Magnetic card reading apparatus with novel card forwarding means

A magnetic card reading apparatus for reading information magnetically recorded on a card as it travels along a card traveling path past a magnetic reproducing head assembly in a forward direction, said apparatus having a card forwarding mechanism for moving the card in the forward direction under a constant pressure and at a uniform speed, said card forwarding mechanism comprising:

• a chassis;
• a capstan roller on said chassis on said card traveling path;
• a lever member pivotally supported on said chassis at a point intermediate to the ends thereof on said chassis and normally extending into the path of a card at the beginning of the card traveling path and pivotable upon being contacted by the card as it moves along said path;
• an arm member operatively associated with said lever member and having a portion movable toward said path at the position of said capstan when said lever member is pivoted upon being contacted by a card;
• and
• a pressure applying member operatively connected with said arm member and moved into pressure applying relationship with said capstan when said arm member is moved in response to a card contacting said lever to grip the card between the pressure applying member and the capstan, whereby the card is moved in the forward direction.