Card comprising an electronic circuit with obliterable credit elements for the distribution of goods or services
OwnerMario Limone, Giovanni Russo +2inventors
InventorsMario Limone, Giovanni Russo, Umberto Magliuolo, Salvatore Sardella
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Abstract
Disclosed is a card for the activation of automated machines for the rendering of services or dispensation of goods. The card comprises a support base, an authentication element, and a large-scale integrated circuit. The circuit includes a number of fuse elements, in a preferred embodiment arranged in a matrix, for storing a value attributable to the card which can be reduced by the machine in an amount equal to the goods dispensed or services rendered.
Claims4
A card for the activation of and payment to a machine in return for services rendered or goods dispensed, said card comprising:
- a support base;
- card validity check means including a metal element secured to said support base;
- an integrated circuit, secured to said support base, including:
- fuse means including a plurality of fuse elements which are selectively destroyable in response to passage therethrough of current above a predetermined level, for retaining an electrical representation of a monetary value;
- switching means responsive to test signals applied thereto for passing current selectively through individual fuse elements;
- and
- metalized contact areas through which said integrated circuit is able to make contact with said machine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.