Importance

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Abstract

A punched card reader for use in systems such as bulk fuel terminal dispensing systems, automated unattended bank teller machines and the like includes security provisions to prevent operation of such systems by counterfeit cards. Specifically, the system operates with a punched card made of laminated plastic or the like having a rectangular plate made of magnetic material sandwiched between the card layers. This plate is located in an area of the card adjacent the portion encoded with the variable data uniquely identifying the card and the controlling its function, etc. The card entry throat of the tape reader is modified to have a pair of spaced-apart, magnetically actuated reed switches on one side of the card entry slot. On the opposite side of the card entry slot a pair of corresponding permanent magnets are located. The magnets have a field strength sufficient to operate the magnetic reed switches; so that when no card is inserted into the reader, or when a card not having the magnetic shield in it is inserted into the reader, the reader cannot operate. When a card having the magnetic shield in it is inserted fully into the reading position of the reader, the magnetic shield breaks the magnetic field used to actuate the reed switches, and they change operating state. This state of operation is used in a control circuit, along with the conventional card sensing switch, to enable the reader for operation.

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First Claim