| 摘要 |
Described herein is a card-marking device (10) for marking a prepayment card (14) inserted into a pre-payment utility meter. The card-marking device (10) comprises a slot (12) for receiving the card (14) and a card-marking arm (16) mounted on spindle (18) driven by a motor (20). The card-marking arm (16) has a marking portion (26) comprising a serrated edge (30) having a rounder corner (32) and three sharp points (34, 36, 38). In its dormant position, the card-marking arm (16) extends into the slot (12) and is moved into contact with the card (14) by the card engaging front edge (50) of the serrated edge (30). If the card (14) is determined to be valid, the card-marking arm (16) is moved by the card (14) as it is withdrawn from the slot (12) and passes through a card-marking position. If the card (14) is determined not to be valid, the motor (20) is energised to rotate the card-marking arm (16) in a direction of arrow (52) to bring the rounded corner (32) onto the card (14). Subsequent removal of the card (14) from the slot (12) does not move the card-marking arm (16) through a card-marking position. In both instances, when the card (14) is removed from the slot (12), the card-marking arm (16) is returned to its dormant position by the action of the spring (44).
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