DATA CARRIER SYSTEM AND METHOD
First Claim
1. An electronic token system for data exchange with a host device comprising:
- a token receptacle operably connected to the host device, said receptacle having a housing with a receiver channel;
a portable token for removable insertion in the receiver channel on an insertion path defined by at least one receiver-channel guide surface, said token comprising;
a data exchange circuit supported in the enclosure; and
a plurality of electrical contacts in a planar array exposed on a contact surface of the token, in operable electrical coupling with the data exchange circuit;
a plurality of spring-loaded probe contacts mounted in the token receptacle, each of said probe contacts having a plunger movable by spring action in a direction generally orthogonal to the planar array of electrical contacts on an inserted token and having a contact tip for receipt at a corresponding one of the electrical contacts in the planar array; and
a stop on the portable token for contacting a travel limiter on the token receptacle, the stop and travel limiter being dimensionally configured to define full insertion of the token into the receiver channel at a position along the insertion path at which each of the contact tips of the plurality of spring-loaded contacts is spring driven for engagement at a corresponding one of the electrical contacts in the planar array.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic token system includes a token receptacle, having a housing with a receiver channel, and a token for insertion in the receiver channel on an insertion path defined by one or more receiver-channel guide surfaces. The token includes a data exchange circuit and a plurality of electrical contacts in a planar array exposed on a contact surface of the token in electrical coupling with the data exchange circuit. A plurality of spring-loaded probe contacts are mounted in the token receptacle, the probe contacts each having a plunger movable by spring action in a direction generally orthogonal to the planar array of electrical contacts on an inserted token and having a contact tip for receipt at a corresponding one of the electrical contacts in the planar array. A stop is provided on the token for contacting a travel limiter on the token receptacle, the stop and travel limiter being configured to define full insertion of the token into the receiver channel.
93 Citations
13 Claims
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1. An electronic token system for data exchange with a host device comprising:
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a token receptacle operably connected to the host device, said receptacle having a housing with a receiver channel; a portable token for removable insertion in the receiver channel on an insertion path defined by at least one receiver-channel guide surface, said token comprising; a data exchange circuit supported in the enclosure; and a plurality of electrical contacts in a planar array exposed on a contact surface of the token, in operable electrical coupling with the data exchange circuit; a plurality of spring-loaded probe contacts mounted in the token receptacle, each of said probe contacts having a plunger movable by spring action in a direction generally orthogonal to the planar array of electrical contacts on an inserted token and having a contact tip for receipt at a corresponding one of the electrical contacts in the planar array; and a stop on the portable token for contacting a travel limiter on the token receptacle, the stop and travel limiter being dimensionally configured to define full insertion of the token into the receiver channel at a position along the insertion path at which each of the contact tips of the plurality of spring-loaded contacts is spring driven for engagement at a corresponding one of the electrical contacts in the planar array. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An electronic token system for data exchange with a host device comprising:
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a token receptacle operably connected to the host device, said receptacle having a housing with a receiver channel; a portable token for removable insertion in the receiver channel, said token comprising; a data exchange circuit supported in the enclosure; and at least one electrical contact exposed on a generally planar contact surface of the token, in operable electrical coupling with the data exchange circuit; at least one spring-loaded probe contact mounted in the token receptacle, the at least one probe contact having a plunger movable by spring action in a direction generally orthogonal to the contact surface on an inserted token and having a contact tip for receipt at a corresponding one of the electrical contacts on the contact surface.
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Specification