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Abstract

A new and improved micro card reader includes a unitary molded base member having a planar rectangular slot therein for slidably receiving a punched data card of standard credit card size having a plurality of columns and rows. Along one edge of the base member is a plurality of registering depressions disposed in the outer facing side of the base member which are adapted to receive optical components. The registering depressions also include registering data sensing apertures therethrough, the number and spacing of the apertures correspond to the number and spacing of the data rows in the data card. Adjacent to one face of the base member is a plurality of light sources disposed within the depressions and aligned with the registering apertures therein. Adjacent to the other face of the base member is a plurality of light sensors which are also aligned with the registering apertures of the base member. As the data card is inserted into the reader the punched holes of the card create a signal received by the row of light sensors. The data card includes one completely punched row which forms an integral strobe channel within the data card which generates intermittent signal for identifying the column of data being read. The combination of signals provides the correct data input.

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First Claim