Embossed card reader

Claim 1

A reader for an embossed card comprising: 1 a base 2 a light source mounted on said base 3 light responsive means mounted on said base and positioned to receive light from said light source, said light responsive means producing a signal having a characteristic which represents the amount of light impinging thereon; and, 4 light beam modifying means responsive to the presence and absence of an embossment on an embossed card for correspondingly modifying the amount of light from said source which impinges upon said light responsive means, said light beam modifying means comprising: a a cantilevered, elongated member having a fixed end, a distal end which forms a light beam modifying portion movably positioned to modify the light impinging upon said light responsive means, and an intermediate section between said fixed and distal ends, said fixed end and at least a portion of said intermediate section comprising a spring, b means for fixedly securing said cantilevered elongated member fixed end with respect to said base, and c follower means spring-loaded by the spring portion of said elongated member for moving said member in response to the presence and absence of an embossment whereby said light beam modifying portion of said elongated member correspondingly modifies the amount of light impinging upon said light responsive means, said follower means being positioned with respect to said cantilevered member to provide a positive displacement mechanical advantage for the distal end light beam modifying portion thereof, whereby the displacement imparted to said light beam modifying portion by said follower means is greater than the displacement imparted to said follower means by an embossment.