Magnetic encoding device for cards

An encoding and reading apparatus for use with cards having a magnetic stripe, inputting and delivering cards from the apparatus through a card slot, comprising:

• a framework defining a card transport path;
• card feeding means engaging a card at a single point along the card transport path so that upon insertion into the card transport path, the card feeding means passes the card over an encoding head and returns the card past the encoding head and delivers the card through the slot;
• card stopping means at an end of the card transport path opposite the card slot, preventing the card from disengaging the card feeding means;
• side positioning means, resiliently biasing the card so that the magnetic stripe passes over the encoding head correctly aligned, wherein the side positioning means comprises first and second resilient members extending along a first edge of the card transport path, wherein each side member extends along a substantial portion of the edge of the card so that the card is supported along its edge, and wherein the first and second members are spaced equally about the card feeding means, wherein reach resilient member has a rail portion extending along the card transport path, the first member positioned along the transport path intermediate the insertion point and the card feeding means, the second member positioned along the card transport path intermediate the card feeding means and the card stopping means;
• so that the card is continually supported along a substantial portion of its edge by a resilient member or supported at its corners by both resilient members during encoding;
• encoding means in communication with an idler roller engaging the card at the encoding means, the idler roller engaging a face of the card having the magnetic stripe so that if the card does not advance, the idler roller and the encoder do not rotate, thereby providing for encoding by position, wherein the encoding means is positioned at a point along the card transport path substantially even with the card feeding means;
• and
• reversible drive means directly driving the card feeding means for inputting cards and delivering cards from the encoding apparatus along the card transport path.

A method for encoding a plurality of densities of information onto magnetic strip of a card with an encoding apparatus having an idler roller in rotating contact with the card, the diameter of the idler roller sized in conformance with the resolution of encoding means, the idler roller coupled to the encoding means, comprising the steps of:

• passing electric pulses from the encoding means through circuit means to obtain an output waveform having pulses corresponding to the densities of information;
• counting the pulses of the output waveform to obtain a recording density corresponding to a first density;
• counting the pulses at the output waveform to obtain a recording density to a second density;
• and
• encoding the information at the corresponding magnetic densities at a position proximate the idler roller;
• wherein the encoding is by position, encoding as the idler roller rotates with the card, and wherein the card is supported by resilient side rail members while encoded.