Abstract: Enhanced physical protection against vandalism for RFID reader/writer units is provided by a relatively thick metal front or housing which also functions as the antenna element of the reader/writer. The metal front is cut or slotted to define a radio frequency antenna integral with the metal front or housing for improved physical protection and good unshielded antenna function.

Abstract: A method for encrypting and decrypting user data stored on identification tags, such as RFID tags, of the type having a tag identification code unique to each tag. An encryption/decryption key unique to each tag is based in part or in whole on the tag identification code of each tag, and the unique key is used to encrypt data for storage on the corresponding tag and to decrypt encrypted user data stored on the tag.

Abstract: A slotless card reader for reading magnetically encoded cards is disclosed having an array of magnetic sensors defining a card plane, a magnetically permeable covering over said array and defining a card touch surface exposed for manually applying a magnetic card downwardly against the touch surface, or for lifting a card from the touch surface, and positioning aids for accurately aligning a magnetic card held against the card touch surface in relation to the array of magnetic sensors. The reader may further include a number of position sensors which are simultaneously actuated upon correct positioning of a magnetic card for reading, as a condition for activating the reader device and prevent premature, erroneous readings.