US4868900A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Credit card verifier
Assignee: Verifone Systems Ireland Ltd
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Filing: 1987-07-27
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Granted: 1989-09-19
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Expires: 2007-07-27
Abstract
Abstract A point-of-sale credit card verifier for checking the validity of cards, such as credit cards, comprises means for non-destructively storing information on invalid credit cards for comparison with information which is read from a card presented for use. The information on invalid credit cards is transmitted by signals embedded in a VHF stereo radio broadcast from a broadcast station which is received by a VHF receiver/demodulator. A credit card sensor and control maintains the verifier switched off unless a credit card is to be read. The verifier is switched on when information is about to be broadcast from a broadcast station. The verifier operates quickly and independently of telecommunications networks.
Inventors
- 👤 John F. McGuire
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 09:58
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F7/00; G07F7/08; G06; G06Q; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/38; G06Q20/40; G06Q20/403
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
A method for verifying a credit card comprising the steps and sequence of: receiving a preparatory radio signal; activating input circuitry for a signal storage device a pre-set time after the preparatory radio signal; receiving an information radio signal containing information relating to invalid credit cards from a central control station; storing the information received to form a memory bank of stored data; de-activating the input circuitry of the signal storage device; inserting a card into the verifier; reading encoded data on the card; comparing the stored and encoded data; and rejecting or accepting the card in response to the comparison.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
101 words
A method for verifying a credit card comprising the steps and sequence of: receiving a preparatory radio signal; activating input circuitry for a signal storage device a pre-set time after the preparatory radio signal; receiving an information radio signal containing information relating to invalid credit cards from a central control station; storing the information received to form a memory bank of stored data; de-activating the input circuitry of the signal storage device; inserting a card into the verifier; reading encoded data on the card; comparing the stored and encoded data; and rejecting or accepting the card in response to the comparison.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
114 words
A credit card verifier comprising: means for receiving a preparatory radio signal from a central control station; a signal storage device; input circuitry for the signal storage device for reception of an information radio signal; means for activating the input circuitry a pre-set time after reception of the preparatory radio signal; means for de-activating the input circuitry after reception of the information radio signal and storage of the information received as stored data; means for reading encoded data on a credit card presented at the credit card verifier; means for comparing the stored and encoded data; and means for delivering a signal indicating validity of the presented credit card in response to said comparison.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
114 words
A credit card verifier comprising: means for receiving a preparatory radio signal from a central control station; a signal storage device; input circuitry for the signal storage device for reception of an information radio signal; means for activating the input circuitry a pre-set time after reception of the preparatory radio signal; means for de-activating the input circuitry after reception of the information radio signal and storage of the information received as stored data; means for reading encoded data on a credit card presented at the credit card verifier; means for comparing the stored and encoded data; and means for delivering a signal indicating validity of the presented credit card in response to said comparison.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A credit card verifier as recited in claim 2 in which the means for receiving preparatory and information radio signals comprises a VHF receiver and associated demodulator.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A credit verifier as recited in claim 2, further comprising a keyboard and associated equipment for inputting information and transaction data into the verifier and means for storing said transaction data.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
A credit card verifier as recited in claim 2 further comprising serial transmission means for transmission by cable of transaction data to the central control station and for reception of information on invalid credit cards.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A credit card verifier as recited in claims 2 in which a printer is provided for the transaction data.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-09-18 | 1993-03-20 | 1993-09-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-09-18 | 1997-03-20 | 1997-09-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-09-18 | 2001-03-20 | 2001-09-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |