A sensor system for counting cards includes an optical sensor assembly configured to detect edges of cards in a card stack. The optical sensor assembly includes at least an optical sensor, and a light element coupled with the optical sensor. The light element is configured to reflect light from a card stack toward the optical sensor. A remote light element is spaced from the optical sensor assembly. The remote light element is configured to direct light toward the card stack.

According to several embodiments, the invention relates to a device and a method for stacking card-like data carriers. The device includes a conveying device for transporting individual card-like data carriers downstream along a conveying path and a stacking unit for selectively transferring and stacking card-like data carriers conveyed along the conveying path. The conveying device is arranged to convey the card-like data carriers in such a way that they are fixed to it in a hanging mode of transport. The stacking unit is arranged to selectively release certain ones of the card-like data carriers conveyed along the conveying device from the latter in order to transfer them directly into a card magazine and to stack them therein.

The invention relates to a device and a method for stacking card-like data carriers. The device comprises (i) a conveying device for transporting individual card-like data carriers downstream along a conveying path and (ii) a stacking unit for selectively transferring and stacking card-like data carriers conveyed along the conveying path. The conveying device is arranged to convey the card-like data carriers in such a way that they are fixed to it in a hanging mode of transport. The stacking unit is arranged to selectively release certain ones of the card-like data carriers conveyed along the conveying device from the latter in order to transfer them directly—i. e. in particular without intermediate processing, intermediate transport or intermediate storage—into a card magazine and to stack them therein when the card magazine is arranged in a stacking area at a stacking position which, in relation to the direction of gravity, is situated below the conveying path.

Some embodiments provide robotic multiple-slot test card support systems comprising: a test robot system comprising a robotic arm and an end-effector; and a first card support apparatus comprising: a plurality of lateral supports; a plurality of angled shelf supports each extending between a pair of the plurality of lateral supports defining an array of angled card slots, wherein the shelf supports along the columns are vertically separated and each comprises: a guide exterior surface and an interior surface configured to support a payment test card with at least a portion of a face of the test card being flush with the interior surface; wherein each card slot repeatedly positions the respective test card at substantially the same position within the card slot each time the test card is released by the end-effector enabling repeated accurate retrieval by the end-effector.

Some embodiments provide robotic multiple-slot test card support systems comprising: a test robot system comprising a robotic arm and an end-effector; and a first card support apparatus comprising: a plurality of lateral supports; a plurality of angled shelf supports each extending between a pair of the plurality of lateral supports defining an array of angled card slots, wherein the shelf supports along the columns are vertically separated and each comprises: a guide exterior surface and an interior surface configured to support a payment test card with at least a portion of a face of the test card being flush with the interior surface; wherein each card slot repeatedly positions the respective test card at substantially the same position within the card slot each time the test card is released by the end-effector enabling repeated accurate retrieval by the end-effector.

A sensor system for counting cards includes an optical sensor assembly configured to detect edges of cards in a card stack. The optical sensor assembly includes at least an optical sensor, and a light element coupled with the optical sensor. The light element is configured to reflect light from a card stack toward the optical sensor. A remote light element is spaced from the optical sensor assembly. The remote light element is configured to direct light toward the card stack.

A sensor system for counting cards includes an optical sensor assembly configured to detect edges of cards in a card stack. The optical sensor assembly includes at least an optical sensor, and a light element coupled with the optical sensor. The light element is configured to reflect light from a card stack toward the optical sensor. A remote light element is spaced from the optical sensor assembly. The remote light element is configured to direct light toward the card stack.

Apparatuses and methods of operating the same are described. A method may include receiving a card from a first storage compartment. The method may include analyzing the card using a first sensor to obtain characteristic information of the card. The method may include identifying a group associated with the characteristic information. The method may include identifying a second storage compartment associated with the group. The method may include sorting the card to place the card into the second storage compartment.

Apparatuses and methods of operating the same are described. A method may include receiving a card from a first storage compartment. The method may include analyzing the card using a first sensor to obtain characteristic information of the card. The method may include identifying a group associated with the characteristic information. The method may include identifying a second storage compartment associated with the group. The method may include sorting the card to place the card into the second storage compartment.

Some embodiments provide robotic multiple-slot test card support systems comprising: a test robot system comprising a robotic arm and an end-effector; and a first card support apparatus comprising: a plurality of lateral supports; a plurality of angled shelf supports each extending between a pair of the plurality of lateral supports defining an array of angled card slots, wherein the shelf supports along the columns are vertically separated and each comprises: a guide exterior surface and an interior surface configured to support a payment test card with at least a portion of a face of the test card being flush with the interior surface; wherein each card slot repeatedly positions the respective test card at substantially the same position within the card slot each time the test card is released by the end-effector enabling repeated accurate retrieval by the end-effector.