US3671720A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Encoded card readout system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-11-20
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Granted: 1972-06-20
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Expires: 1989-11-20
Abstract
Abstract A system employing encoded cards and a card readout machine wherein the cards incorporate both embossments and a light responsive encoding surface which cooperate with said machine to read out information encoded on individual cards. The readout machine which is employed in the system may be adapted for either ''''on line'''' usage with a computer or perform ''''off line'''' functions. Regardless of the usage to which it is adapted, the machine employs embossment encoding readout means in the form of a plurality of sensing pins which are mounted for movement within the machine and are adapted to be brought into engagement with an encoded card when it is suitably positioned within the machine. The pins perform switching functions in the machine''s card readout circuitry in response to the locations of the embossments on the card. The embossments may take the form of embossed card identification numerals or a pattern of discrete embossments arranged in accordance with a predetermined code. The card further includes a light responsive encoding surface which cooperates with a suitable light source on the machine for anticounterfeit or fraud detection purposes.
Inventors
- 👤 James E White
- 👤 George S Oberhart
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 11:32
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F7/00; G07F7/08; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/04; G06K7/042; G06K7/045; G06Q; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/38; G06Q20/40; G06Q20/403; G07F7/086; G07F7/10; G07F7/1025; G07F7/1058; G07F7/1066
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
253 words
In a machine including readout circuitry adapted to read out information encoded on a card by means of encoding embossments and an encoding surface having predetermined light responsive characteristics, the improvement comprising: means defining a slot adapted to receive said card; a plurality of embossment detection pins selectively movable into and out of said slot, said embossment detection pins being slidably mounted for individual movement relative to said means defining a slot responsive to the detection of embossment on a card received within said slot and being engaged by a plate spring integrally formed with a plurality of leaf spring elements disposed, respectively, in biasing engagement with the respective pins to individually bias the pins toward said means defining a slot; a board having a printed circuit thereon and a plurality of apertures formed therein, said embossment detection pins being mounted for slidable movement within said apertures; enlarged contacts on said embossment detection pins for engagement with the printed circuit on the board in accordance with the position of said pins as determined by the embossments sensed on a card by said pins; prime mover means for moving said plurality of embossment detection pins into and out of said slot; positioning means for positioning said card in said slot so that the potential embossment locations on said card arE in registry with said embossment detection pins; and counterfeit card detection means adapted to cooperate with the encoding surface having predetermined light responsive characteristics on said card to determine the validity of said card.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
253 words
In a machine including readout circuitry adapted to read out information encoded on a card by means of encoding embossments and an encoding surface having predetermined light responsive characteristics, the improvement comprising: means defining a slot adapted to receive said card; a plurality of embossment detection pins selectively movable into and out of said slot, said embossment detection pins being slidably mounted for individual movement relative to said means defining a slot responsive to the detection of embossment on a card received within said slot and being engaged by a plate spring integrally formed with a plurality of leaf spring elements disposed, respectively, in biasing engagement with the respective pins to individually bias the pins toward said means defining a slot; a board having a printed circuit thereon and a plurality of apertures formed therein, said embossment detection pins being mounted for slidable movement within said apertures; enlarged contacts on said embossment detection pins for engagement with the printed circuit on the board in accordance with the position of said pins as determined by the embossments sensed on a card by said pins; prime mover means for moving said plurality of embossment detection pins into and out of said slot; positioning means for positioning said card in said slot so that the potential embossment locations on said card arE in registry with said embossment detection pins; and counterfeit card detection means adapted to cooperate with the encoding surface having predetermined light responsive characteristics on said card to determine the validity of said card.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The improvement according to claim 1 wherein said prime mover means comprises a solenoid actuator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The improvement according to claim 2 wherein said solenoid actuator is in operative association with said counterfeit card detection means whereby said actuator is actuatable upon detection of a valid card by said counterfeit card detection means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
The improvement according to claim 1 wherein said counterfeit card detection means comprises a light source adapted to direct light on the encoding surface on said card and photoresponsive means adapted to detect light on the encoding surface when said card is valid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improvement according to claim 4 wherein a selectively variable color filter is disposed between said light source and said card.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improvement according to claim 4 wherein said light source comprises an ultra violet light emitter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The improvement according to claim 1 wherein said positioning means comprises a spring biased follower having a cammed surface engageable by said card upon insertion into said slot.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-06-20 | 1975-12-20 | 1976-06-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-20 | 1979-12-20 | 1980-06-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-20 | 1983-12-20 | 1984-06-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |