Electrical connectors – Coupling part having handle or means to move contact... – Having open slot for receiving panel circuit arrangement
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-18
2001-06-19
Pitts, Harold I. (Department: 2876)
Electrical connectors
Coupling part having handle or means to move contact...
Having open slot for receiving panel circuit arrangement
C235S492000, C235S441000, C235S2010FS, C294S001200, C294S015000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247950
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to improvements in the insertion and removal of so-called smart cards from other equipment.
2. Description of the Related Art
A smart card is a well-known security device that is used to permit or deny access to certain equipment, services or the like. The card is generally inserted into another piece of equipment. One example of a way in which a smart card is used is in an integrated receiver device (IRD) for receiving broadcast material. In this example, the card includes control information that enables descrambling of a television signal for viewing by a user. Without an appropriate card it may not be possible to receive any broadcast material, or it may only be possible to view the free channels. For viewing other services it may be necessary to pay a fee, this, once received, enables new control signals from the card for those other services.
Certain users will have cards that provide access to all services available within a given network. Such a card would thus be of value to anyone who wanted to gain access to the supplied services.
Any user who has a card may want to prevent others removing or stealing the card. For example, in a shop the cards used in products on display are generally capable of receiving all services. These would be of value to any users with less access. This will also be of use in public houses, clubs and other public entertainment establishments.
In addition, in the home environment removal of cards by children and babies can result in damage to the card which can stop it from working.
In the present card systems, such as are described above the edge of the card protrudes from the opening into which it is inserted. This allows ease of insertion and removal of the card. The card includes a semiconductor chip that makes contact with an internal section of the IRD.
A need exists for a new type of card that cannot be removed other than by an authorized user but that still makes the appropriate internal contacts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for removing a card from an opening in an electrical device comprising: a card including a semiconductor chip capable of making electrical connection with a contact in the opening and wherein the cards fits into the opening with substantially no part protruding therefrom; and a tool that is adapted to effect removal of the card from the opening.
This has the advantage that the card makes the appropriate internal contacts and can only be removed by authorized users.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a tool that is adapted to remove a card from an opening in an electrical device, wherein the card fits in the opening with substantially no part protruding therefrom.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a card capable of being inserted into an opening in an electrical device wherein the card fits into the opening with substantially no part protruding therefrom, that is capable of being removed from the opening by a tool adapted for that purpose.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3867753 (1975-02-01), Urban, II et al.
patent: 5828043 (1998-10-01), Nicoll et al.
patent: 5929413 (1999-07-01), Gardner
patent: 6015311 (2000-01-01), Benjamin et al.
patent: 7-74488 (1995-03-01), None
patent: WO 96/30866 (1996-10-01), None
Hallam Toby
Siegel Philip I.
Crook John A.
NDS Limited
Pitts Harold I.
Sales Michael W.
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