Registers – Coded record sensors – Feed mechanisms
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-16
2001-02-13
Frech, Karl D. (Department: 2876)
Registers
Coded record sensors
Feed mechanisms
C235S482000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186401
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Card reader assemblies that receive data-storing cards such as chip cards, or smart cards, are sometimes placed in unattended public places, such as in pay telephones and money vending machines. Vandals may insert thin objects such as knives or keys to see if they are able to “fool” the card reader assembly. It would be desirable if the card reader assemblies could block the deep insertion of foreign objects so they are prevented from reaching the card reader and damaging its pad-engaging contacts or other reading elements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a simple and low cost apparatus is provided for resisting the passage of vandalizing instruments that are inserted along a card path of a card reader assembly, so the instruments do not reach card reader contacts to damage them, while allowing the passage of a proper sized card into the card reader. The apparatus includes a card gate mechanism with a card gate that is normally in a closed position to block the card path and prevent the passage of vandalizing instruments. A release member at one lateral side of the card path, and preferably a pair of release members at laterally opposite sides of the card path, are biased to lie within the card path, but can be deflected at least partially laterally out of the card path by the opposite corners of the card leading edge. The release members initially block movement of the card gate to its open position, but release the card gate to move to its open position when the release members are deflected out of the card path.
The card gate includes a pair of trunions at its laterally opposite sides which are pivotally mounted on the housing of the card reader assembly. The release members have holes through which the trunions extend, with the release members confined to sliding laterally out of and back into the side of the card path.
The card gate is molded of a high strength plastic. Pads of softer and lower friction material such as a fluorocarbon are mounted to project from the lower face of the card gate so the pads ride along the card to minimize scratching of the card. A shoulder part of the card gate which is blocked by the release members until the release members are deflected, is connected through a weakened area such as a groove, to the rest of the card gate, so the shoulder part can break off from the rest of the card gate when a vandal presses an instrument with high force along the card path. Until the broken card gate is replaced, it does not block the entrance of vandalizing instruments along the card path, but it still allows proper cards to be inserted to the card reader for readout.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention will be best understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Frech Karl D.
ITT Manufacturing Enterprises Inc.
Lee Diane I.
Turner Roger
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