Radiation imagery chemistry: process – composition – or product th – Radiation sensitive product – Silver compound sensitizer containing
Reexamination Certificate
2002-09-12
2004-08-31
Zarroli, Michael C. (Department: 2839)
Radiation imagery chemistry: process, composition, or product th
Radiation sensitive product
Silver compound sensitizer containing
C361S737000, C235S492000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06783926
ABSTRACT:
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus that electrically connects an integrated circuit (IC) card to a printed circuit board (PCB), specifically to an IC card read/write device comprised in the PCB thereby obtaining a low profile above the PCB.
BACKGROUND—TERMINOLOGY
In the context of the invention, “card” means all types of cards of the kind incorporating a hybrid or monolithic integrated circuit or “microchip”. The term “microcircuit” will be used hereinafter.
The term “card” is also used to describe a microchip by itself or integrated with other objects. Examples of such objects are credit cards, memory cards, SIM cards used in cellular phones, keys or key-rings. The term “card” is further used to describe the microchip integrated with any other object than those mentioned in the example.
In this disclosure, the terms “IC card”, “chip card”, “smart card” and “card” will be used interchangeably to denote integrated circuit cards of this type.
The term “printed circuit board” or “PCB” is used to describe any type of circuit board with interconnecting conductors, regardless of the method used to manufacture said circuit board.
The microcircuit is usually based on a microprocessor or a microcontroller including memory circuits, for example of the “PROM” or “EEPROM” type. It must be possible to insert this type of card into dedicated devices for reading and/or writing data. For the sake of simplicity, this device will be referred to as a “reader” hereinafter, it being understood that it can equally write data and perform other ancillary functions (such as electrical power supply, tests) referred to hereinafter. The data is stored in the aforementioned memory circuits, usually in encrypted form. It is therefore read from memory locations or written to memory locations.
Other logical architectures are used in particular for “electronic purse” or similar type applications.
In all cases there are input-output members in the form of contact areas, also known as “pads”, flush with the surface of one of the principal faces of the card. Various standards (ISO, AFNOR, etc.) define the position of these contact areas. They are used not only for the aforementioned data inputs-outputs but also to supply electrical power to the microcircuit and to enable various checks to be carried out, according to the applications concerned (presence test, etc.).
BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
Demand for Improved Security
In correlation with an increasing demand for secure transactions and the need for increased security in regard to electronic payments and network access, the electronic industry has seen growth in the use of cards incorporating a microcircuit commonly referred to as Integrated Circuit (IC) cards.
Demand for Smaller Multifunction Devices
At the same time there has been an increasing demand for diminutive electronic devices capable of multipurpose performance, such as cellular phones with Internet access, PDA's, handheld PC's, MP3 players and many other products.
Description of Smart Cards
These IC cards are also commonly referred to as “smart cards” and incorporate at least one electronic component to which a link must be established, either through an electrical connection (hereinafter called contact smart cards) or through a wireless connection (hereinafter called contact-less smart cards).
Contact smart cards traditionally are formed of a plastic plate having about the same thickness as a credit card, with an integrated circuit imbedded in the plastic and with contact pads on a surface of the card. Such cards come in different sizes, with the large size commonly being about the size of a credit card and with a popular small size being referred to as a MICROSIM or simply SIM card.
Description of Link Between Card and PCB
The contact smart cards are inserted into connectors that make contact between the contact pads of the card and a plurality of contacts comprised in the connector to establish an electrical connection to the electronic components of a printed circuit board (PCB).
Common Uses of Smart Cards
Smart cards are particularly adapted for use in industries requiring strict access or billing control and convenient as well as secure access to money and information. Such applications include public phones, vending machines, copy machines, laundromat machines, public transportation ticketing and portable devices such as cellular phones, pagers, PDAs, laptop computers and other similar electronic devices and also stationary devices such as a PC, a satellite receiver or a telephone. Such cards can also be used in applications relating to payments, loyalty programs, citizen cards, electronic elections, health services, ticketing, security access and machine controls.
The cards are commonly used to authorize transactions such as purchases of goods, for access control, for identification purposes, and to allow operation of an automobile radio. Use of smart cards for secure identity authentication purposes and for online payment transactions over the Internet are increasing.
Introduction of the Object of a Smart Card Reader
In order to effect electrical connection between a smart card and a PCB, an electrical connector or smart card reader is employed such that the connector securably accommodates the smart card therein. The connector serves as an interface between a smart card and a reading system that interprets the information contained in the card.
It is desirable that the connector be of small size and be constructed of a minimal number of parts.
Introduction of Prior Art
The art has utilized numerous electrical connectors specifically designed for use in removably connecting various types of IC cards.
See the following U.S. Patents, each of which is incorporated herein by reference:
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