Registers – Coded record sensors – Feed mechanisms
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-18
2001-05-15
Tremblay, Mark (Department: 2876)
Registers
Coded record sensors
Feed mechanisms
C235S380000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06230977
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to credit card and smart card readers and, more particularly, to apparatus for processing warped, bowed, or bent credit and smart cards.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Warped credit and smart cards are a ubiquitous phenomena. Cards tend to deform and warp easily when carried in back-pocket wallets, for example. Therefore, the reading of bent, bowed, or warped credit and smart cards can be a frequent problem for a card reader. This is because the warped card does not follow the processing path within the reader. The leading edge of a warped card passes through the insert slot without being captured. Therefore, when the trailing edge passes the insert station, no support is provided for the card. Since the leading edge of a warped card normally passes through an insertion slot to contact a card ramp, bowed or warped credit cards miss this card ramp.
The present invention provides a means by which bowed or warped credit cards can be processed within a card reader. The invention features a deflector disposed adjacent the card ramp of a reader assembly. The card ramp is positioned opposite the insertion slot. The inventive deflector has a curved or angled surface, upon which the credit card impinges, the card being redirected into the processing path. Typically, the card is manually inserted and withdrawn. However, an automated system can also be used to accomplish this task.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a credit or smart card reader for processing bent, bowed, or warped credit or smart cards. A standard reader comprises an insertion slot for inserting a card to be read and processed. A normal, undamaged card is inserted into a slot provided in the insertion slot. The normal card travels along a processing path contacting a supporting card ramp. Once fully inserted, the normal card is processed in the usual manner.
In the case of a warped, bowed, or bent card, the leading edge of the card passes through the insert slot without contacting the card ramp. Therefore, when the trailing edge passes the insert station, no stop is provided for the card. The card will be confiscated without being processed. This is not desirable, owing to the fact that a great number of cards become deformed when carried in a back-pocket wallet. This results, unfortunately, in certain valid cards being unintentionally confiscated by the reader.
In order to prevent this, the present invention provides a deflection guide disposed along the processing path adjacent the card ramp. The deflection guide comprises a curved or angled surface. The leading edge of a warped or bowed card impinges upon the deflection guide, after being inserted into the insert slot on the insertion slot. The curved or angled surface of the guide forces the leading edge of the card into the processing path, where it comes to stop in the processing path.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved credit or smart card reader.
It is another object of this invention to provide a credit or smart card reader that can process bent, bowed, or warped credit cards.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5589681 (1996-12-01), Merlin et al.
patent: 6070802 (2000-06-01), Yi
Axiohm Transaction Solutions, Inc.
Salzman & Levy
Tremblay Mark
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