US5569898A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Selective card entry gate with ridged profile
Assignee: MagTek Inc
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Filing: 1995-06-07
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Granted: 1996-10-29
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Expires: 2015-06-07
Abstract
Abstract A card entry gate has a slot defining several ridges extending longitudinally from the upper and lower surfaces of the slot. A data-bearing card, with an encoded strip and embossed portions, fits between the ridges of the slot when inserted lengthwise in any orientation. The ridges are positioned to avoid the encoded strip and the embossed portions, thereby preventing damage to the card and reducing jitter. The ridges further resist the malicious or accidental insertion of certain coins, odd-shaped cards, and many foreign objects.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard G. Fisher
- 👤 Lawrence R. Meyers
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 19:26
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/01; G07; G07F; G07F7/00; G07F7/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
A card entry gate for use with a data-bearing card primarily of a first thickness and having at least one portion with a larger second thickness, comprising: a card processing apparatus to receive said card; a gate block affixed to said apparatus defining an entry slot into said apparatus, said slot having a front, an upper surface, an opposed lower surface, and a height therebetween at the front capable of embracing said second thickness; and at least one upper ridge defined by said upper surface and at least one lower ridge defined by said lower surface, said ridges protruding at least partially into said entry slot and defining a gap therebetween having a height capable of embracing said first thickness, wherein said ridges are arranged in such a manner that the data-bearing card may be inserted into said entry slot between said upper and lower ridges in any of a plurality of orientations.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
153 words
A card entry gate for use with a data-bearing card primarily of a first thickness and having at least one portion with a larger second thickness, comprising: a card processing apparatus to receive said card; a gate block affixed to said apparatus defining an entry slot into said apparatus, said slot having a front, an upper surface, an opposed lower surface, and a height therebetween at the front capable of embracing said second thickness; and at least one upper ridge defined by said upper surface and at least one lower ridge defined by said lower surface, said ridges protruding at least partially into said entry slot and defining a gap therebetween having a height capable of embracing said first thickness, wherein said ridges are arranged in such a manner that the data-bearing card may be inserted into said entry slot between said upper and lower ridges in any of a plurality of orientations.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The card entry gate of claim 1, wherein: said entry slot has a longitudinal centerline; and said ridges comprise a configuration symmetrical about a plane containing said centerline and perpendicular to said entry slot.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The card entry gate of claim 1, wherein: said entry slot has a longitudinal centerline; and said ridges comprise a configuration symmetrical about a plane containing said centerline and parallel to said entry slot.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The card entry gate of claim 1, wherein said entry slot rejects coins and improperly shaped cards.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The card entry gate of claim 1, wherein the data-bearing card has embossed portions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The card entry gate of claim 5, wherein said ridges avoid said embossed portions when the data-bearing card is inserted into said entry slot.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The card entry gate of claim 1, wherein the data-bearing card has an encoded strip.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The card entry gate of claim 7, wherein said ridges avoid said encoded strip when the data-bearing card is inserted into said entry slot.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The card entry gate of claim 1, wherein said gate block comprises: a tapered rectangular portion defining said slot; and at rear flange portion for mounting said gate block to said apparatus.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
135 words
A card entry gate for use with a data-bearing card primarily of a first thickness and having at least one portion with a larger second thickness, comprising: a gate block defining an entry slot, said slot having a front, an upper surface, an opposed lower surface, and a height therebetween at the front capable of embracing said second thickness; and at least one upper ridge defined by said upper surface and at least one lower ridge defined by said lower surface, said ridges protruding into said entry slot and defining a gap therebetween having a height capable of embracing said first thickness, wherein said ridges are arranged in such a manner that the data-bearing card may be inserted into said entry slot between said upper and lower ridges in any of a plurality of orientations.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
135 words
A card entry gate for use with a data-bearing card primarily of a first thickness and having at least one portion with a larger second thickness, comprising: a gate block defining an entry slot, said slot having a front, an upper surface, an opposed lower surface, and a height therebetween at the front capable of embracing said second thickness; and at least one upper ridge defined by said upper surface and at least one lower ridge defined by said lower surface, said ridges protruding into said entry slot and defining a gap therebetween having a height capable of embracing said first thickness, wherein said ridges are arranged in such a manner that the data-bearing card may be inserted into said entry slot between said upper and lower ridges in any of a plurality of orientations.
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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) | 1999-10-29 | 2000-04-29 | 2000-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-10-29 | 2004-04-29 | 2004-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-10-29 | 2008-04-29 | 2008-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |