Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing electrostatic charge from a generally non-conductive object that is inserted into a port or receptacle of a housing are disclosed, such as a smart card having an electrostatic charge thereon inserted into a slot of a housing of a smart card reader. Certain ones of the apparatus and methods use a housing including a slot for receiving a generally non-conductive object having an electrostatic charge thereon, and an electrically ungrounded array of protrusions disposed proximate the slot. Selected ones of the protrusions have a sharp tip. The electrostatic charge on the object and the sharp tips generate an electric field that is used to neutralize the electrostatic charge on the object so as to prevent damaging electric shock.

Abstract: A smart card reader having several advantageous grounding techniques and several techniques to insure proper electrical isolation of the electrical components of the card reader. The smart card reader has a base and a cover. In certain techniques, a non-conductive base is grounded to a conductive, grounded cover. In another technique, a grounded base formed of a statically dissipative composite material is utilized.

Abstract: A smart card reader having several advantageous grounding techniques and several techniques to insure proper electrical isolation of the electrical components of the card reader is disclosed. The smart card reader has a base and a cover. In certain techniques, a non-conductive base is grounded to a conductive, grounded cover. In another technique, a grounded base formed of a statically dissipative composite material is utilized.