Hand Feed Patents (Class 235/482)
  • Patent number: 11935055
    Abstract: An Automated Teller Machine (ATM) terminal receives a transaction request from a user. The ATM terminal triggers a camera to capture a first image of the authentication media item presented by the user, where the first image of the authentication media item is embedded with a first unique code. The ATM terminal compares the first image of the authentication media item with a second image of the authentication media item that is associated with the user, where the second image of the authentication media item is embedded with a second unique code for verifying the user. The ATM terminal determines whether the first unique code corresponds to the second unique code. The ATM terminal conducts the transaction request if it is determined that the first unique code corresponds to the second unique code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Srilekha Mudumbai Srinivasa, Brandon Sloane, Jinyoung Nathan Kim, Regina Yee Cadavid, Nia Mack, Ramkumar Korlepara, Elliott Leonard Lillard, Philip Lone Mintac, Michael Jacob Richardson, Gloria Youngsook Joo
  • Patent number: 10262253
    Abstract: Various embodiments of RFID switch devices are disclosed herein. Such RFID switch devices advantageously enable manual activation/deactivation of the RF module. The RFID switch device may include a RF module with an integrated circuit adapted to ohmically connect to a substantially coplanar conductive trace pattern, as well as booster antenna for extending the operational range of the RFID device. The operational range of the RFID switch device may be extended when a region of the booster antenna overlaps a region of the conductive trace pattern on the RF module via inductive or capacitive coupling. The RFID switch device may further include a visual indicator displaying a first color if the RFID switch device is in an active state and/or a second color if the RFID switch device is in an inactive state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: NEOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Joe Mullis, Sheshi Nyalamadugu
  • Patent number: 10007814
    Abstract: A card reader may include a card insertion part comprising a card insertion port is formed; a plurality of metal sensors structured to detect whether a foreign matter including metal material has been attached near the card insertion part; and a control section with which the plurality of the metal sensors are connected. The metal sensor may include a core formed of magnetic material and an excitation coil and a detection coil which are wound around the core. The control section may be structured to supply a current to each of the excitation coils of the plurality of the metal sensors at different timings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keiji Hoson
  • Patent number: 9793629
    Abstract: The retainability and electric connection reliability of a plate-shaped signal transmission medium can be increased by a simple configuration while the operability of an actuator is improved. Pre-pressing protruding portions which create a clicking sensation of a turning operation of the actuator are provided in part of a region in a longitudinal direction of the actuator so that the pressing force of the pre-pressing protruding portions with respect to the plate-shaped signal transmission medium is applied to the part in the longitudinal direction of the actuator, and the pressing force of the pre-pressing protruding portions with respect to the plate-shaped signal transmission medium is prevented from being largely increased even when the actuator is enlarged in the multipolar arrangement direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: DAI-ICHI SEIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jin Tateishi
  • Patent number: 9780473
    Abstract: A connector is provided that includes a housing, a contact, and a slider. The housing includes a mating connector receiving section, while the contact extends into the mating connector receiving section. The slider is positioned on the housing and includes a cam plate and a protruding wall positioned along a rear end of the cam plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Japan G.K.
    Inventor: Yoichi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9589405
    Abstract: This application provides an electronic wallet or passport case for controlling the opening, unlocking and locking of enclosures such as luggage, briefcases, lockers, cases, cabinets, vehicles, buildings, homes and with indirect operational control by the means of a smartphone, tablet or any personal computing device. More particularly, a Smartphone Controlled Biometric and Bluetooth Enabled Locking Smart Wallet System is provided. The Smartphone Controlled Biometric and Bluetooth Enabled Locking Smart Wallet System includes a biometric based finger print authentication module, and a Bluetooth communications enabled module, to prevent a non-owner or unauthorized user from accessing the device, along with mobile applications to control the Smart Wallet System using a smartphone. The smart wallet equipped unit may be replaced by any locking case such as a briefcase or luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: iWallet Corporation
    Inventors: Steven D. Cabouli, Robert J. Mos, Clay von Mueller, Robert A. Lane, Marco A. Schilling, Paul E. Catinella
  • Patent number: 9483667
    Abstract: In accordance an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein a card reader having an opening allowing for card to be inserted. The card reader determines how long a card has been inserted into the card reader. If a card is inserted into the card reader for a time period greater than a predetermined time period, the card reader reads a chip on the card to obtain card data. If the card is removed from the card reader before the predetermined time period, the card reader obtains the card data from a magnetic stripe on the card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Doug Roth, James E. Pettitt, Andrew Ruszin
  • Patent number: 8782756
    Abstract: A time clock 10, capable of outputting a datum to an USB memory 100 connected thereto, includes a controller authenticating whether or not the USB memory 100 is valid an external apparatus as an output destination to which the datum is output, and determining whether or not the datum is output on the basis of the authentication result. Further, the controller 25 authenticates an external apparatus on the basis of an authentication datum stored in the USB memory 100. The controller 25 performs the authentication on the basis of an identification datum of the time clock and an identification datum included in the authentication datum stored in the external apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Precision Inc.
    Inventors: Kenji Ozawa, Koji Ehara
  • Patent number: 8622297
    Abstract: An anti-skimming assembly for a card reader device includes, for example, a displacement bar mountable on a front plate of a card reader device proximate a card entry opening formed in the front plate, which displacement bar has first and second legs. The displacement bar is mountable on the front plate with the first leg aligned with an internal read head inside the card entry opening of the card reader device. An infrangible fastener is connectible to the first leg through a first fastener opening formed in the front plate, and a non-conductive frangible or breakable fastener is connectible to the second leg through a second fastener opening formed in the front plate. In addition, first and second electrically conductive leads are carried by the non-conductive frangible fastener electrically connected to one another via an electrically conductive spring and connectible to an alarm circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Citigroup Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Yokomoto, Ian Kidman, Nhut Trung Ha, Joseph Butryn
  • Patent number: 8622296
    Abstract: A magnetic stripe card reader assembly and method includes a panel having portions defining a card entry opening of a card entry path provided for receiving a magnetic stripe card with the magnetic stripe disposed perpendicular to the card entry path. A card swipe path in communication with the card entry path is provided for swiping the card with the magnetic stripe disposed parallel to the card swipe path, and a magnetic stripe read head is disposed proximate the card swipe path for reading only a pre-determined segment of the magnetic stripe. The panel is also provided with portions defining a card withdrawal opening of a card withdrawal path in communication with the card swipe path and partly overlapping the card entry opening for withdrawal of the card with the magnetic stripe disposed perpendicular to the card withdrawal path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Citigroup Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Yokomoto, Ian Kidman, Nhut Trung Ha, Joseph Butryn
  • Publication number: 20130327837
    Abstract: A portable electronic device comprises a card holding device and a card reader for introducing and removing a card into and from the card reader in at least two different directions being angled in relation to each other during introduction and removal of the card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Omid Kazemifar, Peter Sendelius, Daniel Skagmo, Martin Wolff
  • Publication number: 20120280033
    Abstract: A card reader guide for use in a fascia of a self-service terminal is described. The card reader guide defines a card reader aperture extending in a first direction through which a customer may insert a data card. The card reader guide also comprises: a first protrusion extending (i) along part of the card reader aperture through which a magnetic stripe of the card passes, and (ii) towards the customer, wherein the first protrusion defines a stripe path in registration with the magnetic stripe of the card as the card is inserted by the customer; a second protrusion, opposite to, and aligned with, the first protrusion, and extending (i) along the part of the card reader aperture through which the magnetic stripe of the card passes, and (ii) towards the customer; and a magnetic reader detector located in the first protrusion at the stripe path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Graeme Mitchell, Steven Ritchie
  • Patent number: 8173008
    Abstract: A method for determining an analyte in a bodily fluid sample includes inserting the analyte test strip into a test meter. The insertion is such that an electrical connector pin of the test meter travels along an electrical contact pad of the analyte test strip, and across a meter identification feature disposed on the electrical contact pad, during the insertion. Moreover, during the insertion, a signal processing module of the test meter measures an electrical characteristic via the electrical connector pin as the electrical connector pin travels along the electrical contact pad and across the meter identification feature. The method also includes identifying the analyte test strip, using the signal processing module, based on the electrical characteristic measured as the analyte test strip is inserted into the test meter and, thereafter, applying the bodily fluid sample to the analyte test strip upon notification by the test meter that the identification indicates that such applying is appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: LifeScan, Inc.
    Inventor: Koon-wah Leong
  • Patent number: 8104687
    Abstract: A card reading device for vehicles having a base plate, a sliding plate part, and a spring part. The base plate has a vaulted groove, an opening surface located at one end, and an annular groove provided on the base surface of said vaulted groove. The sliding plate part is provided above the vaulted groove of the base plate, A bulging structure, contacts an inserted card and drives the sliding plate part in a direction vertical to the opening phase and facing away from the opening surface. A sliding part is provided on the side of the sliding plate part pointing toward the vaulted roof of the base plate. The sliding part slides in the direction parallel to the opening surface and is guided by the annular groove and restricted in the positioning thereof. The spring element and the base plate and the sliding plate part have contact with one another, and force is applied to the directed vertically to the opening surface. Fixing of the card and also easy removal are made possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Hailong Hu, Lixin Xiao, Tang Yu
  • Patent number: 8056811
    Abstract: An anti-misinsertion mechanism for a card connector defining a correct card connector thickness, the mechanism including: a body; a first link generally extending along the body, the first link including an actuator for actuating the first link to be rotated from a normal position toward an operating position upon detecting existence of the correct thickness of a partially-inserted card; and a second link provided with a stopper for selectively preventing full insertion of the card, the second link being pivoted to the body and operatively connected to the first link, thereby being rotatable between a normal position and an operating position relative to the normal and operating positions of the first link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventors: Arthur Chen, Kenny Tai, Aruong Juang, Benny Chen
  • Patent number: 7997495
    Abstract: The present invention describes An RFID antenna manufacturing system whereby the RFID antenna becomes an integral part of an integrated circuit package. The RFID manufacturing system contemplated by this invention includes photoresist manufacturing techniques to produce a template or die specifically designed to mass produce RFID transponders whereby the chip and antenna becomes one integrated unit. The RFID antenna template or die is precisely tuned, using trimming algorithms and laser technology, to resonate with electro magnetic signal increments of 2 megahertz. According to this system each electro magnetic signal increment is assigned to a different category in a supply chain. This invention reduces the cost, size and weight of prior art RFID transponders. This invention reduces signal to noise ratio by producing precisely tuned antennas which provide a gatekeeper function directly correlated to ambient electro magnetic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: James Neil Rodgers
  • Patent number: 7992789
    Abstract: A method for producing a secure personal card and its working process using an intelligent card, the card has electric contacts, a CPU with at least data memory of the user and a biometric data receptor of the user. The biometric data stored in the card is used to make a comparison with biometric data received at the moment of use. Once the card is activated, generating an absolute identification of the biometric data of the authorized user, said biometric data being stored in an unreadable memory, generating and storing the personal data of the user and his/her access code, said biometric data being compared with the current read data of the actual user, in order to verify the identity of the user, then verification and identification of said personal data and access code being allowed in order to continue regular working operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Fabrizio Borracci
  • Patent number: 7925538
    Abstract: A transaction card system includes a transaction card with a display tag for displaying short term information, the character display having optical states that are stable without power and viewable from one side of the display tag and an array of electrical contacts for electrically addressing the character display from the other side of the tag, a contact window through which the contacts are accessible, machine readable data on the card, and a long term information printed on the transaction card; a transaction card writer having a reader for reading the machine readable data and having means for updating the short term information displayed on the transaction card; and a central computer connected to the transaction card writer having a data base and a central processor for receiving the information read by the magnetic card reader and generating display commands for the transaction card writer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Robert G. Capurso, Stanley W. Stephenson, Domenic Maiola, David M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110024497
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, includes an operation surface section, a card reader provided on one side of the operation surface section and configured to read card information, and an operation button provided near the card reader on the operation surface section and recessing a predetermined dimension from the operation surface section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toru Nishiie
  • Publication number: 20100276494
    Abstract: A card reading device for vehicles having a base plate, a sliding plate part, and a spring part. The base plate has a vaulted groove, an opening surface located at one end, and an annular groove provided on the base surface of said vaulted groove, The sliding plate part is provided above the vaulted groove of the base plate, A bulging structure, contacts an inserted card and drives the sliding plate part in a direction vertical to the opening phase and facing away from the opening surface. A sliding part is provided on the side of the sliding plate part pointing toward the vaulted roof of the base plate. The sliding part slides in the direction parallel to the opening surface and is guided by the annular groove and restricted in the positioning thereof. The spring element and the base plate and the sliding plate part have contact with one another, and force is applied to the directed vertically to the opening surface. Fixing of the card and also easy removal are made possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Continental Automotive GmBH
    Inventors: Tang Yu, Lixin Xiao, Hailong Hu
  • Publication number: 20090302118
    Abstract: A card reader includes: an insulating casing having a plurality of terminal openings, a plurality of first insertion slots and a plurality of second insertion slots, the terminal openings being provided at a rear end of the insulating casing, the first insertion slots being provided at intervals on upper ends of the terminal openings, the second insertion slots being provided at intervals on lower ends of the terminal openings; a plurality of first conductive terminals lodged in the first insertion slots of the insulating casing respectively; and a plurality of second conductive terminals lodged in the second insertion slots of the insulating casing respectively. Via this arrangement, the thickness of side walls of the first insertion slots and the second insertion slots is larger, so that the side walls of the first insertion slots and the second insertion slots may not crack easily during formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Cheng-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 7607574
    Abstract: A transaction card package assembly comprising a transaction card and a card holder, wherein the package assembly further comprises at least three unique identifiers thereon such that the transaction card may be activated at a point of sale by either a one-step or two-step activation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Blackhawk Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Kingsborough, Talbott Roche, Amie Petersen
  • Patent number: 7584894
    Abstract: A housing mechanism includes a housing, a defending element, and a magnetic unit. The housing has a cavity, and an opening defined in a sidewall of the housing. The opening communicates with the cavity. The defending element is rotatably attached to an inner side of the sidewall adjacent the opening. The magnetic unit is fixed adjacent to the opening and configured for causing the defending element to return to cover the opening by a magnetic force produced by the magnetic unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Zhou-Quan Zou, Chia-Hua Chen
  • Publication number: 20090065585
    Abstract: The invention relates to a keyboard (1) for data input, particularly a POS keyboard (1), with a key field (2) and at least one card reading device (6), for the reading of data from a card (13) provided with data, whereby the device (6) has a shaft (12), into which the card (13) can be inserted and in which the card (13) can be held, whereby the card reading device (6) is integrated pivotably into a surface (8) of the housing (9) of the keyboard (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Hochgesang Gerhard
  • Patent number: 7458519
    Abstract: A card tray to be mounted to a memory card can make the memory card mountable in a card slot for memory cards conforming to standards different from those to which the memory card conforms. The card tray has a main body and a recessed mount section. The recessed mount section is formed such that the holder of a second memory card can be mounted to one of the major surfaces of the main body. A memory-card-mounted body is produced when the second memory card is mounted to the recessed mount section. The card tray is configured such that, when the first memory card is placed on the memory-card-mounted body with the left and right edges thereof aligned with each other, the contact pieces of the first memory card and the contact pieces of the second memory card have longitudinally overlapping parts and transversally overlapping parts as viewed from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Aoki, Keiichi Tsutsui, Hirotaka Nishizawa, Takashi Totsuka
  • Patent number: 7445156
    Abstract: A data management device and library are provided for organizing, holding, and providing electrical connectivity to multiple memory cards. The data management device can comprise a device body, a plurality of sockets to accommodate the data storage media, an electrical connector, and a power management circuit. Data can be retrieved from or transferred to the selected memory cards utilizing the device. The data management library can be utilized to interconnect multiple devices and can be daisy chained to other libraries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: James A. McDonald
  • Publication number: 20080135612
    Abstract: An implementation of a system and method for regulating entry in a transit system using information from a bankcard, such as a credit card or debit card is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Specialty Acquirer LLC
    Inventors: Martin Friedrich Ludwig Silbernagl, Nathaniel Polish
  • Patent number: 7357304
    Abstract: A security means comprises a spray tray; a dispenser slot positioned so as to dispense media into the spray tray; and a security cover positioned to cover said spray tray and slot. The cover is arranged so as to cause a sweep member to sweep past the dispenser slot and thus dislodge any foreign body adjacent the slot, when the cover is moved between closed and opened positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: David Sommerville
  • Patent number: 7339836
    Abstract: A data collector to be installed in an electrical storage device has a data reader and a base. The data reader is to be connected to the electrical storage device to store status data detected by the electrical storage device. The stored data has a specific format. The stored data in the data reader can be transmitted to a computer through the base. The computer can then generate statistical graphs to show the status data. According to the graphs, whether or not the interior status of the electrical storage device is normal can be easily monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Ace Dragon Corp.
    Inventor: Ming-Jen Tsao
  • Publication number: 20080000972
    Abstract: A roller activation apparatus includes a switch, a roller, a light generator and a light receiver. The roller contacts the switch. A wheel of the roller has at least an opening. A wheel surface of the roller is touched to activate the switch by inputting a card. The roller rotates based on a movement of the card. The light generator is disposed at a side of the roller and is for generating a light beam. The light receiver is disposed at another side of the roller and is for receiving the light beam through the opening of the wheel so as to generate a pulse signal. The pulse signal corresponds to the movement of the card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Wei-Jung Lin, Chih-Hsu Tsai, Chih-Ching Liao
  • Patent number: 7287703
    Abstract: A removable memory card can include a plurality of connector contacts including a Universal Serial Bus (USB) controller module power contact and a separate controller module power contact configured to provide separate mutually exclusively applied voltage to the removable memory card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-il Son, Sam-yong Bahng, Jong-keun Ahn, Sang-wook Kang
  • Patent number: 7000842
    Abstract: The present invention holds a card-like electronic appliance, such as a semiconductor storage medium or an expansion module, and makes it difficult for dust, dirt and moisture to adhere to the card-like electronic appliance. The invention also makes it possible for card-like electronic appliances to be easily and appropriately held, stored, and organized, even when there are a large number of card-like electronic appliances. The card-like electronic appliance holder includes a holder main body with an appliance insertion hole into which at least part of a card-like electronic appliance is inserted, and is provided with a support part with a through-hole for hanging the holder main body. A convex part for engaging a concave part provided in the card-like electronic appliance and holding the card-like electronic appliance is provided inside the appliance insertion hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Akiko Yamaguchi, Kouji Hamada, Yoshihito Tamesue
  • Patent number: 6957061
    Abstract: A method of authenticating mobile user equipment in a mobile telecommunications network comprising the steps of receiving an authentication element from a serving network (SN) to which the user equipment is not directly subscribed, extracting the authentication management field (AMF) from the authentication element, generating in response at least to a predetermined value of the authentication management field (AMF), a key set identifier (KSI), and passing the key set identifier (KSI) to the serving network (SN).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Vodafone Limted
    Inventor: Timothy James Wright
  • Patent number: 6938825
    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 region are coplanar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: UltraCard, Inc.
    Inventor: Malcolm G. Smith, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6923372
    Abstract: A structure of a card gate mechanism in a card reader of, e.g., an ATM (automated teller machine). In order to constitute a gate opening (3) of a card gate mechanism (1), a gate frame (4a, 4b) which includes a wide-open portion (5) which leads a card (2) to a card carrying path (14) by using a material which transmits light is provided on at least one surface side of the card (2), and a light source portion (6) which irradiates the gate frame (4a, 4b) with the light is provided, thereby causing the wide-open portion (5) to shine by emitting the light from the light source portion (6). In this case, when a part of the gate frame (4a, 4b) is formed as a lens portion (9), a direction of light irradiation can be controlled, thereby alleviating irregularities in an element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seiko
    Inventors: Kenji Hirasawa, Kazutoshi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6862685
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical disk barcode forming method wherein, as information to be barcoded, position information for piracy prevention, which is a form of ID, is coded as a barcode and is recorded by laser trimming on a reflective film in a PCA area of an optical disk. When playing back the thus manufactured optical disk on a reproduction apparatus, the barcode data can be played back using the same optical pickup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiho Gotoh, Mitsuaki Oshima, Shinichi Tanaka, Kenji Koishi, Mitsuro Moriya
  • Publication number: 20040245334
    Abstract: Systems and methodologies that facilitate data capture and/or display of data to users are provided. In one aspect, a mobile scanning terminal device provides inverting and/or rotating the display based at least upon; a user's perspective, image capture and bar code scanning requirements. Suitable orientation for the display can be determined via employing various sensors and artificial intelligence techniques to infer a user's optical viewing position. Such inference can be according to criteria such as; a user-state, context, and prior use of the terminal device. Accordingly, a display can be automatically configured to optimize its orientation for viewing by the user. The system can additionally provide for a holder that enables a user to employ the terminal device hands free for capture of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Steven Maurice Sikorski
  • Patent number: 6820806
    Abstract: A manual card reader comprises a slot frame with a recess provided in the slot frame in the card insertion direction to allow insertion or removal of a card. A card is inserted into the slot to a holding point through the recess and is taken out therefrom. The manual reader further comprises a shutter that prevents insertion of a foreign object beyond the recess into the card reader. A first locking device is detachably provided at one end of the shutter. A second locking device is detachably provided at the other end of the shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Sankyo Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Nagata, Kenji Hirasawa, Kazunori Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6779723
    Abstract: An IC contact unit is described which includes an actuator, such as a solenoid, that is miniaturized by using transfer force of an IC card, and the whole apparatus is made compact and consumed electric power is reduced. An IC contact unit includes a movable support provided with an IC contact point capable of coming in contact with a terminal of an IC card and is characterized in that guide portions for guiding the movable support are provided in a unit main body, guide members to be inserted in the guide portions are provided at the movable support, a pawl member to be engaged with an and portion of the IC card is formed at the movable support, the pawl member is projected to a card transfer surface by an actuator, and the movable support is moved by transfer force of the IC card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventor: Akinobu Nakabo
  • Publication number: 20040079805
    Abstract: A manual card reader comprises a slot frame with a recess provided in the slot frame in the card insertion direction to allow insertion or removal of a card. A card is inserted into the slot to a holding point through the recess and is taken out therefrom. The manual reader further comprises a shutter that prevents insertion of a foreign object beyond the recess into the card reader. A first locking device is detachably provided at one end of the shutter. A second locking device is detachably provided at the other end of the shutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Nagata, Kenji Hirasawa, Kazunori Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6705524
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing damage to memory cards, memory card connectors, host electronics, and other electronic devices by only allowing intended electronic devices to mate with the connector for which it is intended and/or determining when an electronic device has been inserted into a connector upside down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Vivian Wei Chow, George Craig Lysy
  • Patent number: 6702182
    Abstract: To present a highly reliable IC card reader for detecting when it is ready to communicate with an IC card by using a detection switch. In a main body unit, a torsion spring is thrust in a pushing direction of a detection switch button (OFF direction). In the presented switch mechanism, an IC contact point holder has a switch changeover bump, and when the bump moves to the inner side in cooperation with the move of the IC contact point holder, this bump abuts against the end portion of the torsion spring which is thrusting the detection switch button, and the end portion of the torsion spring is departed from the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Kanayama
  • Patent number: 6695216
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a unique type of form to be used with an optical mark sensing device known as a mark read scanner for reading marks on the form. Form characteristics are defined by “graphic switches” printed near the lead edge of the form. Each “graphic switch” has four distinct settings. The expense of completely replacing the internal program of a scanner when a user requests a variation of a test form that had not been pre-programmed into the original specification of the scanner is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: William Apperson
  • Patent number: 6691917
    Abstract: A manual magnetic card reader allows a card with a magnetic strip to be inserted in a card insert slot to a card stop position and then allows the card to be removed. The reader comprises a magnetic head for reading magnetic data recorded in the magnetic strip, a data editing portion for editing the magnetic data and a saving buffer for saving the magnetic data of the card that is read during card insertion. The magnetic data is read and saved in the saving buffer during the card insertion and the magnetic data is also read during card removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Sankyo Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Orii
  • Patent number: 6659347
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand-held magnetic ink character recognition system 10 having an integrated position/speed feedback device 20, such as an optical encoder. The position/speed feedback device 20 is provided to compensate for variable speeds generated by manual operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Moore, John Charles Gudenburr
  • Patent number: 6491227
    Abstract: In order to make it possible to determine the erroneous insertion of an information recording medium at a position close to a recording medium insertion port by utilizing a notch portion provided at the information recording medium, the present invention relates to an electronic apparatus comprising a recording medium insertion port for taking in and out a memory stick having a notch portion used to prevent erroneous insertion and provided in one corner, and an erroneous insertion preventive mechanism provided inside the recording medium insertion port so as to prevent the erroneous insertion of the memory stick, and recording and/or reproducing an information signal using the memory stick. The erroneous insertion preventive mechanism is moved outside for the notch portion of the memory stick to allow the insertion of the memory stick, and is engaged for corners other than the notch portion to hamper the insertion of the memory stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Izumi, Hiroyuki Mami
  • Patent number: 6464143
    Abstract: A card reader including a card guide path for guiding a card into the device, a card holding configuration for holding the card at a prescribed position in the device, a card position retaining configuration for retaining the position of the card held by the card holding configuration even if an external force is applied, and a driving configuration for generating power for ejecting the card, in which the driving configuration generates driving force for ejecting the card by a card eject command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Oki, Yasuhiro Kanayama
  • Patent number: 6460772
    Abstract: A PCMCIA smart card reader with no protruding portion, with a stable mechanical design, allowing space for additional functions to be included in the PCMCIA card and that eases the insertion of a smart card. A thin support is formed between a thin upper section and a lower section of the PCMCIA smart card reader at an opening forming a smart card slot. The support is outside the smart card slot, but positioned within the PCMCIA slot and is preferably an integrated part of a PCMCIA card top cover. Since the support guides the smart card laterally at the opening of the smart card slot, only a small portion of the smart card has to be inserted into the PCMCIA card. The limited insertion of the smart card and the location, of contacts for interfacing with the smart card in the thin upper section of the smart card reader, creates space for other functions to be included in the PCMCIA card, for example, a modem. The smart card insertion is eased by a removable extension supporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Intertex Data AB
    Inventor: Karl Erik Stahl
  • Patent number: 6457641
    Abstract: The invention relates to a Smart Card reader. The inventive reader has a universal switch contained in a contact support. The universal switch contains two identical passive contact elements as well as an active contact element. By having two identical passive contact elements, an operator can choose between a close and an open final position without having to change to a completely different reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Reichardt
  • Patent number: 6454170
    Abstract: A card blocking or card locking apparatus in particularly for a smart card connector of the push/push design. A blocking element which closes an opening adapted for introducing a smart card in case the card 2 is in a reading position and opens the opening 40 in case the card 2 is to be inserted or is to be removed into or from the smart card connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics GmbH
    Inventor: Reiner Feeser