GB2225747A - Cleaning device - Google Patents

Cleaning device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2225747A
GB2225747A GB8828933A GB8828933A GB2225747A GB 2225747 A GB2225747 A GB 2225747A GB 8828933 A GB8828933 A GB 8828933A GB 8828933 A GB8828933 A GB 8828933A GB 2225747 A GB2225747 A GB 2225747A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
card
cleaning
layer
reading head
data reading
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB8828933A
Other versions
GB8828933D0 (en
Inventor
Philip Charles Orlan Kingsbury
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Automation Facilities Ltd
Original Assignee
Automation Facilities Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Automation Facilities Ltd filed Critical Automation Facilities Ltd
Priority to GB8828933A priority Critical patent/GB2225747A/en
Publication of GB8828933D0 publication Critical patent/GB8828933D0/en
Publication of GB2225747A publication Critical patent/GB2225747A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K13/00—Conveying record carriers from one station to another, e.g. from stack to punching mechanism
    • G06K13/02—Conveying record carriers from one station to another, e.g. from stack to punching mechanism the record carrier having longitudinal dimension comparable with transverse dimension, e.g. punched card
    • G06K13/08—Feeding or discharging cards
    • G06K13/0868—Feeding or discharging cards using an arrangement for keeping the feeding or insertion slot of the card station clean of dirt, or to avoid feeding of foreign or unwanted objects into the slot
    • G06K13/0893—Feeding or discharging cards using an arrangement for keeping the feeding or insertion slot of the card station clean of dirt, or to avoid feeding of foreign or unwanted objects into the slot the arrangement comprising means for cleaning the card upon insertion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/12—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/022—Non-woven fabric
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/12—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/02—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the selection of materials, e.g. to avoid wear during transport through the machine
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/06187—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with magnetically detectable marking
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B5/00—Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrier; Reproducing by magnetic means; Record carriers therefor
    • G11B5/41—Cleaning of heads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/20—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular electrical or magnetic properties, e.g. piezoelectric
    • B32B2307/208—Magnetic, paramagnetic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2432/00—Cleaning articles, e.g. mops, wipes

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

A cleaning device for cleaning a data reading head in card actuated apparatus comprises a card-like member (10) formed from a laminate having two layers (12, 14). The first layer (12) is of substantially rigid plastics material. The second cleaning layer. which is bonded to the first layer by adhesive or heat or otherwise, is of lint-free non-woven fabric. Two or more patches (16) of magnetisable tape are formed on the laminated card-like member (10) by hot foil stamping. These magnetisable patches are encoded with appropriate signals to enable the cleaning device to be positioned in the card- receiving aperture of card-actuated apparatus with the cleaning layer (14), which has preferably been wetted with a cleaning solution, in contact with the data reading head of the card actuated apparatus. <IMAGE>

Description

CLEANING DEVICE The present invention relates to a device for cleaning magnetic data reading heads. In particular, the invention is concerned with heads for reading data from cards bearing magnetically-encoded information such as are widely-used, for example, in cash-dispensing machines, for authorising credit on credit card accounts, in paytelephone aparatus, and in security systems.
For clarity, it is hereby states that the term "card" as used in this specification is not intended to be restricted to items of paper or cardboard but is intended to cover any generally planar member of relatively stiff material.
The efficiency of card-reading heads is just as prone to be impaired by the presence of dirt as that of data-reading heads used in other applications. However, the cleaning of card-reading heads tends to be particularly difficult because such heads are frequently mounted inside cash-dispensing or pay-telephone apparatus behind a card-receiving aperture or slot. The heads are, consequently, relatively inaccessible. In some instances, to obtain access to a card-reading head, it may be necessary to at least partially dismantle the apparatus in which it is incorporated in order to effect cleaning. This is not only inconvenient and time-consuming but may also require the apparatus in question to be out of service for considerable periods of time.
In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a cleaning device for a magnetic data reading head adapted to read data from a magnetically encoded card and accessible through a card receiving aperture, the method comprising providing a first substantially rigid layer, securing a second cleaning layer to the first substantially rigid layer to form a laminated substrate member, securing a magnetisable layer over a portion of the laminated substrate member and cutting from the resultant laminate one or more cleaning devices shaped for insertion through the card receiving aperture to contact the data reading head.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a cleaning device for a magnetic data reading head adapted to read data from a magnetically-encoded card and accessible through a card-receiving aperture, the cleaning device comprising a laminated substrate member for insertion into the card-receiving aperture, the laminate having a first substantially rigid layer to which is secured a second cleaning layer; and at least one magnetisable portion overlying the cleaning layer for receiving coded data.
A cleaning device and a method of manufacture thereof in accordance with the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a cleaning device in accordance with the invention; and Figure 2 is a section on the line II-II through the cleaning device of Figure 1.
The cleaning device shown in Figures 1 and 2 is in the form of a card-like member 10 formed from a laminate of two layers, 12 and 14. The first layer 12 is of substantially rigid plastics material, such as PVC. The material used may be any of those commonly used in the manufacture of credit cards, banker's cards or other cards used for operating card-actuated apparatus.
The second layer 14 of the laminate is a layer of non-woven fabric which is secured to the first substantially rigid layer 12 by heat bonding, gluing or other appropriate steps. Preferably, the layer 14 is formed from, for example, a lint-free fabric such as polyester containing no fillers of binders which might be dissolved in a cleaning solvent applied to the device and then deposited on the data reading head during cleaning. The total thickness of the laminate is chosen to be within the tolerances laid down in the International Standards relating to bankers and credit cards, I.S.O.
2894 and I.S.O. 3554 (B.S. 5132 and Addendum). For example, the thickness of the cleaning layer 14 may be chosen. to be about 0.25mm (0.1") and that of the substantially rigid layer 12, approximately 0.5mm (0.018"). Thus, the total thickness of the laminate is around 0.75mm (0.3") within the tolerances laid down in the standards mentioned above.
Oiice the laminate has been formed from the two layers 12 and 14, a plurality of card-like members 10 are cut from it. These are of a size corresponding to that of a credit or bankers' card as dictated by the standard referred to above. Thus, in accordance with the standard, the card-like members 10 measure approximately 85.275mm x 53.975mm (3.375" x 2.125").
Card reading apparatus generally falls into one of two different types. The card may be moved to be adjacent the datareading head by purely mechanical means, for example, pressure applied by the user or by a mechanism actuated by the engagement of the edge of the card with a switch as it is inserted into the cardreceiving aperture of the apparatus. Alternatively, the mechanism for correctly locating the card adjacent the data-reading head may be operated in dependence on data magnetically encoded on the card itself.
In order that the cleaning device of the invention may be used in this latter type of card reading apparatus, magnetisable regions 16 are formed on the card-like member 10 by hot foil stamping onto the cleaning layer 14. That is to say, a tool is brought down onto a strip of tape with Mylar backing to bring the tape onto the cleaning layer 14. The tool applies heat and pressure to bond the tape to the non-woven fabric of the cleaning layer 14.
As will be seen most clearly from Figure 1, two patches of magnetic tape 16 are formed at diagonally-opposite corners of the card-like member 10. Once encoded with the appropriate data, the positioning of the two patches 16 of magnetisable tape ensures that the device will be drawn into the card reading apparatus irrespective of which of the two possible orientations it is presented to the card-reading apparatus in. Each of the two magnetisable patches 16 is encoded with a "start sentinel" code and "clock" marks which are of the same type as those borne by cards for use in the card reading apparatus. These signals ensure that the cleaning device is properly positioned with the layer of cleaning material 14 engaging the data reading head.
In use, the cleaning device is simply inserted into the cardreceiving aperture of the card actuated apparatus and is mechanically positioned adjacent the reading head in precisely the same way that a card inserted to actuate the machine would be. In this position, the layer of non-woven cleaning material 14 contacts the head to clean it as the head tries to read the card. The cleaning device can then be withdrawn in the same manner as would a normal actuating card. The cleaning layer 14 is preferably wetted with a cleaning liquid before use. This may be achieved by use of an aerosol spray or a dropper bottle or by encapsulating the card in a sealed packet or sachet containing cleaning liquid.
The invention thus provides a cleaning device for use with magnetic data reading heads in card reading apparatus which can be manufactured by easily-implemented methods and which enables such data reading heads to be cleaned easily and without requiring dismantling of the apparatus into which the heads are incorporated.

Claims (14)

1. A method of manufacturing a cleaning device for a magnetic data reading head adapted to read data from a magnetically encoded card and accessible through a card receiving aperture, the method comprising providing a first substantially rigid layer, securing a second cleaning layer to the first substantially rigid layer to form a laminated substrate member, securing a magnetisable layer over a portion of the laminated substrate member and cutting from the resultant laminate one or more cleaning devices shaped for insertion through the card receiving aperture to contact the data reading head.
2. A method according to claim 1 in which the magnetisable layer is secured to the laminated substrate by hot foil stamping.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, in which a region of the magnetisable portion is magnetically-encoded with a signal effective to actuate a mechanism associated with the data reading head to draw the cleaning device into a position in which the cleaning layer contacts the data reading head.
4. A method according to any preceding claim in which a region of the magnetisable portion is magnetically encoded with a signal detectable by means associated with the data reading head to indicate that the cleaning device is positions so that the cleaning layer is in contact with the data reading head.
5. A method according to any preceding claim in which the second cleaning layer is of non-woven fabric.
6. A method according to any preceding claim in which the first substantially rigid layer is of plastics material.
7. A method of manufacturing a cleaning device for a magnetic data reading head adapted to read data from a magnetically encoded card and accessible through a card receiving aperture, the method being substantially as hereinbefore described.
8. A cleaning device for a magnetic data reading head adapted to read data from a magnetically-encoded card and accessible through a card-receiving aperture, the cleaning device comprising a laminated substrate member for insertion into the card-receiving aperture, the laminate having a first substantially rigid layer to which is secured a second cleaning layer; and at least one magnetisable portion overlying the cleaning layer for receiving coded data.
9. A device according to claim 8 in which the magnetisable portion or portions are formed by hot foil stamping.
10. A device according to claim 8 or 9 in which the magnetisable portion includes a region magnetically-encoded with a signal effective to actuate a mechanism associated with the magnetic data reading head to draw the cleaning device into a position in which the cleaning layer contacts the data reading head.
11. A device according to claim 8, 9 or 10 in which the magnetisable portion includes a region magnetically-encoded with a signal effective to actuate a mechanism associated with the magnetic data reading head to draw the cleaning device into a position in which the cleaning layer contact the data reading head.
12. A device according to any of claims 8 to 11 in which the cleaning layer is a layer of non-woven fabric.
13. A device according to any of claims 8 to 12 in which the first substnatially rigid layer is of plastics material.
14. A cleaning device for a magnetic data reading head adapted to read data from a magnetically encoded card and accessible through a card receiving aperture, the device being substantially as hereinbefore described.
GB8828933A 1988-12-12 1988-12-12 Cleaning device Withdrawn GB2225747A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8828933A GB2225747A (en) 1988-12-12 1988-12-12 Cleaning device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8828933A GB2225747A (en) 1988-12-12 1988-12-12 Cleaning device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8828933D0 GB8828933D0 (en) 1989-01-25
GB2225747A true GB2225747A (en) 1990-06-13

Family

ID=10648340

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB8828933A Withdrawn GB2225747A (en) 1988-12-12 1988-12-12 Cleaning device

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2225747A (en)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0437938A2 (en) * 1989-12-12 1991-07-24 Automation Facilities Limited Cleaning device
US5235485A (en) * 1991-07-19 1993-08-10 Martin Robert D Cleaning tool
WO1994009488A1 (en) * 1992-10-16 1994-04-28 Markku Isoaho Cleaning card
US5488596A (en) * 1993-02-17 1996-01-30 Martin; Robert D. Cleaning device that does not engage the disc drive spindle
WO1997044755A1 (en) * 1996-05-23 1997-11-27 Weiss Hans Juergen Device for cleaning the contact pins of smart-card readers
WO1998044449A1 (en) * 1997-03-29 1998-10-08 Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Ag Cleaning card for magnetic strip and chip card read-write devices, method for the production of said cards
WO2000019418A1 (en) * 1998-09-28 2000-04-06 Wincor Nixdorf Gmbh & Co. Kg Cleaning card for magnetic track and chip card read/write devices and method for producing said cleaning card
WO2013189478A1 (en) * 2012-06-19 2013-12-27 Lohmann Gmbh & Co. Kg Cleaning textile

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1961899A1 (en) * 1969-12-10 1971-08-26 Kienzle Apparate Gmbh Cleaning guide rollers and magnetic heads in
DE2305324B1 (en) * 1973-02-03 1974-04-18 Werner Reiter Magnetic sound or data carrier
DE2309658A1 (en) * 1973-02-27 1974-09-19 Steenken Magnetdruck MAGNETIC DATA CARRIER, IN PARTICULAR FOR ACCOUNT CARDS, TICKETS, IDENTITY CARDS OR THE LIKE
DD125452A1 (en) * 1976-04-23 1977-04-20
DE3538223A1 (en) * 1985-10-26 1987-04-30 Winfried Labuda Cleaning card for magnetic card readers

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1961899A1 (en) * 1969-12-10 1971-08-26 Kienzle Apparate Gmbh Cleaning guide rollers and magnetic heads in
DE2305324B1 (en) * 1973-02-03 1974-04-18 Werner Reiter Magnetic sound or data carrier
DE2309658A1 (en) * 1973-02-27 1974-09-19 Steenken Magnetdruck MAGNETIC DATA CARRIER, IN PARTICULAR FOR ACCOUNT CARDS, TICKETS, IDENTITY CARDS OR THE LIKE
DD125452A1 (en) * 1976-04-23 1977-04-20
DE3538223A1 (en) * 1985-10-26 1987-04-30 Winfried Labuda Cleaning card for magnetic card readers

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0437938A2 (en) * 1989-12-12 1991-07-24 Automation Facilities Limited Cleaning device
EP0437938A3 (en) * 1989-12-12 1992-04-01 Automation Facilities Limited Cleaning device
US5235485A (en) * 1991-07-19 1993-08-10 Martin Robert D Cleaning tool
WO1994009488A1 (en) * 1992-10-16 1994-04-28 Markku Isoaho Cleaning card
US5488596A (en) * 1993-02-17 1996-01-30 Martin; Robert D. Cleaning device that does not engage the disc drive spindle
WO1997044755A1 (en) * 1996-05-23 1997-11-27 Weiss Hans Juergen Device for cleaning the contact pins of smart-card readers
WO1998044449A1 (en) * 1997-03-29 1998-10-08 Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Ag Cleaning card for magnetic strip and chip card read-write devices, method for the production of said cards
US6156407A (en) * 1997-03-29 2000-12-05 Wincor Nixdorf Gmbh & Co. Kg Cleaning card for magnetic strip and chip card read-write devices, method for the production of said cards
WO2000019418A1 (en) * 1998-09-28 2000-04-06 Wincor Nixdorf Gmbh & Co. Kg Cleaning card for magnetic track and chip card read/write devices and method for producing said cleaning card
US6611985B1 (en) 1998-09-28 2003-09-02 Ecs Ag Cleaning card for magnetic track and chip card read/write devices and method for producing said cleaning card
WO2013189478A1 (en) * 2012-06-19 2013-12-27 Lohmann Gmbh & Co. Kg Cleaning textile

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8828933D0 (en) 1989-01-25

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)