Patent ID: 6402024
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: G06Q,G07F

Abstract:
An electrically powered self-service terminal for allowing a user to carry out a transaction, the self-service terminal comprising:means defining a slot through which a user card carrying stored data can be inserted by the user and through which the card can be ejected to return the card to the user; a reader for reading the stored data carried on the card; drive means for (i) accepting the card when the user inserts the card through the slot to begin carrying out the transaction, and (ii) ejecting the card through the slot to return the card to the user when the transaction is carried out; means for mechanically storing energy during operation of the self-service terminal comprising a clockwork mechanism including a spring which is wound-up during operation of the self-service terminal; and means for releasing the stored energy to activate the drive means to eject the card through the slot to return the card to the user if an electrical power failure occurs.