Abstract: A tool for use in establishing a precise level line or plumb line or line for alignment uses a visible laser diode for projecting the line. The tool is relatively small and compact, drives the laser diode using batteries contained in the tool, and includes tilt compensation for use on surfaces which are not level, up to about 5.degree. off level, for still delivering a truly plumb or truly horizontal beam. A manual selector device is provided for shifting the beam from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation when desired. Specific forms of tilt compensation apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A control system particularly for a modulated laser diode such as for use in laser printers, laser communication systems, optical data storage and other uses employs bipolar integrated circuitry on a single chip with very few external components. The circuit is simple and of low cost and dependable construction and compensates for relatively slow changes in the output characteristics of the laser diode as caused by aging, temperature changes or other varying conditions. The drift compensation is accomplished through current differencing and combining a current difference signal with a modulation input signal to drive the laser diode.

Abstract: A tool for use in establishing a precise level line or plumb line or line for alignment uses a visible laser diode for projecting the line. The tool is relatively small and compact, drives the laser diode using batteries contained in the tool, and includes tilt compensation for use on surfaces which are not level, up to about 5.degree. off level, for still delivering a truly plumb or truly horizontal beam. A manual selector device is provided for shifting the beam from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation when desired. Specific forms of tilt compensation apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: An optical bar code reader using a light source which can be switched on quickly and includes provision for activating the light source and related devices only when data is actually being gathered, rather than wasting a large amount of beam on time and energy as in prior software based scanners.

Abstract: An alarm-generating writing device is disclosed, the constitution of which is such that a push bottom switch is provided on the body of the writing device (pen or pencil), the push button switch being able to close the circuit in order to activate an alarm. When the user of the writing device releases the push button switch due to exhaustion or falling asleep, the springing push button switch closes the inner circuit of the writing device in order to activate the alarm, whereby awakening the user from the sleeping state.

Abstract: A system for control of a bar code scanner threshold with deliberate decay includes monitoring a selected scan signal characteristic of characteristics and electronically determining whether sets of signal characteristics represent a bar code or extraneous noise, and, if noise is indicated, raising the black/white threshold until noise is no longer detected. The monitored characteristics can include frequency of perceived black/white transition. In a preferred embodiment, the raw scan signal is processed through two circuits, a first circuit wherein a threshold is generated based on the signal and a selected threshold criterion, and a second circuit wherein the threshold generated in the first circuit is applied to the signal to produce a bar signal output, which output is then monitored by a noise recognition device. If noise is perceived by the noise recognition device, a threshold offset signal is generated. The threshold generated in the first circuit is raised by adding to it the threshold offset signal.

Abstract: A compact counter-type bar code scanner produces a "five-apparent-source" scan geometry within an optimum scan volume above the deck of the bar code reader, with a total scanner housing height of less than 13 centimeters, and preferably about 11.5 centimeters. The optics are maximized to achieve approximately the same bar code reading efficiency and reliability as in previous much deeper bar code scanners producing similar scan geometry by reflecting the scanned beam off three surfaces, the last of which is horizontal.

Abstract: A carpet and pad installation avoids the need for stretching and tackless strips by utilizing a pad with pressure-sensitive adhesive on one surface. The pad is first laid on the floor surface and trimmed as required, with either the adhesive surface down to adhere to the floor, or with the adhesive surface up and another adhesive applied to the floor prior to laying the pad. A removable release film may cover the pressure-sensitive adhesive on the pad, so that with the adhesive side up the carpet may be unrolled over the release film and then cut and seamed as required. The seamed carpet is folded back and the release film is removed from the exposed area of the carpet cushion, then the carpet is pressed down onto the exposed area of adhesive. Then another portion of the carpet is folded back, the release film is removed from that area, and that portion of the carpet is pressed onto the exposed pressure-sensitive adhesive of the carpet cushion.

Abstract: A floating mirror mount for a mirror of a laser comprises a mirror having a front surface and a back surface. A keeper encircles the mirror and has a peripheral flange which engages the front surface of the mirror when the mirror mount is not installed in a laser. A retainer is connected to the keeper and has a spring seating surface. A movable spring plate has a surface engageable with the back surface of the mirror. Springs are engagble with the spring seating surface and with the spring plate for exerting a resiliant biasing force on the mirror which is sufficiently large to force the mirror against the peripheral flange of the keeper when the mirror is not installed in a laser. The spring force is sufficiently small to permit the mirror to be moved out of contact with the peripheral flange and to a different location when the front surface of the mirror is engaged by mirror positioning structure of the laser in the course of installing the mirror mount in a laser.

Abstract: A dye laser is of compact, rigid and simple construction, with a folded resonator cavity contained on a single rigid block of material, such as aluminum. The block has two or three mirror mount locations, at least one of which is a machined surface which receives a mirror directly and rigidly, without provision for adjustment. The other mirror mount location(s) has an adjustable mirror mount, and this may be the mirror mount for the output mirror. A dye jet mounting block has a flat surface which engages against a flat surface on the exterior of the laser block, with fasteners allowing for rotation and translation of the dye jet block on the laser resonator block to provide for both rotational and translational tuning adjustment of the dye jet with respect to the resonator cavity and a pumping beam. The pumping beam preferably is folded by an adjustable pump mirror on its approach to the dye jet.

Abstract: A housing construction for a POS type bar code scanner with multiple apparent source scan geometry includes only two main housing components. Each a casting to which one or a number of routing mirrors are bonded so as to precisely locate the plane of each mirror. The routing mirrors are bonded to the castings preferably on spherical ball type locaters integral with the castings, and their positions are non-adjustable. Other mirrors and collection optics are also retained on the lower and the upper casting. For precisely locating the two castings with respect to each other upon assembly, the castings have three-point contact, coupled with casting bores and removable fasteners with shoulders of precise diameter, so that the relative casting positions are accurately located as to both tilt and lateral shifting. The spherical ball locating devices for the mirrors are positioned, on each of the two castings, with reference to the precision-located connection bores and contact points on that housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a more uniform output signal strength among various scan lines of a multiple scan line laser bar code reader involves switching of the gain level in the return signal amplifier of the bar code reader apparatus, in accordance with the position of the laser beam in the scanning sequence and in accordance with known information relating to the relative response that can be expected from each different scan line. This enables a better uniformity in signals from the reading of bar codes, regardless of which scan line was used to read the code, by compensating for inevitable variations in return signal strength on different scan lines, particularly in a shallow-profile slot scanner.

Abstract: A gas laser such as an argon or krypton laser has an annular gas reservoir surrounding a laser bore. A series of heat-dissipating fins are connected to the laser bore and extend between the exterior of the laser bore and the interior of the coaxial gas reservoir, arranged so as to allow air to pass over the fins as it travels lengthwise in the annular space between the bore and the gas reservoir. The gas reservoir, which communicates directly with the interior of the bore via one or more tubes, can be supported in position by the fins. The gas reservoir supplies additional makeup gas for the laser bore, as the gas in the bore is slowly consumed over the life of the laser, thereby prolonging the life of the laser without gas recharge. In addition to its storage function, the coaxial annular reservoir also serves to duct cooling air, drawn by a blower, directly over the exterior of the bore and over the cooling fins, greatly improving the cooling efficiency of the laser.

Abstract: A display shelf dividing and labeling assembly includes a plurality of divider strips which extend back to divide the display space on a shelf, connected to a front base member overhanging the front edge of the shelf. The divider strips are slidably received in the front base member to lock them in position. Labels may be inserted into the front base member, which may be retained on the shelf with adhesive pads.

Abstract: A regulating closure for a dispenser of toilet bowl cleaner includes an annular band which snaps onto a cap portion and has generally semicircular openings which can be placed in registry with similar openings in the cap portion, or which can be adjusted to cover all or part of the cap openings by rotation of the annular band. The band, which is snapped into place on the cap portion, is retained thereon by a series of nipples protruding inwardly from the interior side of the annular band, engaged beneath a pronounced annular ridge on the exterior of the cap portion.

Abstract: A hand worn laser bar code reader scanner device is of compact design and adapted to be worn comfortably on the back of the hand of the user. A switch associated with the laser is attached to a hand strap such that the bar code reader is switched on and off by deliberate flexure of muscles in the user's hand. This enables the user to point his hand in a natural manner toward the bar code subject matter to be read, and, through the automatic switch, frees the fingers of his hand for use on other operations without removal of the laser device from the hand.

Abstract: A pulse compressor compresses a relatively long width optical pulse (of the kind which may be transform limited) to a short width pulse. The compressor includes a color generator which broadens the bandwidth of the long pulse to include any additional colors required for compression to the short pulse. The compressor also includes a grating which has a groove spacing and which is aligned with the output of the color generator at a grazing incidence angle effective for producing a compact grating structure, reduced ellipticity of the beam output from the compressor and high efficiency of light transmission through the device.

Abstract: A tent and folding tent framework which enable quick and easy setup and taking down of the tent include a central hub member about which six ribs are pivotable. The hub member or fixed disk is made of plastic material and includes openings which enable the ribs to be easily assembled into the hub. Each rib includes two joints which pivot through 180 degrees. The joints are biased by springs toward the open position and include locking sleeves which are biased toward the locking position. The six ribs are loosely attached to the tent fabric via fabric loops, so that the entire framework is on the outside of the tent. A single user can easily open and set up the tent, or take down and store the tent, without assembling components and assistance.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for a gas laser has primary circuitry and secondary circuitry supplied by the primary circuitry. A transformer is positioned between the primary circuitry and a secondary circuitry. Within the secondary circuitry is a spark gap and associated circuitry for creating a voltage buildup to achieve a high ionization voltage required for the laser and for releasing the high ionization voltage in pulses for starting the laser. The circuit further includes laser operating supply circuitry associated with the secondary circuitry and the primary circuitry for supplying the laser at a normal operating voltage much lower than the ionization voltage after the laser has started.

Abstract: A beam scanner system particularly for use with laser scanners employs the back EMF signal from a scanner driving motor for a tachometer signal indicating motor speed. The tachometer signal goes into a phase lock loop for causing the motor at startup to quickly obtain operating speed, and for controlling speed while the motor is in operation. Using the phase lock loop, a clock signal is compared to the tachometer signal from the motor, and power to the motor is increased or decreased whenever and so long as the tachometer signal is not equal to the desired speed. The system therefore provides a very quickly starting scanner, as for use in hand held bar code scanners, without requiring the scanner to be kept energized on standby power when the laser is not active.