Showing papers on "Credit card published in 1971"

Life Style Patterns and Commercial Bank Credit Card Usage

Abstract: Are commercial bank card users more involved in community activities? Are male and female users interested in new trends? What role do charge cards play in the user's life style? What are the aspir...

Cryptographic identification system

Abstract: A cryptographic credit card device having a non-linear character generator based on a personalized read only storage and dynamic logic elements for manipulating data is disclosed.

Photograph bearing identification card structure and method of manufacture

Abstract: An identification or credit card structure is disclosed which includes a photographic likeness of an individual as well as printed information relating to the individual. The card is preferably comprised of three layers of plastic material with the printed information printed in reverse on the back side of the uppermost layer of plastic. The photographic likeness may be on conventional photographic paper or may be imprinted directly on a plastic panel. When imprinted on a plastic panel, the photograph is fused into the overall card structure upon lamination to form a tamper-proof, solid plastic card. Other techniques for rendering the card resistant to tampering are also disclosed, including the use of special printing techniques and special inks.

Method of and apparatus for credit verification

Abstract: A credit verification system comprising a multiplicity of point-of-sale terminals and a programmed central processing unit with data storage equipment communicating with the terminals for automatically performing a credit check on the accounts corresponding to the credit cards inserted in the terminals. Each of the terminals is adapted to receive and operate with a plurality of different credit cards representing different credit card plans with the data storage equipment storing account information for each of the credit plans. After the various credit checks are performed by the central processing unit, the transaction authorization is communicated to the terminals. In certain instances, the central processing unit may refer the transaction to a video display terminal where an operator establishes voice communication with an external authorization center.

Credit card carrying case

Abstract: One or more pocket sections of flexible transparent or translucent plastic may be provided with one or more card-holding sections. Each card-holding section is provided with a protective flap or closure scored in the facing-ply of the closure and a credit card inserted into the pocket is retained therein irrespective of the handling to which the pocket is subjected. The protective flap or closure is normally integral with the facing-ply and is formed between the vertically extending edges defining the width of the pocket at some intermediate point between the horizontal edges defining the height of the pocket.

Credit card mailer

Abstract: An improved mailing device for credit cards including first and second lamina which are glued or otherwise laminated in selected areas to form at least two interconnected fold portions. A first portion includes a predetermined area upon which a computer prints required indicia. A second fold portion includes a cut out area, which, when said first fold portion is placed in overlying relation with respect to said second fold portion, overlies said predetermined area so that printed indicia is visible therethrough. The second fold portion includes a pocket for supporting a credit card between said first and second lamina in such manner that the indicia on the card is visible and comparable against the corresponding computer printed indicia prior to folding, and inserting the device into a conventional window envelope for mailing. A portion of the mailer is frangibly interconnected to the remaining parts of the device, so as to be detachable and used as a postcard acknowledging receipt of the credit card.

Credit authorization system terminal

Abstract: To verify the standing of a credit card account, a terminal is provided at the point of sale. The terminal automatically establishes telephone communication with a remotely located central data processor where data concerning the credit card account is stored.

Fluid dispensing data processing system

Abstract: A fluid dispensing data processing apparatus and system comprising electronic transducers, logic networks, shift registers, multiple digital counters, and transaction sequencers which generate, format, store and validate fluid pump transaction data such as total gallons dispensed, cost per gallon, and the total cost of a transaction. Provision is made for entering sales information not related to fluid dispensing operations, verifying all data, and preparing a hard copy receipt for dispensing to the customer. Provision is also made for incorporating a credit card verification system, and interfacing the system with a regional accounting computer.

Magnetic identification card

Abstract: A personal identification or credit card having a layer of extremely hard magnetic material, such as barium ferrite, for recording data thereon with permanence sufficient to prevent accidental or unauthorized deliberate magnetic alteration or destruction of recorded data. The magnetic layer may be sandwiched between non-magnetic substrate sheets and, optionally, the layer may be provided with discontinuities which represent a preselected code or which are adapted to facilitate magnetic reading of the card in scanning systems.

Apparatus and method for mounting cards on a web

Abstract: Stiff flexible items, such as plastic credit cards, are inserted within four angled corner slits in respective mailer cards forming part of a burstable continuous form. A ram passes perpendicularly through a circular aperture in each mailer card and forces the credit card against a stationary anvil to bow the central section in a forward direction and concurrently cause the extended ends of the credit card to move rearward into contact with the mailer card to spread the slits. When the ram is retracted, the credit card, due to its inherent resiliency, snaps straight; as it does so, its four corners tuck into the slits around the aperture. Credit cards are mounted one or two to a mailer card automatically as they are advanced intermittently, first transversely of the continuous form to a merge position and then in the same direction as the continuous form to a mounting position.

Electric credit card system for use with cash register

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for checking and certifying personal credit cards etc. automatically at a central station by electrical means. Such electrical means is capable of transforming a message or a series of messages from a credit card or the like at a remote switching unit, and then transmitting the message to a central station where data is electrically stored as in a computer means. At the central station the message is automatically answered and the information is electrically, and automatically sent to the switching unit within a matter of seconds.

Punched card, badge and credit card reader

Abstract: A card reader capable of automatically reading coded information from cards of at least two predetermined widths, the information being encoded in information fields that may vary in the length of columns and rows from card to card, such fields being referenced with respect to two predetermined orthogonal edges on each card. Movable stop fingers and a guiding edge facilitate aligned insertion of a card with respect to the two orthogonal edges. When a card is being advanced through the reader past a reading station, a circuit that is triggered by a column count wheel generates a signal each time that a column of information is in position to be read. This circuit is inhibited by switches that respond to cards of predetermined widths when the trailing edge of a card passes their position, the location of the switches having a predetermined relationship to the last line of coded information to be read on the individual type of card. The circuit can also be inhibited by a signal generated by an encoder upon its detection of an end of text code in the information field. The card reader is shut off at the end of each read cycle by an independent switch responsive to the trailing edge of all cards inserted into the reader.

Electro-mechanical read head

Abstract: An electromechanical read head includes a plurality of juxtaposed scanning the card, for scanning raised or embossed characters, such as the embossed characters of a credit card. The juxtaposed elements are mounted between parallel side walls of the head and are free to move independently of each other. The walls extend downwardly and define a channel therebetween for receiving therebetween a line of embossed characters, the walls physically engaging the upper and lower extremes of the embossed characters. The path of travel of the card through the scan head, and thus the scan path of each scanning element, is thereby defined. Each of the scanning elements comprises an arm of resilient material including a scanning tip or wiper which is normally biased toward the surface of the card the arm thereby being deflected upwardly when the tip is raised upon engaging a segment of a character in its scan path. Electrical switching means associated with each element respond to the deflection thereof to produce an electrical output signal corresponding to the mechanical scanning of segments of the character in the corresponding scan path. The plural, simultaneously produced output signals are then processed for character recognition.

Transfer medium with a pigmented coating

Abstract: Pigmented coatings comprised of TiO2 pigment in a binder of aminotriazine resin and polyester or a copolymer are disclosed. The coatings can be placed on a transfer base such as polyethylene terephthalate and transferred to credit card basis. Organic solvent based coatings also can be silk-screened directly onto the credit cards. Up to 50 weight percent of the TiO2 pigment can be replaced with a pigment extender such as CaCO3. The resulting credit cards are resistant to scratching and other surface damage. By the use of a dual binder system, the pigmented coating is easily transferred in one step and permanently heat sealed in a second step.

Point of sale credit card terminal apparatus

Abstract: Point of sale terminal apparatus is provided in accordance with the teachings of the present invention wherein access to a central credit location may be quickly established and once a communication link to such central credit location is established a request for data signal is provided to said point of sale terminal apparatus. The request for data signal is indicated at the point of sale terminal whereupon an operator merely actuates the send button thereat so data from an already inserted credit card, preset sale information print drums and hard wired site or location designators are transmitted to said central location in a clocked logic format. If the sale is authorized on the basis of the data sent, the central location provides an authorized signal which actuates imprinter apparatus at the point of sale terminal apparatus causing the credit card sales form to be automatically imprinted, and the communication link disconnected. However, if the sale may not be automatically authorized the operator at the point of sale terminal may be placed in voice communication with a referral agency. Various overrides are also provided in case of telephone or central location failure.

Traveling cylinder printer with selective indicia on endless bands

Abstract: A portable credit card imprinter for imprinting selected combinations of indicia derived from a credit card and digital character transfer means; the design of the digital character transfer means being such as to thereby materially reduce the bulk, thickness and weight thereof and to thus enhance the portability thereof

Travelling cylinder printer with the roller contacting the back of the embossed plate

Abstract: Sharp dense images meeting the critical requirements of optical character recognition devices are imprinted on a document or document set from embossed characters on a credit card or the like by an apparatus and method wherein a rotating pressure roll applies pressure along a rolling line of contact to and through the smooth side of the credit card to cause the embossments to contact and exert compressive pressure on the document or set and effect image transfer from an imaging medium (such as carbon paper, inked ribbon or a pressure-sensitive carbonless coating) that is interposed between the document and a fixed flat platen against which the document or set is pressed.

Credit card printing machine

Abstract: A credit card printing machine has a carriage with a platen movable over a printing bed on which a credit card and a copy sheet or pad of copy sheets, are placed. A printing plate associated with the credit organization which issued the respective credit card, is detachably attached to a seat plate, and can be exchanged so that the used printing plate and credit card are always associated with the same credit organization. The printing plate prints information regarding the name and code number of the store or dealer making the credit sale in the respective credit organization. This information, together with customer information from the credit card, are both imprinted on the used copy sheet. The attachment of the printing plate is effected by pins and a clamping spring so that no tool is required for exchanging printing plates to conform to the credit organization of a respective used credit card. Other printing plates, associated with other credit organizations, are stored in a compartment of the housing of the printing machine.

Credit card and signature verification system

Abstract: An improved system of signature identification for credit card users includes an embossed reverse image of the true signature of the authorized card holder. The card code or account number may also be embossed in reverse script on the print face of the card.

Traveling cylinder imprinter with wheel-centering means and cylinder-locking means for variable data input

Abstract: A variable data imprinter for use in recording credit card sales transactions is provided having a plurality of indicia bearing toothed print wheels and a corresponding plurality of toothed racks for cooperation with the print wheels so that the print wheels are selectively indexible with respect to a printing position by movement of the respective racks. Control means are provided for centering the print wheels with respect to their printing position and for preventing actuation of a printing roller until such centering operation has been effected. The print wheel centering operation is effected by movement of a lever arm which carries a centering bar for engagement with stops formed on the toothed racks. Movement of the lever arm is also utilized to operate a locking mechanism which normally prevents actuation of the roller until the lever arm is operated.

Credit card sensing apparatus

Abstract: An improved sensing apparatus is provided for reading coded embossments on a credit card which represent the account number thereof, or other data. The apparatus is for use in a credit verification system. The sensing apparatus of the invention forms a component of the sales slip imprinter mechanism which is presently used in conjunction with credit card transactions, in order to provide a record of the transaction for billing purposes. The sensing apparatus of the invention includes a multiplicity of pneumatically actuated diaphragm switches which are operated in a pattern corresponding to the coded embossments on the credit card being sensed. The switches make selective electrical contact with a circuit board, and they cause binary coded decimal signals to be stored in a register which represent the account number of the card, or other relevant data, the signals being used in the system to verify the validity of the particular card; or for accounting purposes, or for storage of data for later use.

Reader system for conventional credit cards

Abstract: A system for electrically reading the customer account number or other embossed information on a conventional plastic credit card includes a reader means having a plurality of electrical contact matrices, each of which is designed to read any of the figures zero through nine. A metal foil tape is positioned between the reader means and the embossed figures on the credit card, whereby an electrical charge passed through the tape actuates the probes of the various contact matrices, and provides intelligence information to various electrical relay trees (or electric equivalent) for obtaining a complete read-out of the customer's account number. This intelligence information may then be provided to an invoice printer or, alternatively, to an imprinter where the electrical read-out from the imprinter could be fed directly into tape punching apparatus, dataphone, magnetic tape, teletype, or other data processing equipment.

Credit card verification system

Abstract: A credit card verification system is disclosed for use with identification cards carrying a changeable recording medium. On presentation, cards are sensed to provide signals that are indicative of the credit status of the bearer and additionally, the system senses signals to indicate that the card is being used for the first time, providing such is the case. The initial-use situation is indicated by the system (as a caution) and the card is cleared of such representations for further use. As disclosed, the initial-use signals are developed from an individual signal on the card and a specific code of the data signals.

Apparatus for and method of making conductive record cards

Abstract: Errors are avoided by marking credit cards with machine-readable spot arrays in a computer controlled machine. A card is placed in a tray on a movable block. The block is stepped row by row according to the number of rows on the credit card. Solenoids controlled by a computer selectively strike a tape to a card, transferring a machine readable material to the card. The number of punches corresponds to the number of available spaces in each row. The unique spot arrays are exact duplicates of binary record identifiers in the controlling computer. When the cards are subsequently read, the array directs the computer logic to the correct record among voluminous records, and the computer accesses the information therein.