Patent ID: 8474700

Claim:
Apparatus comprising: a card reader module, wherein the card reader module includes a card entry slot, wherein the card entry slot includes a size that allows at least part of a card to enter the card reader module, wherein the card reader module includes at least one data reader, wherein the at least one data reader is operable to read data from a magnetic stripe of card, wherein the card reader module includes a gate located adjacent the card entry slot, wherein the gate is movable to an open position and a closed position, wherein when the gate is in the closed position, the gate closes an opening, wherein when the gate is in the closed position, a card is unable to enter through the opening, wherein when the gate is in the open position, a card is able to enter through the opening, wherein the card reader module includes a drive in operative connection with the gate, wherein the drive is operable to cause the gate to move between the open position and the closed position, wherein the card reader module includes at least one sensor located adjacent the card entry slot, wherein the at least one sensor is operable to sense at least one particular card information, wherein the card reader module includes at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is in operative connection with the at least one sensor and the drive, wherein the at least one processor is operable to receive signals from the at least one sensor, wherein the at least one processor based on signals received from the at least one sensor, is operable to determine from a card that is being manually positioned adjacent to the gate in the closed position, each of whether a leading edge of the card is a long edge of the card, whether a magnetic stripe is positioned adjacent the leading edge, and whether a magnetic stripe is positioned on a correct side of the card, wherein the at least one processor is operable responsive at least in part to a positive determination, to cause the drive to cause the gate to move from the closed position to the open position.