Abstract: Magnetic reading head assemblies are described that enable the alignment of a magnetic reading head to a track of magnetic information on a data card. In addition, embodiments of the present invention can enable the detection of misalignments in circumstances where the elastic mounted magnetic reading head could not aligned with the card reference edge; and therefore, the track of magnetic information on the data card. One embodiment of the invention includes a magnetic reading head including at least one magnetic gap having an alignment axis and a magnetic reading head mount including a base plate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for reading data from either a magnetic stripe, a chip or both a magnetic stripe and a chip located on a data card using a single swiping motion. An advantage of the methods and apparatus described is that movement of a data card is detected, restrained and/or prevented during exchange of information between the reader and any integrated circuits located on the data card. One embodiment of the invention includes guiding walls leading to a receiver having an interior surface, a magnetic reading head mounted on one of the guiding walls and electrical contacts located on the interior surface of the receiver. In addition, the receiver is configured to resist the removal of the data card when the data card is located within the receiver.