Abstract: A TTR time of a reading apparatus can also be reduced by designing an apparatus to exhibit a certain timing relationship between a receipt of a trigger signal and/or more of image capture and decoding. An apparatus in one embodiment can be configured to continuously capture frames of image data prior to receipt of a trigger signal and can further be configured so that an output decoded message is decoded from a frame of image data having a capture initiation time of prior to the time of receipt of a trigger signal. An apparatus configured to output a decoded message from a frame of image data having a capture initiation time of prior to a time of receipt of a trigger signal can have a TTR time of less than a frame capture period of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides a convenient, compact and lightweight patient transfer device for transferring patients between two horizontal surfaces such as from bed to bed, bed to stretcher, stretcher to gurney, etc. One person can lift or maneuver the device under a patient with a minimum of effort, with ergonomic safety, and little chance of injury or strain. The device comprises a generally flat and semi-rigid support member adapted to be orientated in a generally horizontal disposition, apertures or other non-protruding handles along the sides of the support member spaced shoulder-width apart, fasteners for securing the patient on the support member, and omnidirectional rollers positioned on the lower surface of the support member for translating the support member across the generally horizontally disposed surface and transferring the patient to or from one horizontal surface to another.