초록 ▼

Apparatus and methods for removing electrostatic charge from a generally non-conductive object that is inserted into a port or receptacle of a housing are disclosed, such as a smart card having an electrostatic charge thereon inserted into a slot of a housing of a smart card reader. Certain ones of

Apparatus and methods for removing electrostatic charge from a generally non-conductive object that is inserted into a port or receptacle of a housing are disclosed, such as a smart card having an electrostatic charge thereon inserted into a slot of a housing of a smart card reader. Certain ones of the apparatus and methods use a housing including a slot for receiving a generally non-conductive object having an electrostatic charge thereon, and an electrically ungrounded array of protrusions disposed proximate the slot. Selected ones of the protrusions have a sharp tip. The electrostatic charge on the object and the sharp tips generate an electric field that is used to neutralize the electrostatic charge on the object so as to prevent damaging electric shock.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A smart card reader, comprising:a housing having a slot for receiving a smart card;an electrically ungrounded array of protrusions disposed on said housing spaced on centers of up to about 0.05 inch, selected ones of said protrusions having a sharp tip disposed proximat

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A smart card reader, comprising:a housing having a slot for receiving a smart card;an electrically ungrounded array of protrusions disposed on said housing spaced on centers of up to about 0.05 inch, selected ones of said protrusions having a sharp tip disposed proximate said slot, wherein said array of protrusions comprises a sheet of conductive material having a plurality of aligned holes formed therethrough, said sheet having a first end formed by cutting said sheet along a line passing through said aligned holes.