Smart card interface arrangements

Details Smart card interface arrangements Smart card interface arrangements

1999-07-23

2001-03-13

Abrams, Neil (Department: 2839)

Electrical connectors

With insulation other than conductor sheath

Plural-contact coupling part

C439S017000, C235S485000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06200166

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to smart card interface arrangements and particularly, although not exclusively, to smart card interface arrangements adapted to connect smart cards complying with International Standard ISO 7816 to external data devices, such as computers.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Smart cards are an extension of conventional plastic cards having a magnetic strips on which information is stored. Such conventional plastic cards are commonly used for bank and credit cards. Smart cards usually contain a microprocessor chip which is capable of storing information and which communicates with the outside world by means of a number of electrical contacts provided on the card. International Standard ISO 7816 sets out a number of specifications relating to the design and layout of smart cards.
Smart card interface arrangements allow the smart card to interface with an external data device, such as a computer. However, known smart card interface arrangements all cause wear and degradation of the smart card when used repeatedly over a period of time. This is because of friction between the card and electrical contacts within the interface arrangement, or between the card and biasing elements within the interface arrangement, when the card is inserted into, and removed from, the interface arrangement.
For example, the electrical contact may be a raised metallic projection, which tends to scratch the card and the card's electrical contacts as the card is inserted. Similarly, the biasing element may be a simple resilient projection made of plastics material, adapted to press the card towards the electrical contacts of the interface arrangement, which can also cause wear to the card. In addition, such a biasing element suffers from the disadvantage that it does not apply pressure uniformly across the card, and over time the card may become warped as a result.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention seeks to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.
According to the invention there is provided a smart card interface arrangement for allowing data to be transferred between a smart card and an external data device, said arrangement being adapted to receive a smart card having at least one card electrical contact, and comprising at least one roller arranged to rotate when said arrangement receives said smart card.
An advantage of such a roller is that it reduces friction on the smart card when the smart card is moved in and out of the interface arrangement.
In one embodiment of the invention said roller is an electrical contact roller and is provided with at least one roller electrical contact adapted to rotate with said electrical contact roller and make electrical contact with said card electrical contact on said smart card.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention said roller is a biasing roller adapted to apply a force to the opposite side of said smart card to said card electrical contact.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the smart card interface arrangement is provided with both said electrical contact roller and said biasing roller.
At least part of the biasing roller may be formed from a pliable and/or resilient material adapted to deform to some degree when said smart card is received by the interface arrangement.
The biasing roller may be spring-loaded, and may be rotatably mounted about a movable axis which is biased towards said smart card when said smart card is received by the interface arrangement.
The electrical contact roller may be provided with a number of roller electrical contacts, such as four.
In one embodiment of the smart card interface arrangement, the electrical contact roller is provided with eight roller electrical contacts.
The electrical contact roller may be provided with a friction member adapted make contact with said smart card and cause said electrical contact roller to rotate when said smart card is moved.
Preferably, the or each roller electrical contact is provided with a fixed electrical contact which is adapted for connection (directly or indirectly) to said external data device, and with which said roller electrical contact continues to make electrical contact even when said electrical contact roller rotates.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3227860 (1966-01-01), Blodgett
patent: 4004136 (1977-01-01), Torok et al.
patent: 4575703 (1986-03-01), Shishido
patent: 4612436 (1986-09-01), Okada
patent: 5146069 (1992-09-01), Orimoto et al.
patent: 5161992 (1992-11-01), Birch
patent: 5252815 (1993-10-01), Pernet
patent: 5317138 (1994-05-01), Togawa
patent: 5470260 (1995-11-01), Schwan et al.
patent: 5864114 (1999-01-01), Fukuda

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Smart card interface arrangements does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Smart card interface arrangements, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Smart card interface arrangements will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2470355