Multi-reader transaction terminal

Claim 2

A multireader terminal for reading financial transaction data, comprising: a magnetic ink character recognition reader for reading check account data from checks; a magnetic stripe reader for reading card identifying information from a magnetic stripe on a card; an embossed character reader for reading card identifying information from characters embossed on said card; in integrated controller in communication with said magnetic ink character recognition reader, said magnetic stripe reader, and said embossed character reader, said controller operative for receiving data signals from said magnetic ink character recognition reader, said magnetic stripe reader and said embossed character reader and for providing decoded data signals; and data port means for providing check account data and card identifying information corresponding to said decoded data signals as an output.

Claim 3

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 1, wherein said data port means comprises a plurality of selectively configurable serial data communications ports.

Claim 4

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 2 wherein one of said data communications ports is connected to a host computer system, and wherein another of said data communication ports is connected to an electronic cash register, and further comprising: means operative for determining whether signals from said host computer system are intended as communications between said host computer system and said electronic cash register or between said host computer system and said multireader terminal; and means responsive to signals intended for communications between said electronic cash register and said host computer system for routing said signals between said electronic cash register and said host computer system.

Claim 5

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a housing defining a card passageway for receiving said card, said magnetic stripe reader and said embossed character reader both being operatively positioned to engage with a card transported along said passageway; and card transporting means for transporting said card within said passageway and in operative contact with said magnetic stripe reader and said embossed character reader.

Claim 6

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 4, further comprising: a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion, said top and bottom portions together defining said card passageway, and wherein said card transporting means comprises: a plurality of drive rollers partially disposed within said passageway and operative to engage said card; a motor operatively connected to said drive rollers; said housing top portion further defining a plurality of card support ribs operative to reduce friction between a card transported along said passageway and said housing top portion.

Claim 7

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 5, further comprising card biasing means associated with said housing bottom portion for biasing said embossed characters against said embossed character reader.

Claim 8

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 6, wherein said card biasing means comprises a ramp located on said housing bottom portion opposite said embossed character reader.

Claim 9

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 4, further comprising means for selectively positioning said embossed character reader into operative position to engage with a card.

Claim 10

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 8, wherein said embossed character reader comprises a read head positioned to extend through an opening in a top portion of said housing into operative proximity to the embossed characters on a card being transported therethrough, and wherein said embossed character reader positioning means comprises an electrical actuator operative to move said read head into said operative proximity with the card.

Claim 11

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 9, wherein said embossed character reader positioning means comprises: a spring for biasing said embossed character read head in a normally retracted position; a cam shaft operative to engage with said read head upon rotation; and a pull solenoid operatively connected to rotate said cam shaft, whereby the actuation of said solenoid causes the rotation of said cam shaft and movement of said read head into operative engagement with a card.

Claim 12

A data card transaction terminal for providing card identifying information from a data card, said data card having a first source of card identifying information and a second source of card identifying information, comprising: means for storing a security indicator indicative that said card identifying information should be verified; a first card identifying information reader for reading card identifying information from said first source; a second card identifying information reader for reading card identifying information from said second source; means responsive to said security indicator being in a first state for comparing said card identifying information from said first source to card identifying information from said second source; and output means for providing verified card identifying information in response to detection that said card identifying information from said first source corresponds to said card identifying information from said second source, said output means being responsive to said security indicator being in a second state for providing card identifying information from said first source or said second source.

Claim 13

A data card transaction terminal for providing card identifying information from a data card, said data card having a first source of card identifying information and a second source of card identifying information, comprising: means for storing a security indicator indicative that said card identifying information should be verified; a first card identifying information reader for reading card identifying information from said first source; a second card identifying information reader for reading card identifying information from said second source; means responsive to said security indicator being in a first state for comparing said card identifying information from said first source to card identifying information from said second source; and output means for providing verified card identifying information in response to detection that said card identifying information from said first source corresponds to said card identifying information from said second source, said output means being responsive to said security indicator being in a second state for providing card identifying information from said first source or said second source.

Claim 14

The data card terminal of claim 11, wherein said security indicator comprises a high risk flag that is software reconfigurable, and further comprising means for setting or clearing said high risk flag for said terminal.

Claim 15

The data card terminal of claim 11, wherein said first card identifying information reader for reading card identifying information from said first source comprises a magnetic stripe reader.

Claim 16

The data card terminal of claim 11, wherein said second card identifying information reader for reading card identifying information from said second source comprises an embossed character reader.

Claim 17

The data card terminal of claim 11, wherein said card identifying information comprises an account number associated with the data card.

Claim 18

The data card terminal of claim 11, further comprising means for validating said card identifying information, and wherein said validating means is operative to validate said card identifying information obtained from said first source, and wherein said output means is responsive to provide said card identifying information from said second source in response to failure of said validating means to validate said card identifying information from said first source.

Claim 19

The data card terminal of claim 11, wherein said output means is operative to provide said card identifying information obtained from portions of card identifying information obtained from said first source restored with portions of card identifying information obtained from said second source.

Claim 20

Apparatus for obtaining card identifying information from a data card, comprising: a housing; means for moving a data card along a path in the housing; a magnetic stripe reader for reading card identifying information stored on a magnetic stripe associated with the data card as the card is moved along said path by said moving means; said magnetic stripe reader being operative to read the data card as the card moves in a first direction and in a second direction; an embossed card reader for reading card identifying information from an embossed character region of the data card as the card is moved along said path by said moving means; said embossed card reader being operative to read the data card as the card moves in said first direction and in said second direction: means for verifying said card identifying information; and means for providing as an output verified card identifying information obtained from said magnetic stripe reader, verified card identifying information obtained from said magnetic stripe reader supplemented with information from said embossed card reader, or verified card identifying information obtained from said embossed card reader.

Claim 21

Apparatus for obtaining card identifying information from a data card, comprising: a housing; means for moving a data card along a path in the housing; a magnetic stripe reader for reading card identifying information stored on a magnetic stripe associated with the data card as the card is moved along said path by said moving means; said magnetic stripe reader being operative to read the data card as the card moves in a first direction and in a second direction; an embossed card reader for reading card identifying information from an embossed character region of the data card as the card is moved along said path by said moving means; said embossed card reader being operative to read the data card as the card moves in said first direction and in said second direction: means for verifying said card identifying information; and means for providing as an output verified card identifying information obtained from said magnetic stripe reader, verified card identifying information obtained from said magnetic stripe reader supplemented with information from said embossed card reader, or verified card identifying information obtained from said embossed card reader.

Claim 22

The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said path in said housing comprises a linear path beginning at an insertion slot and terminating at an endpoint, and wherein said moving means is operative to move a data card inserted into said insertion slot along said path in said first direction to said endpoint and is thereafter operative to move the data card from said endpoint in said second direction back to said insertion slot.

Claim 23

The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the magnetic stripe is on one side of the data card and the embossed character region is on the opposite side of the data card, and wherein said magnetic stripe reader is disposed in said housing to read the magnetic stripe and said embossed card reader is disposed to read the embossed character regions of the data card.

Claim 24

The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the embossed card reader is operative to read the data card during movement of the card along the path in a first direction, and wherein the magnetic stripe reader is operative to read the magnetic stripe on the card during movement of the card along the path in a second direction.

Claim 25

The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said housing includes an insertion slot, an elongate card track, and an endpoint, and wherein said embossed card reader and said magnetic stripe reader are positioned along said elongate card track such that a card inserted into said insertion slot is read as it is moved by said moving means along said card track to said endpoint in a first direction, and a card is read as it is returned by said moving means from said endpoint along said card track back to said insertion slot in a second direction.

Claim 26

A card reader for reading magnetically recorded data from a magnetic stripe on a data card and for reading embossed data from an embossed region on the card, comprising: a housing; a drive roller mounted on said housing and rotatable in a forward direction to draw the card along a path in a first direction and rotatable in a reverse direction to expel the card in a second direction, said drive roller having resilient surfaces carried thereon at positions axially spaced on said drive roller for engaging with the card; drive means for rotating said drive roller in the forward and reverse directions; a movable magnetic read head positioned in the same plane as said drive roller, said magnetic read head being biased against a card by a biasing spring; floating head support means mounting said magnetic read head to said housing for permitting deflection of said head towards and away from the card to accommodate variations in thickness of the card as the card is moved along said path; an embossed character read head mounted in said housing in a plane opposite said drive roller and said magnetic read head; means for selectively moving said embossed character read head into position to contact with embossing on the card as the card is moved along said path to read the embossing, and for retracting said embossed character read head during reading by said magnetic read head; and circuit means for receiving the recorded data from said magnetic read head and for receiving embossed card data from said embossed read head.

Claim 27

A card reader for reading magnetically recorded data from a magnetic stripe on a data card and for reading embossed data from an embossed region on the card, comprising: a housing; a drive roller mounted on said housing and rotatable in a forward direction to draw the card along a path in a first direction and rotatable in a reverse direction to expel the card in a second direction, said drive roller having resilient surfaces carried thereon at positions axially spaced on said drive roller for engaging with the card; drive means for rotating said drive roller in the forward and reverse directions; a movable magnetic read head positioned in the same plane as said drive roller, said magnetic read head being biased against a card by a biasing spring; floating head support means mounting said magnetic read head to said housing for permitting deflection of said head towards and away from the card to accommodate variations in thickness of the card as the card is moved along said path; an embossed character read head mounted in said housing in a plane opposite said drive roller and said magnetic read head; means for selectively moving said embossed character read head into position to contact with embossing on the card as the card is moved along said path to read the embossing, and for retracting said embossed character read head during reading by said magnetic read head; and circuit means for receiving the recorded data from said magnetic read head and for receiving embossed card data from said embossed read head.

Claim 28

The card reader of claim 23, further comprising a removable support housing affixed to said housing for supporting said drive rollers.

Claim 29

The card reader of claim 24, wherein said floating head support means comprises a pair of conical posts mounted in said removable support housing, and wherein said magnetic read head is mounted to a leaf spring having openings at opposite ends thereof that are placed over said conical posts.

Claim 30

The card reader of claim 23, further comprising a pair of spaced apart narrow card support ribs in said housing positioned opposite said drive roller for supporting the card as the card travels along said path, to minimize friction between said housing and the card.

Claim 31

The card reader of claim 23, further comprising a pair of spaced apart narrow embossing guide ribs in said housing positioned opposite said drive roller for guiding and confining the embossing on a card as it travels along said path.

Claim 32

The card reader of claim 23, wherein said embossed character read head moving means comprises an electrical actuator operative to move said embossed character read head into said operative proximity with the card.

Claim 33

The card reader of claim 28, wherein said embossed character mad head moving means comprises: a spring for biasing said embossed character read head in a normally retracted position; a cam shaft operative to engage with said read head upon rotation; and a pull solenoid operatively connected to rotate said cam shaft, whereby the actuation of said solenoid causes the rotation of said cam shaft and movement of said read head into operative engagement with a card.

Claim 34

The card reader of claim 23, further comprising card biasing means mounted in said housing opposite said embossed character read head for biasing said embossed characters against said embossed character read head.

Claim 35

The card reader of claim 30, wherein said card biasing means comprises a ramp located on said housing bottom portion opposite said embossed character reader, said ramp being operative to confine the thickness of said path as the card passes said embossed character read head.

Claim 36

A multi-reader apparatus for reading data encoded in magnetic ink on a check and for reading information encoded on a data card, comprising: (a) a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) reader for reading a series of characters printed in magnetic ink on a check and for providing MICR signals corresponding thereto; (b) a card reader including an embossed character reader for providing signals corresponding to characters embossed on a card and a magnetic stripe reader for providing magnetic stripe signals corresponding to data recorded on a magnetic stripe on the card, said card reader comprising: a housing including a top portion and a bottom portion, said top and bottom portions together defining an insertion slot for accepting the card and a channel extending therefrom, the card moving in said channel in a direction aligned with said embossed characters, said housing top portion defining an embossed read head slot adjacent said embossed characters, and said housing top portion further defining a pair of guide ribs, said guide ribs being operative to guide said embossed characters along a path adjacent said embossed read head slot; a retractable embossed character read head selectively positionable in a reading position and in a normally retracted position, said read head subassembly comprising a plurality of pins slidably mounted in a pin support block, said pins extending through said embossed read head slot when said embossed character read head is positioned in said reading position to contact with embossing on the card, a leaf spring for biasing said retractable embossed character read head in said normally retracted position, embossed read head moving means for moving said embossed character read head into said reading position, a removable support housing affixed to said housing bottom portion and including recesses for supporting drive rollers and a magnetic read head, a magnetic stripe read head mounted in said removable support housing and extending into operative reading position relative to the magnetic stripe on a card moving along said channel, a motor, first and second drive rollers each having a resilient outer covering for engaging with the card and urging the card along said channel, said drive rollers being rotatably housed in said removable support housing, a drive belt for coupling said motor to said first and said second drive rollers, a card position detector for providing signals indicative of the position of a card within said channel, a card insertion detector for providing a signal indicative of the insertion of a card, and an ejector for manually removing a card from said channel; (c) a microprocessor for receiving and processing signals from said card insertion detector to cause said motor to move a card inserted into said insertion slot along said channel past said embossed character read head and said magnetic read head and then back to said insertion slot to expel the card, from said card position detector to determine the position of the card in the channel, from said MICR reader to obtain a check account number, from said magnetic stripe read head and said embossed character read head to form an account number on a credit card obtained from said magnetic stripe reader or said embossed card reader; and (d) a plurality of input/output serial communication ports for communicating said account number to an external location.

Claim 37

A multi-reader apparatus for reading data encoded in magnetic ink on a check and for reading information encoded on a data card, comprising: (a) a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) reader for reading a series of characters printed in magnetic ink on a check and for providing MICR signals corresponding thereto; (b) a card reader including an embossed character reader for providing signals corresponding to characters embossed on a card and a magnetic stripe reader for providing magnetic stripe signals corresponding to data recorded on a magnetic stripe on the card, said card reader comprising: a housing including a top portion and a bottom portion, said top and bottom portions together defining an insertion slot for accepting the card and a channel extending therefrom, the card moving in said channel in a direction aligned with said embossed characters, said housing top portion defining an embossed read head slot adjacent said embossed characters, and said housing top portion further defining a pair of guide ribs, said guide ribs being operative to guide said embossed characters along a path adjacent said embossed read head slot; a retractable embossed character read head selectively positionable in a reading position and in a normally retracted position, said read head subassembly comprising a plurality of pins slidably mounted in a pin support block, said pins extending through said embossed read head slot when said embossed character read head is positioned in said reading position to contact with embossing on the card, a leaf spring for biasing said retractable embossed character read head in said normally retracted position, embossed read head moving means for moving said embossed character read head into said reading position, a removable support housing affixed to said housing bottom portion and including recesses for supporting drive rollers and a magnetic read head, a magnetic stripe read head mounted in said removable support housing and extending into operative reading position relative to the magnetic stripe on a card moving along said channel, a motor, first and second drive rollers each having a resilient outer covering for engaging with the card and urging the card along said channel, said drive rollers being rotatably housed in said removable support housing, a drive belt for coupling said motor to said first and said second drive rollers, a card position detector for providing signals indicative of the position of a card within said channel, a card insertion detector for providing a signal indicative of the insertion of a card, and an ejector for manually removing a card from said channel; (c) a microprocessor for receiving and processing signals from said card insertion detector to cause said motor to move a card inserted into said insertion slot along said channel past said embossed character read head and said magnetic read head and then back to said insertion slot to expel the card, from said card position detector to determine the position of the card in the channel, from said MICR reader to obtain a check account number, from said magnetic stripe read head and said embossed character read head to form an account number on a credit card obtained from said magnetic stripe reader or said embossed card reader; and (d) a plurality of input/output serial communication ports for communicating said account number to an external location.

Claim 38

The apparatus of claim 32, wherein said ejector comprises a generally "L" shaped bar, with the foot of the "L" engaging with a card at the card's most inward position in said channel, said bar being positioned adjacent said channel and making contact with an edge of said card.

Claim 39

The apparatus of claim 32, wherein said card position detector comprises an optical position encoder coupled to one of said drive rollers.

Claim 40

(5+4+1) A multireader terminal for reading financial transaction data, comprising: a magnetic ink character recognition reader for reading check account data from checks; a magnetic stripe reader for reading card identifying information from a magnetic stripe on a card; an embossed character reader for reading card identifying information from characters embossed on said card; data port means for providing check account data and card identifying information as an output; a housing defining a card passageway for receiving said card, said magnetic stripe reader and said embossed character reader both being operatively positioned to engage with a card transported along said passageway; said housing having a top portion and a bottom portion, said top and bottom portions together defining said card passageway; said housing top portion further defining a plurality of card support ribs operative to reduce friction between said card transported along said passageway and said housing top portion; card transporting means for transporting said card within said passageway and in operative contact with said magnetic stripe reader and said embossed character reader, said card transporting means comprising: a plurality of drive rollers partially disposed within said passageway and operative to engage said card; and a motor operatively connected to said drive rollers.

Claim 41

(5+4+1) A multireader terminal for reading financial transaction data, comprising: a magnetic ink character recognition reader for reading check account data from checks; a magnetic stripe reader for reading card identifying information from a magnetic stripe on a card; an embossed character reader for reading card identifying information from characters embossed on said card; data port means for providing check account data and card identifying information as an output; a housing defining a card passageway for receiving said card, said magnetic stripe reader and said embossed character reader both being operatively positioned to engage with a card transported along said passageway; said housing having a top portion and a bottom portion, said top and bottom portions together defining said card passageway; said housing top portion further defining a plurality of card support ribs operative to reduce friction between said card transported along said passageway and said housing top portion; card transporting means for transporting said card within said passageway and in operative contact with said magnetic stripe reader and said embossed character reader, said card transporting means comprising: a plurality of drive rollers partially disposed within said passageway and operative to engage said card; and a motor operatively connected to said drive rollers.

Claim 42

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 35 wherein said data port means comprises a plurality of selectively configurable serial data communications ports.

Claim 43

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 36 wherein one of said data communications ports is connected to a host computer system, and wherein another of said data communication ports is connected to an electronic cash register, and further comprising: means operative for determining whether signals from said host computer system are intended as communications between said host computer system and said electronic cash register or between said host computer system and said multireader terminal; and means responsive to signals intended for communications between said electronic cash register and said host computer system for routing said signals between said electronic cash register and said host computer system.

Claim 44

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 35, further comprising card biasing means associated with said housing bottom portion for biasing said embossed characters against said embossed character reader.

Claim 45

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 38, wherein said card biasing means comprises a ramp located on said housing bottom portion opposite said embossed character reader.

Claim 46

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 35, further comprising means for selectively positioning said embossed character reader into operative position to engage with a card.

Claim 47

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 40, wherein said embossed character reader comprises a read head positioned to extend through an opening in said housing top portion into operative proximity to the embossed characters on a card being transported therethrough, and wherein said embossed character reader positioning means comprises an electrical actuator operative to move said read head into said operative proximity with the card.

Claim 48

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 41, wherein said embossed character reader positioning means comprises: a spring for biasing said embossed character read head in a normally retracted position; a cam shaft operative to engage with said read head upon rotation; and a pull solenoid operatively connected to rotate said cam shaft; whereby the actuation of said solenoid causes the rotation of said cam shaft and movement of said read head into operative engagement with a card.

Claim 49

(9+8+4+1) A multireader terminal for reading financial transaction data, comprising: a magnetic ink character recognition reader for reading check account data from checks; a magnetic stripe reader for reading card identifying information from a magnetic stripe on a card; an embossed character reader for reading card identifying information from characters embossed on said card; data port means for providing check account data and card identifying information as an output; a housing defining a card passageway for receiving said card, said magnetic stripe reader and said embossed character reader both being operatively positioned to engage with a card transported along said passageway; card transporting means for transporting said card within said passageway and in operative contact with said magnetic stripe reader and said embossed character reader; and means for selectively positioning said embossed character reader into operative position to engage with a card; said embossed character reader comprising a read head positioned to extend through an opening in said housing into operative proximity to the embossed characters on a card being transported therethrough, said embossed character reader positioning means comprising an electrical actuator operative to move said read head into said operative proximity with the card.

Claim 50

(9+8+4+1) A multireader terminal for reading financial transaction data, comprising: a magnetic ink character recognition reader for reading check account data from checks; a magnetic stripe reader for reading card identifying information from a magnetic stripe on a card; an embossed character reader for reading card identifying information from characters embossed on said card; data port means for providing check account data and card identifying information as an output; a housing defining a card passageway for receiving said card, said magnetic stripe reader and said embossed character reader both being operatively positioned to engage with a card transported along said passageway; card transporting means for transporting said card within said passageway and in operative contact with said magnetic stripe reader and said embossed character reader; and means for selectively positioning said embossed character reader into operative position to engage with a card; said embossed character reader comprising a read head positioned to extend through an opening in said housing into operative proximity to the embossed characters on a card being transported therethrough, said embossed character reader positioning means comprising an electrical actuator operative to move said read head into said operative proximity with the card.

Claim 51

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 43, wherein said data port means comprises a plurality of selectively configurable serial data communications ports.

Claim 52

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 2 wherein one of said data communications ports is connected to a host computer system, and wherein another of said data communication ports is connected to an electronic cash register, and further comprising: means operative for determining whether signals from said host computer system are intended as communications between said host computer system and said electronic cash register or between said host computer system and said multireader terminal; and means responsive to signals intended for communications between said electronic cash register and said host computer system for routing said signals between said electronic cash register and said host computer system.

Claim 53

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 43, wherein said housing comprises a top portion and a bottom portion, said top and bottom portions together defining said card passageway, and wherein said card transporting means comprises: a plurality of drive rollers partially disposed within said passageway and operative to engage said card; and a motor operatively connected to said drive rollers; said housing top portion further defining a plurality of card support ribs operative to reduce friction between a card transported along said passageway and said housing top portion.

Claim 54

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 46, further comprising card biasing means associated with said housing bottom portion for biasing said embossed characters against said embossed character reader.

Claim 55

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 47, wherein said card biasing means comprises a ramp located on said housing bottom portion opposite said embossed character reader.

Claim 56

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 43, wherein said embossed character reader positioning means comprises: a spring for biasing said embossed character read head in a normally retracted position; a cam shaft operative to engage with said read head upon rotation; and a pull solenoid operatively connected to rotate said cam shaft; whereby the actuation of said solenoid causes the rotation of said cam shaft and movement of said read head into operative engagement with a card.

Claim 57

A multi-reader terminal for reading financial transaction data, comprising: a magnetic ink character recognition reader for reading check account data from checks; a magnetic stripe reader for reading card identifying information from a magnetic stripe on a card; an embossed character reader for reading card identifying information from characters embossed on said card; a plurality of selectively configurable serial data communications ports for providing check account data and card identifying information as an output, one of said data communications ports being connected to a host computer system and another of said data communications ports being connected to an electronic cash register; means operative for determining whether signals from said host computer system are intended as communications between said host computer system and said electronic cash register or between said host computer system and said multi-reader terminal; and means responsive to signals intended for communications between said electronic cash register and said host computer system for routing said signals between said electronic cash register and said host computer system.

Claim 58

A multi-reader terminal for reading financial transaction data, comprising: a magnetic ink character recognition reader for reading check account data from checks; a magnetic stripe reader for reading card identifying information from a magnetic stripe on a card; an embossed character reader for reading card identifying information from characters embossed on said card; a plurality of selectively configurable serial data communications ports for providing check account data and card identifying information as an output, one of said data communications ports being connected to a host computer system and another of said data communications ports being connected to an electronic cash register; means operative for determining whether signals from said host computer system are intended as communications between said host computer system and said electronic cash register or between said host computer system and said multi-reader terminal; and means responsive to signals intended for communications between said electronic cash register and said host computer system for routing said signals between said electronic cash register and said host computer system.

Claim 59

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 50, further comprising: a housing defining a card passageway for receiving said card, said magnetic stripe reader and said embossed character reader both being operatively positioned to engage with a card transported along said passageway; and card transporting means for transporting said card within said passageway and in operative contact with said magnetic stripe reader and said embossed character reader.

Claim 60

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 51, wherein said housing comprises a top portion and a bottom portion, said top and bottom portions together defining said card passageway, and wherein said card transporting means comprises: a plurality of drive rollers partially disposed within said passageway and operative to engage said card; and a motor operatively connected to said drive rollers; said housing top portion further defining a plurality of card support ribs operative to reduce friction between a card transported along said passageway and said housing top portion.

Claim 61

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 52, further comprising card biasing means associated with said housing bottom portion for biasing said embossed characters against said embossed character reader.

Claim 62

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 53, wherein said card biasing means comprises a ramp located on said housing bottom portion opposite said embossed character reader.

Claim 63

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 51, further comprising means for selectively positioning said embossed character reader into operative position to engage with a card.

Claim 64

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 55, wherein said embossed character reader comprises a read head positioned to extend through an opening in said housing top portion into operative proximity to the embossed characters on a card being transported therethrough, and wherein said embossed character reader positioning means comprises an electrical actuator operative to move said read head into said operative proximity with the card.

Claim 65

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 56, wherein said embossed character reader positioning means comprises: a spring for biasing said embossed character read head in a normally retracted position; a cam shaft operative to engage with said read head upon rotation; and a pull solenoid operatively connected to rotate said cam shaft; whereby the actuation of said solenoid causes the rotation of said cam shaft and movement of said read head into operative engagement with a card.

Claim 66

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 50, wherein said determining means comprises a serial data communications controller for controlling said serial data communications ports, said serial data communications controller being selectively operative to: 1. Ignore all incoming data received on an incoming serial port;

Claim 67

Accept all incoming data received on an incoming serial port as intended for said second transaction terminal; 3. Redirect all incoming data received on an incoming serial port, except for data recognizable as intended for said second transaction terminal, to an outgoing serial port; 4. Unconditionally redirect data received on an incoming serial port to a selected outgoing serial port with no regard to the format and substance of the data; or 5. Communicate with a peripheral device connected to a selected serial port.

Claim 68

Accept all incoming data received on an incoming serial port as intended for said second transaction terminal; 3. Redirect all incoming data received on an incoming serial port, except for data recognizable as intended for said second transaction terminal, to an outgoing serial port; 4. Unconditionally redirect data received on an incoming serial port to a selected outgoing serial port with no regard to the format and substance of the data; or 5. Communicate with a peripheral device connected to a selected serial port.

Claim 69

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 58, wherein said peripheral device comprises a signature capture pad.

Claim 70

A multi-reader terminal for reading financial transaction data, comprising: a first data record reader for reading data from a first data record source; a second data record reader for reading data from a second data record source; a plurality of selectively configurable serial data communications ports for providing data read by said data record readers as an output, one of said data communications ports being connected to a host computer system and another of said data communications ports being connected to an electronic cash register; and control circuitry operative for determining whether signals from said host computer system are intended as communications between said host computer system and said electronic cash register or between said host computer system and said multi-reader terminal; said control circuitry responsive to signals intended for communications between said electronic cash register and said host computer system for routing said signals between said electronic cash register and said host computer system.

Claim 71

A multi-reader terminal for reading financial transaction data, comprising: a first data record reader for reading data from a first data record source; a second data record reader for reading data from a second data record source; a plurality of selectively configurable serial data communications ports for providing data read by said data record readers as an output, one of said data communications ports being connected to a host computer system and another of said data communications ports being connected to an electronic cash register; and control circuitry operative for determining whether signals from said host computer system are intended as communications between said host computer system and said electronic cash register or between said host computer system and said multi-reader terminal; said control circuitry responsive to signals intended for communications between said electronic cash register and said host computer system for routing said signals between said electronic cash register and said host computer system.

Claim 72

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 60, wherein said first data record source comprises a check, and said first data record reader comprises a magnetic ink character recognition reader for reading check account data from said check.

Claim 73

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 60, wherein said second data record source comprises a magnetic stripe on a data card, and said second data record reader comprises a magnetic stripe reader for reading card identifying information from said magnetic stripe on said data card.

Claim 74

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 60, further comprising a third data record reader for reading data from a third data record source.

Claim 75

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 63, wherein said third data record source comprises characters embossed on a data card, and said third data record reader comprises an embossed character reader for reading card identifying information from said characters embossed on said data card.

Claim 76

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 60, wherein said first and second data record readers are selected from the group consisting of: a magnetic ink character recognition reader, a magnetic stripe reader, and an embossed character reader.

Claim 77

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 60, wherein said control circuitry comprises a serial data communications controller for controlling said serial ports, said serial data communications controller being selectively operative to: 1. Ignore all incoming data received on an incoming serial port;

Claim 78

Accept all incoming data received on an incoming serial port as intended for said second transaction terminal; 3. Redirect all incoming data received on an incoming serial port, except for data recognizable as intended for said second transaction terminal, to an outgoing serial port; 4. Unconditionally redirect data received on an incoming serial port to a selected outgoing serial port with no regard to the format and substance of the data; or 5. Communicate with a peripheral device connected to a selected serial port.

Claim 79

Accept all incoming data received on an incoming serial port as intended for said second transaction terminal; 3. Redirect all incoming data received on an incoming serial port, except for data recognizable as intended for said second transaction terminal, to an outgoing serial port; 4. Unconditionally redirect data received on an incoming serial port to a selected outgoing serial port with no regard to the format and substance of the data; or 5. Communicate with a peripheral device connected to a selected serial port.

Claim 80

A multireader terminal as recited in claim 66, wherein said peripheral device comprises a signature capture pad.