GB413867A - Improvements in devices for use in the prevention of fraud in cheques and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

413,867. Preventing alteration of cheques &c. RECHT, O. C., 129, Gothersgade, Copenhagen. July 6, 1933, No. 19214. [Class 16.] A device for use in preventing fraud in cheques and the like comprises a number of independentlymovable members each bearing one or more times the figures 0-9 in a non - arithmetic sequence. In one form, a number of rings b is freely rotatable in, but preferably non-removable from, slots cut in a base-plate a, knobs or apertures being provided in each ring to facilitate rotation. The rings are divided into twenty sections, each being provided with one or more of the figures 0-9. Alternate sections of the rings, or the figures therein are differently coloured or shaped, or are otherwise distinguished from each other, so that adjacent or other sections can be used for setting up a number and obtaining a cipher. In addition, some of the sections or figures are specially distinguished from the others to render fraudulent use more difficult. The device is provided with a fixed ring f also divided into twenty sections each furnished with an arbitrarily-chosen number. Outside the ring f is a plate g on which notes can be made for ready erasure. A pointer e is pivoted at the centre of the device and may be bent over the outer edge; the pointer may extend diametrically across the device and so serve to hold the rings in place. In other modifications, a double pointer, as indicated in dotted lines, or two independent pointers may be used. In use, a number is chosen as a code number, and the pointer e is positioned in register with the next square in an anticlockwise direction on the ring f to that containing the chosen number. Various figures from the number and amount of the cheque, as chosen by arrangement between the bank and the issuer of the cheque, are then set on the rings b adjacent the pointer e, and the figures in the adjacent sections, together with the control number, all of which may be indicated by the second pointer, are added together and inserted on the cheque, thus giving to the bank an indication of its validity or otherwise. In modifications, the rings b are replaced by longitudinally-movable slides co-operating with a fixed or movable bridge member, or the rings may be coaxially arranged on a core.