Patent ID: 6234844
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: G06K,H01R,Y10S

Abstract:
Card reading apparatus capable of accepting different sized disconnectible electronic cards comprising:a reader housing assembly adapted to be electrically joined to an electrical connector including a stop surface extending between a pair of spaced apart locating features and enclosing a connection chamber including a connector therein with a plurality of resilient contacts projecting toward a course to be taken by a disconnectible memory storage card as it is inserted into the housing assembly, the housing assembly having an entry slot in communication with the connection chamber for reception therethrough of a disconnectible memory storage card being inserted into the connection chamber;the reader housing assembly accommodating a first smaller rectangular disconnectible electronic card including a plurality of contact pads thereon for mechanical and electrical engagement, respectively, with the plurality of resilient contacts on the connector in the connection chamber and having opposed minor and major edges when inserted into the connection chamber through the entry slot and advanced to a seated position at which a first minor edge is in contiguous engagement with the stop surface and with the major edges adjacent the first minor edge being contiguous, respectively, with the locating features; andthe reader housing assembly also accommodating a second larger rectangular disconnectible electronic card including a plurality of contact pads thereon positioned for mechanical and electrical engagement, respectively, with the plurality of resilient contacts on the connector in the connection chamber and having opposed minor and major edges and having a pair of spaced apart locating features in a first minor edge sized and positioned for mating engagement with the spaced apart locating features of the reader housing assembly when inserted into the connection chamber through the entry slot and advanced to a seated position at which the first minor edge is in contiguous engagement with the stop surface of the reader housing assembly.