Magnet Actuated Mechanism For Use With Card Having Magnetic Areas

Abstract

A magnetic actuated switch for use with a data card having a number of magnetic areas arranged in characteristic pattern. The switch includes a slot into which the card can be inserted so that its magnetic elements are in juxtaposition with vertically oriented reed switches which are also arranged in the same characteristic pattern as its elements. One contact of the reed switch is magnetized in accordance with the polarity of the data card's magnetic areas and the other contact is magnetized in accordance with the polarity of a fixed magnetic biasing means included in the switch. The reed switch is closed if the two appropriate polarities are opposite each other. The switches can be connected in any suitable matrix pattern such as for binary coded decimal readout for reading data on the card or for the operation of a device such as a relay or door lock. Alternatively a dual coded card may be used where one code is read by a matrix of switches and the other code performs an unlocking function by means of an associated magnetically operated mechanism.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a magnet actuated switch for controlling an electrical circuit and more specifically pertains to a switch for use with a card having magnetic areas arranged in a predetermined code pattern.

One type of switch as above is disclosed in copending application, Ser. No. 592,006, filed Nov. 4, 1966, in the name of Bruce S. Sedley, entitled Magnetically Operated Mechanism and Magnetic Card.

In the past, card actuated magnetic switches have required complex mechanisms which have been unreliable and costly. Part of the difficulty in providing a good switch of this type in that the magnetic strength of the elements or areas on the card is relatively low. Thus some mechanisms have included additional amplification, thereby adding to costs and increasing the complexity of the apparatus.

The magnetic actuated switch or card reader device of the present invention may be used for the following:

A. To provide direct address to computers which, after determining that the card contains the proper information, will dispense information to the party holding the card.

B. Access control; to allow access to restricted areas to persons holding a correctly coded card and transmitting data consisting of card number and location of card reader to a recording unit or telephone line circuit.

C. Time and attendance; to replace the conventional time clock and to read employees card numbers when entering or leaving work and to transmit that information for accounting information.

D. Job accounting; used in conjunction with a second reader to provide daily records of time spent on specific jobs. The employees card and the card representing the job number are presented to their respective readers together and the combined information transmitted for accounting use.

E. To provide instant credit verification; transmitting data from a customers credit card to a central point for look-up and reporting back to the reading terminal the state of the customers account.

F. To provide billing information at the time of purchase; customer card data plus sales total transmitted to a central point consumates the sale by debiting the customers account instantly.

g. Admission systems; data on card transmitted by reader determines whether the card holder is entitled to gain admission to athletic, theatrical or other events where the purchase of the card represents a ticket sale.

h. A variation of (g) above in transit systems where the card reader replaces the toll collector at bridges, tollways, rapid transit systems, etc.

i. Telemetering, operating remote controls.

j. Automatic telephone dialing and credit charging.

k. As a programmable switching device where the data from cards or similar means operates the internal switches in the reader, controls various electrical apparatus such as motors, lights, valves, etc. For example, an adaptation of the basic reader principle would create a means to convert data from a magnetic belt, passing through the reader, into the switch closures to directly operate moving light signs.

l. To read inventory stock tickets from or on merchandise, or pricing tabs on merchandise.

m. As library card readers or to read book numbers from tabs or cards placed in or bound into books.

n. As a scoring device for teaching aids and programmed education devices. The student puts data on his card during testing, the reader transmits the data for scoring or comparison.

o. Other miscellaneous uses in conjunction with badges, passes, tickets, etc. to operate vending machines--allow monthly parking in garages and parking lots that would bill the customer for the amount of parking actually used.

p. In conjunction with cards used as drivers licenses, to transmit data from the licenses for identification purposes and motor vehicle department use when registering vehicles, etc.

q. Programming instruments.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is a general object of the invention to provide an improved magnetic actuated switch which is small, simple and economical.

It is another object of the invention to provide a magnet operated switch which directly translates data from the key card to a machine readable form with a high degree of reliability.

It is another object of the invention to provide magnet operated switch in which the magnetic information on an associated card directly operates the switch without additional amplification.

It is another object of the invention to provide a magnet actuated switch which is suitable for use in extreme ambient conditions and in any position.

It is another object of the invention to provide a magnet actuated mechanism which requires the user to initially supply an unlocking code before a data card is accepted.

In accordance with the above objects there is provided a magnet actuated switch for use with a data card having a plurality of magnetic areas arranged in a characteristic pattern. The switch includes a plurality of pairs of electrical contacts arranged in a characteristic pattern, each of the contacts including magnetic material. The contacts are electrically coupled to a utilization device such as relay coils of a binary coded decimal decoder. Guide means direct the movement of the card so that the magnetic areas in it are placed in close proximity with one of the contacts of the contact pair associated with the area. The one contact is magnetized by that corresponding magnetic area. Magnet means of a predetermined polarity are mounted in fixed relationship to the guide means and in close proximity to the other contacts of the contact pairs to magnetize these contacts with the predetermined polarity. Thus, the contact pairs selectively are either magnetically attracted to each other, repelled from each other or not affected when the card is inserted in the guide means depending on the location of the magnetic elements and their proximity to the contact pairs, and the respective polarities of the contacts.

From another aspect the invention provides a programmable lock card reader for use with a data card as above but having a dual set of characteristic patterns. A magnetically operated mechanism having locked and unlocked conditions is responsive to one set of the patterns for being unlocked. This then allows the other pattern to be read by the above contact pair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a data card used in the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of F. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view partially broken away showing the card of FIG. 1 inserted in the magnet actuated switch embodying the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of a portion of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged elevational view of a portion of FIG. 4 which has been simplified;

FIG. 6 is a plan view partially broken away taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a circuit schematic showing the switch interconnections of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a portion of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 which illustrate the data card of the present invention, card 10 includes a layer 11 of barium ferrite sandwiched between plastic layers 12 and 13. Layer 11 is transversely polarized to form magnetic areas 11' in selected locations. These areas may, for example, have a polarity of north on one face and south on the opposite face of the card. Although square areas are shown, they may be of any configuration depending on the magnetizing field. Such a card is disclosed in the above copending application. As illustrated in FIG. 1, magnetic areas 11' are arranged in rows and columns to form a certain characteristic pattern. To provide different codes only selected areas will be magnetized. The crosshatached areas 11' indicate those areas which have been magnetized to form a code.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the magnetic actuated switch comprises a top plate 14 of iron or a mild steel with an upturned end 15. Mounted on the bottom side of a plate 14 are spaced guide rails 16 and 17 which guide the movement of card 10. A switching block 21 is mounted opposite the top plate 14. Thus, top plate 14, in combination with guide rails 16 and 17 and switching block 21 form a slot 19 into which a card 10 may be inserted. At the end of the slot 19 there is a suitable abutment (not shown) for indexing the card in a proper position as will be explained below.

The switching block 21 contains a plurality of reed switches 22 which are spaced in a characteristic pattern to match the pattern of magnetic areas 11' of card 10. Thus, each of the reed switches 22 will correspond to a particular magnetic area 11'. As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 the reed switches each have a pair of contacts 23 and 24. Contacts 23 and 24 are in the form of reeds which include magnetic material. The reeds are sealed in opposite ends of an elongated glass tube 26 (FIG. 5) in such a way that the ends of the reeds overlap at one end in the tube to define a small gap. When the reeds or contacts are magnetized with opposite polarities they come together thereby forming a continuous electrical circuit; magnetization with the same polarities will open the switch or maintain it in this condition. Such a switch is highly reliable due to simplicity of design and to the contact operation which takes place in the sealed atmosphere of the glass tube 26.

As best shown in FIG. 5, contact 24 is brought out at one end of the tube and connected to a printed circuit board 27 which is affixed to the top of reed switch block 21; bottom contact 23 is brought out to make contact with appropriate conductors on printed circuit board 28 which is affixed to the bottom of block 21.

Printed circuit board 27 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 6 where a contact 24 is soldered to a printed annular ring of conductive material 31 which is brought out at edge 32 by a connecting strip. The board is arranged so that alternate rings, such as at 33, are brought out to the connecting edge on the opposite side of the printed circuit board. Switch block 21 is made of nonconductive material so as to insulate the printed circuit board.

The reed switches 23, 24 are tilted, as best shown in FIG. 5, at an approximate angle of 30.degree. to horizontal. This provides a substantial projected area of the switch with respect to the horizontal to thus allow magnetic elements 11' of card 10 to have significant magnetizing effect on the contacts 24.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 a magnet means 35 in the form of a block is mounted in fixed relationship to guide means 16, 17 and thus the reed switch block 21. Block 35 consists of nonmagnetic material drilled with a plurality of holes to correspond to the positions of the ends of reed switches 22. Block 35 contains individual magnetic elements 36 in the form of machine screws which are individually adjustable. In one version of the invention the major magnetization is produced by a biasing sheet 37 which is traversely polarized, as indicated in FIG. 5, with, for example, a north polarity on the face 38 and a south on the bottom face 39. Sheet 37 may either be completely magnetized on its entire surface or in localized areas. Adjustable magnets 36, as best shown in FIG. 4 provide for variation of bias where necessary. In other words, the pull-in or dropout characteristics of the individual reed switches, can be varied by means of the adjustable screw type magnets 36 so that all switches operate at the same time, when card polarities are correct and strength of these areas are equal.

The slanting of the reed switches, as in the case of the magnetic areas of card 10, provides a substantial projected area of contacts 23 on magnetic elements 36 and sheet 37. This provides for effective magnetizing action of the reed switches.

The sandwiched structure, as shown in FIG. 3, is completed by bottom steel plate 40 which is fastened to top plate 14 by appropriate machine screws and nuts 41.

FIG. 7 shows the interconnection of the reed switches 22 to produce, in effect, a binary coded decimal output. The last four rows of switches, labeled 8, 4, 2, 1, respectively, correspond to the eqivalent decimal represented by that row. When closed in the proper combination they produce a binary coded decimal output labeled units, tens, hundreds, and thousands. The remaining row of switches designated S1 through S4 may be used for control purposes to, for example, indicate when the card 10 is fully in the slot or alternatively to operate a control relay to cause the remaining information on the card to be read. The binary coded decimal outputs would be coupled into some storage device such as a computer memory and would store, for example an employee badge number. The switches designated by a dashed circle correspond to those which would be operated by the crosshatached area pattern on card 10 of FIG. 1.

The data card used in the present invention provides the activating magnetic field for the switching arrangement. As discussed above, the normal magnetization of the card is transverse with one surface north and the other south. This magnetization can be erased with a strong alternating current field and the card remagnetized in a manner similar to standard recording tape. With the use of a barium ferrite material, a very strong magnetic field is created that resists demagnetization by accidental means.

Although in normal use the card would be magnetized at selected locations with all areas north or south, the selective usage of polarization can provide greater protection against card duplication. Also the use of a random pattern of elements and reed switches further deter duplication attempts.

The use of biasing sheet 37 provides for more efficient operation since a reed relay might operate if either a north or south field were present on the card 10 at the correct location. With the bias sheet, the operation of each reed of the reed relay can be selective as to polarity. For example, if a north bias is present, the reed relay will only pull in if a suitable south field is present at its opposite end. If a card is inserted which has a north field magnet, this will merely cause the reed to stay open. Thus, the reed switches of the present invention can be selectively coded in certain patterns to provide for greater immunity to a magnetic card having different codes. For example, a magnet actuated switch with all reeds biased north will respond only to south areas of a card. Thus, the card coded with all south areas will only operate the switch if inserted in the correct position; that is, with the south magnetic areas in proximity to the reed ends. If this same card is inserted upside down with its north surface at the reed ends, no activation would occur. In this manner different lock codes can be devised with, for example, one switch responsively only to north polarity cards and the other to south polarity cards. Or, in addition, a switch may be biased to have all even numbered reeds (corresponding to its binary coded decimal code) north and odd numbered reeds south.

The use of the additional adjustable biasing magnet 36 provides an ability to compensate for various operating ranges of the individual reed switches. It facilitates production and allows for each replacement of a reed switch if necessary. The bias sheet itself may be magnetized to different degrees of magnetization to provide for greater code pattern flexibility. Thus, one magnet actuated switch may require a card having the magnets of a certain strength which is much higher than another type of card which therefore would not operate the device.

The tilting or slanting of the reed switches provides for precise location of the magnetic fields produced by both the biasing sheet and the card 10 with respect to the individual reed contacts. The overall magnetic field for each area can be smaller and therefore if the magnetic field is not exactly centered the reed relay will not operate. Thus, the possibility of incorrect reading of the card data is reduced due to a magnet on one area of the card influencing an adjacent reed switch.

The slanting position of the switches allows increased density of switches in a given area. This orientation is, of course, made possible by the use of two magnetizing sources at the end of each one of a reed pair of a reed switch. Normally a reed switch is operated by and over the center magnet.

In the credit car industry data card 10 can be embossed for hard copy printing by standard means in one area and in another contain the magnetic information which is to be read into the credit institution's computer. In this particular case, the mechanical copy printing device would have a magnet actuated switch apparatus, as shown in FIG. 3, with the apparatus being separated, so that the card is placed face down on the open switch, and when the printer is closed and activated the card will be read.

Lastly, the above data card may serve as an employee badge and can be fitted with a clip and employee photograph for additional identification.

The exploded view of FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which reed switches similar to those of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 7 are present, but which includes an additional magnetically operated mechanism having locked and unlocked conditions which must be unlocked before a data card is read by the reed switches. This locking section of the mechanism is similar to that disclosed in the above mentioned copending application in the name of Bruce S. Sedley entitled "Magnetically Operated Mechanism and Magnetic Card."

Now referring specifically to FIG. 8 a data or activation card 51 similar in construction to the card in FIG. 1 includes a dual set of characteristic patterns. One set of magnetic areas 52 are for the purpose of actuating the above unlocking mechanism. The other set of magnetic areas 53 contain data which as discussed above with the other embodiment are read or detected by the associated reed switches. A slot 54 is formed for card 51 by the upper face of block 21, side rails 56 and 57, and a copper well plate 58 which is affixed to an iron plate 59.

The magnetically operated mechanism having locked and unlocked conditions, side rails 61 and 62 which serve as spacers for a sliding magnet block 63. An upper copper plate 64 is affixed to the top of magnet block siderails 61, 62 to form a slot in which magnetic block 63 moves. Includes in copper plate 58 are rows of wells or holes 66 which correspond to all possible magnetic areas 52 which may be placed on card 51 and in addition to the rows of holes 67 in block 63 which have inserted therein cylindrical permanent magnets or locking pins 68.

Sliding magnet block 63 is normally spring biased in a direction toward the end of slot 54 (in other words against the direction of movement of the insertion of data card 51) and is normally locked in position by the locking pins 68 falling into well 66. Magnet block 63 includes a downwardly extending card stop extension 69 against which the end of card 51 abuts when inserted in slot 54. Also carried by magnet block 63 is an upwardly extending post 71 which extends through oversized aperture 72 and 73 in copper plate 64 and in an aluminum top plate 74. With magnet block 63 in its normal locked position, post 71 rests against an actuating lever 76 of a microswitch 77. When the magnet block 63 is unlocked by the removal of all of its magnets 68 from the wells 66 in copper plate 58, as will be described in detail below, the data card 51 is allowed to move the magnet block 63 by means of the end of the card pushing against card stop 69 and the post 71 moves against actuating lever 76 to close microswitch 77.

Code combination set means are provided by a set card 78 which in essence has a characteristic code pattern formed by magnetic areas 79 and holes 80 through the card. A slot for insertion of card 78 is provided by aluminum top pate 74, side rails 82 and 83, and copper plate 64. A locking screw 81 is threaded in plate 74 for locking card 78 in place. Both the magnetic areas and holes 79 and 80 are arranged on card 78 to correspond to holes 67 on magnet block 63 and holes 66 on copper plate 58 and the magnetic areas 52 on data or activation card 51.

The reading portion of the programmable lock card reader as illustrated in FIG. 8 includes many similar components as shown in the first embodiment of the invention in FIGS. 1 through 7 including the holding block 21 with reed switches 22. The reed switches have one of their pair of contacts in close proximity to the magnetic areas 53 of card 51. The card is fully inserted in slot 54. A printed circuit board 84 located at the bottom of block 21 provides for circuit connections to the pairs of contacts of the reed switches. More particularly, both leads of each reed switch are soldered to the bottom of the printed circuit board 84 which are then coupled by the printed circuit to make edge connectors 86 on the edge of printed circuit board 86 which are adapted to connect with female edge connector 87. Isolation is provided by diodes 90 coupled between the reed switches and male connector. The leads from edge connector 87 would extend to circuit such as that shown in FIG. 7 of the present invention.

However, instead of the use of permanent magnets as in the first embodiment electromagnet coils 88 are mounted in close proximity to the other contact of the contact pair of a reed switch to provide the magnetic field which will close the reed switch upon conditions described above; namely, where a magnetic path is completed through the reed switch by application of magnetic fields of opposite polarity to the contacts. Coils 88 are mounted on an iron plate 89 which are separated from printed circuit board 84 by spacers 91. Coils 88 include tuning slugs 92 which provide for variation of the strength of the magnetic field generated by the coils to provide for dissimilarities in reed switches.

All of the coils 88 are coupled in parallel through connectors 86 and 87 to a coil power supply 93. This power supply is responsive to the closure of microswitch 77 to activate the coils and therefore read the data contained in magnetic area 53 of card 51.

Instead of the use of a plurality of magnetic coils 88 one large single coil 96 may be used as shown in FIG. 9 which encircles powdered iron tuning slugs 97 which would be associated with each reed switch. When this coil is energized each slug directs a portion of the magnetic field produced to its respective reed switch. Raising or lowering of each tuning slug 97 adjusts the magnetic field to the specific pull in characteristic of each reed switch. Iron plate 89 provides both a flux shield for the coil 96 and a common pole for all of the threaded tuning slugs 97.

OPERATION

In summary, the operation of the programmable lock reader embodiment in FIG. 8 provides a magnetically operated unlocking mechanism which only allows a properly coded card 51 to perform the unlocking and switching function of microswitch 77 and in so doing activates the reading section of the device which then reads out the data in suitable form contained on the magnetic areas 53 of card 51. The unlocking mechanism sets up a code combination by the insertion of set card 78 which is held in its slot by locking screw 81. Magnetic areas 79 of the set card attract the locking pins or magnets 68 which are not in the code and holes 80 in the set card are located at the positions or locations which will correspond to the location of the magnetic areas of the card 52. Thus the holes 80 in card 78 remove polarized areas of the card so that magnets or locking pins 68 directly below these holes will not be attracted up to the set card but will remain by gravity down in the locking wells 66 of copper plate 58. The magnetic areas 52 on card 51 are of a polarity to cause locking pins 68 to be repelled. Insertion of card 51 will cause magnets 68 to raise out of their locking wells 11 when a magnet area 52 is located adjacent to them.

Thus, the combined actions of the set card 78 to attract certain of magnets 68 up and out of their locking positions, and the data card 51 to repel the remainder of those magnets 68 not acted upon by the set card also up and out of wells 11 releases all magnets from their locking positions in wells 11. The sliding magnet block 63 is therefore free to slide forward when continued forward pressure of the data card 51 against card stop 69 is applied. Post 71, carried by sliding block 63, operates microswitch 77 closing the switch contacts. This activates coil power supply 93 which then causes the appropriate reed switches 22 to close as described in connection with the other embodiment in response to magnetic areas 53. Data from the pattern of these magnetic areas is then read out into the switching arrangement of FIG. 7.

In accordance with the invention, the lock card reader is programmable since a set card 78 maybe replaced with a different combination by using a set card with a different pattern of holes and magnetic areas.

Absence of a set card 78 leaves all magnets 68 locked in wells 66.

Thus it can be seen that lock mastering and submastering is easily accomplished. For example, an activation card 51 with only one magnetic area 52 would only unlock the locking mechanism containing a set card 78 with but the same single hole in that magnet location. However, an activation card with three magnetic areas could open either three different locks, each coded for one of the three magnetic areas on the activation card, or one lock containing all three areas in its code, or combinations of any two of the magnetic areas.

A master activation card would contain magnetic areas in all locations below magnets or locking pins 68. All magnets would thus be repelled out of the wells 11 even if no combination set card 78 was inserted. This type of card would be the full Great Grand Master Card.

The information to be read on card 51 which is contained by magnetic areas 53 is read in almost the identical manner as in the previous embodiment. The essential difference in the use of the electromagnetic coils 88 which are energized in response to closure of microswitch 77. Plate 89 acts as a magnetic coupling for all of coils 88. In addition the iron plate 59 above the card 51 increases the strength of magnetic areas of card 51 to provide for a better actuation of the reed switches.

Thus, the present invention provides the following advantages:

1. Only correctly coded activation cards 51 may unlock the locking mechanism so that the data code (magnetic areas 53) on the card can be read.

2. Foreign objects, upside down or uncoded cards, etc. will not unlock the lock and therefore cannot cause a misreading.

3. The locking code can be changed by the simple change of a combination set card 78.

4. Master coding can be accomplished by the above procedure without rewiring the device.

5. All units shown in FIG. 8 are made identically, except for the loading of magnets 68 and selecting their polarities for matching with set card 78.

6. Removal of the set card locks the device to all cards except the Great Grand Master.

7. If reed switch replacement is required, each may be removed independently through the printed circuit board holes.

8. A Grand Master combination set card can be inserted which will attract all of the magnets 68 into an unlocked position so that the reader will accept all cards for reading.

9. Since card reading takes place only during the pulsing time of coils 88 as determined by the current pulse supplied by power supply 93, this time occurs only when the correctly coded card is properly and fully inserted; thus misreading is minimized.

Thus, the present invention provides an improved magnetic actuated mechanism for use with a card with magnetic areas which in one form may be used for reading data from cards and in another form utilized with a locking mechanism to prevent the reading of unauthorized cards.

Claims

I claim:

1. A magnet actuated switch, comprising:

a plurality of pairs of electrical contacts arranged in a characteristic pattern; each of said pairs of electrical contacts including a first contact and a second contact; each of said first and second contacts including magnetic material;

means for electrically coupling said contacts to a utilization device;

magnet means of predetermined polarity mounted in close proximity to the said first contacts of said pairs of contacts for magnetizing said first contacts with said predetermined polarity;

a magnetically operable mechanism mounted in spaced relationship to said plurality of pairs of electrical contacts;

said magnetically operated mechanism including a plurality of magnetized lock pins;

guide means for directing the movement of a data card into close proximity with said second contacts of said pairs of electrical contacts and said magnetized lock pins;

a data card adapted to be selectively moved into and out of said guide means; said data card including a plurality of magnetic areas arranged in a dual set of characteristic patterns forming first and second codes;

said magnetic areas of said first code being disposed in close proximity with said second contacts of said pairs of contacts when said data card is inserted into said guide means; said second contacts of said pairs of contacts being magnetized with the same polarity as the corresponding magnetic areas of said first code on said data card;

a code combination set card adapted to be dispose in close proximity to said magnetized lock pins; said code combination set card including a plurality of magnetic areas arranged in a characteristic pattern and adapted, when positioned adjacent to said lock pins, to attract or repel selected ones of said lock pins.

2. A programmable lock card reader for use with a data card having a plurality of magnetic areas forming a dual set of characteristic patterns; said programmable lock card reader comprising:

a magnetically operable mechanism including a plurality of magnetized lock pins;

reading means including a plurality of pairs of contacts;

a code combination set card having magnetic areas arranged in a characteristic pattern therein;

said code combination set card being adapted to be moved into close proximity with said magnetized lock pins to attract or repel selected ones of said lock pins; and

a data card having a plurality of magnetic areas for forming a dual set of characteristic patterns; one of said dual sets of characteristic patterns of magnetized areas being adapted to operate selected ones of said pairs of contacts; and said other of said dual set of characteristic patterns of magnetized areas being adapted to attract or repel selected ones of said magnetized lock pins;

whereby, when said combination set card and said data card are properly coded, said combination set card and said data card will attract and/or repel selected ones of said magnetized lock pins to unlock said magnetically operable mechanism, and said other set of magnetic areas in said data card will operate selected ones of said pairs of contacts.

3. A programmable lock card reader according to claim 2, wherein all of said magnetized lock pins are responsive to magnetic areas in said data card to unlock said magnetically operable mechanism in the absence of a combination set card.

4. A magnetically actuated mechanism comprising:

a pair of magnetizable contacts comprising a first contact and a second contact;

means for operatively connecting said contacts to utilization means;

magnetic biasing means separate and spaced from each of said magnetizable contacts and disposed in close proximity to said first contact to magnetize said first contact with a direction of polarity determined by the direction of polarity of said magnetic biasing means;

means defining a data card receiving station adapted to receive a card having a magnetized area therein; and

a data card positioned at said card receiving station; said data card including a magnetized area disposed in close proximity to said second contact of said pair of contacts to magnetize said second contact with a direction of polarity determined by the direction of polarity of said magnetized area in said data card.

5. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 4, and further comprising a plurality of pairs of magnetizable contacts arranged in a characteristic pattern; each of said pairs of contacts comprising a first contact and a second contact; said magnetic biasing means being disclosed in close proximity to said first contacts of said pairs of contacts to magnetize said first contacts with directions of polarity determined by the direction of polarity of said magnetic biasing means; said data card including a plurality of magnetized areas therein disposed in close proximity to said second contacts of said pairs of contacts to magnetize said second contacts with directions of polarity determined by the direction of polarity of said magnetized areas.

6. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the directions of polarity of said magnetic biasing means and said magnetized areas in said data card are such that said first and second magnetizable contacts will be magnetized with opposite directions of polarity, whereby said pairs of contacts will be attracted toward one another.

7. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 5, wherein said pairs of magnetizable contacts constitute reed-type switches.

8. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 7, wherein said magnetic biasing means is adjustable to vary the strengths of the magnetic fields of said first contacts of said reed switches.

9. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 7, wherein said reed switches are slanted with respect to the surface of said data card to maximize the areas of said second contacts of said reed switch contacts which are magnetized by said magnetic areas in said data card and to maximize the number of such switches which may be placed in an area of specified dimensions.

10. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 5, wherein said magnetic biasing means comprises a sheet of magnetic material having a magnetic field of fixed magnitude and polarity.

11. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 10, wherein said biasing sheet is magnetized only in selected areas.

12. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 5, wherein said magnetic biasing means includes a sheet of magnetic material in combination with movable permanent magnets for varying the magnetic strength of selected discrete areas of said sheet.

13. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 5, wherein said magnet biasing means include electromagnets operatively associated with said pairs of contacts.

14. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 13, wherein each of said electromagnets includes an adjustable tuning slug for varying its magnetic strength.

15. A magnetic actuated mechanism according to claim 28, wherein said magnetic biasing means includes an electromagnet coil encompassing tuning slugs; each of said slugs being associated with a pair of said contacts.

16. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 4, and further comprising a magnetically responsive locking device having at least one locking member adapted to be moved by a magnetized area on a data card; and wherein said card includes at least two magnetized areas therein; one of said magnetized areas being adapted to move said locking member.

17. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 16, and further comprising switching means operatively associated with said magnetically responsive locking device and adapted to be actuated by said data card.

18. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 17, wherein said magnetic biasing means includes an electromagnet adapted to be energized by actuation of said switching means.

19. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 5, wherein said data card has a dual set of magnetized areas therein arranged in characteristic patterns forming first and second codes, said magnetized areas of said first code operating on said contacts; and further comprising a magnetically responsive locking device having locking members adapted to be moved by said magnetized areas of said second code in said data card.

20. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 19, wherein said characteristic pattern of said data card forming said second code further includes nonmagnetized areas between said magnetic areas.

21. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 20, wherein said

nonmagnetized areas are defined by apertures in said data card. 2. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 42, wherein said locking members of said locking device comprise magnetized locking pins; at least one of which is adapted to be moved by code combination set

means. 23. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 22, and further comprising code combination set means including a set card having at least one magnetized area therein adapted to move at least one of said locking pins; said magnetized areas of said data card forming said second code being adapted to move other of said locking pins to unlock said

locking device. 24. A magnetically actuated mechanism for use with a data card having at least one magnetized area therein; said mechanism comprising:

a pair of magnetizable contacts having a normal position and a secondary position;

means for operatively connecting said contacts to utilization means;

magnetic biasing means separate and spaced from each of said magnetizable contacts and disposed in close proximity to one contact to magnetize said one contact with a direction of polarity determined by the direction of polarity of said magnetic biasing means;

means defining a card-receiving station having guide means for directing movement of a properly coded data card to a position wherein a magnetized area therein will be disposed in close proximity to the other one of said pair of contacts, whereby said other contact will be magnetized with a direction of polarity determined by the direction of polarity of the magnetized area in a data card inserted into said card receiving station; and

means rendering said magnetic biasing means ineffective to move said pair of contacts to their said secondary position in the absence of said other contact of said pair of contacts being magnetized with a predetermined

direction of polarity. 25. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 24, and further comprising a plurality of pairs of magnetizable contacts arranged in a characteristic pattern; each of said paris of contacts comprising a first contact and second contact; said magnetic biasing means being disclosed in close proximity to said first contacts of said pairs of contacts to magnetize said first contacts with directions of polarity determined by the direction of polarity of said magnetic biasing means; said magnetically actuated mechanism being adapted for use with a data card having a plurality of magnetized areas therein adapted to be disposed in close proximity to said second contacts of said pairs of contacts to magnetize said second contacts with directions of polarity

determined by the directions of polarity of said magnetized areas. 26. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 25, wherein said first and second magnetizable contacts are adapted to be magnetized with opposite directions of polarity by said magnetic biasing means and a data card having magnetized areas thereon; whereby said pairs of contacts will

be attracted toward one another. 27. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 25, wherein said pairs of magnetizable contacts

constitute reed-type switches. 28. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 27, wherein said magnetic biasing means is adjustable to vary the strength of the magnetic fields of said first contacts of reed

switches. 29. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 27, wherein said reed switches are slanted with respect to said data card receiving station to maximize the areas of said second contacts of said reed switch contacts which are adapted to be magnetized by magnetic areas in a data card and to maximize the number of such switches which may be

placed in an area of specified dimensions. 30. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 25, wherein said magnetic biasing means comprises a sheet of magnetic material having a magnetic field of fixed

magnitude and polarity. 31. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 30, wherein said biasing sheet is magnetized only in selected areas.

2. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 25, wherein said magnetic biasing means includes a sheet of magnetic material in combination with movable permanent magnets for varying the magnetic

strength of selected discrete areas of said sheet. 33. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 25, wherein said magnetic biasing means include electromagnets operatively associated with said pairs of

contacts. 34. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 33, wherein each of said electromagnets includes an adjustable tuning slug for

varying its magnetic strength. 35. A magnetic actuated mechanism according to claim 25, wherein said magnetic biasing means includes an electromagnetic coil encompassing tuning slugs; each of said slugs being

associated with a pair of said contacts 36. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 24, and further comprising a magnetically responsive locking device having at least one locking member adapted to be

moved by magnetized area on a data card. 37. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 36, and further comprising switching means operatively associated with said magnetically responsive locking device

and adapted to be actuated by a data card. 38. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 37, wherein said magnetic biasing means includes an electromagnet adapted to be energized by actuation of said

switching means. 39. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 25, and further comprising a magnetically responsive locking device having locking members adapted to be moved by magnetized areas in a data card

having two sets of magnetized areas therein. 40. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 39, wherein said locking members of said locking device comprise magnetized locking pins; at least one of which is

adapted to be moved by code combination set means. 41. A magnetically actuated mechanism according to claim 40, and further comprising code combination set means including a set card having at least one magnetized area therein adapted to move at least one of said locking pins; said magnetized areas of said data card forming said second code being adapted to move other of said locking pins to unlock said locking device.