Landing contact mechanism and card latch for smart card reader/writer
US6138916A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 13, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 31, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06K7/0021
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A reader/writer apparatus for a contact-type smart card and having a frame forming a card slot for receiving a smart card and a landing contact mechanism carried on the frame for making electrical contact with contact pads on the smart card when inserted in the card slot. The landing contact mechanism includes a connector carriage carrying a card contact set thereon facing the card slot and mounted to the frame on a pivot axis defined thereon such that the connector carriage rotates generally in a plane parallel to the card slot. A drive post formed on the connector carriage contacts a leading edge of a smart card inserted in the card slot to rotate the connector carriage through a prearranged angle as the card moves to a predetermined read position within the card slot. Cooperative screw threads on the connector carriage and the frame move the connector carriage a predetermined distance into the card slot as it rotates through the prearranged angle to thereby bring the connector carriage to a read position with the card contact set in contact with contact pads on the smart card.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.