Full field MICR encoder

A check encoder apparatus for receiving, transporting, and encoding checks, said encoder apparatus being electronically controlled by programmed instructions, and comprising:

• a check guide having a base portion and an upwardly directed opening for feeding a check into said guide, whereby said check is fed into said guide from a position substantially above said guide;
• means for sensing the position of said check after said check has been fed through said opening;
• means for gripping said check, said gripping means being operatively positioned substantially between said feed opening and said base portion, wherein said gripping means is characterized in that said gripping means is operable between an open and a gripping condition, said gripping means being in an open condition when said check is fed into said guide, said gripping means being operatively connected to said sensing means, wherein said gripping means grips said check in response to a signal from said sensing means indicating that said check is properly seated adjacent said guide base portion, and further, said gripping means including
• two-way drive means for moving said check to a predetermined base position, wherein such position is identified by said sensing means, and after such identification, said two-way drive means is operable to move said check from said base position a preselected distance right or left along said guide base portion, in accordance with electronically programmed check position instructions, and wherein said two-way drive means of said gripping means further includes a fixed roller assembly having at least one roller drivingly connected to a reversible motor, and wherein said gripping means further includes a movable roller assembly having at least one roller, said movable roller assembly being mounted to said check encoder apparatus for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, so that when said gripping means is in said gripping condition said movable roller is substantially adjacent said fixed roller to grip said check therebetween, and wherein when said gripping means is in said open condition said movable roller is in a position pivoted away from said fixed roller, to permit said check to be fed into said check guide;
• and
• means for encoding said check after said check has been moved said preselected distance.