Abstract: An optical reader, which is operable in a “host commands” mode and a “host routines” mode. In the “host commands” mode, the reader receives and executes a script routine module from a host. In the “host routines” mode, the reader receives a script routine Module identifier from the host, and the reader, in turn, executes a selected one of a plurality of reader-stored script routine modules based on the identifier.

Abstract: An optical reader, which is operable in a “host commands” mode and a “host routines” mode. In the “host commands” mode, the reader receives and executes a script routine module from a host. In the “host routines” mode, the reader receives a script routine Module identifier from the host, and the reader, in turn, executes a selected one of a plurality of reader-stored script routine modules based on the identifier.

Abstract: A one-dimensional optical reader which senses a position of a decodable symbol representation in captured image data and which utilizes the sensed position information to determine whether to launch a decoding algorithm to decode the symbol representation.

Abstract: A hand held unit is disclosed, the unit including a tracking signal generator and an access authorization signal generator, each signal generator being separately and independently actuatable by a user.

Abstract: There is supported, from support cables under tension, a porous textile product suitable for use in shielding farm plants or animals from adverse weather. A hem cable of a pliable multifilament wire inside a soft sheath is sewn around one or more edges of a panel of a preferred cloth, with its free ends exteriorised at one corner. Frangible plastic clips are used to make loops around both the hem cable and the support cables. Optional panel stretching uses a hem cable anchor holding the cables to a fixed support located by one corner of the panel, a pulley at each adjacent corner, and a hem cable tensioner located at the free ends may be used to maintain the panel in a spread-out state. Alternative ways to provide a fabric panel with edge reinforcements are described.

Abstract: An easily deployed barrier 400, shade or shield intended for agricultural or horticultural protection against hail, birds, sunlight, and the like is comprised of open-weave fabric 401 held over the items 402 to be protected so that it tends to assume a rectangular outline when in the fully spread out position and tends to become a slanted parallelogram outline when in the fully closed or contracted position. The shape of the barrier is altered by pulling either cord 411 or cord 410 along one edge along the direction of the length of the cloth. Accessories including supports 403, deposited-load release mechanisms 422, cross-cables 412 for stability, and deployment means 415, 419 are also described. The barriers may be deployed automatically. Barriers of this type can cover large areas such as an entire orchard.

Abstract: A frangible clip which gives way at a loading less than the limits of supporting structures is used in bulk to secure panels of porous cloth to supporting cables. The porous cloth is that used in agriculture for shade, wind, rain, hall, or snow protection of plants or animals. The clips are installed to form loops which slide along support cables and which pass through the structure of the cloth and around a preferred soft-sheathed hem cable which strengthens all edges of the cloth. A panel of porous cloth may be held stretched out by anchoring hem cables at a first corner, passed around anchored pulleys at each adjacent corner, and tensioning them onto an anchor at the far corner. The anchors may be attached to the support cables or to poles or ground structures. These improvements are useful in minimising storm damage.