US3597734A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sequentially operated system for authenticating credit cards
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1968-10-04
•
Granted: 1971-08-03
•
Expires: 1988-10-04
Abstract
Abstract A system for authenticating credit cards wherein the card contains a hidden code and is coded by means of irregularities in the card''s surface. The card is inserted in the reader which is provided with a plurality of keys. When the code is punched in the correct order on the keys so that it corresponds with the hidden code contained on the card irregularities, circuits in the reader close and an indication that the card is in the hands of one having knowledge of the hidden code is displayed. This display can be by means of a light or by means of actuation of the print roller contained in the reader or both.
Inventors
- 👤 George A Harris Jr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 14:53
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F7/00; G07F7/08; G07F7/10; G06; G06Q; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/30; G06Q20/34; G06Q20/347; G07F7/1025; G07F7/1058
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
271 words
A system for authenticating credit cards comprising: a card having irregularities thereon constituting identifying codes in a plurality of possible code groups; a reader having a slot to receive the card and containing therein; a plurality of switches and a plurality of sensing means associated therewith to sense said irregularities to identify the code on the card such that one of the sensing means actuates its associated switch when an irregularity in the card is sensed; a plurality of separate switches associated with said reader so as to be capable of being actuated separately; a source of voltage; a plurality of relays, there being one associated with each possible code group, each of the relays having a coil and a switch actuated by the coil; portions of the pluralities of switches and of hand-actuated switches being associated with each of the possible code groups and connected so that there is a switch associated with each hand-actuated switch; the associated switches and hand-actuated switches of each possible code group being separately connected in series with the relay coil of that code group and the source of voltage such that when the associated switch and hand-actuated switch are closed; the relay switch actuated by the coil is closed; the switch of the relay of a code group being in series with the relay coil of the next following code group such that the relay of the next following code group will not be actuated if the switch of the previous relay is not closed; indicating means displaying authentication if all the switches of the relays close and nonauthentication if they do not close.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
271 words
A system for authenticating credit cards comprising: a card having irregularities thereon constituting identifying codes in a plurality of possible code groups; a reader having a slot to receive the card and containing therein; a plurality of switches and a plurality of sensing means associated therewith to sense said irregularities to identify the code on the card such that one of the sensing means actuates its associated switch when an irregularity in the card is sensed; a plurality of separate switches associated with said reader so as to be capable of being actuated separately; a source of voltage; a plurality of relays, there being one associated with each possible code group, each of the relays having a coil and a switch actuated by the coil; portions of the pluralities of switches and of hand-actuated switches being associated with each of the possible code groups and connected so that there is a switch associated with each hand-actuated switch; the associated switches and hand-actuated switches of each possible code group being separately connected in series with the relay coil of that code group and the source of voltage such that when the associated switch and hand-actuated switch are closed; the relay switch actuated by the coil is closed; the switch of the relay of a code group being in series with the relay coil of the next following code group such that the relay of the next following code group will not be actuated if the switch of the previous relay is not closed; indicating means displaying authentication if all the switches of the relays close and nonauthentication if they do not close.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
79 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein each of the relays is provided with a second coil connected across the source of voltage such that the relay switch is biased toward closing but is not closed until the coil is connected to the source of voltage, the second coil holding the relay switch closed once the said switch is closed and including means to disconnect the second coils from the source of voltage to thereby open the closed relay switches.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the relays are of the magnetic reed type and including a magnet associated with each relay and movable from a first position in which the reed is biased toward closing to a second position in which the reed is unbiased, the magnet in the first position holding the relay switch closed once it is closed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein a motor is connected to the source of voltage such that when all the relays close, the motor is actuated to imprint an invoice from the credit card.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3221304A
Cited
US3154761A
Cited
US3184714A
Cited
US3299298A
Cited
US3450953A
Cited
US3430200A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-02 | 1975-02-01 | 1975-08-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-02 | 1979-02-01 | 1979-08-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-02 | 1983-02-01 | 1983-08-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |