Abstract:
The present invention relates to a card feed unit for transferring a data carrier of card information of a multi-services cards, such as a bank card or credit card, to a reading head of a reading unit for at least reading out of card information, the card feed unit comprising: attachment means for attaching the card feed unit in an arrangement respective of the reading head that is suitable for transporting the data carrier of the card in the direction of the meeting head, a receipt position for receipt of the card, a transfer assembly for transferring the card by means of the transfer assembly in the direction of the reading head, in which: the card feed unit is suitable for, during insertion of the card in the receipt position, receiving the card in the receipt position by means of an insertion operation with a direction of movement that, at least as seen in one direction, is substantially perpendicular to the readout direction of the card for preventing that the card is readable during the insertion operation.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a card feed unit for safely performing card feed operations for feeding a card into automated transactions machines. The present invention also relates to a read out unit comprising a card feed unit. The present invention also relates to a transaction machine, such as a payment machine or a cash drawing machine ATM, comprising a card feed unit. The present invention also relates to a method for safely performing of transactions while applying a card feed unit and or a machine. 
     Within the scope of this text, the following definitions apply. 
     Card information is intended to mean information storable in a data carrier to be read by the card reader, such as for performing card transactions. 
     A direction substantially perpendicular to the reading direction of the card means that the direction is substantially excluding a direction running parallel to the reading direction of a card. Therefore, the direction substantially perpendicular to the reading direction of the card may have at least two directional components that are not parallel to this reading direction. If the reading direction is generally in the direction of an X-axis, 2 directional components substantially perpendicular to the reading direction may comprise direction components generally in the direction of a Y-axis, and or a Z-axis or a combined direction of movement. 
     The use of magnetic data storage card has become ubiquitous throughout the world. Examples of such cards include credit cards, debit cards, bank cards, ATM cards, security guards, identity cards, driver licenses, etc. 
     Such a card has standardized shape and dimensions, and stores the data in parallel tracks within a magnetic strip. The location and orientation of the strip on the card are also standardized. In operational use, the data stored in the magnetic strip of the card is read by swiping or otherwise transporting the card past a reading head of a card reader in the user interface of a computerized secure system. The user interface typically has a card slot that is dimensioned in order to have the card inserted in such an orientation that the magnetic strip is transported past the reading head by the user&#39;s inserting the card. The system processes the data thus read together with a personal identification number (PIN) or other password, entered by the card&#39;s owner into the system via a keyboard and/or touch screen in the system&#39;s user interface. 
     The term “skimming” refers to the theft of secure information stored in the magnetic strip of a credit card, a debit card, a bank card, ATM card, a security card, an identity card, etc., while the card is being used in a normal legitimate transaction. In a practical scenario, a thief places a small electronic device, referred to as a “skimmer”, at or over the card feed slot of an ATM. For example, a skimmer is accommodated in a false front overlying the card slot of a dip card reader or of a motorized reader. As another example, a skimmer is positioned within or at one or at both extremities of the channel of a swipe card reader, e.g., by means of using a false front cover accommodating the skimmer&#39;s reading head. The channel is wider at the extremity than at the position of the reading head so as to facilitate feeding the card into the channel him being swiped. The skimmer reads the magnetic strip as the user unknowingly passes his/her card through it. These skimming devices are often used in conjunction with a pinhole camera to read the user&#39;s PIN at the same time. The skimming device stores the data read or instantly transmits the data via a wireless connection to the thief. The information thus stolen can then be used by the thief to assume the card owner&#39;s identity for, e.g., obtaining goods without paying, withdrawing money from the card owner&#39;s bank account, obtaining access to gated premises, etc. 
     Various approaches to protection against skimming are known. 
     US patent application publication 2008/0191860 relates to a security system useful for monitoring an automated teller machine (ATM). The system includes a camera that provides images of at least selected portions of the ATM. A controller automatically determines whether a difference between a reference image of the ATM and a subsequently acquired image from the camera indicates an alteration to the ATM. One example provides the ability to detect whether a skimming reader has been placed adjacent a card receiving slot. An embodiment includes acquiring a plurality of reference images corresponding to different lighting conditions and using an appropriate one of the reference images based upon a lighting condition or time of day associated with a subsequently acquired image. 
     US patent application publication 2007/0228178 relates to a card reader housing that has an exterior surface configuration that includes a plurality of distinct surface portions aligned at oblique angles relative to each other. The exterior surface configuration prevents the placement of a skimming reader over the top of the card reader housing. In an example, a finger-receiving notch is directly aligned with a reader and has a depth and a dimension sized for receiving at least a portion of a finger holding a card inserted into a slot in the housing. Any alteration of the notch dimensions prevents proper operation of the card reader. 
     WO 2007/032964 relates to an anti-skimming reader for an automated banking machine. In order to prevent a magnetic sensor of an unauthorized skimming device from reading the magnetic information from the card, the card reader moves the card with motions which interfere with the ability of an unauthorized magnetic sensor to accurately read information from the card. 
     WO 2005/001598 relates to an automated banking machine. Sensing devices adjacent a card reader slot on the machine enables a controller to detect the presence of a fraud device or unauthorized card reading devices. Sensing devices adjacent a keypad enable the controller to detect the presence of an unauthorized manual input intercepting device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a novel way of preventing skimming. For this purpose, the present invention provides a card feed unit for transferring a data carrier of card information of a multi-services cards, such as a bank card or credit card, to a reading head of a reading unit for at least reading out of card information, the card feed unit comprising:
         attachment means for attaching the card feed unit in an arrangement respective of the reading head that is suitable for transporting the data carrier of the card in the direction of the meeting head,   a receipt position for receipt of the card into the card feed unit,   a transfer assembly for transferring the card by means of the transfer assembly in the direction of the reading head, in which:   the card feed unit is suitable for, during insertion of the card in the receipt position, receiving the card in the receipt position by means of an insertion operation with a direction of movement that, at least as seen in one direction, is substantially perpendicular to the readout direction of the card for preventing that the card is readable during the insertion operation.       

     An advantage of such a card feed unit is that the card is being received into the receipt position by means of a movement that is perpendicular to the longitudinal readout direction of the data carrier of the card. The results thereof is that during this operation, the data carrier cannot be read out by a reading head as the direction of movement does not allow for a longitudinal ‘swipe’ along the data carrier. Only after the card with the data carrier has been inserted into the receipt position, a longitudinal movement that would allow for a swipe is being performed. Therefore, a card feed unit according to the present invention provides for a new way of preventing skimming. 
     In a first preferred embodiment of a card feed unit according the present invention, the card feed unit comprises guiding elements for guiding of the card towards the receipt position via at least a guiding path. The guiding elements provide for limiting the possibilities of movement of the card in such a way that a natural movement is allowed for guiding the card into the receipt position. Furthermore, the guide elements provide for visibly indicating a natural way of inserting the card into the receipt position, while still forcibly maintaining the indicated direction of movement of the card during the insertion operation. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the guiding path of the card comprises two directional components that are each perpendicular to a serial readout direction of the card. The application of this path also forcibly maintains the indicated direction of movement of the guard during the insertion operation. 
     As the movement of the card before and during the readout operation both needs to be in the perpendicular direction with respect to the data carrier and in the longitudinal direction with respect to the data carrier, card input unit preferably comprises a substantially arm-shaped, from the unit protruding, receipt member that defines at least a part of the receipt position. This arrangement allows for initially moving perpendicular to the readout direction of the data carrier and subsequently, after the card has been placed into the safe environment of the card feed unit a subsequently safe longitudinal movement towards the reading head of the card read unit. The concept of the arm protruding from the device enables this solution as the card can be inserted perpendicularly into the protruding part in order to be safely concluded into the device before the longitudinal movement starts. 
     Preferably a guiding channel is included for guiding of the card along at least a part of the path towards the reading head. Preferably this guiding channel is arranged inside the substantially arm shaped, from the unit protruding receipt member. According to this embodiment, a part of the card, more specifically the data carrier, is safely included into the channel after placing the card into the receipt position. The remainder of the card remains visible and accessible to the user for handling of the card. 
     In a further preferred embodiment the receipt member comprises signaling means for signaling of manipulative actions inflicted on the card feed unit. The card feed unit is intended to prevent misuse and abuse of card readers and therefore would be a target for manipulative actions in order for abusers to still be able to perform the skimming operations. Therefore, the signaling means provide a signal for indicating when such manipulative actions have been performed. 
     Preferably, the signaling means comprise an electrical detection loop for signaling of damage to the detection loop. Such a detection loop may be arranged inside the protruding receipt member. Therefore, when manipulative actions have been performed on the protruding receipt member, a signal would be available for e.g. shutting down the device. 
     A further preferable way of embodying the signaling means is by means of a fluid, such as a liquid or a gas, tight space for signaling the event of a fluid leak. This embodiment allows for keeping a gas at a certain pressure within the fluid tight space in for example the protruding receipt member. A sudden pressure dropped within the gas could be measured by a pressure sensor and an indication could be sent out for e.g. shutting down the device. 
     Preferably a container holding a certain amount of fluid material is connected to the space for keeping a long term substantially equal pressure, even when some of the fluid material slowly leaks from the space. The long term pressure may vary slightly but rather quick pressure difference indicative of tampering with the device will initiate a signaling. Another way of keeping a long term pressure is a cylinder with a piston under duress of e.g. a spring. Also the base plate is preferably provided with pressure channels linked to the space for holding the fluid. The further advantage of this feature is that even tampering with the base plate will trigger an alarm. 
     Another way of preventing manipulative actions to the card feed unit and/or the protruding receipt member is to prevent demolishing or damaging the device. To this end, the device preferably comprises at least a grinding retardant for retarding an attempt to grind through a part of the card feed unit, such as the card receipt member, in which the grinding retardants preferably comprise a ceramic material and or a hardened steel. A reason for providing this embodiment is that when the end piece of the protruding receipt member would be removed and replaced by another end piece, this replacing and please might include a reading head for a skimmer. 
     Sometimes a user accidentally inserts two cards into a card reader. In order to prevent this, a card feed unit according to a further embodiment comprises a throughput slot with a thickness that is less than twice the thickness of a standardized bank card, preferably less than 1.5 times the thickness of a standardized bank card. 
     Furthermore, e.g. an ATM device is used in outside environments. During cold weather periods, this might result in freezing of the card feed unit. In order to prevent such freezing, the card feed unit comprises preferably a heating member for heating the card feed unit, preferably the receipt member. A further advantage of such a card feed unit is that condensation of water may be prevented. Also, the formation of ice on the card feed unit or in the card feed unit, especially the channel may be prevented. 
     Preferably, the card feed unit comprises a drainage opening for draining of the guiding channel and or comprising a drainage channel leading up to the drainage opening. By means of this, any water entering the card feed unit may be expelled, preventing sabotage or wear, in order for its influence from being detrimental to the use. 
     In a further embodiment a free space for the data carrier is comprised in the card feed unit, such as comprising a deepening in the guiding channel, for preventing damage to the data carrier by scraping the data carrier surface. This deepening may also facilitate bringing the card into the channel at an angle as is described below. 
     In the card feed unit, preferably guiding elements comprise a second protrusion that is arranged substantially across of the guiding channel for, during the insertion operation of the card, keeping the card in the initially at an angle respective of the receipt position. Keeping the card at an angle with respect to the bottom of the channel is also a further way of preventing illegally reading out the data carrier during the insertion of the card. When the data carrier is at a, even small, distance from the bottom of the channel, this distance prevents reading out the data carrier effectively. However, this eventuality would only be able to occur upon the availability of reading heads that would be able to read out during a perpendicular movement and covering the whole of the data carrier during this movement. Such reading heads have not yet been known. 
     Tests have been performed with a card feed unit according to the present invention and the occasionally it might have occurred that a person could try to enter the card at an angle into the guiding channel while trying to slide it from the side. The guiding members would not allow such a way of sliding in the card that a user might be trying to force the card thereby damaging it. In order to make clear that such a movement is impossible, preferably, the card feed unit, especially the channel, comprises a blocking member for blocking of the insertion operation of the card when the card is inserted obliquely into the channel. When a corner of the card hits the blocking member, which may be a notch in the back wall of the channel, the card is abruptly stopped before such damage may occur thereby indicating to the user that this direction of movement is not intended before such damage may occur. 
     Preferably, the receipt member comprises an end part closing end of the channel that preferably provides an L-shaped ending to the receipt channel. This part of the L-shaped ending is partly responsible for indicating to the user how to card is to be inserted into the receipt position. Furthermore, this L-shaped ending is responsible for presenting a longitudinal movement of the card into the channel, thereby effectively preventing the possibilities for skimming by means of bringing a reading head off a skimmer into end of the channel. The data carrier would simply not reach that part of the channel. 
     A penetration prevention element for preventing the creation of a cavity for receiving an illegal reading head for reading out of the data carrier is a further feature for a further embodiment. This feature effectively presents the possibility to create such a cavity for positioning a skimmer reading head near the beginning of the channel, a position the card would pass in a longitudinal manner after placing it into the receipt position. Therefore, such a prevention element, such as a highly hardened steel shaft provides an additional bar against skimming. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the receipt position is directly reachable by a to and fro moving reading head. This embodiment is intended for sliding a card, data carrier forward, into a slot. When sliding the card into the slot is way, it may not be read out by a skimming head. Thereafter, the data carrier may be read out by a moving legitimate reading head of the transaction machine. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the receipt position is arranged in a sled that is movable to and fro for guiding of the card at least partly along a part of a path into the direction of the reading head. This embodiments is intended for sliding a card, data carrier forward, into the sled. As with the previous embodiment, the data carrier cannot be read out during the insertion movement. After the insertion movement, the sled will transport the card along a legitimate reading head. 
     The path of the sled may be substantially along a straight line. In case the path of the sled at least in part follows a curved path, a further level of security is achieved as the card may be entered into the device when the sled is at an angle. Therefore, reading out the data carrier when it is inserted is even less achievable by a skimmer. 
     Preferably, the card feed unit comprises driving means for moving the card, and or the sled, along at least a part of the path from the receipt position towards the reading head. Such driving means may diminish the need for a large remaining surfaces of the card sticking out of the card feed unit for inserting and picking out. Therefore, in the device, there is more space for physical fortifications against abuse. 
     A further aspect of the present invention relates to a card reading unit for reading out of card data from a data carrier of a bank card, comprising a reading head and a card feed unit according to the present invention. Such a card read unit has the benefit of the advantages as described in the above. 
     A further aspect of the present invention relates to a transaction machine, such as a payment device or an automated teller machine ATM, for performing of transactions while using a payment card, comprising a read out unit for reading out of card information from a data carrier of a payment card and comprising a card feed unit according to the present invention. Such a transaction machine has the benefit of the advantages as described in the above. 
     Related to this aspect it is most convenient to explain the use of the present invention in manned and unmanned environments. The example of the ATM machine is an example of use in an unmanned environment. The example of using the invention in a manned environment is for when with cash register a transaction device is used. Also in those environments skimming is possible and a threat. The present invention provides for safeguarding the transaction machine in such instances as well, e.g. by means of a swipe embodiment. 
     A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for safely performing transactions while using a card feed unit and or machine according to the present invention, the method comprising steps for:
         providing of the card feed unit and a transaction machine,   allowing a user to the transaction machine,   while using the card feed device by the user, performing of a transaction. Such a method has the benefit of the advantages as described in the above.       

     Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the annexed drawings and based one or more preferred embodiments. The drawings show as follows. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is nine different views of a card feed unit in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is three different views of a top half of an arm of the card feed unit shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is three different views of a bottom half of the arm of the card feed unit shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is five different views of a protrusion of the card feed unit shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  7  are perspective, top, and transverse cross-sectional views of a second embodiment arm; 
         FIG. 8  is a transverse cross-section of the arm of  FIGS. 5-7  used with the card feed unit of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is three different views of a card in various positions of a card feed unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is two different views of a card moving in an arm in an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 11-14  are different views of movement of a card in an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is an isolated view of the sled and card shown in  FIGS. 11-14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is an end view of the sled and card feed unit shown in  FIGS. 11-14 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a variation of the card feed unit shown in  FIGS. 11-14 ; and 
         FIG. 18  is another variation of the card feed unit shown in  FIGS. 11-14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A first preferred embodiment ( FIGS. 1-4 ) according to the present invention relates to a card feed unit  2 , which is shown in 9 different views. The card feed the size comprises a base plate  8  comprising a slot  9  through which a card can be fed into a card reader that is arranged behind the base plate. The base plate may be mounted on a mounting plate (not shown) that is adapted for mounting on a specific ATM like device, each of which may have specific mounting requirements. 
     Protruding from the base plate  8 , a guiding arm  12  is arranged in this embodiment. The guiding arm comprises a channel  14  in which a bank card may be inserted in order to be placed in the receipt position  10 . When a bank card is in the receipt position  10 , it may be moved in the direction of the arrow A in order to be passed through the slot  9  in the direction of the reading head of the card reader (not shown). 
     In order for the bank card to be positioned in the receipt position  10 , it has to be placed into the channel  14  in between the side  18  of the base plate  8  and the inner wall  17  of the L-shaped end piece  16  of the arm  12 . Also, the bank card has to be guided over the top part of the protrusion  15  that is arranged opposite of the channel  14 . This requires a complex movement of the bank card. However, the receipt position of the bank card is made very clear by the constraints of the walls  17 ,  18  and  20 , as well as by the top surface  31  of the protrusion  15  and the top surfaces  32  of the bottom half  21  of the arm  12 . Because of these constraints, the receipt position  10  is very intuitively clear to the user. The open space between the L-shaped arm and the protrusion  15  allows for ample handling room of the hand resp., the fingers of the user placing the bank card to the receiving position  10 . 
     The curved shape  59  of the surface  32  also provides an additional security effect in that this prevents placing a longitudinal reader or in other words a parallel skimhead to be placed along the channel over the length of the distance between plate  8  and the inner wall  17 . To this end also additional protrusions  58  are envisioned. 
     The top half  22  of the arm  12  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 2 . The top  22  is provided with bores  35  for allowing therein for fastening the arm to the base plate or the mounting plate. Furthermore, a work  34  is present for mounting of a ceramic shaft for preventing grinding through the arm, thereby preventing destroying the arm and preventing attaching a skimming device. A further tamper prevention is provided by bore  36  for allowing the insertion of a hardened steel shaft. The hardened steel pin  61  in the hole  36  prevents drilling into the arm at the location a reading head should be placed for allowing effective skimming. This hardened steel shaft prevents drilling a hole at that specific location into the arm. 
     The opening  42  leads to the channel  38  that extends along the L-shape of the top half  22  this L-shaped channel in the top half  22  is produced by means of milling, as is channel  37 . Channel  38  is intended for placing an electrical loop for providing electrical detection means for detecting damage to the arm. The channel  37  is intended for a hard metal insert preventing damage to this and part of the arm. 
     The inner wall  17  of the end part  16  of the arm is provided with a slight widening  39  for allowing some extra play while placing the bank card into and/or removing the bank card from the receipt position  10 . A further feature for allowing easier placing of the bank guard is provided by the slightly sloping upper wall  41  of the channel  14 . The distance between de plate  8  and the inner wall  17  is preferably substantially the length of a bank card, or slightly larger to provide play. The reason for this is that the shorter this distance the less opportunity for placing a skimming head is present as the skimming head would need to be placed at a location where the head can skim the whole data carrier portion of the card. 
     The bottom half  21  of the arm  12  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 3 . The channel  14  comprises a deepening  42  in order to prevent damage to the magnetic data carrier of the bank card. By interrupted lines, the receipt position  10  of the bank card is also shown in  FIG. 3 . In the back of wall  44  of the channel  14 , the wrongful insertion stop  43  is shown. In case someone tries to obliquely insert a bank card horizontally in between the arm end part  16  and the protrusion  15 , the far corner of the card will be trapped by insertion stop  43 , thereby indicating the wrongful insertion expressly. 
     In order to prevent water to remain in the channel, the channel is provided with a water guiding deepening  46  and guiding the water to the through hole  45 , which is intended for draining the water out of the channel. In the end part of the bottom half, a channel  47  is milled in order to receive a hard metal reinforcement of the bottom half. The hard metal reinforcement of the bottom half and the top half may be embodied as one reinforcement feeling both the space  47  and the space  37 . The channel  48  is intended for receiving an electrical detection wire, similar to the purpose of channel  38 , both of which may form one combined channel for the detection wires. 
     Also in the bottom half, the bores  35  serve the purpose of fastening holes. Bore  51  is intended for a hard metal reinforcement for prevention of micro milling or drilling a hole in the bottom half of the arm. The specific reason for this location of the bore  51  is that this location is exactly underneath the data carrier of the bank card. It is very important to present placing a skimming reading head underneath this data carrier, because of which is chosen to place the hard steel reinforcement at this location in the hole  51  specifically preventing the placement of a skimming reading head at that location. The hardened steel pin  62  in the hole  51  prevents drilling into the arm at the location a reading head should be placed for allowing effective skimming. A further bore  52  is present for allowing the placement of a heating element at this location for allowing the heating of the arm  12 . 
     In  FIG. 4 , the protrusion  15  is depicted in greater detail. Protrusion  15  is fastened by means of welding. Two bores  26  provide for the inclusion of detection loops in the protrusion as well as in the arm. A further bore  25  is intended for housing a temperature sensor. The edges  55  of the protrusion  15  are slightly rounded in order to prevent damage to the bank cards. A further optional feature of the base plate  8  is the light guidance means  23  ( FIG. 1H ) for guiding light of indicator lights of the adjacent cards reader in order to be visible to the user after the card feed unit  2  has been mounted. 
     The plate  8  may be provided with an opening  60  for allowing a user to manually take out the card from the card reader in case the card reader is unmotorized. The card will be guided by the parts of the slot  9  that remain at both ends. The opening  60  allows for two fingers, preferably the thumb and index, to be inserted into the card reader to grip the card for pulling the card out of the reader. 
       FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7  comprise diagrams illustrating another embodiment of arm  502 .  FIG. 6  shows arm  502  as seen from its top, and  FIG. 7  shows arm  502  in a transverse cross-section A-A as indicated in  FIG. 6 . Features  902 ,  904  and  906  and  1002  indicate threaded holes in arm  502  in order to securely attach arm  502  to base plate  702 . Arm  502  is made from a top strip  908  and a bottom strip  910 . Strips  908  and  910  are jointed. Channel  704  is accommodated in bottom strip  910  and is shielded by top strip  908 . Remote end  506  of arm  502  is formed as an integral part of strips  908  and  910  when jointed. Remote end  506  is shaped so as to prevent card from being inserted into arm  502  in an orientation wherein strip runs parallel to the direction of the card&#39;s inserting. The rounded shape of remote end  506  has ergonomic advantages in that more or less sharp corners are absent. Also note the profile of top strip  908  that facilitates sliding card  106  into, and out of, arm  506 . 
     If user interface of apparatus is exposed to the weather, a water drain may be provided in arm  502  so as to be able to draw off water that has entered arm  502  and has accumulated in channel  704 . Water may enter arm  502  as a result of, e.g., rain or condensation. The water may then accumulate in channel  704 . If the accumulated water freezes, apparatus  102  cannot be used anymore as ice is blocking channel  704 . 
     If needed, a heating element can be used in arm  502 , for example, in combination with a water drain, in order to prevent the forming of ice. In an embodiment of apparatus, arm  502  is positioned somewhat inclined with respect to the horizontal level, so as to have remote end  506  lower than the end near slot  706 . The water in arm  502  then accumulates at the lowest location in arm  502 , near remote end  506 . A drain near remote end  506  draws off the water under the influence of gravity. 
     The drain may comprise one or more straight passages in the lower part of arm  502  in order to connect channel  704  to the outside world. Such a straight passage can simply be made by drilling. Alternatively, the drain is formed as a path more intricate than a straight hole, e.g., a labyrinth, in order to make accessing channel  704 , from the outside and via the drain, more difficult. Note that a drain could in principle be used for guiding a reading head of a skimming device towards channel  704 . 
     Now, when arm  502  is positioned so as to have remote end  506  lower than the other end of arm  502  near slot  706 , a skimming reading head positioned in the channel at the drain, if possible at all, could not be used to capture the data at strip  110  of a card  106 . The reason for this is, that only a portion of card  106  would be passing that specific location, if 5 at all. If deemed necessary, the drain is positioned strategically in arm  502  with respect to the electric wires or electrically conductive strips, mentioned above, that are used to monitor the physical integrity of arm  502 . 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram schematically illustrating a transverse cross-section  800  of arm  502  in the configuration of embodiment of  FIG. 1 . Cross-section  800  is taken in a plane perpendicular to the length of arm  502  and intersecting channel  704 . A portion  802  forms part of a lower wall of channel  704 . Portion  802  is slightly curved inwards so as provide a clearance for card  106  in order to reduce wear on strip  110  when card  106  is fully inserted into channel  704 . That is, when card  106  has assumed the position as shown in  FIG. 8  and as indicated in  FIG. 8  with reference numeral  806 , the clearance facilitates sliding card  106  into or out of slot  706 . Also, curved portion  802  provides clearance for card  106  when being inserted or removed from channel  704  by the user. Portion  808  forms part of an upper wall of channel  704 , and is curved outwards. 
     The curvature of portion  808  guides card  106  into channel  704  under control of protrusion  708  when card  106  is brought into a position indicated by reference numeral  810 . Upper and lower walls of channel  704  are not strictly parallel in cross-section  800 , but form an acute angle  812 . As a result of the dimensions and material of a standardized magnetic card  106 , the curvature of portion  804  has a radius of, e.g., 6 mm, and angle  806  is, e.g., 5 degrees. Region  814  is shown magnified to illustrate above features qualitatively in further detail. In the example shown, arm  502  is made from two parts attached to one another using a dovetail joint  816 . 
       FIG. 8  also clarifies a further function of protrusion  708 . The presence of protrusion  708  e.g. also hampers skimming if an array of multiple reading heads were used in a false front overlying the entrance to channel  704 . The array could then be positioned in parallel to the direction of arm  502 . The data captured from magnetic strip  110  by different skimming reading heads could be stitched together in order to extract relevant information. 
     Protrusion  708  and the entrance to channel  704  in arm  502  are profiled in a particular manner, which is explained as follows. Assume that card  106  is being inserted or removed from arm  502 , magnetic strip  110  being held in parallel to arm  502 . The cooperating profiles then determine the path and orientation of card  106  in a plane perpendicular to arm  502 . 
     Note that positions  806  and  810  indicate that card  106  rotates around an axis parallel to magnetic strip  110  under control of the profiles of protrusion  708  and of arm  502 . The controlled rotation sees to it that magnetic strip  110  does not touch the upper and/or lower surfaces of the entrance to channel  704 . Accordingly, as a magnetic reading head of a skimming device needs to physically contact strip  110 , without causing too much resistance, mounting a skimming device with parallel reading heads has become extremely difficult. 
       FIG. 9  are block diagrams illustrating a first embodiment according to the invention. Reference numeral  204  indicates a direction wherein card  106  is being moved by the user to insert card  106  into receiving section  108 . In this embodiment, receiving section  108  has a slot having a width W that is large enough for card  106  to pass through, longer end first. That is, the dimension of the slot allows inserting card  106  with strip  110  remaining parallel to the slot. In the invention, direction  204  differs substantially from the direction  116  of strip  110 . Receiving section  108  may be provided with a profiled entrance for properly guiding card  106  during insertion and/or removal. In  FIG. 9A , the user moves card  106  towards receiving section  108  in direction  204 . 
     In  FIG. 9B  card  106  has been moved to such a position that strip  110  is obscured by receiving section  108 . Note that there is not a single location, stationary with respect to receiving section  108 , where a reading head of a skimming device could be mounted for intercepting strip  110  so as to capture data before strip  110  is guided via the slot into a reading area  90 , as shown in  FIG. 9C . 
     Once card  106  has reached the position as shown in  FIG. 9C , or has fully moved inside receiving section  108 , i.e., inside reading area  90 , a reading head (not shown) can read the data stored in strip  110 . In an embodiment, reading head is motorized and is activated when card  106  has reached a predetermined position relative to receiving section  108 . This predetermined position is reached upon fully inserting the card  106  into receiving section  108 , or after a known motorized mechanism (not shown) has accepted card  106  for further transport in direction  204 . Reading head then traverses a path running in parallel to direction W. Alternatively, reading head is stationary, and apparatus has a mechanism, known in the art, (not shown) for automatically transporting card  106  for enabling to capture the data. 
     In another embodiment, reading head  114  is stationary, and the user is to manually remove card  106 , that has been partially inserted, in a direction parallel to direction  116 . For example, when card  106  has been manually inserted to the proper position into receiving section  108 , card  106  interacts with a mechanical release mechanism (not shown) that then enables manually moving card  106  in a direction parallel to direction  116 . 
     In this case, the width W of the slot is larger than the width of card  106  by a factor of preferably about two. In yet another embodiment, receiving section has a transport mechanism (not shown) within reading area  90  for rotating card  106  so as to align it with a conventional card reader that is oriented for receiving card  106 , its shorter edge first. 
     After completion of the reading operation, the user may pull out card  106  in the direction anti-parallel to direction  204 . 
       FIGS. 10  A and B are block diagrams illustrating a further example of such a second embodiment. Receiving section  108  in this example comprises an arm  502  mounted on, and extending from, user interface  108 . Arm  502  has a channel along at least part of its length. Card  106  can be inserted into this channel in the direction indicated by arrow  504 . Note that the direction of arrow  504  is substantially perpendicular to the direction of magnetic strip  110 . The depth of the channel is chosen so as to have arm  502  obscure strip  110  when card  106  has been inserted. After card  106  has thus been inserted into the channel, the user moves card  106  in the direction of an arrow  602  in order to insert card  106  into the slot of known apparatus. 
     As a result, the path traversed by strip  110  when moved in direction  602  lies entirely within reading area  90 . In order to remove card  106 , card  106  is slid back in a direction opposite to direction  602 , and taken out of arm  502  in a direction opposite to direction  504 . 
     Preferably, arm  502  is made of a suitable, hard material in order to resist tampering, and the channel in arm  502  is made just wide enough to manually slide card  106  into and out of the channel. Arm  502 , or the part thereof forming the channel, may have its surface treated to facilitate the sliding of card  106  within the channel and/or to provide protection against the weather, dust and dirt, etc. 
     For example, the surface of the relevant part has a special surface coating or has been polished. A fraud, who seeks to install a skimming device, has to either modify arm  502  or have it replaced. The material of arm  502  is preferably such that it does not easily allow to be worked, e.g., for integrating a skimming device within the channel, without leaving clear traces. A false front accommodating a skimming device, positioned over arm  502  for intercepting the data, is not effective for the same reasons as explained above with reference to the embodiment of  FIG. 9 . That is, the direction of inserting card  106  into, or removing card  106  from, arm  502  is substantially perpendicular to the direction of strip  110 . 
     Arm  502  is preferably provided with first means that determine the integrity of arm  502 , and an ATM in which the invention is applied, is equipped with second means to trigger an alarm under control of the first means when arm  502  is being cut, e.g., with a grinder, or is subjected to operations that remove material from arm  502 . For example, the first means comprises electric wires or electrically conductive strips, embedded within arm  502  or running just underneath its surface. The strips or wires are electrically isolated from the material forming arm  502  and run along the length of arm  502 . The wires or strips are kept at a particular (low) voltage. When someone tampers with the arm, trying to cut it or remove material from it, one or more such wires or strips are damaged, which can be detected. 
     Alternatively, pairs of such wires or strips are connected at a remote end  506  of arm  502 , i.e., the end farthest remote from receiving section  108 , thus forming a loop. Apparatus has circuitry (not shown) that checks if a signal regularly or periodically sent into one end of the loop, returns via the other end. If there is no return signal, the alarm can be raised as the loop is interrupted. Similarly, the resistance of such a loop can be determined periodically, and a sudden change therein can be interpreted as an event that should trigger the alarm. For example, the alarm instantly disables ATM (not shown) or a card reader part thereof, thus rendering moot all card interactions with ATM. If ATM has a motorized card reader, the alarm is used to, e.g., switch off the power supply to the motorized card reader, switch off the card reader, or provide an alarm indication to the user. 
     Furthermore, the wires or strips are arranged close to the drain, so that they will be affected if someone tries to increase the interior diameter of the drain with a file or with a drill.  FIGS. 11 ,  12 ,  13  and  14  illustrate an example of a further embodiment  1100  of the invention, in a longitudinal cross-section, applicable to swipe card readers. As known, a conventional swipe card reader enables the user to swipe card  106  along an open channel past a reading head. Card  106  is entered into the channel at one open end, swept past the reading head mounted in the channel, and taken out of the channel at the other open end, all in one run. It is fairly easy to put a skimming reading head at or in the channel near one or near both of the ends. The invention provides anti-skimming measures for swipe readers as follows, based on the general theme of the invention as discussed above. 
     Embodiment  1100  has a receiving section  108  with an elongated portion  1102  having a channel  1104 . Reading head  114  is mounted in channel  1104 . Receiving section  108  further comprises a sled  1106  that is constrained so as to only run within channel  1104 . Sled  1106  is constrained by means of, e.g., giving sled  1106  and channel  1104  matching cross-section profiles in a plane transverse to channel  1104 . The matching profiles prevent sled  1106  from moving out of channel  1104 . Sled  1106  is configured for containing card  106  so as to leave magnetic strip  110  exposed to reading head  114 , when card  106  is fully inserted into sled  1106 .  FIGS. 15 and 16  give an example of such profiles and illustrate that card  106  is positioned in sled  1106  so as to leave strip  110  exposed to reading head  114 . Operation is as follows. 
     In  FIG. 11 , card  106  is being inserted into sled  1106  in direction  504 , maintaining strip  110  oriented in parallel to channel  1104 . In  FIG. 12 , card  106  has been fully inserted into sled  1106 . Note that strip  110  is not obscured by sled  1106 . Next, the user moves card  106  and sled  1106  to the other end of channel  1104 , in the direction of an arrow  1108 , and past reading head  114  (not shown) mounted in a wall of channel  1104 . As sled  1106  leaves strip  110  exposed, reading head  114  is enabled to capture the data stored in strip  110 . In  FIG. 13 , the motion of sled  1106  is halted at the other end of channel  1104 . In  FIG. 14 , the user removes card  106  from sled  1106  in a direction  1110  that runs perpendicular to the main dimension of strip  110 . A spring or another mechanism (not shown) can be provided in receiving section  108  to automatically return sled  1106  to the position as shown in  FIG. 11  when the user removes card  110  from sled  1106  or when the user releases the assembly of sled  1106  and card  106 . 
     Embodiment  1100  could be made by mounting sled  1100  in a first profiled segment of channel  1104 , and securely mounting a second slotted segment over the first portion accommodating sled  1106 , so as to lock up sled  1106  between the first and second segments. A fraud may want to position a skimming device over the top part of sled  1106  through which card  106  is received. Note that sled  1106  has a profiled top part. In this case, the front has a recess to accommodate the user&#39;s thumb and index finger. 
     The profiled top part makes it rather difficult to design an inconspicuously looking false front and position it over the receiving section  108 . In a variation on the theme of  FIGS. 11-16  is illustrated in  FIG. 17 . Note that the path, along which card  106  and sled  1106  is being swiped in the configuration of  FIGS. 11-16 , is a straight line. In order to swipe card  106  along a straight path, the user typically has to use both wrist and elbow. For ergonomic reasons, therefore, it may be more comfortable to the user if the path, along which card  106  is to be swiped, is properly curved so as to be able to swipe card  106  with only a movement of the wrist. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates that sled channel  1104  is profiled in the direction of sliding, indicated by arrow  1108 , so as to have sled  1106  change its orientation during the sliding. For example, channel  1104  has a run-in region  1702  with a specific profile and sled  1106  has a ridge  1704  with a matching profile so as to tilt sled  1106  with respect to direction  1108  when residing in this region. A further matching profile (not shown) in run-in region  1702  prevents sled  1106  from being tilted out of channel  1104 . The tilted position facilitates the inserting of card  106  into sled  1106 . 
     When the user then slides card  106 , contained within sled  1106 , in the direction of arrow  1108 , sled  1106  assumes a horizontal position in the area of reading head  114  (not shown here). A similar profile may be provided at the other end of channel  1104  in order to tilt sled  1106 . An elastic buffer may be mounted between sled  1106  and channel  1104  so as to absorb the shock of sled  1106  being slapped against channel  1104 . Sled  1106  could be provided with an elastically mounted runner, for example. The elastic buffer reduces the shock to the user&#39;s wrist, when inserting card  106  into sled  1106  and swiping sled  1106 , containing card  106 , somewhat enthusiastically along channel  1104 . 
     In  FIGS. 11-17 , sled  1106  is shown to move within channel  1104 . In another embodiment (not shown), sled  1106  moves over and parallel to channel  5   1104 . Sled  1106  is then configured so as to maintain card  106  in such a manner that only the portion of card  106  accommodating magnetic strip  110 , is moving within channel  1104 . This particular implementation is relevant to the installed base of existing swipe readers. A dedicated front is then positioned over the channel of the existing swipe reader. The dedicated front includes guiding rails or grooves, which constrain the movement of sled  1106  to a path parallel to channel  1104 , while maintaining magnetic strip  110  of card  106  within the relevant segment of channel  1104 . 
       FIG. 18  is a diagram illustrating an option to have sled  1106  attached to a flexible sealing ribbon or cable  1802  that covers channel  1104 . Sled  1106  may have a top part that overlaps elongated portion  1102  so as to cover channel  1104  at the location of sled  1106 . Ribbon or cable  1802  runs over guiding means, here wheels  1804 ,  1806 ,  1808  and  1810 , so as to remain taut and aligned with channel  1104 . 
     The feature indicated above by reference numeral  1106  is referred to as “sled”. It is clear that, for example, a cart or another vehicle could be used instead. What is important here is that sled or cart  1106  can be made to move within channel  1104  without too much effort on the part of the user. The term “sled” as used herein is to be interpreted as covering the concept of “cart” as well. 
     In the above, the present invention is described with reference to one or more preferred embodiments. Several aspects of several distinct preferred embodiments are described in the above. Furthermore, the features of distinct embodiments are deemed described in combination with each other in order to provide a description of all combinations that are considerable within the scope of this description by an expert of the field. The above disclosure these preferred embodiments are not limiting to the scope of protection of this document. The rights sought are determined in the annexed claims.