Patent ID: 6089457
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: B41J,G06K

Abstract:
An encoder for programming cards each containing an integrated circuit memory having an external contact area through which information to be programmed into the memory is transmitted to the integrated circuit memory comprising:a card transport for guiding the cards along a transport path from an infeed side to an outfeed side of the encoder, the card transport having a first section which is mounted in a fixed position on the infeed side, a second section containing a plurality of card receiving sections which are vertically separated and a third section which is mounted in a fixed position on the outfeed side in line with the infeed side;a vertical transport, coupled to the second section, from vertically moving the second section to vertically align individual card receiving sections with the first and third sections along the transport path; andan electrical contact assembly connected to the second section having a plurality of electrical contactors which individually are associated with a different one of each of plurality of card receiving sections and which contact the external contact area of individual cards while the individual cards are held in the plurality of card receiving sections.