GB2362014A - Memory card handling apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Memory card handling apparatus has a transport system (22,23,24) defining a card transport path extending between a reading/writing section, and an outlet/inlet (2) arranged in sequence. The transport system is operable to transport cards in either direction along the transport path. The reading/writing section includes a first head (5) for reading information stored in a first manner on the memory card, and a second head (25) for writing information to and/or reading information from a memory card in a second, different, manner.

Description

2362014 MEMORY CARD HANDLING APPARATUS The invention relates to memory

card handling apparatus of the kind for encoding and dispensing memory 5 cards such as IC cards.

Asahi Seiko manufactures and sells a contact IC card dispenser/encoder known as the SCD-1000. This is fitted into a host machine which is adapted to receive value items such as coins, credit cards and the like. The host machine then instructs the card dispenser to extract an IC card from a store such as a cassette, feed the card along a transport path to a writing section where electrical contacts engage corresponding contacts on the card, data is transmitted and stored on the card corresponding to the appropriate monetary value, and the card is then dispensed through an exit outlet. This dispenser also enables an existing, previously encoded card to be updated with further monetary value, the user inserting the card through the outlet aperture where it is transported to the writing section. This is described in more detail in EP-A-0961219.

Although this known card dispenser/ encoder works well, it is limited in its ability in that it is only able to write to contact cards, and also requires the host machine to provide mechanisms for receiving monetary value for including on the card.

In accordance with the present invention, memory card handling apparatus comprises a transport system defining a card transport path extending between a reading/writing section, and an outlet/inlet arranged in sequence, the transport system being operable to transport cards in either direction along the transport path, the reading/writing section including a first head for reading information stored in a first manner on a memory card, and a second head for writing information to and/or reading information from a memory card in a second, different manner.

2 With this new memory card handling apparatus, we provide at least two heads associated with the same transport path, so that cards of different types can be handled by the same apparatus using the same transport path. In one example, monetary value is stored on a magnetic stripe affixed to a memory card, and there is a need to transfer that monetary value from the magnetic stripe to an IC card, for example a contact IC card. This can be achieved with the new memory card handling apparatus by first inserting the magnetic stripe card into the transport path, where it can be transported to the first head for reading the monetary information from the magnetic stripe, and writing a new (decremented) monetary value to the card, the card then being returned to the user. A is contact IC card is then transported by the same transport system along the same transport path, for example from a card store, to the second head, where the monetary value is then recorded on the IC card. This card can then be dispensed through the same outlet.

More commonly, a magnetic card will not store monetary value, but rather information relating to a cardholder's account such as account number, sort code, name, expiry date etc. This information is read by the first head and passed to a host controller to carry out an authorisation check with the financial institution concerned, for example via a modem link. Once authorised, an IC card can be issued with the correct monetary value transferred onto it by the second head.

It will be appreciated therefore that the first head would normally be capable of reading information from the memory card, although in the preferred apparatus, the second head can both read and write the information.

In a preferred example, the apparatus further comprises a third head for reading from and/or writing to a card in a third manner different from the first and second manners. In this case, if the f irst head is a magnetic head and the second head comprises electrical 3 contacts for contacting a contact IC card, then the third head could comprise an antenna for communicating with a contactless IC card.

Typically, each head is coupled electrically to some interface electronics to enable the head to be connected to a host machine controller. In addition, the apparatus preferably includes a control unit or CPU to control the various components of the apparatus, in response to signals received from the host control system.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a card store location to which the transport system extends. The transport system may further include a feed system for withdrawing cards from a card store at the store location.

In order to reduce the risk of fraudulent use, is preferably a shutter is provided for closing the outlet/inlet when a card is not to be inserted into the apparatus and also to prevent cards from being pulled out of the unit, or being tampered with during/after a card data transaction. A typical example of this is the case where the mechanism is used to capture and retain stolen (orllhot-listedll) credit/debit cards.

An example of memory card handling apparatus according to the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure la is a perspective view of the apparatus; Figure 1b is a perspective view of the primary components of the apparatus; Figure ic is a view similar to view Figure lb, but with some components removed; Figure id illustrates 3 different types of card which can be processed using the apparatus; Figures 2 - 14 are side views of part of the apparatus showing operation of the apparatus in various different modes; Figures 15 to 17 are schematic views of the shutter assembly under different conditions; and 4 Figure 18 is a block diagram illustrating how the apparatus is coupled to a host machine controller.

As shown in Figures la - lc, the apparatus comprises a pair of side plates 100, 101 having a generally L-shape, the rear portions of the side plates defining a card cassette location 102, for storing a stack of cards 20 to be encoded. The lower-most card in the stack 20 rests on a support plate 103, which has a slot 103a. through which a clutch roller 14 protrudes, the clutch roller 14 having a high-friction portion 14A extending partially around its circumference. The clutch roller 14 is mounted on a shaft 19 via a solenoid operated clutch (not shown but indicated at 220 in Figure 18), the shaft 19 extending between the side plates 100, 101 and to which a clutch drive pulley 18 is is securely mounted.

A motor drive belt 15 is entrained around the pulley 18, the smaller diameter of compound pulley 16, and a pulley 13 which is rigidly fixed to dispense motor 17.

Rotation of the clutch roller 14 in an anti-clockwise direction as shown in Figure ib with the clutch engaged and in response to drive from the motor 17 forces the lowermost card in the stack 20 in a forward direction beneath a card gate 21, where it engages a roller 22. The roller 22 is mounted so that it can freely rotate on a feed roller shaft 36, which itself is rigidly fixed between side plates 100 and 101. The gap formed between feed roller 22 and card gate 21 provides the constriction that only permits one card to be dispensed at a time. Feed roller 22 freely rotates on shaft 36 in order to allow the card being dispensed to pass under card gate 21 with minimal frictional drag (i.e. providing a rolling platform effect).

During this time, it is actually clutch roller 14 that is driving the card forward.

The card then passes through nips defined by a pair of discharge rollers 23 secured to the shaft 105, and a pair of idler rollers 24. At this point, clutch roller 22 is disengaged.

The discharge rollers 23 feed the card between an antenna 25, and an electrical contact support plate 27.

The device described so far (apart from the antenna 25) is similar to the device described in EP-A-0961219.

When the card is located between the antenna 25 and the contact support 27, its leading end is received in nips formed between a pair of transport rollers 6 and transport idlers 7. The transport rollers 6 are non-rotatably mounted to a shaft 10, which is driven by the motor 17 via a transport drive belt 30.

The transport rollers 6 feed the card into nips formed between a pair of delivery rollers 3 and corresponding delivery idlers 4 from where the card passes out of the apparatus through an entry/exit bezel 2. The delivery is rollers 3 are non-rotatably mounted to a shaft 110, secured to a delivery drive pulley 33 which is driven by the motor 17 via a delivery drive belt 32 entrained around a transport drive pulley 31, which in turn is secured to the shaft 10.

In some circumstances, as will be described below, it is necessary to capture a card. To that end, the idlers 7 are mounted to a pair of plates 35, which are pivoted about the shaft 10 so that they can be rotated in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure lc, so as to enable a card to be directed downwardly to a capture location. This is described in more detail in EP-0-961219 and will be described further in due course.

Two sensors 122 are provided to provide feedback on the position of plate 35 when a card is being captured, to allow control of capture motor 34.

In order to monitor movement of cards through the apparatus, a number of reflective sensors 120, 121, 123 are provided to monitor the position of a card during transit.

There is also a card cassette empty sensor (not shown but indicated at 220 in Figure 18).

For added security, a shutter 38 is provided in cooperation with the entry/exit bezel 2, the open/closed 6 position of the shutter being monitored via an optical sensor (indicated at 210 in Figure 18). It will be possible to determine whether an object is obscuring the entry/exit bezel, (or indeed that the shutter is faulty), and hence preventative action can be invoked, e.g. signaling a tamper/error output.

The shutter assembly is shown in Figure 1 and in more detail in Figures 15 to 17 and operates in two modes.

Mode 1: Card Acceptance Solenoid plungers 41 are retained (i.e. latched) within solenoid housings 37 by permanent magnets (not shown). Shutter 38 is spring biased to move upwards by springs 39 (which are fixed at one end to shutter 38, and at the other end to shutter mounting plate 40). However, pins 42 within plungers 41 hold shutter 38 in a stationary position fixed to plungers 41, thus sealing the card entry aperture of entry/exit bezel 2. In this position, when a card is inserted into entry/exit bezel 2, the card's leading edge strikes wedge features 43 of shutter 38 (see Figure 15), thus forcing it downwards and allowing the card to pass through entry/exit bezel 2 and into the mechanism (see Figure 16). Once the card has passed fully over wedge features 43, shutter 38 is able to return to its closed status under the action of springs 39. Cards approaching entry/exit bezel 2 from within the mechanism (e.g. cards being dispensed or returned to the user) strike wedge features 43 from the opposite side, thus shutter 38 is similarly caused to move downwards, allowing the card to pass through entry/exit bezel 2 and out of the mechanism.

Mode 2: Card Lock-Out Solenoid housings 37 are energized, such that the latching action of the permanent magnets is negated, thus springs 39 cause shutter 38 to move upwards (see Figure 17), coming to rest against a physical "stop" (not shown). If a card is then inserted into entry/exit bezel 2, 7 shutter wedge features 43 are no longer accessible to the leading edge of the card. Instead, the card hits shutter block features 44, which are at right angels to the card motion, thus it is not possible for the card to move shutter 38 downwards. This prevents any card from entering into the mechanism.

It should be noted that whilst the shutter is in this state (i.e. preventing cards from going in/coming out of the mechanism), the optical sensor 210 is used on the shutter to check that it is indeed in the desired position. If it is not in the desired position, then a signal will be raised to the host indicating that it is not safe to carry out any form of card data transaction.

When card access is then required, solenoid housings is 37 are energized such that plungers 41 are drawn into solenoid housings 37, thus moving shutter 38 back to the position where shutter wedge features 43 are accessible to a card that is inserted into entry/exit bezel 2 (i.e. the same as in Figure 15). 20 Finally, a magnetic head 5 is located between the transport rollers 6 and the delivery rollers 3. The apparatus described above is coupled with a host machine controller 300 (Figure 18) via interface electronics 310 mounted on a PCB 320. The interf ace electronics 310 provides an interface between the host machine controller 300 and the various sensors described above, and also the motors and control solenoids. Power is supplied to the interface electronics 310 via a power supply interface 330, while the PCB 320 also supports a CPU 340 connected via a serial interface with the host machine controller 300.

The interface electronics 310 is connected to a magnetic decoder interface 340 which in turn is connected to the magnetic head 5, the interface electronics also being connected via a serial interface 2 and IC contactless card interface 350 to the antenna 25.

8 The host machine controller 300 is also connected to the IC contact card connector 27. Alternatively, an interface 360 may be provided in which case the host machine controller 300 communicates instead with the 5 connector 27 via PCB 320.

The host machine will typically also include a display and a keyboard (not shown) coupled with the controller 300, for operator use.

The apparatus can be operated in a variety of modes, depending upon the host machine. In general, however, each of the heads formed by the magnetic head 5, electrical contacts attached to the support 27, and the antenna 25 can be used for both reading and writing. Typically, however, the magnetic head 5 will be used solely for reading information from a magnetic stripe on a card inserted through the entry bezel 2, while encoding will be achieved via an appropriate one of the antenna 25 and the contacts on support 27.

Before describing certain examples of modes of operation, reference should be made to Figure 1d which illustrates a magnetic card 1 having a magnetic stripe 8, a contactless IC card 12 (which includes an IC chip embedded within it and an antenna), and a contact IC card 26 having electrical contacts 29.

MODE 1: ACCEPT A MAGNETIC CARD AS PAYMENT FOR THE SUBSEQUENT VENDING OF A CONTACTLESS CARD PROM THE SAME MECHANISM (THROUGH THE SAME CARD SLOT) The mechanism will, in this particular order:- (a) upon a magnetic card being inserted through the card entry/exit slot by the user, read the data contained on the magnetic card.

i.e. from the position shown in Figure 2, magnetic card 1 is manually fed into entry/exit bezel 2 whereupon it is 'taken up, by delivery roller 3 and delivery idler 4 which are driven by motor 17 operating in reverse (via dispense motor pulley 13, motor drive belt 15, transport drive belt 9 30, transport drive pulley 31, delivery drive belt 32 and delivery drive pulley 33). Clutch roller 14 does not rotate at this time because it is not engaged with clutch roller shaft 19 when motor 17 is reverse driven. This is achieved by use of a solenoid actuated clutch, described in a little more detail in EP-A-0961 219. Transportation of magnetic card 1 over magnetic head 5 begins (see Figure 3). Before magnetic card 1 has been fully fed through delivery roller 3 and delivery idler 4, it is ',taken up" by transport roller 6 and transport idler 7. Transport roller 6 and transport idler 7 continue to feed magnetic card 1 until it has fully passed over magnetic head 5 (see Figure 4). As magnetic card 1 is passed over magnetic head 5, the data stored on magnetic stripe 8 of magnetic card 1 (see Figure 1 (d)) is read and presented to the host machine.

(b) following acceptance from the host of the data read from the magnetic card (indicated by an electrical output from the host). The mechanism returns the magnetic card to the user i.e. motor 17 is reversed, and thus magnetic card 1 (as shown in Figure 4) is fed towards entry/exit bezel 2 by transport roller 6 and transport idler 7, and is finally fed by delivery roller 3 and delivery idler 4 to a position where magnetic card 1 is stationary, whereby it is partially out of entry/exit bezel 2 ready for manual collection by the user (see Figure 5).

(c) recover the magnetic card if the user does not take the card within a set time period and store it f or subsequent retrieval i.e. from the position shown in Figure 5, magnetic card 1 will remain stationary for a set time period. If magnetic card 1 is not manually collected by the user as sensed by the sensor 120, motor 17 is driven such that it drives delivery roller 3 and delivery idler 4 (via belts and pulleys). Because magnetic card 1 is positioned between delivery roller 3 and delivery idler 4, magnetic card 1 is consequently fed back into the mechanism. magnetic card 1 comes to rest whilst still between delivery roller 3 and delivery idler 4, and transport roller 6 and transport idler 7 (as shown in Figure 6). At this point, capture motor pinion gear 8 (driven by capture motor 34) drives capture gear segment 9 (which is fixed to capture plate 35, running on transport roller shaft 10), causing transport idler shaft 11 to 'orbit' transport roller 6 (see Figure 7). In turn, as transport idler shaft 11 'orbits, transport roller 6, magnetic card 1 remains tangent to both transport roller 6 and transport idler 7. When magnetic card 1 has been caused to rotate through say 40 degrees, drive is removed from capture motor pinion gear 8, thus causing magnetic card 1 to come to rest in the position shown in Figure 8. At this stage, drive is applied to is transport roller 6 and thus magnetic card 1 is fed completely past transport roller 6 and transport idler 7 (see Figure 9) where it is stored for subsequent manual retrieval. (d) dispense a contactless type IC card from a stored 20 stack, so that it is positioned ready for radio frequency communication to take place between the host and the contactless type IC card. i.e. if the user successfully collects the magnetic card 1 as described at the end of operation Mode 1 (b), contactless IC card 12 is subsequently dispensed (i.e. vended to the user) as follows: Dispense motor pulley 13 is driven (by motor 17), thus driving clutch drive pulley 18 and discharge drive pulley 16 (both via motor drive belt 15). Clutch drive pulley 18 is rigidly f ixed to clutch roller shaft 19 and hence clutch roller 14 is driven. (Figure 10 shows the motion of all driven rollers during this step). This causes the bottom-most contactless IC card of stored card stack 20 to be 'shuffled' forward, passing through the gap between card gate 21 and feed roller 22 until the leading edge of contactless IC card 12 is 'picked up, by discharge roller 23 and discharge idler 24 (see Figure 11). At this point, clutch roller 14 drive 11 disengages via the solenoid operated clutch, leaving discharge roller 23 and discharge idler 24 to feed contactless IC card 12 towards a position where it comes to rest directly above radio frequency antenna 25 (see Figure 12). At this point, radio frequency communication can take place between the host and contactless IC card 12.

(e) respond to an input signal from the host machine indicating that either:

(i) successful host-card communications have been completed, by feeding the card out of the entry/exit bezel ready for collection, and providing an electrical output signal to the host machine to indicate that has been done so.

i.e. from position shown in Figure 12, transport roller 6 (plus transport idler 7) and delivery roller 3 (plus delivery idler 4) drive contactless IC card 12 towards entry/exit bezel 2. When contactless IC card 12 has been fed past transport roller 6 (but not fully past delivery roller 3), it comes to rest ready for collection in exactly the same manner as magnetic card 1 does in Mode 1 (b) Note that if the user fails to collect contactless IC card 12 within a set time period, it can be recovered for subsequent manual retrieval. This is achieved in exactly the same way as for magnetic card 1 described in Mode 1 (c).

or (ii) communication was unsuccessful (e.g. damaged contactless IC card), by -capturing, the card (i.e. remove the card from the dispense path of the mechanism and storing it for subsequent retrieval), and then automatically repeating the step (d), until step (e) (i) can be achieved.

i.e. from position shown in Figure 12, transport roller 6 and transport idler 7 feed contactless IC card 12 towards entry/exit bezel 2. Before 12 contactless IC card 12 enters entry/exit bezel 2, drive is removed from transport roller 6 and thus contactless IC card 12 comes to rest in exactly the same position as described for magnetic card 1 in Mode 1 (c) (see Figure 6).

At this point, contactless IC card 12 is 1 captured' for subsequent manual retrieval in exactly the same manner as described for magnetic card 1 in Mode 1 (c).

MODE 2: ACCEPT A CONTACT TYPE IC CARD AS PAYMENT FOR THE SUBSEQUENT VENDING OF A CONTACTLESS CARD FROM THE SAME MECHANISM (THROUGH THE SAME CARD SLOT) The mechanism will, in this particular order:

is (a) upon a contact type IC card being inserted through the card entry/exit slot by the user, position the card such that an 8-way IC card connector can make electrical contact with the IC pads on the card.

i.e. contact type IC card 26 is manually fed into entry/exit bezel 2 (in the same way as magnetic card 1 in Mode 1(a)), whereupon it is 'taken up' by delivery roller 3 and delivery idler 4 which are driven by motor 17 (via belts and pulleys) thus causing contact type IC card 26 to be fed towards IC card connector 27. Contact type IC card 26 is then 'taken up' by transport roller 6 and transport idler 7, which continue to feed contact type IC card 26 until it 'snags' on protuberance 28 of IC card connector 27 (which is in its rest position), causing IC card connector 27 to move along and simultaneously downwards with contact type IC card 26, thus moving IC card connector 27 towards coming into contact with IC connection pads 29 of contact type IC card 26 (see Figure 13). When IC card connector 27 is fully mated with IC connection pads 29, drive is removed from transport roller 6 and thus contact ty-pe IC card 26 comes to rest, ready for host-card communications to take place (see Figure 14).

13 (b) provide an electrical output signal to the host machine indicating that the connector has made contact with the IC pads on the card. (c) respond to an electrical input signal from the host 5 machine indicating that successful host-card communications have been completed, by feeding the card out of the entry/exit slot ready for collection and providing an electrical output signal to the host machine to indicate that has been done so.

i.e. from position shown in Figure 14, transport roller 6 (plus transport idler 7) and delivery roller 3 (plus delivery idler 4) drive contact type IC card 26 towards entry/exit bezel 2, allowing IC card connector 27 to return to its rest position. When contact type IC card 26 has 15 been fed past transport roller 7 (but not fully past delivery roller 3), it comes to rest ready for collection (in exactly the same manner as magnetic card 1 in Mode 1 (b)). Note that if the user fails to collect contact type IC card 26 within a set time period, it can be recovered for subsequent manual retrieval. This is achieved in exactly the same way as for magnetic card 1 described in Mode 1 (c). (d) dispense a contactless type IC card f rom a stored stack, so that it is positioned ready for radio 25 frequency communication to take place between the host and the contactless type IC card. Following the user collecting contact type IC card 26 used for the purchase, contactless IC card 12 is subsequently dispensed exactly as per Mode 1 (d).

(e) respond to an input signal f rom the host machine indicating that either:(i) successful host-card communications have been completed, by feeding the card out of the entry/exit slot ready for collection and 35 providing an electrical output signal to the host machine to indicate that has been done so. i.e. exactly as per Mode 1 (e)(i).

14 or (ii) communication was unsuccessful (e.g. damaged contactless IC card), by 'capturing' the card (i.e. remove the card from the dispense path of 5 the mechanism and storing it for subsequent retrieval), and then automatically repeating the step (d) until step (e) (i) can be achieved. i.e. exactly as per Mode 1 (e)(ii).

MODE 3: ACCEPT A MAGNETIC CARD AS PAYMENT FOR THE SUBSEQUENT RE-LOADING OF A CONTACTLESS CARD INSERTED BY THE USER (THROUGH THE SAME CARD SLOT) The mechanism will, in this particular order:(a) upon a magnetic card being inserted through the card is entry/exit slot by the user, read the data contained on the magnetic card. i.e. exactly as per Mode 1 (a). (b) following acceptance from the host of the data read from the magnetic card (indicated by an electrical 20 output from the host), return the magnetic card to the user i.e. exactly as per Mode 1 (b). (c) recover the magnetic card if the user does not take the card within a set time period and store it for 25 subsequent retrieval i.e. exactly as per Mode 1 (c). (d) position a contactless IC card (inserted through the entry/exit slot by the user) ready for radio frequency communication to take place between the host and the 30 contactless IC card i.e. As with magnetic card 1 described in Mode 1 (a), contactless IC card 12 is manually fed into the entry/exit slot whereupon it is 'taken up, by delivery roller 3 and delivery idler 4 which are driven by motor 17 (via belts and pulleys). Transportation of contactless IC card 12 into the mechanism begins. Contactless IC card 12 comes to rest directly under radio frequency antenna 25 (in a very similar location to that of contact type IC card 26 shown in Figure 13). At this point, radio frequency communication can take place between the host and contactless IC card 12.

(e) respond to an input signal from the host machine indicating that host-card communications have been completed, by feeding the card out of the entrylexit slot ready for collection and providing an electrical output signal to the host machine to indicate that has been done so.

i.e. exactly as per Mode 1 (e)(i).

MODE 4: ACCEPT A CONTACT TYPE IC CARD AS PAYMENT FOR THE SUBSEQUENT RE-LOADING OF A CONTACTLESS CARD INSERTED BY THE USER (THROUGH THE SAME CARD SLOT) The mechanism will, in this particular order: - (a) upon a contact type IC card being inserted through the card entry/exit slot by the user, position the card such that an 8-way IC card connector can make electrical contact with the IC pads on the card.

i.e. exactly as per Mode 2 (a).

(b) provide an electrical output signal to the host machine indicating that the connector has made contact with the IC pads on the card.

i.e. exactly as per Mode 2 (b).

(c) respond to an electrical input signal from the host machine indicating that successful host-card communications have been completed, by feeding the card out of the entry/exit slot ready for collection 30 and providing an electrical output signal to the host machine to indicate that has been done so. i.e. exactly as per Mode 2 (c). (d) position a contactless IC card (inserted through the entry/exit slot by the user) ready for radio frequency 35 communication to take place between the host and the contactless IC card. i.e. exactly as per Mode 3 (d).

16 (e) respond to an input signal f rom the host machine indicating that host-card communications have been completed, by feeding the card out of the entry/exit slot ready for collection and providing an electrical 5 output signal to the host machine to indicate that has been done so. i.e. exactly as per Mode 1 (e)(i).

17

Claims (11)

1 Memory card handling apparatus comprising a transport system defining a card transport path extending between a reading/writing section, and an outlet/inlet arranged in sequence, the transport system being operable to transport cards in either direction along the transport path, the reading/writing section including a first head for reading information stored in a first manner on the memory card, and a second head for writing information to and/or reading information from a memory card in a second, different manner.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first head is located nearer to the outlet/inlet then the second head.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second head can both read and write.

4. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a third head for reading from and/or writing to a card in a third manner different from the first and second manners.

5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the manner of reading/writing is chosen from magnetic, contact, and contactless techniques.

6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second head includes an aerial to enable information to be written to and/or read from a card in a contactless manner.

7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each head is coupled electrically to an interface unit to enable the head to be connected to a host control system.

8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a shutter for closing the outlet/inlet when a card is not to be inserted.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the transport system includes a feed system for withdrawing cards from a card store at the store location.

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10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the roller and idler are located between the first head and the outlet/inlet.

11. Memory card handling apparatus substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

9. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a card store location to which the transport system extends.

18 10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the transport system includes a feed system for withdrawing cards from a card store at the store location. 11. Memory card handling apparatus substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 19 CLAIMS 1 Memory card handling apparatus comprising a transport system defining a card transport path extending between a reading/writing section, and an outlet/inlet arranged in sequence, the transport system being operable to transport cards in either direction along the transport path, the reading/writing section including a first head including an aerial for communication with the memory card, the transport system including a roller and an idler in contact with the roller, the idler being movable about the roller.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second, magnetic head for writing information to and/or reading information from a memory card, wherein the second is head is located nearer to the outlet/inlet then the first head.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second, magnetic head is located between the outlet/inlet and the roller and idler.

4. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a third, contact head for reading from and/or writing to a card.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the third head is located close to the first head.

6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each head is coupled electrically to an interface unit to enable the head to be connected to a host control system.

7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a shutter for closing the outlet/inlet when a card is not to be inserted.

8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a card store location to which the transport system extends.