The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 04, 2000
Filed:
Mar. 26, 1998
Manuel Augusto Dos Santos Pato, Campinas, BR;
Antenor Capeli, Jr, Campinas, BR;
Marcos Aurelio Pegoreti, Indaiatuba, BR;
Telecommunica.cedilla.oes Brasileiras S/A-Telebras, Campinas, BR;
Abstract
Apparatus for verifying, validating and codifying an inductive card having a plurality of individual credit cells, each of which represent a credit value until burned out so that a partially used card has valid and burned-out cells. The apparatus includes a card reader having a plurality of sensors corresponding to the plurality of credit cells on the inductive card, a device for comparing the distribution of burned-out cells on the card with a standardized order of burning out cells in using the card, and an indicating device for showing the quantity of credit values available on the card and whether or not the card is valid. The card reader has a matrix of sensors arranged in columns and rows, a set of column drivers, a set of row drivers, and is capable of detecting the condition of each credit cell on the card. The apparatus has an independent power supply and the comparing device has a microprocessor with a keyboard and a ROM memory.