Abstract: A system for high speed acquisition and decoding of a barcode symbol locates potential barcode candidates within a scanned image and filters the candidates to eliminate invalid data. The system permits computational resources to be focused on decoding information most likely to be an actual barcode symbol. Once a potential barcode candidate has been located, the barcode symbol is processed to determine the barcode orientation and symbology. Each element of the barcode symbol is then located, even if all elements are not visible in the original image, and the barcode symbol is decoded in accordance with the specific symbology.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dimensioning system for determining the minimum size box necessary to enclose an object traveling on a moving conveyor. The dimensioning system is comprised of a light source which generates a scan beam that is moved by a mirrored wheel. A line scan camera whose field of view tracks the moving scan beam receives images of the scan beam and outputs a signal which is processed to compute a three dimensional box structure of the scanned object.

Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to the top surface of an object moving along a path adjacent to the applicator. The applicator is comprised of a label printer mounted for vertical adjustment on support structure attached to a fixed frame. The printer has a label feed position and is adjusted vertically on the support to set the label feed position to an expected median article height. A label transport assembly, attached to the frame, receives and retains the label and then moves vertically and laterally from a home position, above the label feed position, to an article intercept position, where it applies the label to the moving article. The controller learns the home position and positions the label transport assembly at the home position to pick up labels. The label printer, the label transport assembly, and the moveable frame are located alongside the object path such that when the label transport assembly is in the home position, the object path is vertically unobstructed.

Abstract: An optical scanner utilizes two linear CCD detectors and a bandpass means to improve the ability of the scanner to discriminate against specular reflection. A coded symbology is illuminated by a noncoherent light source and light reflected from the coded symbology along a first path strikes the front face of the bandpass means. The bandpass means, functioning as a notch filter, transmits a select bandwidth of light while reflecting all other light onto a first CCD detector. Simultaneously, light reflected from the bar code symbol travels along a second path, at a different angle with respect to the plane of the coded symbology than the first path, is reflected from a mirror onto the back face of the bandpass means. The bandpass means transmits the select bandwidth of light onto a second CCD detector and reflects all other light. The second CCD detector has a notch filter which permits the detection of only the select bandwidth.

Abstract: A moveable label printer-applicator/conveyor loader assembly for loading articles onto a conveyor comprises a frame mounted for movement along a conveyor path and a controller. The controller receives data from a host computer which specifies an article to be selected and actuates a drive motor to move the assembly to the selected bin location. The quantity of articles to be picked is displayed to an operator via a CRT display. Sensors detect the profile of articles loaded onto the conveyor and transmit this data to the controller. After the controller verifies that the correct article has been selected, a labeler prints and applies a label to each article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scanner for reading coded symbologies. The invention uses a coherent, visible light source for illuminating the coded symbol during a scan and a detecting means for collecting the reflected light energy from the coded symbol. The invention also employs an invisible light source illuminating the coded symbol during the scan and a one-dimensional position-sensitive detector whose field of view receives images of the illuminating beam. The position-sensitive detector outputs a current which is processed to detect the presence and compute the distance of an object being scanned. Both the visible and invisible light sources from the scanner travel along a shared, coaxial path to and from the object.

Abstract: An RF identification label includes a selectively activatable battery and control and RF generating circuitry which is coupled to the battery. The battery includes two separate components which are brought together in operative contact to activate the battery and provide power to the control and RF generating circuitry. The preferred embodiment of the control and RF generating circuitry includes a programmable integrated circuit with contacts which permit programming by a user to define the identification signal which is generated.

Abstract: A high speed imaging apparatus for CCD based scanners comprises a housing having separate compartments which complement modular assemblies installed therein. A decoder compartment houses components associated with locating and decoding an image. An optics compartment houses the mirrors and associated optics for reflecting the subject image onto the CCD detector. A lighting compartment includes high intensity lamps and the associated components for illuminating an object to be imaged. The lighting compartment includes a heat management system which removes the heat from the high intensity lamps and prevents heat from migrating to other compartments within the housing.

Abstract: A hand-held scanning device employs apparatus for varying the depth of field of the scanning device. The scanning device comprises a gun-shaped housing for comfortably fitting within the hand of an operator. The scanning device is actuated by a finger-activated trigger, which moves a CCD sensor on an image plane as the trigger is pulled. In this manner, focusing for large depth of field applications is achieved.

Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to the top surface of an object moving along a path adjacent to the applicator. The applicator is comprised of a label printer mounted for vertical adjustment on support structure attached to a moveable frame. The printer has a label feed position and is adjusted vertically on the support to set the label feed position to an expected median article height. A label transport assembly, attached to the frame, receives and retains the label and then moves vertically and laterally from a home position, above the label feed position, to an article intercept position, where it applies the label to the moving article. The controller learns the home position and positions the label transport assembly at the home position to pick up labels. The label printer, the label transport assembly, and the moveable frame are located along side the object path such that when the label transport assembly is in the home position, the object path is vertically unobstructed.

Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to the top surface of an object moving along a path adjacent to the applicator. The applicator is comprised of a label printer mounted for vertical adjustment on support structure attached to a fixed frame. The printer has a label feed position and is adjusted vertically on the support to set the label feed position to an expected median article height. A label transport assembly, attached to the frame, receives and retains the label and then moves vertically and laterally from a home position, above the label feed position, to an article intercept position, where it applies the label to the moving article. The controller learns the home position and positions the label transport assembly at the home position to pick up labels. The label printer, the label transport assembly, and the moveable frame are located alongside the object path such that when the label transport assembly is in the home position, the object path is vertically unobstructed.

Abstract: A conveyor scale assembly for use in combination with a conveyor belt for weighing an article on the moving conveyor belt. The conveyor scale assembly is comprised of a slider bed which contacts the underside of the moving conveyor belt which generates a friction force between the conveyor belt and the slider bed. Attached to the slider bed is a sensor which continuously measures the friction force and transmits data representing the measured friction force. A CPU receives and processes the representative data and provides a weight for the article on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dimensioning system for determining the minimum size box necessary to enclose an object traveling on a moving conveyor. The dimensioning system is comprised of a light source which generates a scan beam that is moved by a mirrored wheel. A line scan camera whose field of view tracks the moving scan beam receives images of the scan beam and outputs a signal which is processed to compute a three dimensional box structure of the scanned object.

Abstract: An improved laser diode assembly includes a laser diode unit which is mounted directly on a compact thermoelectric cooler, which is mounted on a heat sink. A thermally insulating gasket, mounted around the thermoelectric cooler, seals the thermoelectric cooler from the ambient environment, thereby preventing condensation from forming on the cold face of the thermoelectric cooler. A bushing concentrically positions the laser diode unit in the proper optical alignment with respect to the optical assembly, while thermally and electrically insulating the laser diode. A thermally conductive gasket, mounted around the circumference of the laser diode window, returns heat from the heat sink to the window to prevent condensation from forming on the window. The laser diode is the only component cooled by the thermoelectric cooler. Since a portion of the heat transferred by the thermoelectric cooler is utilized to warm the laser diode window, a separate heating element is not required.

Abstract: A moveable label printer-applicator/conveyor loader assembly for loading articles onto a conveyor comprises a frame mounted for movement along a conveyor path and a controller. The controller receives data from a host computer which specifies an article to be selected and actuates a drive motor to move the assembly to the selected bin location. The quantity of articles to be picked is displayed to an operator via a CRT display. Sensors detect the profile of articles loaded onto the conveyor and transmit this data to the controller. After the controller verifies that the correct article has been selected, a labeler prints and applies a label to each article.

Abstract: A conveyor scale assembly for use in combination with a conveyor belt for weighing an article on the moving conveyor belt. The conveyor scale assembly is comprised of a slider bed which contacts the underside of the moving conveyor belt which generates a friction force between the conveyor belt and the slider bed. Attached to the slider bed is a sensor which continuously measures the friction force and transmits data representing the measured friction force. A CPU receives and processes the representative data and provides a weight for the article on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A scanner which can read machine-readable code on an object. A scanner has a scanning device, a data device and a reconstruction device. The scanning device can repetively scan the code and provide a scan signal repetively corresponding to at least fragments of the code. The data device is coupled to the scanning device and responds to its scan signal for repetively storing it. The reconstruction device is coupled to the data device for reconstructing the code from at least two of the fragments of the code.

Abstract: A scanner can read machine-readable code on an object. A scanner has a scanning device, a data device, and a registration device. The scanning device can repetitively scan the code and provide a scan signal repetitively corresponding to at least fragments of the code. The data device is coupled to the scanning device and responds to its scan signal for repetitively storing it. The registration device is coupled to the data device for reconstructing the code from at least two of the fragments of the code by relatively shifting the code fragments until they are in registration.

Abstract: A scanner can read machine-readable code on an object. A scanner has a scanning device, a data device, and a registration device. The scanning device can repetitively scan the code and provide a scan signal repetitively corresponding to at least fragments of the code. The data device is coupled to the scanning device and responds to its scan signal for repetitively storing it. The registration device is coupled to the data device for reconstructing the code from at least two of the fragments of the code by relatively shifting the code fragments until they are in registration.

Abstract: A scanner can read machine-readable code on an object. A scanner has a scanning device, a data device, and a registration device. The scanning device can repetitively scan the code and provide a scan signal repetitively corresponding to at least fragments of the code. The data device is coupled to the scanning device and responds to its scan signal for repetitively storing it. The registration device is coupled to the data device for reconstructing the code from at least two of the fragments of the code. The registration device relatively shifts the code fragments until they are in registration. Thus one of the fragments provides a beginning portion of the code and the other an ending portion. Both fragments provide a registered middle portion of the code.