Holddown device for encoded member reader

Claim 1

A holddown mechanism for a generally flat encoded card comprising housing means for receiving said card and having a sidewall and a bottom wall adapted to be engaged respectively by one major surface and a bottom edge of said card, at least one roller means for alternatively permitting insertion of an encoded card between said roller means and said sidewall and urging an inserted card against said bottom wall and against said sidewall, means defining an axis of rotation for said roller, said axis of rotation being parallel to said sidewall and to said bottom wall and fixed with respect to said housing means, said roller means including a resiliently compressible peripheral member having in its noncompressed state, a periphery which is asymmetric with respect to said axis, said roller being rotatable through a limited arc between a first position wherein said peripheral member is spaced from said side wall a distance to permit insertion of an encoded card, and a second position wherein said periphery extends closer to said sidewall for engaging an inserted card, and means for rotating said roller means between said first and second positions for engaging the inserted card and urging said card against said bottom wall and said sidewall, said means for rotating said roller means including a coupling element operatively connected to said roller means, solenoid means having a linearly movable plunger, pivotal connection means coupling said element to said plunger to effect rotation of said roller means in response to linear movement of said plunger and means biasing said roller means to said first position when said solenoid is not activated.