Abstract: A bar code scanning device, system and method that utilizes one or more vertical cavity surface emitting laser diodes for producing at least one laser beam, where the vertical cavity surface emitting laser diodes are disposed on a substrate, and wherein the produced laser beam is substantially an essential single spatial mode laser beam. The bar code scanning device, system and method of present invention also comprise a photodiode attached to the substrate and arranged to receive at least a portion of the beam of light reflected off the scanned bar code or symbol.

Abstract: A bar code scanning device, system and method that utilizes one or more vertical cavity surface emitting laser diodes for producing at least one laser beam, where the vertical cavity surface emitting laser diodes are disposed on a substrate, and wherein the produced laser beam is substantially an essential single spatial mode laser beam. The bar code scanning device, system and method of present invention also comprise a photodiode attached to the substrate and arranged to receive at least a portion of the beam of light reflected off the scanned bar code or symbol.

Abstract: A rugged mobile device housing is provided for protecting a component (e.g., a liquid crystal display, a keyboard, a printed circuit board, or the like) and includes one or more first structures comprising a first material provided in a region of the housing capable of withstanding deflection, wherein the first material is an elastomer, and one or more second structures bonded to the first structure, wherein the second structure is a high-stiffness plastic. In one embodiment, the first material is a high-stiffness elastomer and the second material is a long glass fiber filled thermoplastic (“LGF” plastic). In one embodiment, the first structure is located at a corner of the housing and the second structure is located in the middle of the housing. In another embodiment, the first structure is located in the center of the housing and the second structures are located at the ends.

Abstract: A suspension mass is mounted for swinging movement relative to, and extends between, a pair of fixed posts spaced apart from each other on an annular support mounted in a portable electronic device. The mass is connected to the posts through a pair of breakable links.

Abstract: A hand-held bar code reader including a housing bounding an interior, a window, a generally planar printed circuit board mounted in the interior, and an optical scanning assembly mounted on the board and including a scanner for directing a light beam through the window at an acute angle relative to the board. A scanning element of the reader is manufactured by spacing a first and second support element apart by a gap bounded by edges of the support elements; injection molding a curable, elastomeric material in flowable form over the edges and into the gap; and allowing the curable, elastomeric material to cure and bond to the edges, and form a flexible hinge in the gap for enabling movement of the support elements relative to one another both away from and toward a stable rest initial position.

Abstract: A retroreflective optical scan module, including first and second selectable light sources having different beam characteristics for directing a selected light beam to a symbol to be read, an optical assembly including a light collecting portion which collects and redirects the light reflected from the symbol along an optical path to a sensor, and a selector for selecting which light source to use depending on whether a one-dimensional or a two-dimensional symbol is being scanned.

Abstract: A hand-held bar code reader including a housing bounding an interior, a window, a generally planar printed circuit board mounted in the interior, and an optical scanning assembly mounted on the board and including a scanner for directing a light beam through the window at an acute angle relative to the board. A scanning element of the reader is manufactured by spacing a first and second support element apart by a gap bounded by edges of the support elements; injection molding a curable, elastomeric material in flowable form over the edges and into the gap; and allowing the curable, elastomeric material to cure and bond to the edges, and form a flexible hinge in the gap for enabling movement of the support elements relative to one another both away from and toward a stable rest initial position.

Abstract: A retroreflective optical scan module, including first and second selectable light sources having different beam characteristics for directing a selected light beam to a symbol to be read, an optical assembly including a light collecting portion which collects and redirects the light reflected from the symbol along an optical path to a sensor, and a selector for selecting which light source to use depending on whether a one-dimensional or a two-dimensional symbol is being scanned.

Abstract: Light is focused in a system for electro-optically scanning and reading bar code symbols by an aperture stop having a first optical portion for optically modifying a first part of a light beam to have a beam cross-section of a known size within a depth of field in which a symbol to be read is scanned by the first beam part, and a second light-transmissive, optical portion bounding the first portion and operative for optically modifying and directing a second part of the light beam away from the first part.

Abstract: An electrical coupling arrangement, particular for digital transfer, has a female connector and a male connector. Each connector has an electrical coupling portion via which the data are transferred. The connectors are held together by means of a latching arrangement consisting of a pair of fixed latching posts on the male connector which mate with a corresponding pair of flexible latching sleeves which are molded within the body of the female connector. The self-latching action means that the coupling may be effected rapidly but also securely. The invention extends to a method of manufacture, with the body of the female connector being molded around latching sleeves which may have a lower melting point than the material making up the body itself.

Abstract: An interface arrangement is connected between a scanning head for electro-optically reading bar code symbols and a host device having a host processor operative for processing signals with a predetermined data exchange format. The interface arrangement includes a housing; a first connector on the housing for direct connection to the host device; a second connector on the housing for direct connection to a head cable connected to the scanning head; and a conversion circuit within the housing for converting decoded signals generated in the head into data signals having a format compatible with the predetermined data exchange format of the host processor.

Abstract: An improved rack assembly is provided which includes an improved configuration for mounting multiple enclosed circuit boards. The rack assembly includes improvements in heat sinking power supplies incorporated within the assembly, relative adjustability of various elements of the rack after assembly, and ventilation of the rack during operation in an efficient manner.

Abstract: An improved plate for mounting a plurality of receptacles on an electronics device, particularly a data communications peripheral, is disclosed. The plate is designed to be secured to an electronic subassembly which may be dropped into a portion of an enclosure and the plate placed proximate to a large opening in the enclosure. In order to compensate for mechanical tolerances on the fit of the plate within the enclosure, since it is attached to the subassembly, free edges of the plate which may act as an elongated antenna for emitting radio frequency interference are broken up into fingers of predetermined length. This attenuates the radiation from such edge. Additionally, the fingers are bent down to contact an electrically grounded portion of the enclosure to provide further RFI suppression.

Abstract: A cable management system for directing cables connected to the back of an equipment enclosure of the type containing a computer peripheral device or other electronics apparatus to enter and exit the equipment enclosure at a selected one of a plurality of predetermined orientations. A bottom cover of the equipment enclosure is provided with a recessed portion including a vertical wall upon which is mounted receptacles for receiving cable terminations. Upper stanchion portions at the rear of the recessed portion together with a hinged plate or with lower stanchion portions contacting the upper stanchion portions from the bottom form rear legs for the equipment enclosure. The rear legs and the vertical wall of the recessed portion confine cable entry and exit positions to particular angular segments corresponding to the sides and rear of the equipment enclosure.

Abstract: A separately formed slanted front panel bezel manufactured using injection molding techniques. The interior slanted surface has a plurality of positioning tabs extending perpendicular thereto. An arch shaped screw receptacle extends above the surface, the geometry which allows the mold for same to be withdrawn in a conventional fashion. When the bezel is used in final assembly, a self-tapping screw bites a semi-circular section of the arch shaped protrusion.

Abstract: An improved standoff for use in assembly of an electronics device includes a generally cylindrical body with a bore hole through the longitudinal axis. A plurality of reinforcing fin-shaped members disposed radially about the outer surface provide additional rigidity to the structure as well as providing surfaces at each end of the standoff upon which circuit boards may rest. A plurality of clips may be moved under compression and passed through holes on a circuit board. Once they have passed through, they will elastically return to their normal position thus loosely, but securely, holding the circuit boards together. This allows the standoffs to hold the circuit boards together, without the use of additional nuts and bolts and conventional spacers, and also allows the passing of final assembly screws through the longitudinally bore of the spacer.

Abstract: An enclosed circuit board assembly is provided which includes two mating enclosure members mounted to a circuit board and to each other, which combine to isolate the circuit board from contact with stray wires, human fingers, other undesirable foreign objects. The assembly is sufficiently ventilated to allow effective cooling of the circuit board by natural convection and/or forced convection, and includes a plurality of locking fingers which attach to the circuit board. A plurality of pry holes are provided to provide an effective means of removing the assembly when mounted between similar assemblies.