Card reader cleaning card

Abstract

A card configured to clean a card reader when inserted in the card reader is disclosed. The card can include a body defining first, second, third, and fourth edges and also first and second opposite faces. The card can also include at least one magnetic-strip portion positioned directly or indirectly on the first face. The magnetic-strip portion can be spaced from at least one of the third and fourth edges. The card can also include a cleaning layer configured to clean a reading head of a card reader. The cleaning layer can be positioned directly or indirectly on the first face adjacent to the magnetic-strip portion. The cleaning layer can be positioned between the magnetic-strip portion and at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth edges. A method of using the card is also disclosed.

Description

CARD READER CLEANING CARDCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 536,228 for a CARD READER CLEANING CARD, filed on September 1, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND1. Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a card used to clean a card reader.2. Description of Related Prior Art

[0003] U.S. Pub. No. 20050242195 discloses a Card Reader Cleaning Plow Apparatus And Method. The cleaning card system and method for cleaning contaminants accumulated in a card reader and pushing dust or dirt out the back of the card reader is disclosed. The card reader cleaning plow of the comprises a semi-rigid material having the same or similar width and thickness of a data bearing card that is normally read by the card reader, but being longer and having a notch, or notches, cut in the leading edge of the card reader cleaning plow that allows the insertion of the card reader cleaning plow beyond the limiter post, or posts built into the card reader. The card reader cleaning plow may be inserted into the card reader and cleans the reader heads, any rollers or guides and the feed path, and harmlessly pushes the dust and particulates build-up through the device.

[0004] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting background context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.SUMMARY

[0005] This section provides a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects described herein. This summary is not an extensive overview and is not intended to identify “key” or “critical” elements of the present disclosure or to delineate the scope of the various aspects described herein. The purpose of this portion of the document is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0006] A card configured to clean a card reader when inserted in the card reader is disclosed. The card can include a body defining a plurality of edges including first and second edges on opposite width sides of the body with respect to one another. The plurality of edges also includes third and fourth edges on opposite length sides of the body with respect to one another. The body can also define a first face and a second face opposite to the first face. The card can also include at least one magnetic-strip portion positioned directly or indirectly on the first face. The at least one magneticstrip portion can be spaced from at least one of the third and fourth edges. The card can also include a cleaning layer configured to clean a reading head of a card reader. The cleaning layer can be positioned directly or indirectly on the first face adjacent to the at least one magnetic-strip portion. The cleaning layer can be positioned between the at least one magnetic-strip portion and at least one of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge.

[0007] According to other features, the card can further comprise at least one notch defined in at least one of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge. In other features, the at least one notch can be further defined as a plurality of notches respectively defined in one or more of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge. According to additional features, at least two of the plurality of notches can be defined in the same edge of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge. According to other features, at least two of the plurality of notches can be identically-shaped. In other features, the at least two of the plurality of notches can be differently-shaped. According to additional features, the at least one notch can be further defined as a plurality of notches including at least one notch defined in each of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge. According to other features, the plurality of notches can include a first notch defined in the first edge, a second notch defined in the second edge, a third notch defined in the third edge, and a fourth notch defined in the fourth edge, wherein at least three of the first notch and the second notch and the third notch are differently-shaped relative to one another. In other features, the plurality of notches can include a first notch defined in the first edge, a second notch defined in the second edge, a third notch defined in the third edge, and a fourth notch defined in the fourth edge, wherein all of the first notch and the second notch and the third notch are identically-shaped relative to one another.

[0008] According to additional features, the cleaning layer can be further defined as positioned between the at least one magnetic-strip portion and a plurality of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge. According to other features, the cleaning layer can be further defined as positioned between the at least one magnetic-strip portion and all but one of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge.

[0009] In other features, the at least one magnetic-strip portion can be further defined as a plurality of magnetic-strip portions spaced from one another about the first face. According to additional features, the plurality of magnetic-strip portions can be further defined as comprising at least four magnetic-strip portions. According to other features, the cleaning layer can be positioned between all of the plurality of magnetic-strip portions. In other features, each of the at least four magnetic-strip portions is not spaced from all of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge and is spaced from a plurality of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge.

[0010] According to additional features, the cleaning layer is further defined as formed from one of cloth and felt.

[0011] A method is also disclosed. The method includes inserting, into a first card reader of a first automated transaction machine (ATM), a card having a body defining a plurality of edges including first and second edges on opposite width sides of the body with respect to one another, also including third and fourth edges on opposite length sides of the body with respect to one another, and also defining a first face and a second face opposite to the first face, a plurality of magnetic- strip portions respectively positioned one of directly and indirectly on the first face, wherein each of the plurality of magnetic-strip portions is spaced from at least one of the third and fourth edges, a cleaning layer configured to clean a reading head of a card reader, the cleaning layer positioned one of directly and indirectly on the first face adjacent to the at least one magnetic-strip portion, and the cleaning layer positioned between the at least one magnetic-strip portion and at least one of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge, and the third edge, wherein the first edge of the card is inserted first into the first card reader. The method can also include reading, with the first card reader of the first ATM, data from a first magnetic-strip portion of the plurality of magnetic-strip portions. The method can also include changing, by a primary controller of the first ATM, the operation of the first ATM into service mode in response to the reading the data from the first magnetic-strip portion.

[0012] According to other features, the method can also include inserting the card into a second card reader of a second ATM wherein the second edge of the card is inserted first into the second card reader. The method can also include reading, with the second card reader of the second ATM, data from a second magnetic-strip portion of the plurality of magnetic-strip portions. The method can also include changing, by a primary controller of the second ATM, the operation of the second ATM into service mode in response to the reading the data from the second magnetic-strip portion.

[0013] In other features, the method can also include inserting the card into a third card reader of a third ATM wherein the third edge of the card is inserted first into the third card reader. The method can also include reading, with the third card reader of the third ATM, data from a third magnetic-strip portion of the plurality of magnetic-strip portions. The method can also include changing, by a primary controller of the third ATM, the operation of the third ATM into service mode in response to the reading the data from the third magnetic-strip portion.

[0014] According to additional features, the method can also include inserting the card into a fourth card reader of a fourth ATM wherein the fourth edge of the card is inserted first into the fourth card reader. The method can also include reading, with the fourth card reader of the fourth ATM, data from a fourth magnetic-strip portion of the plurality of magnetic-strip portions. The method can also include changing, by a primary controller of the fourth ATM, the operation of the fourth ATM into service mode in response to the reading the data from the fourth magnetic-strip portion.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The detailed description set forth below references the following drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 is a front orthogonal view of a card reader cleaning card according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2 is a right-side orthogonal view of the card reader cleaning card shown in Figure 1;

[0018] Figure 3 is a partial cross-section view of the card reader cleaning card shown in Figure 1 taken along section lines 3 - 3 in Figure 1; and

[0019] Figure 4 is a front orthogonal view of a card reader cleaning card according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] A plurality of different embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in the Figures of the application. Similar features are shown in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Similar features across different embodiments have been numbered with a common reference numeral and have been differentiated by an alphabetic suffix. Also, to enhance consistency, the structures in any particular drawing share the same alphabetic suffix even if a particular feature is shown in less than all embodiments. Similar features are structured similarly, operate similarly, and / or have the same function unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification. Furthermore,particular features of one embodiment can replace corresponding features in another embodiment or can supplement other embodiments unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification.

[0021] The present disclosure, as demonstrated by the exemplary embodiments described below, can provide an enhanced card reader cleaning card. The disclosed card reader cleaning card can be configured to clean a card reader, such as a card reader that is a component of an automated transaction machine (ATM) or a Point of Sale (POS) device. When used for an ATM, the disclosed card reader cleaning card can allow a technician to perform the cleaning of a card reader without having to first place the ATM into a diagnostic mode of operation. Further, the disclosed card reader cleaning card can be universal, configured to work with card readers that intake a narrow edge of a card and with card readers that intake a long edge of a card.

[0022] Referring now to Figures 1 - 3, an exemplary card reader cleaning card (hereafter “cleaning card”) 10 has a generally rectangular envelope in a front view. The following dimensions are referenced in Figure 1: a width 40 of about 54 millimeters; a length 42 of about 85.7 millimeters; a thickness 44 of about 0.76 millimeters; a dimension 46 of about 15.95 millimeters; a dimension 48 of about 5.54 millimeters; a dimension 50 of about 11.2 millimeters; a dimension 52 of about 7.2 millimeters; a dimension 54 of about 2 millimeters; a dimension 56 of about 11 millimeters; a dimension 58 of about 76.3 millimeters; a dimension 60 of about 71.3 millimeters; a dimension 62 of about 64.7 millimeters; a dimension 64 of about 55.5 millimeters; a dimension 66 of about 30.2 millimeters; a dimension 68 of about 21 millimeters; a dimension 70 of about 14.4 millimeters; a dimension 72 of about 9 millimeters; a dimension 74 of about 9.4 millimeters; a dimension 76 of about 4.6 millimeters; a dimension 78 of about 2.2 millimeters; and a dimension 80 of about 5 millimeters . It is noted that these dimensions of the exemplary cleaning card 10 are themselves exemplary and not required in all embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] A perimeter of the exemplary cleaning card 10 includes a top edge 12, a bottom edge 14, a right-side edge 16, and a left-side edge 18. Each of the exemplary edges 12, 14, 16, 18 include notches, such as by way of example and not limitation 36 and 38, which preclude a perfectly rectangular shape in the front view. The shape of the exemplary top edge 12 is mirrored in the shape of the exemplary bottom edge 14 across a horizontal centerline 20 of the cleaning card 10. The shape of the exemplary right-side edge 16 is mirrored in the shape of the exemplary left-side edge 18 across a vertical centerline 22 of the cleaning card 10.

[0024] With reference to the perspective of view shown in Figure 1, the shape of the left side of the exemplary top edge 12 is mirrored in the shape of the right side of the exemplary top edge 12 across the vertical centerline 22. The shape of the left side of the exemplary bottom edge 14 ismirrored in the shape of the right side of the exemplary bottom edge 14 across the vertical centerline 22. The shape of the top side of the exemplary right-side edge 16 is mirrored in the shape of the bottom side of the exemplary right-side edge 16 across the horizontal centerline 20. The shape of the top side of the exemplary left-side edge 18 is mirrored in the shape of the bottom side of the exemplary left-side edge 18 across the horizontal centerline 20.

[0025] The notches in the edges 12, 14, 16, 18 can be utilized by a card reader to detect that the cleaning card 10 is a card for cleaning and not the card of a banking customer. For example, sensors in the card reader can be configured to detect the notches upon the insertion of the cleaning card 10 in the card reader. Upon detection of a notch by a sensor, the sensor can send a signal to a controlling computing device of the ATM. The exemplary notches 36 and 38 are differently shaped and can thus correspond to different information when sensed by a sensor of the ATM. Further, upon receipt of this signal, the controlling computing device of the ATM can place the ATM in a cleaning mode or a diagnostic mode of operation. A technician is thus not required to place the ATM in the cleaning or diagnostic mode of operation before starting the card reader cleaning process. Further, because the respective, opposite edges (12 and 14, 16 and 18) are mirrored with respect to one another, the technician can insert the cleaning card 10 from either edge accepted by the card reader (short edge or long edge).

[0026] The exemplary cleaning card 10 also includes magnetic-strip portions 24, 26, 28, and 30. Each of the magnetic-strip portions 24, 26, 28, 30 can be read by a reading head in the card reader. The data stored in the magnetic-strip portions 24, 26, 28, 30 can be read by the card reader and transmitted to the controlling computing device of the ATM. The controlling computing device of the ATM can interpret the data and, in response, place the ATM in a cleaning or diagnostic mode of operation. Thus, the exemplary magnetic-strip portions 24, 26, 28, 30 and the exemplary notches in the edges 12, 14, 16, 18 define redundant structures for recognition, by an ATM receiving the exemplary card 10.

[0027] Figure 3 is a partial cross-section view of the cleaning card 10 taken along section lines 3 - 3 in Figure 1. The exemplary cleaning card 10 includes a body in the form of an exemplary plastic substrate 32 providing rigidity. Figure 3 also discloses that the exemplary metallic magneticstrip portion 30 is overlaid directly on a first face 82 the exemplary body 32, but in other embodiments could be indirectly on the first face 82, such as an embodiment in which a layer other than adhesive serves some purpose in between the exemplary magnetic-strip portion 30 and the body 32. The exemplary body also includes a second face 84 opposite to the first face 82. The exemplary cleaning card 10 also includes a cloth or felt layer 34 overlaying the exemplary body 32 and at least partiallysurrounding the magnetic-strip portions 24, 26, 28, 30. The layer 34 is configured to clean the reading head(s) in the card reader. The layer 34 can be wet or dry when the cleaning card 10 is inserted in the card reader.

[0028] Figure 4 is a front orthogonal view of a card reader cleaning card according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. A perimeter of the exemplary cleaning card 10a includes a top edge 12a, a bottom edge 14a, a right-side edge 16a, and a left-side edge 18a. Each of the exemplary edges 12a, 14a, 16a, 18a include notches of the same shape, by way of example and not limitation a scallop pattern, which preclude a perfectly rectangular shape. The shape of the exemplary top edge 12a is mirrored in the shape of the exemplary bottom edge 14a across a horizontal centerline 20a of the cleaning card 10a. The shape of the exemplary right-side edge 16a is mirrored in the shape of the exemplary left-side edge 18a across a vertical centerline 22a of the cleaning card 10a.

[0029] Based on the perspective of Figure 4, the shape of the left side of the exemplary top edge 12a is mirrored in the shape of the right side of the exemplary top edge 12a across the vertical centerline 22a. The shape of the left side of the exemplary bottom edge 14a is mirrored in the shape of the right side of the exemplary bottom edge 14a across the vertical centerline 22a. The shape of the top side of the exemplary right-side edge 16a is mirrored in the shape of the bottom side of the exemplary right-side edge 16a across the horizontal centerline 20a. The shape of the top side of the exemplary left-side edge 18a is mirrored in the shape of the bottom side of the exemplary left-side edge 18a across the horizontal centerline 20a.

[0030] The exemplary cleaning card 10a also includes magnetic-strip portions 24a, 26a, 28a, and 30a. Each of the magnetic-strip portions 24a, 26a, 28a, 30a can be read by a reading head in the card reader. The data stored in the magnetic-strip portions 24a, 26a, 28a, 30a can be read and interpreted by the controlling computing device of the ATM to place the ATM in a cleaning or diagnostic mode of operation.

[0031] The embodiment of the cleaning card 10a includes a common scalloped-pattern of notches that is defined in all four edges 12a, 14a, 16a, 18a. As set forth above, the pattern of notches can be utilized by a card reader to detect that the cleaning card 10a is a card for cleaning and not the card of a banking customer. Having a common notch pattern in all four sides enhances the universal nature of the cleaning card 10a.

[0032] The exemplary cleaning card 10a also includes a cloth or felt layer 34a overlaying an exemplary body 32 and at least partially surrounding the magnetic-strip portions 24a, 26a, 28a, 30a.The layer 34a is configured to clean the reading head(s) in the card reader. The layer 34a can be wet or dry when the cleaning card 10a is inserted in the card reader.

[0033] In a first example of this disclosure, a first exemplary embodiment, a card is herein disclosed that is configured to clean a card reader when inserted in the card reader is disclosed. The card can include a body defining a plurality of edges including first and second edges on opposite width sides of the body with respect to one another. The plurality of edges also includes third and fourth edges on opposite length sides of the body with respect to one another. The body can also define a first face and a second face opposite to the first face. The card can also include at least one magnetic-strip portion positioned directly or indirectly on the first face. The at least one magneticstrip portion can be spaced from at least one of the third and fourth edges. The card can also include a cleaning layer configured to clean a reading head of a card reader. The cleaning layer can be positioned directly or indirectly on the first face adjacent to the at least one magnetic-strip portion. The cleaning layer can be positioned between the at least one magnetic-strip portion and at least one of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge.

[0034] In a second example of this disclosure, a second exemplary embodiment, the card can further comprise at least one notch defined in at least one of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge. Such an embodiment is shown in Figures 1 and 4.

[0035] In a third example of this disclosure, a third exemplary embodiment, the card can further comprise a plurality of notches respectively defined in one or more of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge. Such an embodiment is shown in Figures 1 and 4.

[0036] In a fourth example of this disclosure, a fourth exemplary embodiment, at least two of the plurality of notches are defined in the same edge of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge. Such an embodiment is shown in Figures 1 and 4.

[0037] In a fifth example of this disclosure, a fifth exemplary embodiment, at least two of the plurality of notches can be identically-shaped. Such an embodiment is shown in Figures 1 (notches 38 and 86) and 4 (notches 88 and 90).

[0038] In a sixth example of this disclosure, a sixth exemplary embodiment, the at least two of the plurality of notches can be differently-shaped. Such an embodiment is shown in Figure 1 (notches 36 and 38).

[0039] In a seventh example of this disclosure, a seventh exemplary embodiment, the at least one notch can be further defined as a plurality of notches including at least one notch defined in each of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge. Such an embodiment is shown in Figures 1 and 4.

[0040] In an eighth example of this disclosure, an eighth exemplary embodiment, the plurality of notches can include a first notch defined in the first edge, a second notch defined in the second edge, a third notch defined in the third edge, and a fourth notch defined in the fourth edge, wherein at least three of the first notch and the second notch and the third notch are differently-shaped relative to one another. Such an embodiment is shown in Figure 1 (notches 36, 38, and 92).

[0041] In a ninth example of this disclosure, a ninth exemplary embodiment, the plurality of notches can include a first notch defined in the first edge, a second notch defined in the second edge, a third notch defined in the third edge, and a fourth notch defined in the fourth edge, wherein all of the first notch and the second notch and the third notch are identically-shaped relative to one another. Such an embodiment is shown in Figure 4 (notches 90, 94, and 96).

[0042] In an eleventh example of this disclosure, a eleventh exemplary embodiment, the cleaning layer can be further defined as positioned between the at least one magnetic-strip portion and all but one of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge. Such an embodiment is shown in Figures 1 - 3 wherein, by way of example and not limitation, the layer 34 is positioned between the magnetic-strip portion 24 and the first edge 12, between the magnetic-strip portion 24 and the second edge 14, between the magnetic-strip portion 24 and the third edge 16, but not between the magnetic-strip portion 24 the fourth edge 18.

[0043] In a twelfth example of this disclosure, a twelfth exemplary embodiment, the at least one magnetic-strip portion can be further defined as a plurality of magnetic-strip portions spaced from one another about the first face. Such an embodiment is shown in Figures 1 and 4.

[0044] In a thirteenth example of this disclosure, a thirteenth exemplary embodiment, the plurality of magnetic-strip portions can be further defined as comprising at least four magnetic-strip portions. Such an embodiment is shown in Figures 1 and 4.

[0045] In a fourteenth example of this disclosure, a fourteenth exemplary embodiment, the cleaning layer can be positioned between all of the plurality of magnetic-strip portions. Such an embodiment is shown in Figures 1 and 4.

[0046] In a fifteenth example of this disclosure, a fifteenth exemplary embodiment, each of the at least four magnetic-strip portions is not spaced from all of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge and is spaced from a plurality of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge. Such an embodiment is shown in Figures 1 and 4. By way of example and not limitation, the magnetic-strip portion 24 is not spaced from the fourth edge 18 and is spaced from the first edge 12, the second edge 14, and the third edge 16.

[0047] In a sixteenth example of this disclosure, a sixteenth exemplary embodiment, the card of claim 1 wherein the cleaning layer is further defined as formed from one of cloth and felt. Such an embodiment is shown in Figures 1 and 4.

[0048] In an example of a method, a card, according to any of the disclosed embodiments, can be insert into a first card reader of a first automated transaction machine (ATM). By way of example, the card can be inserted by a ATM service technician. A first edge of the card, such as top edge 12, can be inserted first into the first card reader. The first card reader can thus be a “swiping” style of card reader. The method can also include reading, with the first card reader of the first ATM, data from a first magnetic-strip portion of the plurality of magnetic-strip portions. The method can also include changing, by a primary controller of the first ATM, the operation of the first ATM into service mode in response to the reading the data from the first magnetic-strip portion. The insertion of the card and movement of the card through the first card reader can have resulted in the cleaning of the first card reader.

[0049] In an example of another method provided in this disclosure, the method disclosed above can be supplemented. The ATM service technician can service a second ATM with the card. The card can next be inserted into a second card reader of the second ATM, wherein a second edge, such as bottom edge 14, of the card is inserted first into the second card reader. The second card reader can thus be a “swiping” style of card reader. The method can also include reading, with the second card reader of the second ATM, data from a second magnetic-strip portion of the plurality of magnetic-strip portions. The method can also include changing, by a primary controller of the second ATM, the operation of the second ATM into service mode in response to the reading the data from the second magnetic- strip portion. The insertion of the card and movement of the card through the second card reader can have resulted in the cleaning of the second card reader.

[0050] In an example of another method provided in this disclosure, the method disclosed above can be supplemented. The ATM service technician can service a third ATM with the card. The card can be inserted into a third card reader of a third ATM, wherein a third edge, such as the right-side edge, is inserted first into the third card reader. The third ATM can thus have card reader that intakes the entire card. The method can also include reading, with the third card reader of the third ATM, data from a third magnetic-strip portion of the plurality of magnetic-strip portions. The method can also include changing, by a primary controller of the third ATM, the operation of the third ATM into service mode in response to the reading the data from the third magnetic-strip portion. The insertion of the card and movement of the card through the third card reader can have resulted in the cleaning of the third card reader.

[0051] In an example of another method provided in this disclosure, the method disclosed above can be supplemented. The ATM service technician can service a fourth ATM with the card. The card can be inserted into a fourth card reader of a fourth ATM wherein the fourth edge, such as left-side edge 18, is inserted first into the fourth card reader. The fourth ATM can thus have card reader that intakes the entire card. The method can also include reading, with the fourth card reader of the fourth ATM, data from a fourth magnetic-strip portion of the plurality of magnetic-strip portions. The method can also include changing, by a primary controller of the fourth ATM, the operation of the fourth ATM into service mode in response to the reading the data from the fourth magnetic-strip portion. The insertion of the card and movement of the card through the fourth card reader can have resulted in the cleaning of the fourth card reader. Thus, in this example, the card has been used by the service technician to clean the card readers of a plurality of ATMs that have differently-configured card readers.

[0052] What has been described above includes examples of the subject innovation. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the disclosed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the subject innovation are possible. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to be illustrative and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any invention disclosed herein unless otherwise claimed. The word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.

[0053] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless indicated otherwise by context, the term “or” is to be understood as an inclusive “or.” Terms such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. when used to describe multiple devices or elements, are so used only to convey the relative actions, positioning and / or functions of the separate devices, and do not necessitate either a specific order for such devices or elements, or any specific quantity or ranking of such devices or elements. Use of the terms “about” or “approximately” are intended to describe values above and / or below a stated value or range, as would be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art in the respective context. In some instances, this may encompass values in a range of approx. + / -10%; in other instances there may be encompassed values in a range of approx. + / -5%; in yet other instances values in a range of approx.+7-2% may be encompassed; and in yet further instances, this may encompass values in a range of approx. + / -!%.

[0054] It will be understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, unless indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. Recitations of a value range herein, unless indicated otherwise, serves as a shorthand for referring individually to each separate value falling within the stated range, including the endpoints of the range, each separate value within the range, and all intermediate ranges subsumed by the overall range, with each incorporated into the specification as if individually recited herein. Unless indicated otherwise, or clearly contradicted by context, methods described herein can be performed with the individual steps executed in any suitable order, including: the precise order disclosed, without any intermediate steps or with one or more further steps interposed between the disclosed steps; with the disclosed steps performed in an order other than the exact order disclosed; with one or more steps performed simultaneously; and with one or more disclosed steps omitted.

[0055] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to a particular embodiment disclosed herein as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will be viewed as covering any embodiment falling within the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects or features described herein may be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques.

[0056] Also, the right to claim a particular sub-feature, sub-component, or sub-element of any disclosed embodiment, singularly or in one or more sub-combinations with any other sub-feature(s), sub-component(s), or sub-element(s), is hereby unconditionally reserved by the Applicant. Also, particular sub-feature(s), sub-component(s), and sub-element(s) of one embodiment that is disclosed herein can replace particular sub-features, sub -components, and sub-elements in another embodiment disclosed herein or can supplement and be added to other embodiments unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification. Further, the use of the word “can” in this document is not an assertion that the subject preceding the word is unimportant or unnecessary or “not critical” relativeto anything else in this document. The word “can” is used herein in a positive and affirming sense and no other motive should be presumed. More than one “invention” may be disclosed in the present disclosure; an “invention” is defined by the content of a patent claim and not by the content of a detailed description of an embodiment of an invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A card configured to clean a card reader when inserted in the card reader comprising: a body defining a plurality of edges including first and second edges on opposite width sides of said body with respect to one another, also including third and fourth edges on opposite length sides of said body with respect to one another, and also defining a first face and a second face opposite to said first face; at least one magnetic-strip portion positioned one of directly and indirectly on said first face, wherein said at least one magnetic-strip portion is spaced from at least one of said third and fourth edges; and a cleaning layer configured to clean a reading head of a card reader, said cleaning layer positioned one of directly and indirectly on said first face adjacent to said at least one magnetic-strip portion, and said cleaning layer positioned between said at least one magnetic-strip portion and at least one of said first edge, said second edge, said third edge, and said fourth edge.

2. The card of claim 1 further comprising: at least one notch defined in at least one of said first edge, said second edge, said third edge, and said fourth edge.

3. The card of claim 2 wherein said at least one notch is further defined as a plurality of notches respectively defined in one or more of said first edge, said second edge, said third edge, and said fourth edge.

4. The card of claim 3 wherein at least two of said plurality of notches are defined in the same edge of said first edge, said second edge, said third edge, and said fourth edge.

5. The card of claim 4 wherein said at least two of said plurality of notches are identically- shaped.

6. The card of claim 4 wherein said at least two of said plurality of notches are differently- shaped.

7. The card of claim 2 wherein said at least one notch is further defined as a plurality of notches including at least one notch defined in each of said first edge, said second edge, said third edge, and said fourth edge.

8. The card of claim 7 wherein said plurality of notches include a first notch defined in said first edge, a second notch defined in said second edge, a third notch defined in said third edge, and a fourth notch defined in said fourth edge, wherein at least three of said first notch and said second notch and said third notch are differently-shaped relative to one another.

9. The card of claim 7 wherein said plurality of notches include a first notch defined in said first edge, a second notch defined in said second edge, a third notch defined in said third edge, and a fourth notch defined in said fourth edge, wherein all of said first notch and said second notch and said third notch are identically-shaped relative to one another.

10. The card of claim 1 wherein said cleaning layer is further defined as positioned between said at least one magnetic-strip portion and a plurality of said first edge, said second edge, said third edge, and said fourth edge.

11. The card of claim 10 wherein said cleaning layer is further defined as positioned between said at least one magnetic-strip portion and all but one of said first edge, said second edge, said third edge, and said fourth edge.

12. The card of claim 1 wherein said at least one magnetic-strip portion is further defined as a plurality of magnetic-strip portions spaced from one another about said first face.

13. The card of claim 12 wherein said plurality of magnetic-strip portions is further defined as comprising at least four magnetic-strip portions.

14. The card of claim 12 wherein said cleaning layer is positioned between all of said plurality of magnetic-strip portions.

15. The card of claim 12 wherein each of said at least four magnetic-strip portions is not spaced from all of said first edge, said second edge, said third edge, and said fourth edge and is spaced from a plurality of said first edge, said second edge, said third edge, and said fourth edge.

16. The card of claim 1 wherein said cleaning layer is further defined as formed from one of cloth and felt.

17. A method comprising: inserting, into a first card reader of a first automated transaction machine (ATM), a card having: a body defining a plurality of edges including first and second edges on opposite width sides of the body with respect to one another, also including third and fourth edges on opposite length sides of the body with respect to one another, and also defining a first face and a second face opposite to the first face, a plurality of magnetic-strip portions respectively positioned one of directly and indirectly on the first face, wherein each of the plurality of magnetic-strip portions is spaced from at least one of the third and fourth edges, a cleaning layer configured to clean a reading head of a card reader, the cleaning layer positioned one of directly and indirectly on the first face adjacent to the at least one magnetic-strip portion, and the cleaning layer positioned between the at least one magnetic-strip portion and at least one of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge, and the third edge wherein the first edge of the card is inserted first into the first card reader; reading, with the first card reader of the first ATM, data from a first magnetic-strip portion of the plurality of magnetic-strip portions; and changing, by a primary controller of the first ATM, the operation of the first ATM into service mode in response to said reading the data from the first magnetic-strip portion.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising: inserting the card into a second card reader of a second ATM wherein the second edge of the card is inserted first into the second card reader; reading, with the second card reader of the second ATM, data from a second magnetic-strip portion of the plurality of magnetic-strip portions; and changing, by a primary controller of the second ATM, the operation of the second ATM into service mode in response to said reading the data from the second magnetic-strip portion.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: inserting the card into a third card reader of a third ATM wherein the third edge of the card is inserted first into the third card reader; reading, with the third card reader of the third ATM, data from a third magnetic-strip portion of the plurality of magnetic-strip portions; and changing, by a primary controller of the third ATM, the operation of the third ATM into service mode in response to said reading the data from the third magnetic-strip portion.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: inserting the card into a fourth card reader of a fourth ATM wherein the fourth edge of the card is inserted first into the fourth card reader; reading, with the fourth card reader of the fourth ATM, data from a fourth magnetic-strip portion of the plurality of magnetic-strip portions; and changing, by a primary controller of the fourth ATM, the operation of the fourth ATM into service mode in response to said reading the data from the fourth magnetic-strip portion.

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