Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for reading a magnetic stripe and/or chip card comprising a card reader (16) for reading out data from the magnetic stripe and/or chip card, said card reader having a transport path (14) along which the magnetic stripe and/or chip card is moved when it is inserted into the card reader (16) and/or when it is removed from the card reader (16) and/or is received during the readout of data. Further, the device (10) has an image capturing unit (20) for capturing images of the card reader (16), the card reader (16) being designed such that by means of images captured by the image capturing unit (16) it can be detected whether a skimming module is inserted into the transport path (14) of the card reader (16).

Abstract: A method of creating a graphic Quick Response (QR) code includes a picture and first and second two-dimensional barcodes combined through a halftoning technique. The graphic QR code includes a plurality of module units, each having a plurality of sub-modules. Information dots containing first information for the first two-dimensional barcode are provided, and each of the information dots of the first two-dimensional barcode is located at a central sub-module of each of the module units. The first information is readable by a scanning device. Information dots containing second information for the second two-dimensional barcode are provided, and each of the information dots of the second two-dimensional barcode is located at one of the other sub-modules. A position of each of the information dots of the second two-dimensional barcode is capable of being located by inputting a key through a decryption program for obtaining the second information.

Abstract: A computing device that includes a card reader component including a card reader, a plurality of micro cameras positioned proximate to the card reader, a battery detector circuit, and processing circuitry in communication with the card reader component, the plurality of micro cameras, and the battery detector circuit is described. The processing circuitry is configured to analyze one or more images captured by the plurality of micro cameras, determine that one or more of the images captured by the plurality of micro cameras is obscured, in response to the determination that the one or more of the images of the plurality of micro cameras is obscured, initiate the battery detector circuit, and in response to the battery detector circuit detecting a presence of an external battery near the card reader, determine that a skimming device is affixed over the card reader component.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide the capability to identify a specific object being interacted with that may be cheaply and easily included in mass-produced objects. In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method for object identification may comprise receiving a signal produced by a physical interaction with an object to be identified, the signal produced by an identification structure coupled to the object during physical interaction with the object, processing the signal to form digital data identifying the object, and accessing a database using the digital data to retrieve additional information identifying or describing properties of the object identified.

Abstract: A device (10) for reading a magnetic stripe and/or chip card has a card reader (16) for reading out data from the magnetic stripe and/or chip card, said card reader having a transport path (14) along which the magnetic stripe and/or chip card is moved when it is inserted into the card reader (16) and/or when it is removed from the card reader (16) and/or is received during the readout of data. Further, the device (10) has an image capturing unit (20) for capturing images of the card reader (16). The card reader (16) is designed to use images captured by the image capturing unit (16) to detect whether a skimming module is inserted into the transport path (14) of the card reader (16).

Abstract: A card medium processing device is controlled by means of the control method including: a first judgment step for judging whether or not a card medium having been inserted is detected by a first detection means for detecting the card medium having been inserted; a second judgment step for judging whether or not the card medium having been inserted is detected by a second detection means for detecting the card medium having been inserted, the second detection means being placed at a position behind the first detection means further away toward a rear side in an inserting direction for the card medium; and a processing step for carrying out a predetermined process, supposing that the first detection means has an error, under a situation where the first judgment step does not detect the card medium having been inserted while the second judgment step detects the card medium having been inserted.

Abstract: A temperature-sensitive label is described. The temperature-sensitive label has a container provided with means for the application on an item to be monitored and housing a temperature-sensitive system made up of a filiform shape memory member. The filiform shape memory member is restrained to a filiform bias member provided with an engaging seat, and is introduced in such a way that in case of exposure to a temperature lower than a preset critical threshold temperature (Tc), the filiform shape memory member performs a phase transition, causing an irreversible disengagement condition visible through a transparent window.

Abstract: An apparatus for enrolling a package is disclosed including: a receiving surface for receiving the package; at least one weight sensor in communication with the receiving surface which generates a weight signal indicative of the weight of the package; at least one video camera which generates a video signal indicative of an image of the package on the receiving surface; and a processor in communication with the at least one weight sensor and the at least one video camera. The processor includes: a weight module which produces, in response to the weight signal, weight data indicative of the weight of the package; and a dimension capture module which produces, in response to the video signal, dimension data indicative of the size of the package. In some embodiments, the processor further includes a recognition module which produces, in response to the video signal, character data indicative of one or more characters present on the package.

Abstract: An electronic token system including a token receptacle and a portable token. The token receptacle includes a receptacle body with an outer surface having a first, generally planar array of electrical contacts, which are arranged in a dense-packed configuration that minimizes the surface area occupied by the planar array, consistent with sufficient electrical separation between adjacent contacts. The token receptacle also includes a first alignment feature and a first retention feature. The portable token includes an enclosure for enclosing at least a portion of the receptacle body, the enclosure having a second alignment feature for mating engagement with the first alignment feature and a second retention feature for holding the portable token in removable connection with the first retention feature. The token also includes a second, generally planar array of electrical contacts for electrical communication with the corresponding electrical contacts of the first planar array mounted in the token receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for enrolling a package is disclosed including: a receiving surface for receiving the package; at least one weight sensor in communication with the receiving surface which generates a weight signal indicative of the weight of the package; at least one video camera which generates a video signal indicative of an image of the package on the receiving surface; and a processor in communication with the at least one weight sensor and the at least one video camera. The processor includes: a weight module which produces, in response to the weight signal, weight data indicative of the weight of the package; and a dimension capture module which produces in response to the video signal, dimension data indicative of the size of the package. In some embodiments the processor further includes a recognition module which produces, in response to the video signal character data indicative of one or more characters present on the package.

Abstract: An identifier device, which may be part of a tracking or similar transponder device, which can be removably coupled to an article to be identified or tracked. Data representing the identity of the article is encoded in the form of a pattern, and can be read by the identifier device when correctly engaged to the article, by sampling the pattern so as to extract the data encoded therein for transmission. The pattern may be a relief pattern, for example in the form of bumps and pits such as a Braille pattern, or magnetic domains, or the like.

Abstract: A measurement device (100) comprising an accommodation chamber (102) adapted for accommodating a replaceable measurement member (104), a movable closure mechanism (106) adapted to be moved to selectively expose or cover the accommodation chamber (102), and a data mechanism (600) adapted for at least one of reading data from and writing data on a replaceable measurement member (104), when the replaceable measurement member (104) is accommodated in the accommodation chamber (102), upon moving the movable closure mechanism (106).

Abstract: A MICR reading head is operable to read a MICR character printed on a medium fed in a first direction. A sensor is operable to detect an end portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the medium. The MICR reading head is movable to a predetermined position at a predetermined distance from the end portion detected by the sensor.

Abstract: The invention provides a memory card detection circuit of a computer. The memory card detection circuit comprises a plurality of query pins through which a memory card is coupled to the computer and a plurality of latch circuits respectively coupled to each of the query pins. The latch circuits generates query signals indicating whether ground bounce occurs in the voltage of the query pins due to a voltage difference between two ends of the query pins shortly after the memory card is coupled to the computer through the query pins. The query signals identify the type of the memory card without waiting until ground bounce is resolved.

Abstract: A reading apparatus reads image information and magnetic information displayed on the surface of a sheet-like recording medium. A scanner and MICR head are placed in a path for conveying a recording medium. The reading apparatus has a pressing roller, and a pressing pad. The pressing roller presses a recording medium to the scanner when reading the image information. The pressing pad presses a recording medium to the MICR head when reading the MICR information. The operations of pressing the pressing roller to the scanner and pressing the pressing pad to the MICR head are performed by one driving mechanism by cooperating the arm, rotation cam, roller lift member and link member.

Abstract: A ticket counter and cutter includes cutting blades, being complementary and in mesh engagement, during operation; at least one bar code reader; and a belt assembly, for receiving a bar coded ticket and advancing the ticket to the bar code reader and then to the cutter.

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.

Abstract: An optical cell mount and a corresponding method of mounting an optical cell comprising inserting into the optical cell an adjustable nut portion comprising an upper section threaded on the outside and a lower section threaded on the inside and rounded on the bottom exterior thereof, contacting with the adjustable nut portion a seating portion for receiving the lower section, and securing the adjustable nut portion with a set screw portion having threading corresponding to that of the lower section.

Abstract: The present invention provides exemplary mail processing systems and methods, including systems and methods for retrieving paper sheets, statements, inserts and/or cards, and inserting same into an envelope. In one embodiment, an apparatus (200) includes a paper feeding mechanism (210) to feed sheets of paper into a collection bin (220) that is adapted to receive in a stack the sheets of paper. The apparatus includes a retrieval mechanism (230) to remove a bottom one of said sheets of paper from the stack, and a deionizer (240) that reduces static electricity in the vicinity of the stack. In this manner, the deionizer helps facilitate removal by the retrieval mechanism of only one of the sheets of paper at a time, by reducing static electricity on the sheets.

Abstract: A system for personalizing a plurality of transaction cards comprises an array of shells that are adapted to engage a sheet having a plurality of transaction cards. Each of the shells comprises an antenna adapted for transmitting data onto one of the cards. An orientation detector is used to determine the orientation of the sheet relative to the array of shells. A controller is used to direct operation of the antenna so that data may be recorded on the cards.

Abstract: A card reader may comprise a power supply part for the card reader, a peripheral device including at least an inlet part for connecting a power cable to the power supply part from outside, a card reader part, a lower case for housing the power supply part and the peripheral device which is disposed in a linear manner, an upper case for housing the card reader part, and a recessed part for allowing the power cable to be inserted into the inlet part for connection. The inlet part and the recessed part for allowing the power cable to insert into the inlet part may be arranged in a linear manner and parallel to the power supply part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chipcard housing having a first and a second central piece, whereby the first central piece can be displaced by a drive. A locking element is also provided by which a displacement of the second central piece is prevented in a first working position and which may be operated by the first central piece such that the locking is released in a second working position. Both central pieces can mutually entrain the other in the second working position by means of a coupling element and the second central piece includes entraining elements for cooperation with a chipcard. The chipcard housing can be very compact and have a high resistance to shock and vibration influences and hence against manipulation.

Abstract: A card adapter is disclosed to include a connector electrically connected to a circuit board, a locating frame fixedly fastened to the circuit board, and a sliding cardholder, which has a holder base pivotally coupled to the locating frame through a sliding joint and defining two vertically spaced accommodating chambers for receiving different electronic cards, and terminals mounted in a partition board between the accommodating chambers, and the terminals each having a front contact portion respectively suspending in the first or second accommodating chamber for the contact of the inserted electronic cards and a rear connecting portion positioned in a respective terminal groove at a plug plate at the rear side of the partition board for insertion with the plug plate into the connector to contact a respective terminal in the connector.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the net weight of packaged goods includes obtaining a sample lot having one or more samples of the packaged goods and recording a stated net weight value for each sample. A gross weight value for each of the samples is then measured. Further, a component weight value for each component making up a respective packaging of at least one of the samples is weighed for its individual contribution to an overall tare value. This overall tare value derived from the individual component weights is then taken from the gross weight value to obtain an actual net weight value for each sample. The actual net weight value may then be compared with the stated net weight value to determine whether an error exists.

Abstract: In a non-contact IC card for performing communication with a reader/writer, an encryption block having a DES (data encryption standard) block for performing an encryption operation in accordance with a public key encryption algorithm and an ECC/SHA1 (elliptic curve cryptosystem/secure hash algorithm 1) block for performing an encryption operation in accordance with a common key encryption algorithm are incorporated into an IC chip. A CPU having a built-in clock gear causes a change of the operation frequency of the non-contact IC card. The communication operation with the reader/writer and the encryption operations performed by the encryption block are performed at different operation frequencies.

Abstract: A card reader which reads or writes data from or to a card inserted through a card insertion port into a card reader body via a card transport path is described the card reader comprises a shutter provided near the card insertion port to open or close the card transport path. A first detector is provided for detecting the card inserted therein near a first end of the card insertion port. A sensor is provided for detecting a change in the first detector. A locking member of the card reader is capable of switching positions of the shutter between an open-position and a close-and-lock position. A controller is provided for controlling switching positions of the locking member between the open position and the close-and-lock position of the shutter.

Abstract: An IC card according to the present invention is configured to be communicable with a card reader by receiving a high-frequency signal transmitted from the card reader through an antenna unit provided on an IC card body, rectifying the high-frequency signal to generate an operating voltage, and demodulating a modulating signal superimposed on the high-frequency signal. The antenna unit is composed of paired electrostatic coupling antennas spaced from each other. The paired electrostatic coupling antennas include metallic thin films arranged on a front surface of the IC card body separately from each other; and metallic thin films arranged on a back surface of the IC card body separately from each other. The metallic thin films are opposed to each other and connected to each other to form one of the paired electrostatic coupling antennas. The metallic thin films are opposed to each other and connected to each other to form the other of the paired electrostatic coupling antennas.

Abstract: The present invention provides exemplary mail processing systems and methods, including systems and methods for retrieving paper sheets, statements, inserts and/or cards, and inserting same into an envelope. In one embodiment, an apparatus (200) includes a paper feeding mechanism (210) to feed sheets of paper into a collection bin (220) that is adapted to receive in a stack the sheets of paper. The apparatus includes a retrieval mechanism (230) to remove a bottom one of said sheets of paper from the stack, and a deionizer (240) that reduces static electricity in the vicinity of the stack. In this manner, the deionizer helps facilitate removal by the retrieval mechanism of only one of the sheets of paper at a time, by reducing static electricity on the sheets.

Abstract: A scanner. The scanner comprises a flat cable and a cable holder. The flat cable comprises a first end and a second end. The second end moves to or away from the first end along a first path. The cable holder is disposed at a restricting point between the first end and the second end, whereby, when the second end moves to the first end, the cable holder contains and folds the flat cable.

Abstract: A cover body sliding/locating structure of SIM connector includes a plastic main body formed with multiple terminal cavities in which multiple terminals are inlaid. Two sides of one end of the plastic main body being respectively formed with two guide pins. A cover body has two sides of one end are respectively bent to form two cartridge sections for pivotally connecting with the guide pins of the plastic main body. At least one projecting locating section projects from inner side of each cartridge section for locating the cover body in a position where the cover body can be turned up or latched with the plastic main body. A projecting stopper board is formed at an opening of a second end of the cartridge section for stopping the guide pin. An L-shaped hook section downward projects from each lateral edge of the cover body for correspondingly latching with a locating block of the plastic main body.

Abstract: A memory tag has a non-volatile memory in which in use data is stored, an antenna coil and power supply circuit such that in use the memory tag is powered by inductive coupling. The memory tag also has a sensor for receipt of transmitted light carrying input signals and a processor for processing of the received input signals, and a modulation circuit for overlay of output signals onto the power supply circuit. A read/write device, for communication with the memory tag has a signal generator, an antenna coil and a power supply circuit for powering the memory tag in use by inductive coupling. The read/write device further includes a light emitter for emission of the light carrying the input signals to the memory tag, and a demodulation circuit for retrieval of the output signals from the inductive coupling.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to prevent the plate contacts of chip cards from wearing as a result of vibrations that occur during the operation of a vehicle. To achieve this, the spring contacts of the read/write set of contacts in a holding device for chipcards are separated from the plate contacts of a chip card that has been inserted into the holding device, for a period, during which no trip or driver-related data is transmitted and said contacts are closed for only a relatively short time, i.e. during the reading of the chip card data into the relevant data recording device and during the writing of recorded data to the chip card. The holding device is configured in such a way that the relevant chip card remains inaccessible when the contacts are separated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gear arrangement actuated by a control motor. The motor can be reversed in its rotational direction in order to emit a chip card of a tachograph for example. The gear arrangement is provided with a slide-rod for each reading/writing unit, the slide-rod being embodied in the form of a toothed rack being able to be displaced in the direction of movement of the chip card. A control slider which is actuated by the control motor is coupled gearwise to the slide rods so that when the control slider is displaced, the slide rods carry out a movement in opposite directions.

Abstract: A system and method of performing a quasi-cash transaction for a customer including receiving a desired transaction dollar amount. A State identification card issued to the customer is electronically processed to retrieve machine readable information. Customer identification information is electronically parsed from the retrieved machine readable information. Quasi-cash document information is electronically generated utilizing the desired dollar amount and at least a portion of the parsed customer identification information. A quasi-cash document is printed, with the quasi-cash document including and displaying the generated quasi-cash document information. In one preferred embodiment, customer identification information parsed from the retrieved machine readable information includes customer name, customer address and identification card number information.

Abstract: A memory card reader. The memory card reader includes a housing and a device. The device is disposed in the housing for accepting different types of memory cards. The device includes a body, a first engaging plate, a second engaging plate, and a resilient plate. The body defines an accommodation for accepting different types of memory cards. The first engaging plate fastens to the body and has a release post. The second engaging plate selectively connects to the first engaging plate in a first position or a second position. The second engaging plate defines a slot in which the release post is contained and moves therein. The resilient plate contacts and exerts pressure on the body so that the first engaging plate fastened to the body is pushed toward the second engaging plate and connects thereto.

Abstract: A bill processing apparatus with a credit card reader is configured such that a credit card insert slot (9) for inserting a credit card (50) therein is formed in the upper surface of a front mask (5), a credit card guide chute (20) connected to the credit card insert slot (9) is formed in the front mask (5) so as to be connected to a bill guide chute (8), and the lower surface (8b) of this bill guide chute (8) is bent so as to be proximate to the lower surface (5c) of the front mask, and when the credit card (50) is inserted into the credit card insert slot (9), the credit card (50) enters the bill insert slot (8) by way of the credit card guide chute (20) and reaches the lower surface (8b) of the bill guide chute (8), whereby credit card data can be stably read inside a front mask without changing the size of a conventional standardized front mask.

Abstract: A method of accessing a remote location on a network using an optical reader. The optical reader includes an optical scanning system, a programmable memory system and an output circuit and is user-switchable between a scan mode, a record mode and a playback mode. The optical reader transmits a code to a first computer disposed on the network. When the optical reader is in the scan mode, the code is indicative of information extracted from an encoded indicia just scanned by the optical scanning system. When the optical reader is in the playback mode, the code is indicative of information retrieved from a user-selectable memory in the programmable memory system. The information in the user-selectable memory was previously stored in the user-selectable memory after being extracted from an encoded indicia scanned by the optical scanning system when the reader was in the record mode. In response to the first computer receiving the code from the optical reader, a second computer disposed on the network is accessed.

Abstract: A data collection system for collecting data of an electronic device is provided. The data collection system includes: a processor for detecting and classifying the electronic device, a test device driven by the processor for testing the electronic device, a light coupling set, and a data collector respectively connected with the processor and the test device optically through the light coupling set for optically collecting the data of the electronic device from the processor and the test device and transforming the data into a particular information format. The feature of the data collection system is that, the protocol used for different outside devices is burned in the microprocessor in a format of firmware program so that the need for altering the hardware circuit is prevented.

Abstract: A loading mechanism of this invention that draws a card into a body unit and ejects the card outside of the body unit is so constructed as to include a movement member that moves to a drawing direction and an ejecting direction of the card by means of power of a drive motor, and an engagement member provided to the movement member so as to engage with and disengage from a recess of the card. In this construction, the engagement member is engaged with a recess of the card to thereby move the card together with the movement member to the drawing direction and the ejecting direction.

Abstract: In a card reader comprising a card stop 4 for a card 2 inserted into the card reader, the card stop 4 is rotatable out of the card path about an axis of rotation 6 extending transverse to the card path, and is rotatably coupled to an arm 9 which is deflectable about an axis of rotation 8 extending transverse to the card path and is pretensioned into a pivoting position engaging in the card path in the card inserting direction 3 behind the card stop 4. Insertion of a card deflects the arm against the action of a restoring force from the card path thereby also turning the card stop out of the card path. If a card of insufficient length is stuck in the card reader, it is pushed further by the inserted card and passes the deflected, i.e. effectless, card stop and is discharged from the card reader.

Abstract: A card reader module (10) is described. The module (10) includes a trap mechanism (20) operable to trap a card (60) within the module (10) in response to the module (10) detecting a card (60) therein that cannot be transported. The trap mechanism (20) may be implemented by a width switch (22) and associated interlock (24), where the width switch (22) is located within a throat portion (14) of the card reader module (10). On detecting a jammed card, the width switch (22) is locked to prevent removal of the card. The module (10) may also include a magnetic head (28) operable to erase data stored on a magnetic stripe (62) on a card (60) if the trap mechanism (20) is not able to prevent removal of the card (60). A self-service terminal (70) for preventing fraud and a method of preventing fraud using the module (10) are also described.

Abstract: A vehicle refueling system including a controller disposed in a vehicle, a fuel nozzle communicator arranged adjacent a fuel intake conduit, connected to the controller and communicating information from the vehicle to refueling systems outside thereof and a securely attached vehicle identifier assembly including a vehicle identification chip disposed in an identification portion, an output portion defining a connector coupled to the controller and a neck separating the identification portion and the connector, the vehicle identification chip including a data store containing identification data, the data store being connected to a data output in the output portion-via connectors passing through the neck, the neck securely fitting into the vehicle's chassis, the neck having a breaking strain lower than that of the remainder of the system, whereby an attempt to remove the vehicle identification chip from the vehicle by removal of the output portion, causes breakage of the vehicle identifier assembly at th

Abstract: A system combines and integrates the graphic symbols of a document with spatial symbology. A scanning device, such as an optical scanner, and a microprocessor in communication with the scanning device enable a user to retrieve and manipulate desired sections of the document for later use or physical electronic production.

Abstract: A front-loading syringe which comprises a movable plunger for injecting liquid contrast media, is rotatably mountable on a front wall of an injector housing with an interference fit and in sealed relationship with respect thereto, with or without a pressure jacket, by a first-quick release mechanism. At the same time, the plunger is connected to an injector drive mechanism by a second readily releasable mechanism. During the mounting operation, a sensor reads injection information from an indicator device on the syringe and feeds it to an injector control. An audible-and-tactile indicating mechanism also is activated when the syringe is essentially in the desired mounted position. The syringe may include reinforcing ribs which also function as volumetric gradations, and liquid media presence-or-absence indicating dots which appear circular against a liquid media background and oval-shaped against an air background.

Abstract: A front-loading syringe which comprises a movable plunger for injecting liquid contrast media, is rotatably mountable on a front wall of an injector housing with an interference fit and in sealed relationship with respect thereto, with or without a pressure jacket, by a first-quick release mechanism. At the same time, the plunger is connected to an injector drive mechanism by a second readily releasable mechanism. During the mounting operation, a sensor reads injection information from an indicator device on the syringe and feeds it to an injector control. An audible-and-tactile indicating mechanism also is activated when the syringe is essentially in the desired mounted position. The syringe may include reinforcing ribs which also function as volumetric gradations, and liquid media presence-or-absence indicating dots which appear circular against a liquid media background and oval-shaped against an air background.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning magnetically coded substrate relative to a read head that optimally positions the substrate against the read head. A beam arm is sized and formed to transmit a force to a contact head located at a first end of the beam arm. The contact head is formed by a recessed wedge defined by a lead-in and lead-out, both making contact with the substrate, transmitting a force at first location and second location of substrate, thereby flexing the substrate about the read head. The contact head maintains the position of the substrate in the active reading area of the read head, thus maximizing reading capability. Moreover, the apparatus is formed from a material entirely non-magnetic, having a low coefficient of friction, flexibility and a good resistance to wear.

Abstract: An IC card reader comprising a lock lever and a lock lever driving member. The lock lever prevents a card from being drawn out. The lock lever driving member drives the lock lever diagonally distant from a card in an unlocking operation, and drives the lock lever adjacent to the card in a locking operation. Preferably, the IC card reader further comprises a restricting portion restricting the movement of the lock lever in an unlocking direction during locking.

Abstract: An adaptor (10) can be inserted into a PC passage (12) of a computer device (14) and which can receive and connect to a smart card (30). The adaptor has top and bottom frame halves (60, 62) that form at least opposite side portions of a smart card-receiving slot (20) between them, with each frame half including a molded plastic body (90, 94) and a sheet metal cover part (90, 96) with tabs (100, 102) molded into the corresponding body. The two plastic bodies are ultrasonically welded together at opposite sides of their front ends (136, 138) which lie forward of the slot, and at opposite side parts (140, 142) of their rear projection ends. At least one of the plastic bodies forms side stops (232) at opposite sides of the front of the slot, to resist sideward movement of the front of the fully installed smart card, with each side stop lying immediately outside the rounded corner (220) at one side of the smart card.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive element has a height that extends from the air-bearing surface of a head. The height is determined by a slot in the head extending from the air-bearing surface adjacent the sensor portion at an acute angle to both the air bearing surface and the height of the magnetoresistive element to separate the magnetoresistive element into the sensor portion and a dormant portion. Alternatively, the height is determined by a recess of design depth in the magnetoresistive element at the air bearing surface. Alternatively, the height of the magnetoresistive element is determined by a stepped thickness to the first and second bias current carrying contacts along the height of the magnetoresistive element.

Abstract: A front-loading syringe which comprises a movable plunger for injecting liquid contrast media, is rotatably mountable on a front wall of an injector housing with an interference fit and in sealed relationship with respect thereto, with or without a pressure jacket, by a first-quick release mechanism. At the same time, the plunger is connected to an injector drive mechanism by a second readily releasable mechanism. During the mounting operation, a sensor reads injection information from an indicator device on the syringe and feeds it to an injector control. An audible-and-tactile indicating mechanism also is activated when the syringe is essentially in the desired mounted position. The syringe may include reinforcing ribs which also function as volumetric gradations, and liquid media presence-or-absence indicating dots which appear circular against a liquid media background and oval-shaped against an air background.