Erasable magnetic memory element for credit card - comprises thermosensitive layer containing parts of magnetised information to allow information to be destroyed by heating

摘要

Information is stored by a ferromagnetic layer to form a ticket or credit card. This can be processed by a reader which erases a value to insert a new value. Fraud is prevented by making the magnetic layer thermosensitive. A support (1) of appropriate dimensions for a credit card has magnetised portions (2) of magnetic ink on it. An external, moulded plastics layer (4) forms compartments (5) separated by walls (6). These compartments are open to the surface (3) of the support. Each compartment receives the magnetic layers at their base portions. A thermosensitive layer (8) between the plastic layer and the magnetic layer has walls (9) against the compartments. The layer allows the information to be destroyed by heating.