Abstract: Apparatus of simple construction that can pass the front portion of a smart card to a card reader, while safeguarding the card reader from vandalism. A gate device (32) whose front end (52) can be pivoted up by the leading edge of the card, is initially prevented from pivoting up by a pair of release members (34, 36) lying within laterally opposite sides of the card path (24). The opposite corners (J, K) of the card leading edge push the release members laterally (L) out of the card path and causes the release members to release the card gate to pivot up.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in an unsupervised public setting to receive a smart card so the card front portion can enter a card reader (20), which safeguards the card reader from vandalism. A card gate mechanism (30) includes a gate device (32) that is moveable between a closed position wherein it blocks the card path (16) and an open position which allows passage of the card to the card reader. At least one lever (34, 36, 38) has a card-engaging part (50, 52, 72) lying along the card path so the lever is deflected by the leading edge (46) of the card to release the gate device so it can open. Preferably, a plurality of card-engaging levers have card-engaging parts which must be deflected by the card leading edge to allow the gate to open, with at least one and preferably two of the levers deflected to the side of the card path by the leading edge of the card. The gate has a roller (100) that rolls along the top of the card when the gate is raised, to avoid scratching the card.