Carriage Patents (Class 235/479)
  • Patent number: 10740585
    Abstract: A system and method for reading a barcode displayed on an object is provided. The system includes a barcode reader having a plurality of cameras communicatively coupled to an image processor, and a controller device communicatively coupled to the plurality of cameras and the image processor. The cameras are arranged to define a first opening therebetween sized to receive the object therein. The controller device triggers an operation of each camera. Each camera is operative to capture a respective image of a different corresponding portion of the surface of the object, and to send the respective image to the image processor. The image processor is configured to combine the respective images received from each camera into a composite image, and to read a barcode from the composite image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Ronald Konopacki, Matthew David Allen, Allan Gunn Ferry
  • Patent number: 9760743
    Abstract: A card reader for a point-of-sale system that is configured to accept both magnetic strip-type and integrated circuit (IC) chip-type payment cards. The card reader is a component of a point-of-sale system including a portable computing device in communication with the card reader that is configured to present a first graphical user interface (GUI) when a magnetic stripe-type card is detected and a second GUI when an IC chip-type card is detected in the card reader. The card reader comprises a slot configured to receive the payment card, a magnetic reading device and an IC chip reading device. The card reader also includes a discriminator contact disposed within the slot that is configured to conduct across a surface of a metal pad of the IC chip-type card prior to the CI chip reading device making contact with the IC chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Square, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Lamfalusi, Kartik Lamba
  • Patent number: 9514337
    Abstract: A card reader which is attached and used in a host device may include a detection switch disposed on the card reader side attaching face and structured to detect whether the card reader has been detached from the host device; and a first sealing member disposed so as to be sandwiched between the host device side attaching face and the detection switch, the first sealing member covering the detection switch and being structured to prevent penetration of water to the detection switch. The detection switch may include a pressed part and is structured to turn to “ON” or “OFF” when the pressed part is pressed. The first sealing member may be formed with a pressing protruded part structured to press the pressed part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8997972
    Abstract: An automated checkout system for reading optical data, such as barcode labels, on a bottom surface of an item using a data reader. The automated checkout system includes a housing supporting a leading conveyor section and a trailing conveyor section separated by a gap. The housing movably supports a transition element positioned across the gap for helping items transition between the conveyor sections. The transition element is movable between a first position and a second position. A sensor is in communication with the transition element and is configured to sense the position of the transition element, where movement of the transition element from the first position to the second position activates the sensor. When activated, the sensor may send a signal to a terminal to display a warning message to a user. Alternatively, the sensor may send a signal to an automatic shut-off mechanism to stop operation of the conveyors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Datalogic ADC, Inc.
    Inventors: Stepan Ryabinin, Jeffrey J. Hoskinson, Paul R. Huss, Michael P. Svetal
  • Patent number: 8608072
    Abstract: A memory card socket is provided. The memory card socket includes an outer case, an inner case which is movable within the outer case and includes a slot into which a memory card is insertable. The memory card socket also includes a locking portion which locks the inner case to the outer case upon a withdrawal of the memory card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Won Jeong, Jong-Deok Choi
  • Publication number: 20120187195
    Abstract: An automated checkout system and method of operation for reading encoded data, such as barcode labels, on a bottom surface of an item using a data reader. The automated checkout system includes a leading and a trailing conveyor separated by a gap, where the leading conveyor may be vertically offset in relation to the trailing conveyor such that the item tilts or drops slightly as it moves between the conveyors. A data reader is positioned beneath the conveyors to read the encoded data through the gap as the item transitions from the leading conveyor onto the trailing conveyor. The automated checkout system may include a transition element, such as a transfer plate or guide rollers, to bridge the gap between the conveyors to provide a smooth transfer between the conveyors, prevent items from becoming lodged between the conveyors, and prevent debris from falling through and collecting on the data reader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Datalogic ADC, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Actis, Michael Ahten, Michael P. Svetal
  • Publication number: 20120138687
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for optically scanning a machine-readable device applied to an object, comprising a transport apparatus for transporting the object in a transport direction, the object being supported on the transport apparatus on an underside, the transport apparatus containing a first transport belt with a first upper strand and a second transport belt with a second upper strand, wherein a gap is formed between the first transport belt and the second transport belt which is arranged ahead of the first transport belt in the transport direction, and comprising a scanning apparatus for scanning the machine-readable marking, wherein the scanning apparatus has at least one scanning element associated with the gap, wherein the first upper strand and the second upper strand are arranged so as to have a height offset relative to each other in such a way that the underside of the object can be scanned by tipping the object when the object is transferred from the first transport belt to the second t
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: WINCOR NIXDORF INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Guenter Baitz
  • Publication number: 20120080518
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a card feed unit for transferring a data carrier of card information of a multi-services cards, such as a bank card or credit card, to a reading head of a reading unit for at least reading out of card information, the card feed unit comprising: attachment means for attaching the card feed unit in an arrangement respective of the reading head that is suitable for transporting the data carrier of the card in the direction of the meeting head, a receipt position for receipt of the card, a transfer assembly for transferring the card by means of the transfer assembly in the direction of the reading head, in which: the card feed unit is suitable for, during insertion of the card in the receipt position, receiving the card in the receipt position by means of an insertion operation with a direction of movement that, at least as seen in one direction, is substantially perpendicular to the readout direction of the card for preventing that the card is readable during the insertion operat
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: CARD SWIPE PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY B.V.
    Inventors: Leonardus Antonius Maria Van Den Bogart, Cornelis Johannes Goedee, Marina Helena Jongh
  • Patent number: 8028922
    Abstract: An electronic device includes: a card reader into which a card is inserted and which reads out information carried on the card; a power supply unit which supplies power to the card reader; a detection unit which detects the insertion of a card into the card reader and the ejection of a card from the card reader; and a control unit which controls the power supply unit. When the detection unit detects the insertion of a card, the control unit causes the power supply unit to start the supply of power to the card reader, and when the detection unit detects the ejection of the inserted card, the control unit causes the power supply unit to shut off the supply of power to the card reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Iwashima
  • Patent number: 8002189
    Abstract: A hybrid processing device that continuously reads information from a plurality of process media can set the speed of the continuous reading process appropriately to the situation. The hybrid processing device 20 has a conveyance portion 2c, a reading control unit 28, and a discharge control unit 25 that runs a discharge process according to the result of the read process, and continuously reads a plurality of checks S according to instructions from a host computer 30. The reading control unit 28 runs a read process to read all read items when the reading accuracy priority mode is selected. When the reading speed priority mode is selected, the reading control unit 28 runs a read process to read only specific read items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Saikawa
  • Patent number: 7931201
    Abstract: A sample plate for supporting bar code scanning is provided, comprising first-circle sample slots distributed along the circumference of the sample plate and clear slots each communicating correspondingly with each of the sample slots, wherein an angle ? is formed between the line connecting the center of the circle of each first-circle sample slot to that of the sample plate and the axis of the corresponding clear slot, and the range of ? is 4°<?<8°. As an angle is formed between the direction of the axis of the clear slot and that of the diameter of the sample plate, it is able to guarantee a reasonable range of the incident angle when the bar code scanning light is projected on the surface of the bar code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Peng Zhang, Jiaofeng Liu, Baozhen Nie
  • Patent number: 7837092
    Abstract: An electronic device and an ejection device for ejecting a separable device from the electronic device are provided. The ejection device includes a first arm, a second arm, a tray, and a tray guide. The first arm includes a pivot. The second arm is fixed on the first arm such that an angle is formed therebetween. The tray includes a base plate which has a second arm guiding element extending in a first direction on its bottom surface. The tray is movably connected to the tray guide such that the tray is movable in a second direction. When the first arm rotates relative the pivot, the first arm also compels the second arm to rotate about the pivot. In the meantime, the second arm moves along the second arm guiding element to drive the tray moving along the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Qisda Corporation
    Inventor: Hung-Chuan Wen
  • Patent number: 7780083
    Abstract: The invention describes a device (10) and a method for protecting a self-service terminal against fraudulent installation of spying-out apparatuses for spying-out information, which device and method are based on the detection of metallic components of the spying-out apparatus. The device (10) comprises a control unit (12) and a peripheral (24) which is connected to the control unit (12) via an interface (26, 28, 30). The sound card (24) has an output for an analog output signal, to which output a coil (52, 56) for generating a primary electromagnetic field can be connected, and an input for an analog detection signal, to which input a second coil (60, 64) for detecting a secondary electromagnetic field, which is influenced by the interaction of the primary electromagnetic field with the metallic components of the spying-out apparatus, can be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Schliebe, Michael Nolte, Thomas Nickel
  • Patent number: 7770794
    Abstract: Methods and systems for transferring information between a movable system and another system. The movable subsystem includes an electrical component providing electrical signal including information. Electromagnetic radiation is modulated according to the information. The other subsystem includes a receiving component that receives the modulated electromagnetic radiation and converts the received electromagnetic radiation into other electrical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Marvell International Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goss, Gregory F. Carlson, Ronald G. Paul, Todd A. McClelland, Randall L. Stockberger, Jerry A. Marshall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7721970
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a card reader that defines a fixing hole in a sidewall thereof, and forms a first connector in a rear wall thereof, includes a chassis, a bracket slidably mounted to the chassis, a pair of first resilient members, and a locking member. The chassis includes a front wall defining a first opening for the card reader passing therethrough. A second connector is mounted to the bracket, corresponding to the first connector of the card reader. The first resilient members are connected between the chassis and the bracket. The first resilient members are stretched when mounting the card reader. The locking member includes a retaining member mounted to the chassis, and a securing member mounted to the retaining member via a second resilient member. The securing member includes a securing portion protruding therefrom for engaging with the fixing hole of the card reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Chi Liang, Hsuan-Tsung Chen, Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 7549588
    Abstract: The device of the invention is a device for issuing a ticket (1) from a tape reserve for a printing mechanism. Such device implements at least one pair of rolls (2, 3) motorized (4) for driving the ticket (1) towards an evacuation opening (5) of the mechanism. The implementation of motorized means (4) for driving the rolls (2, 3) is slaved to first control means (7) for issuing A? the ticket (1) and second control means (8) for retracting B? the ticket (1). Means (10) for inhibiting second control means (8) are slaved to means (11) for detecting the moment when the user is taking the ticket (1) in the retracting path B?, for authorizing reverse rotational impulse of the driving rolls (2, 3) in order to return the ticket (1) notwithstanding a prior control (8) for retracting the ticket (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: APS Engineering
    Inventor: Denis Montagutelli
  • Patent number: 7527205
    Abstract: An automated package dimensioning subsystem comprising a Laser Detecting and Ranging (LADAR-based) scanning apparatus for capturing two-dimensional range data maps of the space above a conveyor structure, along which packages are transported, and an image contour tracing apparatus for extracting package dimension data from the two-dimensional range data maps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Ka Man Au, Gennady Germaine, George Kolis, Timothy A. Good, Michael D. Schnee, Robert E. Blake, Carl Harry Knowles, Sankar Ghosh, Charles A. Naylor, David M. Wilz, Sr., Constantine J. Tsikos, Francis E. Lodge, Stephen J. Colavito, George B. Rockstein
  • Patent number: 7494059
    Abstract: A card dispenser includes a dispenser body, which defines an accommodation chamber for receiving a stack of cards for dispensing, a conveying unit mounted in the dispenser body and controlled to deliver the loaded cards from the accommodation chamber through a delivery path to an output port individually, an adjustment structure for adjusting the length and width of the accommodation chamber subject to the size of the loaded cards, a mobile base member detachably inserted into the dispenser body and provided with an adjustment device for adjusting a gap of the delivery path subject to the thickness of the loaded cards in the accommodation chamber, and detection devices respectively mounted in the dispenser body and the mobile base member for detecting accurate dispensing of every card through the delivery path to the output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: International Currency Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Hung-Yi Chang
  • Patent number: 7458516
    Abstract: A card reader comprises an entry slot to allow access for a card into the interior of the card reader along a predetermined passage. The card reader further comprises a controller and an image capture device arranged so as to monitor the interior of the card reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Stuart Masterton, Barrie Clark
  • Patent number: 7441702
    Abstract: A card processing device (100) that handles a magnetic card and an IC card wherein, when a card (50) is taken into a main body (20) and if the card is a magnetic card, the inserted card (50) is taken in by intermittently transporting the card to a predetermined position and, after that, by continuously transporting the card and, if the card is an IC card, the inserted card (50) is taken in by continuously transporting the card. When the card (50) is ejected out of the main body (20) and if the card is a magnetic card, the card is ejected by continuously transporting the card to a predetermined position and, after that, by intermittently transporting the card and, if the card is an IC card, the card is ejected by continuously transporting the card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventor: Akihiro Tadamasa
  • Publication number: 20080185443
    Abstract: A card processor of the present invention has: an insertion slot, into which a card is inserted; a carriage path, along which the card is carried; a carriage mechanism, which carries the card inserted into the insertion slot; and a holding portion, which is installed between the insertion slot and the carriage mechanism and holds the card on the carriage path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicants: Aruze Corp., Seta Corp.
    Inventors: Takahisa OONISHI, Takashi Ooto
  • Publication number: 20080164319
    Abstract: The proposed apparatus (100) for recognizing user identifying data, stored in a support, and for joining the support to a corresponding document containing personal pieces of information, to be sent to the user, is associated to a documents (D) feeding line (A), which includes: a magazine (10) for storing a series of supports (11). A plurality of reading devices (12) read and recognize the data stored in the supports (11). A work unit (L) is situated near the feeding line (A) and has a work surface (13), on which the reading devices (12) are placed The work surface (13) is rotated to convey angularly the reading devices (12), so that each of them is placed, for each complete rotation of the surface (13), subsequently in a positions corresponding to a first section (S1) and to a second section (S2) of the unit (L). First conveying means (T1) are situated between the magazine (10) and the first section (S1) of the unit (L), to convey the supports (11) from the magazine (10) to a respective reading device (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: C.M.C. S.P.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Ponti
  • Patent number: 7389935
    Abstract: An automated system for preparing cards for further processing includes an envelope feed hopper configured to receive a plurality of envelopes, each having contents including a card carrier and one or more cards attached thereto. The systems also includes an envelope opener configured to receive envelopes from the hopper and create an opening into each envelope. The system further includes a contents parser configured to separate a card carrier and card attached thereto from an envelope. The system also includes a card carrier alignment device configured to unfold a card carrier and align the carrier for further processing and a separation mechanism configured to receive card carriers from the alignment device and separate the card from the carrier. The system also includes a controller programmed to control operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: Scott J. Smith, Corey D. Tunink, Timothy J. Walpus, Jeffery G. Nowlin, Jay E. Greene
  • Publication number: 20080099564
    Abstract: A sample plate for supporting bar code scanning is provided, comprising first-circle sample slots distributed along the circumference of the sample plate and clear slots each communicating correspondingly with each of the sample slots, wherein an angle ? is formed between the line connecting the center of the circle of each first-circle sample slot to that of the sample plate and the axis of the corresponding clear slot, and the range of ? is 4°<?<8°. As an angle is formed between the direction of the axis of the clear slot and that of the diameter of the sample plate, it is able to guarantee a reasonable range of the incident angle when the bar code scanning light is projected on the surface of the bar code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Peng Zhang, Jiaofeng Liu, Baozhen Nie
  • Patent number: 7364076
    Abstract: A card reader is provided with a card locking device preventing a card shaped medium from pulling out for illegal taking-out The card locking device includes a lock member which is turnably supported and provided with an engaging part so as to abut with the surface of the card shaped medium and a movable member which is connected to the lock member and is reciprocally movable in a direction to the card insertion port. The movable member turns the lock member around the support shaft pin such that the engaging part abuts with the card shaped medium to lock the card shaped medium. The engaging part may be constructed by a plurality of plate members whose thicknesses are different is laminated in a width direction of the card shaped medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Nidec Sankyo Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Oguchi
  • Patent number: 7360709
    Abstract: A device is capable of locking or unlocking a card in a card reader. An actuator carries a drive bushing onto which one end of a coil spring is mounted such that the axis of the coil spring is approximately parallel to the rotation axis of the actuator. The opposite end of the coil spring is mounted on a drive nut. A threaded shaft is fixed to a slide block with an elongated hole, and the movements of both are constrained to a single degree of freedom by the engagement of the elongated hole with a fixed pin and by the engagement of an extension of the threaded shaft with the inner hole of the drive bushing. The linear movement of the slide block causes a latch plate to move by means of a linear sliding pair between them so as to lock or unlock the inserted card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: XAC Automation Corp.
    Inventor: Carl Wesley Robinson
  • Patent number: 7311255
    Abstract: A magnetic detection device has a roller unit to which conveying rollers are attached, a fixing unit that installs the roller unit movably in the direction to contact to or leave away from a magnetic head, and eccentric shafts that are provided rotatably between the fixing unit and the roller unit. This magnetic detection device has an adjusting means to adjust a gap between the magnetic head and the conveying roller by relatively moving the roller unit to against the fixing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Takuji Kato
  • Patent number: 7303125
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and method of automatically counting the loaded electronic components in a carrier tape. A pair of detectors is arranged respectively above and below the carrier tape, and a counting wheel having teeth on the periphery is operatively coupled to the keyholes of the tape and reel machine. An encoder is utilized having its axis coupled to the counting wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: King Yuan Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuan-Chi Lin, Bob Huang
  • Patent number: 7222795
    Abstract: A loading apparatus with which it is possible to securely connect connection terminals of a recording medium to terminal electrodes, thereby enhancing the reliability of operations of the loading apparatus. A holder (34) which holds a recording medium (100) having connection terminals (105) and which is moved between an insertion/take-out position where the recording medium is inserted or taken out and a completion position where the loading of the recording medium is completed, and a lock lever (42) for locking the holder in the insertion/take-out position, are provided, and the locking of the holder in the insertion/take-out position by the lock lever is released when the connection terminals of the recording medium are connected to the terminal electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7175085
    Abstract: A card reader includes a card locking mechanism locking a card medium in an immovable holding position when the card medium inserted from a card insertion port provided in a front section of a card reader body stops because of abnormal stopping, thus preventing wrongful removal of the card medium by withdrawal. The card locking mechanism includes a spindle able to rotate via a spindle pin at one end inside the card reader body at the card insertion port, and a stopper configuration enabling direct contact with a surface of the card medium provided along a periphery at another end. A rotation radius includes a distance from the spindle pin to the stopper configuration being gradually increased from one end of the stopper configuration to another end to increase locking force by contact with the card medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Nidec Sankyo Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Oguchi
  • Patent number: 7165717
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cassette, a control device, an automatic teller and a method for opening and/or closing such a cassette. Since the cassette can be opened and/or closed contactlessly by means of a radio link between the cassette and a control device, it is possible to make the handling of cassettes much simpler and more time-effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Mätzig
  • Patent number: 7159773
    Abstract: A card connector (100) provided for interconnecting the card to an external circuit board includes an insulative housing (1), a number of terminals (2) retained in the housing for electrically connecting with the card, and first and second spring switch contacts (31, 32). The first and second spring switch contact respectively include a first and second lead (311, 312) secured in the housing and extending outwardly for electrical connection with an external circuit board, and a generally U-shaped first and second deflectable body portion (312, 322). The first deflectable body portion has a first free leg (314) defining a first spring contact portion (3140). The second deflectable body portion has a second free leg (324) having a deflecting portion (3241) adapted to be actuated by the card in direct response to insertion thereof and a second spring contact portion (3240) adapted for engaging with said first spring contact portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Meng Huan Yang, Tien-Chieh Su
  • Patent number: 7150403
    Abstract: A shutter mechanism used for card module opens and closes a card module slot of electronic device installed on a motor vehicle. The shutter mechanism has a shutter body and a card holding section. The shutter body is reciprocally movable between a closing position closing a slot and an evacuation position apart from the slot in a direction perpendicular to a direction of inserting the card into the slot and in a direction of a surface of the card inserted into the slot. The card holding section is arranged on the shutter body to press a rear end of the card, which is inserted into the slot when the shutter body stops at the closing position, in the insertion direction of the card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Daisuke Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7114659
    Abstract: A mother/daughter card non-volatile memory system includes a daughter card containing the memory and a mother card containing the memory controller and host interface circuits. The daughter memory card contains as little more than the memory cell array as is practical, in order to minimize its cost, and has an interface for connecting with a variety of mother controller cards having physical attributes and host interfaces according to a number of different published or proprietary memory card standards. Different types of memory cards may be used when the operating parameters of the memory are stored within it in a protected location, the mother card controller then reading these parameters and adapting its operation accordingly. A radio frequency antenna may be included on a surface of the card along with its electrical contacts, in order to provide a radio frequency identification function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: SanDisk Corporation
    Inventors: Eliyahou Harari, Bo Eric Ericsson, Robert F. Wallace
  • Patent number: 7073719
    Abstract: A data system (1) includes a credit card type substrate (3) and a data unit (2). The substrate has first and second edges (28, 30) and a data surface region (26) between the edges. The data unit includes a base (4), a substrate support (60) mounted to the base for controlled movement along a first path (14), and a data head driver (6), also mounted to the base, including a data head which reciprocates along a second path (10) oriented perpendicular to the first path. The data head contacts the data surface region on the substrate and first and second data head support surfaces (120, 122) located at opposite ends of the second path adjacent to the first and second edges of the substrate. The data head support surfaces and the data surface rer˜ioI1 are coplanar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: UltraCard, Inc.
    Inventor: Malcolm G. Smith, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7036723
    Abstract: A card package production system (10) with interchangeable inserters (24A, 24B) and carrier folders (86A, 86B) to enable use of forms (26A, 26B) of different types verifies the carriers (30) if they are properly produced and rejects them if they are not prior to the attachment to a carrier. The embossed characters and encoding read from the card are compared with the stored card data to verify accuracy and are compared to coding on the carrier form (26A, 26B) to determine if there is a match. A code on the carrier is also compared to stored carrier data and to the cards provided for insertion and are rejected without cards if incorrectly prepared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Dynetics Engineering Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery L. Hill, Gregory S. Hill, Robert J. Bretl, Fred J. Kassabian
  • Patent number: 7014118
    Abstract: A header connector apparatus (10) is configured to receive an electronic card (11). The apparatus (10) includes a body (12) having first and second spaced apart side arms (14, 16) formed integrally with the body (12) and configured to receive the card (11) therebetween. The first side arm (14) has a longitudinally extending first dovetail member (52). The apparatus (10) also includes an actuator button (48, 70) having a longitudinally extending second dovetail member (54, 74) configured to mate with the first dovetail member (52) to allow the button (48, 70) to move longitudinally relative to the body (12), and an ejector mechanism (36) coupled to the body (12) and the button (48, 70). The ejector mechanism (36) is configured to eject the card (11) from the body (12) upon longitudinal movement of the button (48, 70) relative to the body (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Robinson Nugent, Inc
    Inventors: Samuel C. Ramey, Johannes Petrus Maria Kusters, John Paul Brainard
  • Patent number: 6997376
    Abstract: An anti-tether device used in vending machines to prevent retrieval of paper currency that is attached to a tether. The anti-tether device includes a slotted disk aligned with the paper currency path and is caused to rotate after paper currency passes through the slot. A tether attached to the paper currency will inhibit the motion of the disk. If the vending machine control system determines that the disk did not rotate completely or did not rotate within a predetermined time limit, the vending machine will not dispense a product or service and may send an external signal. Alternatively, if a product or service is dispensed despite the presence of a tether, the paper currency will not be retrievable, as the tether will be mechanically wound around a shaft of the anti-tether apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Rowe International Corporation
    Inventor: James D. Collins
  • Patent number: 6991163
    Abstract: A card reader that transports a card having a magnetic strip with a drive means to read and write information on the card that includes prehead for detecting the insertion of the card by searching the presence of the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic strip, and a card detecting switch for detecting the card. When the card detecting switch determines that a card is present, the prehead searches the magnetic information. When the card detecting switch does not detect a card, the card is distinguished as a specially-shaped card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Sankyo Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumihiko Akabane, Kazutoshi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6991170
    Abstract: A card forcible ejection mechanism used to forcibly discharge a card retained in a card reader can be set in a small space and can be attached during a post-assembling step. The mechanism has a carriage which can move along a carriage direction of a card and is provided separately from a card carrying device and at least one claw which is provided on the carriage and can protrude/retract to/from a card carriage path: A carriage moving device for moving the carriage to a claw retracing position and a claw protruding position, and a claw protruding/retracting mechanism which retracts the claw from the card carriage path when the carriage is placed at the claw retracting position and protrudes the claw to the card carriage path when the carriage is placed at the claw protruding position, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seiki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kenji Hirasawa, Shigeyuki Nagata
  • Patent number: 6988659
    Abstract: The housing of a card reader has a connector to be inserted into an electronic equipment. When using a moving member movable in the inserting and removing directions (inserting direction and removing direction) of the connector and inserting the connector into the housing of the electronic equipment, the moving member is pushed by the circumferential portion of the counterpart connector of the electronic equipment connecting to the connector and moved in the removing direction of the connector to prevent a medium from being removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6981647
    Abstract: A foreign matter detection mechanism for detecting a foreign matter other than a carriage object for the purpose of, e.g., preventing illegal use of a card by detecting a foreign matter other than the card inserted into, e.g., a card reader, a carriage movement mechanism used in the foreign matter detection mechanism and the like, and a method for operating the carriage movement mechanism. The foreign matter detection mechanism (1) comprises foreign matter detection members (5a, 5b) having foreign matter engagement portions (6a, 6b) and move closer to or away from a traveling path (4), a movement mechanism (29) for moving the foreign matter detection members (5a, 5b) in a direction crossing the traveling path (4) respectively, and detecting means (8a, 8b) for detecting presence/absence of foreign matter detection by the foreign matter detection members (5a, 5b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seiki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Kenji Hirasawa
  • Patent number: 6969000
    Abstract: An optical module apparatus equipped with a latch coupler includes a carrier movable on a guiding rod. The guiding rod is coupled with a turnable check member. When the optical module apparatus is on a flat and using position, the check member may pass through a check trough to enable the carrier to move freely and linearly and reciprocally. When the optical module apparatus is mounted in an inclined manner and moved away from the using position, the check member is subject to the gravity force and turns in parallel with the direction of the gravity force, and is latched on the check trough to restrict the moving range of the carrier. Thus the optical module apparatus may be prevented from moving by external forces during transportation and avoid being damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Ta-Yi Lee
  • Patent number: 6877660
    Abstract: A positioning structure for a scanning article, applied in a scanning apparatus. The positioning structure has a hollow shell, at least one flexible and a positioning module. The hollow shell is disposed on a scanning platform and has at least one opening and projected portion formed thereon. The flexible element is used to prevent foreign objects or light from falling into the hollow shell. The positioning module is assembled with the hollow shell. Users can put the scanning article into the hollow shell through the opening, and then the scanning article is accurately positioned in a predetermined position for scanning by the positioning module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Chi Nan Wang, Jung Kai Cheng
  • Patent number: 6857574
    Abstract: A loading mechanism of a storage device includes a loader tray into which cartridge is loaded. A stopper spring is arranged on an opening of the loader tray. One side of the stopper spring is attached onto the loader tray, and the stopper spring is bent so as to include an engagement portion in a “V-like” shape. A pair of extending portions, extending toward the stopper spring, are formed on a side of a release plate. If the release plate is moved toward the stopper spring, the pair of extending portions move underneath an inclined portion of the stopper spring, so as to push up the engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6851613
    Abstract: A card processor which maintains security against unauthorized reading of the magnetic data recorded in the card and improves operability by suppressing offensive feeling to the customers includes a card carriage control unit which rotates carrier rollers in a direction in which a card is taken in by the interior of the main body until the card is held by the pair of carrier rollers closest to the insertion port. Therefore, the customer who inserts the card does not receive offensive feeling such as supporting something with the card that occurs when the leading end of the card comes in contact with the carrier rollers that are halting. As the card is held by the carrier rollers, further, the card carriage control unit intermittently carries the card so as to be taken in by the main body. Even in case an unauthorized card reader is attached to the front surface of the insertion port, therefore, the card data are not read out without authorization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Yoshii
  • Patent number: 6834808
    Abstract: A paper money receiving/discharging apparatus includes a reel for winding/rewinding a tape therearound, a wheel for winding/rewinding paper money together with the tape therearound, a holding conveyer for holding the paper money conveyed from outside of the paper money receiving/discharging apparatus, so as to convey the paper money in a direction of the wheel at a convey velocity, and an assist roller provided on a paper money conveyer passage between the holding conveyer and the wheel, abutting on the tape, to be rotatable following thereto, and for sending the paper money in a direction of being wound around the wheel while holding the paper money together with the tape. The tape is wound around the wheel at a velocity which is lower that the convey velocity of the paper money as conveyed by the holding conveyer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Satou, Riichi Katou, Yasunari Niioka, Hisahiro Koshizuka
  • Patent number: 6827264
    Abstract: The personalisation of intelligent portable objects such as smart cards is performed on a device having a support with, on one of its faces, locations intended to receive the objects (1) to be personalised. Remote from this face, equipment for electrical personalisation (40) of the objects is disposed. A graphical printing station is provided to operate upon objects located on the support, which is moved with respect to the graphical printing station (5). The electrical personalisation and the graphical printing take place at lest in part simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Gemplus
    Inventor: Paul Morgavi
  • Patent number: 6824062
    Abstract: A card reader is provided with a card transporting mechanism wherein the trailing end of a card as viewed in a card transporting direction is brought into contact with a first card engaging/holding member moving in a card transporting direction, and the card is transported by the first card engaging/holding member. The card transporting mechanism includes a carriage movable in the card transporting direction, and the first card engaging/holding member is mounted so that the first card engaging/holding member is movable between a first position where the first card engaging/holding member comes in contact with the trailing end of the card and a second position where the first card engaging/holding member does not come in contact with the card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seisakusho
    Inventor: Kenji Hirasawa
  • Publication number: 20040094629
    Abstract: A card forcible ejection mechanism used to forcibly discharge a card retained in a card reader, having is a mechanism which can be set in a small space and can be attached on a post-assembling step and comprising: a carriage (7) which can move along a carriage direction of a card (3) and is provided separately from a card carrying device (5); at least one claw (8) which is provided to the carriage (7) and can protrude/retract to/from a card carriage path (4); a carriage moving device (9) for moving the carriage (7) to a claw retracting position (11) and a claw protruding position (12); and a claw protruding/retracting mechanism (10) which retracts the claw (8) from the card carriage path (4) when the carriage (7) is placed at the claw retracting position (11), and protrudes the claw (8) to the card carriage path (4) when the carriage (7) is placed at the claw protruding position (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Kenji Hirasawa, Shigeyuki Nagata