Abstract: In a system for the management of non-volatile memories, to avoid losses of information during writing, the critical writing sequences are locked. A back-up information element is stored before the performance of the critical section. The lock is constituted by the bits of the allocation table that designate the location of the saved back-up information. The lock is erased at the end of a normal writing sequence. If there is an abnormal interruption of a writing operation during the critical section, then the lock remains locked. This is detected when the power is turned on again, and the writing is resumed utilizing the saved information elements. The lock and the saved information elements are in a variable zone of the memory, thus preventing memory fatigue in the event of intensive use.

Abstract: A multi-applications portable card that can be plugged in notably into a reader of a personal computer comprises a first connector designed for a connection with the reader and positioned on the periphery of a pack. The portable card comprises, firstly, a mobile rack positioned on an edge of the card that gets fitted into a cavity of the pack, the mobile rack further including a housing provided with a bottom and designed to receive a chip borne by a token and, secondly, a second connector electronically linked to the first connector. The disclosed device can be applied in particular to PCMCIA cards.

Abstract: The machine is a card printer that carries out simultaneous black-and-white or color printing on both faces of a card. This machine uses two identical printers of the type using thermal printing heads and ribbons placed on either side of a device to guide and convey the card to be printed on. A device for the simultaneous positioning of the thermal printing heads enables each ink-bearing ribbon to be applied against one of the faces of the card when it comes under the heads. The invention can be applied to bank cards, entry cards, telephone cards.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the marking of particulars on a connector of a card called an electronic chip card, said connector having metal contacts with a given thickness. Said method comprises a step consisting of the etching, with a laser beam, of said particulars in the thickness of the metal contacts of the connector. Application to the marking of chip cards, bank cards, telephone cards etc.

Abstract: In a memory cell of an EEPROM or flash-EEPROM memory, the source and the drain of a floating-gate transistor forming the non-volatile memorizing device are connected together. It is shown that the capacitive behavior of the cell is then differentiated at the time of the reading depending on whether it is in a programmed state or in an erased state. This difference in behavior is used to differentiate the logic states.

Abstract: To resolve the problems related to the divulgation of the algorithms for the transcoding of the secret codes in chip cards, notably prepayment type chip cards, it is planned to limit the number of authentication operations possible by the number of units contained in the card. It is shown that in this case this number, which is generally small, for example about a hundred units, limits the number of attempts that can be made by a fraudulent person trying to penetrate the mysteries of the secret enciphering algorithm.

Abstract: Process for programming memories of the fuse protection type, particularly those used in smart or chip cards. A breakdown voltage is applied (204) for a time greatly exceeding that used in the prior art, and with a current at a value well above that used in the prior art. Typically 100 ms and 2A are used. Programmable processors (102) make it possible to regulate these values and carry out tests beforehand. These methods avoid reconstitution of blown fuses and the errors resulting therefrom.

Abstract: An integrated circuit, for use in a microprocessor-based chip card that provides several different functions at different hierarchical levels. The circuit has a microprocessor, a read-only memory managing a protection system and an EEPROM capable of containing not only data but also a code that can,be executed by the microprocessor. Different programs are placed in the EEPROM memory zones (Z1C, Z2C, Z3C). The read-only memory contains filtering instructions used to read a filter address in a specified zone Z1B, Z2B, Z3B of the EEPROM. Depending on the contents of this zone, the program will be routed, or not routed, towards the zones (Z1C, Z2C, Z3C). Thus information is recorded at only one address of the EEPROM in order to control accessibility to the different functions of the circuit.

Abstract: The system includes an electronic label (1) and a data terminal (6). The electronic label (1) is provided with a device for the emitting of electromagnetic waves (8) fixed to a ring (2) of the bottom of the protective bell (5). The data terminal (6) is coupled to a detachable read/write head (7) that can be inserted, as desired, into the bell (5) directly facing the label (1) bearing ring (2) to transmit information elements between the data terminal (6) and the label. The system may be used for the automatic identification of gas cylinder type articles.

Abstract: A cleaning card for a card-printing machine associated with a station for the electrical customization of the cards. The cleaning card has dimensions substantially identical to those of the cards to be printed, and is coated with two cleaning flat pads. The first cleaning flat pad, on both sides of the card, collects and retains various types of dust and dirt. The second cleaning flat pad, on the face designed to receive the electrical customization at the locations defined by the standards, is adapted to the cleaning of the landing contacts.

Abstract: A method of electronic payment comprising: providing a memory with an EPROM counter and a pointer; inserting the memory into a machine; decrementing the counter in steps which correspond to a unit of payment, in an irreversible manner, until the counter is equal to the pointer; stopping the decrementing; and incrementing the pointer, without removing the memory from the machine, when a gain is achieved in response to a random external event.

Abstract: The invention relates to chip cards. There is disclosed a chip card (12) with only two contacts intented both to information exchanges (instructions and data) between the card (12) and a card reader and to the power supply of the card (12). According to the invention, the contacts are preferably a clock contact (CLK) used to the synchronization of data and instructions, and a data input/output contact (I/O) used to the transmission of data and instructions from the reader to the card (12) and to the transmission of data from the card (12) to the reader. For the power supply, a full-wave rectifier (bridge of diodes) may be arranged between the two contacts (CLK;I/O). The invention also relates to the communication protocole which allows to use only two contacts (CLK;I/O) while having instructions similar to those of conventional chip cards (initialization of the card, address incrementation of memory cell, reading of the cell, writing, comparison of a confidential code).

Abstract: To simplify the printing of medical forms, provision is made for a reader of chip cards and a set of chip cards comprising doctor chip cards and patient chip cards. According to the principle of the system, it is provided that the doctor's card will be inserted into the reader as soon as the working day begins, and that this card will set the reader. Subsequently, by introducing patient cards, it is possible to prompt the printing of forms having, at the appropriate places, indications pertaining to the doctor who has issued the prescription and the patient who has received it.

Abstract: A device for servicing a vending machine including i) a chip card reader for receiving payments to the vending machine and transferring information elements from the vending machine to the device, ii) a servicing door, and iii) a lock for preventing opening of the servicing door.

Abstract: An automatic trigger circuit including: a two-arm current mirror including a first arm connected between a DC electrical supply and a ground, the first arm including a first transistor including a first source connected to the DC electrical supply, a first gate, and a first drain connected to the first gate; a second transistor including a second gate connected to the DC electrical supply, a second drain connected to the first drain and a second source; a third transistor including a third drain connected to the second source, a third gate for receiving a first level reference voltage, and a third source; and a fourth transistor including a fourth drain connected to the third source and a fourth source connected to the ground; and a second arm connected between the DC electrical supply and the ground, the second arm including a fifth transistor including a fifth source connected to the DC electrical supply, a fifth gate connected to the first gate and a fifth drain; and a sixth transistor including a sixth dr

Abstract: The disclosure relates to "chip" type electronic keys and the connectors designed to work with these keys. A bolting or blocking groove is provided in the face of the key opposite the one supporting the chip, in an intermediate position between this chip and the front end of the key. The key-blocking means therefore press the key towards the connection means which are located above the key. Thus, clearance is eliminated and the clogging of the contacts is avoided. The disclosure enables the use of the known standard of chip keys for the chip and its connection means.

Abstract: An interface is made for a device for the exploitation of electrical signals between a receiver of this device and a device for the exploitation of these signals. The interface is capable of sending, alternatively, signals received by the receiver to an external circuit and signals delivered by the external circuit to the exploitation circuit. It is shown that this approach can be used to resolve problems of the scrambling and unscrambling of audio-visual signals.

Abstract: A device for improving a system for controlling the winding of a ribbon on a take-up reel. This device is particularly designed to obviate the phenomenon of clinging between a ribbon and the face of a card to be printed on, during an operation of printing by the thermal transfer of inks carried by the ribbon. For that purpose, the vertical shift of the ribbon is detected by a sensor associated with an optical detection device. The detection of this shift prompts the modification, in a circuit, of the number of steps per time unit of the step motor.

Abstract: A hand held, unitary assembly, data collection device for an off-line vending machine such as a parking meter, which is operable by smart integrated circuit chip cards. The vending machine has a chip card reader, and which stores data as to the sale of goods/services from the machine. The device has a first portion which mechanically and electrically fits the vending machine reader; and a second portion with an opening to receive a PCMCIA card. Data is retrieved and transferred to the PCMCIA card. The first and second portions are rigidly joined to one another forming a unitary assembly, and the second portion securely holds the PCMCIA card, and is also a handle for gripping the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to exchangeable memory cards having several integrated circuits for personal computers. These memory cards serve as a large capacity mass memory for replacing floppy disks and other exchangeable magnetic supports. In particular, they have a plug-in connector (12) at the end of the card and can be inserted in the reader in accordance with PCMCIA standards of a microcomputer. According to an aspect of the invention, a flush contact chip card memory is formed by such a plug-in card (10) and for this purpose the latter has a supplementary connector with flush contacts on its principal face (14). The thus formed reader is transportable, with its application software stored in the card (10) and can be installed in any random microcomputer equipped with a PCMCIA reader. A credit card or security card (18) can then be inserted in the transportable reader. The memory card is typical a PCMCIA size card with a recess on one major plane surface and the security cards fits into this recess.