Card reader with card capture clamp
US6254005A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 3, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06K13/08
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A card reader card capture clamp having a base plate for slidably receiving a card. A switch detects movement of the card past a predetermined position and produces a "card insertion" signal representative thereof. A clamp plate pivots between a clamped position in which the card is clamped between the two plates, and an unclamped position in which the card is movable relative to the plates. The clamp plate is biased into the unclamped position in the absence of production of the card insertion signal. A solenoid coupled between the two plates is actuated upon production of the card insertion signal to overcome the biasing and move the clamp plate from the unclamped into the clamped position. The switch includes two switch arms respectively pivotally mounted on opposed rearward ends of the clamp plate. Magnets are provided on the switch arms, and magnetic field sensors are mounted adjacent to the switch arms. Movement of the card past the predetermined position moves the switch arms relative to the magnetic field sensors, causing the sensors to detect magnetic field changes and to thereupon produce the card insertion signal. A clamping detection sensor detects movement of the clamp…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.