Abstract: A handheld, portable device (10) for processing point of sale transactions includes a housing (20), a magnetic card reader (40) for reading credit card information, the reader (40) carried within the housing (20) substantially adjacent to the first end (23) of the housing (20), a numeric keyboard (50) and an alphabetic keyboard (60) for entering customer information, and a barcode scanner (70) for scanning product identification information, the barcode scanner (70) carried within the housing (20) substantially adjacent to a second end (24) of the housing (20). Also included is a display (80) for displaying selected information, a printer (90) for printing a customer receipt, a communications assembly (110) for furnishing the information needed to obtain transaction approval, and a processor (130) for receiving the information, and controlling the display (80), the printer (90) and the communications assembly (110).

Abstract: An electronic terminal of the type employing a card reading device mounted within the interior thereof accessible through an input port formed in a wall of the terminal. A one-piece shield formed of an elastomeric material is mounted adjacent the input port of the card reader to prevent the entrance of debris into the interior of the terminal. The shield provides at least two opposing movable flaps extending over the card reader input port. The flaps are readily flexible to allow a card to slide therebetween, and to allow the flaps to flex back into a closed shielding position once the card is withdrawn from the input port. Surrounding portions of the shield form a more rigid body for securing the shield within the input port of the electronic terminal.