When the table has reached the down position, as shown by step 283, and as detected by detector 202, then the table is stopped as shown by step 284. This would be the completion of the select cycle. It can be seen therefore that the select cycle may reach the last step 284 in two ways. In the first way, a fiche has been selected and is pulled clear. In the second way. a fiche was not selected but where the table is returned to the bottom position so that the select cycle may be reactivated. This would occur ifa number is keyed and there was no card in the cassette with that code.

Assuming that a fiche has been selected and has been read out, a key on the keyboard would then be pushed to activate the replacment of this fiche. This is shown by step 286. The fiche would be replaced in the topmost position in the cassette by the card reader and such replacement would be sensed by the photodetector 208. as shown by step 288. At that time, the pins and lid would be dropped as shown by step 290, so that.

the cassette 12 may now be ejected from the selector mechanism by activating the arm 140 shown in FIG. 2. When the cover I2 is closed, it swings in an are so that if any card is not fully replaced, the cover will push the card back into the cassette.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative system for supplying air to the back of the cards for selecting an individual one of the plurality of cards in accordace with the operation of the pin selector mechanism. The structure of the system is similar to that shown in FIG. I and the same reference numbers will be used for similar elements. The main difference between the structure of FIG. 8 and that of FIG. 1 is that in the structure of FIG. 8 a single air nozzle 300 is used to direct air through a central opening 362, which nozzle 300 has a novel configuration. and with the coded area at the back edge of the cards 10 separated into two sections located on either side of a central portion 304. The individual pins of the pin assembly of FIG. 1 is positioned to correspond to the position of the openings 16 and notches 18 of the card 10 shown in FIG. 8.

The use ofa single nozzle 300 enhances the selection ofthe selected card 10 since the air flow from the single nozzle 300 operates against all of the cards in turn. regardless of any curl in the cards. This curl may occur from one side of a card to the other side so that an individual card could be higher at one side relative to the other side. A two-nozzle system may therefore produce unequal forces on the selected card to prevent the forward movement of the selected card.

The system of FIG. 8 also includes a nozzle having a novel configuration as shown in FIG. 9 to provide a more even flow of air to the cards. Specifically, the air flow from the nozzle of FIG. 9 is more nearly parallel rather than fanning outwardly. This parallel air flow provides for efficient separation of the cards as the cards 10 are moved relative to the nozzle 300 and for positive forward movement of the selected card.

The structure of the nozzle 300 includes a tubular portion 306 and a llatttened section 308 leading to two separated flat members 310 and 312 having open sides. The nozzle 300 may be formed from a continuous tubular member by flattening and slitting the end portion LII and separating the slit flattened members to the configuration shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 illustrates an addition to the flow chart of FIG. 7 which insures that the selected card will remain in the center of the stream of air until the air is turned off. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, after the selected card is sensed, as shown by step 266, snd the table is stopped, as shown by step 268, the table is jogged downward a short distance, as shown by step 292. The jogging of the table downward a short distance corrects for overshoot of the table after the sense select step 266. The particular distance of the downward jog depends on the physical constraints of the system. but the distance is adjusted to position the selected card in the middle of the stream ofair to insure the proper clearing of the selectedcard as shown by the fiche clear step 274. The remaining portion of the flow chart would be substantially identical to that shown in FIG. 7.

It can be seen, therefore, that the present invention provides for a selector mechanism which cooperates with a cassette so as to provide for the storage of a plurality of microfiche cards within the cassette so that the cards need not be individually handled and with the se lector mechanism providing for a selection of an individual one of the cards from the cassette. The cassette uniquely cooperates with the selector mechanism in receiving a plurality of pin members which pass either through openings or notches in individual ones of the cards. The pins are positioned to a desired code position to provide for the selection of a card having that particular code. The actual selection is accomplished through the use of a flow of air toward the back of the cards so as to displace the cards relative to each other and with all the cards except one held in position by pin members, so that one particular card would be displaced in a forward position to protrude from the face of the pack of cards. The selector mechanism includes an interlock to prevent the cassette from being ejected when a card has been selected or is in the process of being selected. Once the selected card is replaced, or if no card is selected, then the cassette may be easily ejected from the selector mechanism. The present invention. therefore, provides for a unique way for storing microfiche cards in the cassette and with the cassette cooperating with a selector mechanism so as to provide for the selection of individual ones from the cassette. Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment, it is to be appreciated that various adaptatios and modifications may be made and the invention is only to be limited by the appended claims.

We claim:

I. A selector mechanism for use in selecting an individual one from a plurality of cards and wherein each card has an individual edge code of adjacent openings and notches, including:

first means for supporting the plurality of cards in a horizontal position and with the coded edge-portions and the openings and notches of the individual cards aligned along vertical axis,

a plurality of pin members supported adjacent to each other and to the coded edge portions of the plurality of cards and with each pin member movable between at least two preset positions and with each pin member at all preset positions located along one of the vertical axis,

second means coupled to the individual pin members to preset positions corresponding to all notch positions for the edge code of one of the cards in the plurality,

third means coupled to the plurality of pin members for providing movement of the pin members along the vertical axes and to extend through the openings and notches of all the cards,

fourth means coupled to the plurality of cards for providing individual movement of the cards in a horizontal direction and with all of the cards except the one card having all notch positions for the pin members restrained from such movement in the horizontal direction by the pin members,

said pin members being movable between two preset positions with stop members to control the preset positions, and

the ends of the pin members form balls and additionally including a slotted tube for receiving the ball ends to allow the pin membersto move freely be tween the preset positions while providing a positive bidirectional translation of the pins as a group in a direction orthogonal to the free direction.

2. A selector mechanism for use in selecting an indi vidual one from a plurality of cards and wherein each card has an individual edge code of adjacent openings and notches, including:

first means for supporting the plurality of cards in a horizontal position and with the coded edge portions and the openings and notches of the individual cards aligned along vertical axes,

a plurality of pin members supported adjacent to each other and to the coded edge portions of the plurality of cards and with each pin member moveable between at least two preset positions and with each pin member at all preset positions located along one of the vertical axis,

second means coupled to the individual pin members to preset positions corresponding to all notch positions for the edge core of one of the cards in the plurality.

third means coupled to the plurality of pin members for providing movement of the pin members along the vertical axes and to extend through the openings and notches of all of the cards,

fourth means coupled to the plurality of cards for providing individual movement of the cards in a horizontal direction and with all ofthe cards except the one card having all notch positions for the pin members restrained from such movement in the horizontal direction by the pin members,-

the plurality of cards is stored in a cassette and the cassette is inserted into and supported by the first means, and

the cassette includes a cover member having a front face covering the forward edges of the plurality of cards and additionally including means for opening the hinged cover to expose the forward edges of the cards and to allow the horizontal movement of the selected one of the cards to have the selected one of the cards extend from the plurality of cards.

3. The selector mechanism of claim 2 which the cassette includes a latching mechanism for latching the cover in a closed position and wherein the first means includes means for unlatching the latching mechanism when the cassette is inserted into and supported by the first means.

1. The selector mechanism of claim 2 additionally including a latching mechanism for latching the cassette in a desired position for selection of the cards and additionally including an interlock to prevent unlatching when the cover member is opened to expose the forward edges of the cards.

5. A selector mechanism for use in selecting an individual one from a plurality of cards and wherein each card has an individual edge code of adjacent openings and notches, including:

the cassette includes a weight member lying on top of the plurality of cards to provide a constant downward pressure on the group of cards.

6. The selector mechanism of claim 5 wherein the ,weight member includes a forward folded over portion to receive a plurality ofdummy cards to provide a sepa ration of the dummy cards from the plurality of cards at the forward portion but with the dummy cards forming part of the plurality of cards at the rearward portion.

7. The selector mechanism of claim 5 wherein the weight member is coupled by flexible tape members to a hinged cover member in the cassette to provide for the weight member lying on the plurality of cards when the hinged cover member is open.

8. A selector mechanism for use in selecting an individual one from a plurality of cards and wherein each card has an individual code formed by openings through the card and notches extending from a back edge of the card, including:

a cassette for receiving and storing the plurality of cards adjacent to each other with the openings and notches aligned along parallel axis and including an open front for allowing forward movement of the cards in planes perpendicular to the parallel axis,

first means for supporting the cassette in a horizontal plane and with the forward movement of the cards in a horizontal direction,

second means including a plurality of pin members moveable along vertical axis coextensive with the vertical axes of the aligned openings and notches of the cards,

third means coupled to the second means for providing vertical movement of at least some of the pin members to have the pin members pass through at least one opening in all of the cards except one,

fourth means coupled to the cards for providing hori zontal forward movement of the cards and with all of the cards except one card restrained for forward movement by at least one of the pin members, and

each pin member is also movable in a horizontal direction between two preset positions and with step members to control the preset positions.

9. The selector mechanism of claim 8 wherein the end of the pin members form balls and additionally including a slotted tube for receiving the ball ends to guide thepin members between the preset positions.

10. A selector mechanism for use in selecting an indi vidual one from a plurality of cards and wherein each card has an individual code formed by openings through the card and notches extending from a back edge of the card, including:

second means including a plurality of pin members movable along vertical axis coextensive with the vertical of the aligned openings and notches of the cards, third means coupled to the second means for providing vertical movement of at least some of the pin members to have the pin members pass through at least one opening in all of the cards except one,

fourth means coupled to the cards for providing horizontal forward movement of the cards and with all of the cards except the one card restrained for forward movement by at least one ofthe pin members, and

the cassette includes a hinged cover member having a front face covering the open front and additionally including means for opening the hinged cover to expose the forward edges of the cards and to allow the horizontal movement of the selected one of the cards to have the selected one of the cards extend from the plurality of cards.

ll. The selector mechanism of claim 10 wherein the cassette includes a latching mechanism for latching the cover in a closed position and wherein the first means includes means for unlatching the latching mechanism when the cassette is inserted into and supported by the first means.

12. The selector mechanism of claim 10 additionally including a latching mechanism for latching the eassette in a desired position for selection of the cards and additionally including an interlock'to prevent unlatching when the cover member is opened to expose the forward edges of the cards.

13. A selector mechanism for use in selecting an individual one from a plurality of cards and wherein each card has an individual code formed by openings through the card and notches extending from a back edge of the card, including:

second means including a plurality of pin members movable along vertical axis coextensive with the vertical axes of the aligned openings and notches of the cards,

fourth means coupled to the cards for providing horizontal forward movement of the cards and with all of the cards except the one card restrained for forward movement by at least one of the pin members, and

14. The selector mechanism of claim 13 wherein the weight member includes a forward folded over portion to receive a plurality of dummy cards to provide a separation of the dummy cards from the plurality of cards at the forward position but with the dummy cards forming part of the plurality of cards at the rearward portion.

15. The selector mechanism of claim 13 wherein the weight member is coupled by flexible tape members to a hinged cover member in the cassette to provide for the weight member lying on the plurality of cards when the hinged cover member is open.

16. A sslector mechanism for use in selecting an individual one from a plurality of cards and wherein each card has an individual edge code of adjacent openings and notches, including:

third means coupled to the plurality of pin members for providing movement of the pin members along the vertical axis and to extend through the openings and notches of all of the cards,

fourth means, including a stream of gas, coupled to the plurality of cards for providing individual movement of the cards in a horizontal direction and with all of the cards except the one card having all notch positions for the pin members restrained from such movement in the horizontal direction by the pin members,

the stream of gas is concentrated by a nozzle and the nozzle and plurality of cards are moved relative to each other in a vertical direction to provide the stream of gas along the entire plurality of cards, and

the relative vertical movement between the nozzle and the cards is stopped when the selected card is moved in a horizontal direction and with a short reversal of the vertical movement to insure the se lected card in the center of the stream of gas.

17. A selector mechanism for use in selecting an individual one from a plurality of cards and wherein each card has an individual code formed by openings through the card and notches extending from a back edge of the card, including:

second means including a plurality of pin members movable along vertical axis coextensive with the vertical axes ofthe aligned openings and notches of the cards,

fourth means coupled to the cards for providing horizontal forward movement of the cards and with all of the cards except the one card restrained for forward movement by at least one ofthe pin members,

the fourth means includes a stream of gas directed to the plurality of cards to separate the individual cards and to provide horizonal movement of the cards, a

the relative vertical movement between the nozzle and the cards is stopped when the selected card is moved in a horizontal direction and with a short reversal of the vertical movement to insure the selected card in the center of the stream of gas.

18. A cassette for receiving and storing a plurality of cards wherein each card has an individual code formed by openings through the card and notches extending from a back edge of the card and with the cassette for use with a selector mechanism including a pin assembly having pin members extending through the openings and notches to restrain the movement of all of the cards except one in accordance with the pattern of the pins, including:

a tray portion including a bottom member, side walls and a back wall for restraining movement of the cards in all directions except forward,

a cover member hinged to the tray portion and including a front wall to restrain movement of the cards in the forward direction when the cover is closed and to allow movement of the cards in the forward direction when the cover is open, and

at least one opening in the bottom member to allow access to the cards for the pin assembly.

19. The cassette of claim 18 including a guide member for cooperating with a guide in the selector mechanism to provide guiding of the cassette into the selector mechanism.

20. The cassette of claim 19 wherein the guide member is a slot formed in one of the walls of the cassette.

21. The cassette of claim 18 including a catch member for cooperating with a latch in the selector mechanism to latch the cassette within position in the selector mechanism.

22. The cassette of claim 18 including a latching mechanism to latch the cover in a closed position and within the latching mechanism cooperating with an arm in the selector mechanism to unlatch the cover when the cassette is in position in the selector mechanism.

23. The cassette of claim 18 wherein the cassette includes a weight member lying on top of the plurality of cards to provide a constant downward pressure on the group of cards.

24. The cassette of claim 23 wherein the weight member includes a forward folded over portion to receive a plurality of dummy cards to provide a separation of the dummy cards from the plurality of cards at the forward portion but with the dummy cards forming part of the plurality of cards at the rearward portion.

25. The cassette of claim 23 wherein the weight member is coupled by flexible tape members to the hinged cover member in the cassette to provide for the weight member lying on the plurality of cards when the hinged cover member is open.

* l l l

Claims

1. A selector mechanism for use in selecting an individual one from a plurality of cards and wherein each card has an individual edge code of adjacent openings and notches, including: first means for supporting the plurality of cards in a horizontal position and with the coded edge portions and the openings and notches of the individual cards aligned along vertical axis, a plurality of pin membErs supported adjacent to each other and to the coded edge portions of the plurality of cards and with each pin member movable between at least two preset positions and with each pin member at all preset positions located along one of the vertical axis, second means coupled to the individual pin members to preset positions corresponding to all notch positions for the edge code of one of the cards in the plurality, third means coupled to the plurality of pin members for providing movement of the pin members along the vertical axes and to extend through the openings and notches of all the cards, fourth means coupled to the plurality of cards for providing individual movement of the cards in a horizontal direction and with all of the cards except the one card having all notch positions for the pin members restrained from such movement in the horizontal direction by the pin members, said pin members being movable between two preset positions with stop members to control the preset positions, and the ends of the pin members form balls and additionally including a slotted tube for receiving the ball ends to allow the pin members to move freely between the preset positions while providing a positive bidirectional translation of the pins as a group in a direction orthogonal to the free direction.

2. A selector mechanism for use in selecting an individual one from a plurality of cards and wherein each card has an individual edge code of adjacent openings and notches, including: first means for supporting the plurality of cards in a horizontal position and with the coded edge portions and the openings and notches of the individual cards aligned along vertical axes, a plurality of pin members supported adjacent to each other and to the coded edge portions of the plurality of cards and with each pin member moveable between at least two preset positions and with each pin member at all preset positions located along one of the vertical axis, second means coupled to the individual pin members to preset positions corresponding to all notch positions for the edge core of one of the cards in the plurality, third means coupled to the plurality of pin members for providing movement of the pin members along the vertical axes and to extend through the openings and notches of all of the cards, fourth means coupled to the plurality of cards for providing individual movement of the cards in a horizontal direction and with all of the cards except the one card having all notch positions for the pin members restrained from such movement in the horizontal direction by the pin members, the plurality of cards is stored in a cassette and the cassette is inserted into and supported by the first means, and the cassette includes a cover member having a front face covering the forward edges of the plurality of cards and additionally including means for opening the hinged cover to expose the forward edges of the cards and to allow the horizontal movement of the selected one of the cards to have the selected one of the cards extend from the plurality of cards.

4. The selector mechanism of claim 2 additionally including a latching mechanism for latching the cassette in a desired position for selection of the cards and additionally including an interlock to prevent unlatching when the cover member is opened to expose the forward edges of the cards.

5. A selector mechanism for use in selecting an individual one from a plurality of cards and wherein each card has an individual edge code of adjacent openings and notches, including: first means for supporting the plurality of cards in a horizontal position and with the coded edge portions and the openings and notches Of the individual cards aligned along vertical axes, a plurality of pin members supported adjacent to each other and to the coded edge portions of the plurality of cards and with each pin member movable between at least two preset positions and with each pin member at all preset positions located along one of the vertical axis, second means coupled to the individual pin members to preset positions corresponding to all notch positions for the edge code of one of the cards in the plurality, third means coupled to the plurality of pin members for providing movement of the pin members along the vertical axes and to extend through the openings and notches of all of the cards, fourth means coupled to the plurality of cards for providing individual movement of the cards in a horizontal direction and with all of the cards except the one card having all notch positions for the pin members restrained from such movement in the horizontal direction by the pin members, the plurality of cards is stored in a cassette and the cassette is inserted into and supported by the first means, and the cassette includes a weight member lying on top of the plurality of cards to provide a constant downward pressure on the group of cards.

6. The selector mechanism of claim 5 wherein the weight member includes a forward folded over portion to receive a plurality of dummy cards to provide a separation of the dummy cards from the plurality of cards at the forward portion but with the dummy cards forming part of the plurality of cards at the rearward portion.

8. A selector mechanism for use in selecting an individual one from a plurality of cards and wherein each card has an individual code formed by openings through the card and notches extending from a back edge of the card, including: a cassette for receiving and storing the plurality of cards adjacent to each other with the openings and notches aligned along parallel axis and including an open front for allowing forward movement of the cards in planes perpendicular to the parallel axis, first means for supporting the cassette in a horizontal plane and with the forward movement of the cards in a horizontal direction, second means including a plurality of pin members moveable along vertical axis coextensive with the vertical axes of the aligned openings and notches of the cards, third means coupled to the second means for providing vertical movement of at least some of the pin members to have the pin members pass through at least one opening in all of the cards except one, fourth means coupled to the cards for providing horizontal forward movement of the cards and with all of the cards except one card restrained for forward movement by at least one of the pin members, and each pin member is also movable in a horizontal direction between two preset positions and with step members to control the preset positions.

9. The selector mechanism of claim 8 wherein the end of the pin members form balls and additionally including a slotted tube for receiving the ball ends to guide the pin members between the preset positions.

10. A selector mechanism for use in selecting an individual one from a plurality of cards and wherein each card has an individual code formed by openings through the card and notches extending from a back edge of the card, including: a cassette for receiving and storing the plurality of cards adjacent to each other with the openings and notches aligned along parallel axis and including an open front for allowing forward movement of the cards in planes perpendicular to the parallel axis, first means for supporting the cassette in a horizontal plane and with the forward movement of the cards in a horizontal direction, sEcond means including a plurality of pin members movable along vertical axis coextensive with the vertical axes of the aligned openings and notches of the cards, third means coupled to the second means for providing vertical movement of at least some of the pin members to have the pin members pass through at least one opening in all of the cards except one, fourth means coupled to the cards for providing horizontal forward movement of the cards and with all of the cards except the one card restrained for forward movement by at least one of the pin members, and the cassette includes a hinged cover member having a front face covering the open front and additionally including means for opening the hinged cover to expose the forward edges of the cards and to allow the horizontal movement of the selected one of the cards to have the selected one of the cards extend from the plurality of cards.

11. The selector mechanism of claim 10 wherein the cassette includes a latching mechanism for latching the cover in a closed position and wherein the first means includes means for unlatching the latching mechanism when the cassette is inserted into and supported by the first means.

12. The selector mechanism of claim 10 additionally including a latching mechanism for latching the cassette in a desired position for selection of the cards and additionally including an interlock to prevent unlatching when the cover member is opened to expose the forward edges of the cards.

13. A selector mechanism for use in selecting an individual one from a plurality of cards and wherein each card has an individual code formed by openings through the card and notches extending from a back edge of the card, including: a cassette for receiving and storing the plurality of cards adjacent to each other with the openings and notches aligned along parallel axis and including an open front for allowing forward movement of the cards in planes perpendicular to the parallel axis, first means for supporting the cassette in a horizontal plane and with the forward movement of the cards in a horizontal direction, second means including a plurality of pin members movable along vertical axis coextensive with the vertical axes of the aligned openings and notches of the cards, third means coupled to the second means for providing vertical movement of at least some of the pin members to have the pin members pass through at least one opening in all of the cards except one, fourth means coupled to the cards for providing horizontal forward movement of the cards and with all of the cards except the one card restrained for forward movement by at least one of the pin members, and the cassette includes a weight member lying on top of the plurality of cards to provide a constant downward pressure on the group of cards.

16. A sslector mechanism for use in selecting an individual one from a plurality of cards and wherein each card has an individual edge code of adjacent openings and notches, including: first means for supporting the plurality of cards in a horizontal position and with the coded edge portions and the openings and notches of the individual cards aligned along vertical axes, a plurality of pin members supported adjacent to each other and to the coded edge portions of the plurality of cards and with each pin member movable between at least two preset positions and with each pin member at all preseT positions located along one of the vertical axis, second means coupled to the individual pin members to preset positions corresponding to all notch positions for the edge code of one of the cards in the plurality, third means coupled to the plurality of pin members for providing movement of the pin members along the vertical axis and to extend through the openings and notches of all of the cards, fourth means, including a stream of gas, coupled to the plurality of cards for providing individual movement of the cards in a horizontal direction and with all of the cards except the one card having all notch positions for the pin members restrained from such movement in the horizontal direction by the pin members, the stream of gas is concentrated by a nozzle and the nozzle and plurality of cards are moved relative to each other in a vertical direction to provide the stream of gas along the entire plurality of cards, and the relative vertical movement between the nozzle and the cards is stopped when the selected card is moved in a horizontal direction and with a short reversal of the vertical movement to insure the selected card in the center of the stream of gas.

17. A selector mechanism for use in selecting an individual one from a plurality of cards and wherein each card has an individual code formed by openings through the card and notches extending from a back edge of the card, including: a cassette for receiving and storing the plurality of cards adjacent to each other with the openings and notches aligned along parallel axis and including an open front for allowing forward movement of the cards in planes perpendicular to the parallel axis, first means for supporting the cassette in a horizontal plane and with the forward movement of the cards in a horizontal direction, second means including a plurality of pin members movable along vertical axis coextensive with the vertical axes of the aligned openings and notches of the cards, third means coupled to the second means for providing vertical movement of at least some of the pin members to have the pin members pass through at least one opening in all of the cards except one, fourth means coupled to the cards for providing horizontal forward movement of the cards and with all of the cards except the one card restrained for forward movement by at least one of the pin members, the fourth means includes a stream of gas directed to the plurality of cards to separate the individual cards and to provide horizonal movement of the cards, the stream of gas is concentrated by a nozzle and the nozzle and plurality of cards are moved relative to each other in a vertical direction to provide the stream of gas along the entire plurality of cards, and the relative vertical movement between the nozzle and the cards is stopped when the selected card is moved in a horizontal direction and with a short reversal of the vertical movement to insure the selected card in the center of the stream of gas.

18. A cassette for receiving and storing a plurality of cards wherein each card has an individual code formed by openings through the card and notches extending from a back edge of the card and with the cassette for use with a selector mechanism including a pin assembly having pin members extending through the openings and notches to restrain the movement of all of the cards except one in accordance with the pattern of the pins, including: a tray portion including a bottom member, side walls and a back wall for restraining movement of the cards in all directions except forward, a cover member hinged to the tray portion and including a front wall to restrain movement of the cards in the forward direction when the cover is closed and to allow movement of the cards in the forward direction when the cover is open, and at least one opening in the bottom member to allow access to the cards for the pin assembly.