Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) system can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, and at least one RFID reading device, all communicatively coupled to a system bus. The EIR system can further comprise two or more external antennas electrically coupled to a multiplexing circuit. The multiplexing circuit can be configured to electrically couple each antenna to the RFID reading device by using a time division method or a frequency division method. The external antennas can be disposed according to a spatial pattern configured to provide a spatially continuous RFID signal reception within a pre-defined area or volume. The antennas can be configured to receive RFID signals from a plurality of RFID tags attached to a plurality of items and disposed within a radio frequency range of the antennas. The EIR system can be configured to store in its memory a plurality of responses received from the plurality of RFID tags.

Abstract: A system and method for locating an electronic document, which includes receiving an image of decodable indicia from an EIR terminal, locating said decodable indicia within the image, decoding the decodable indicia into a decoded message which contains: an identifier for an electronic document and the location of the document. Then, receiving delivery instructions regarding the document and executing those instructions.

Abstract: There is set forth herein in one embodiment an indicia reading terminal having an imaging assembly operative so that a manner in which a decodable indicia representation is searched for is responsive to one or more of a terminal to target distance and a projected light pattern representation.

Abstract: There is set forth herein an indicia reading apparatus having a configuration in which an illumination assembly for projecting an illumination pattern is de-energized during subsequent exposure periods. In one embodiment the indicia reading apparatus includes a configuration in which the illumination assembly is energized intermediate of the exposure periods. The indicia reading apparatus is useful for reading decodable indicia that is displayed on a display.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus can comprise a dual fuel pilot assembly. The pilot assembly can comprise a first fuel dispenser, a second fuel dispenser, an igniter and at least one of a thermocouple, and a thermopile. The pilot assembly can be configured to direct heat from combustion of one of either a first fuel or a second fuel to the at least one of the thermocouple and the thermopile.

Abstract: A medical instrument having a lighting system for illumination a target area, the system comprising a light source and associated power controller, the system being configured to move from a first illumination mode to a second illumination mode based on a sensed or determined changed condition, such as predetermined temperature and/or change in a scene or brightness signal, or lack of change, from an image sensor that may be associated with the instrument.

Abstract: A data decoding system that includes a server-side proxy component and at least two back-end computers, where the server-side proxy component is configured, when it receives a decoding request from a client, to select a back-end computer to forward the decoding request to, based on either a pre-defined rule, load estimates for the at least two computers, estimated network throughputs across network paths to the two computers. In response to receiving this request, the back-end computer that is selected is configured to decode the request, which is an image of decodable indicia, by locating the decodable indicia within the image and decoding it into a decoded message. The decodable indicia was provided by a raw image byte stream, a compressed image byte stream, or a partial compressed image byte stream.

Abstract: A data decoding system that includes a server-side proxy component and at least two back-end computers, where the server-side proxy component is configured, when it receives a decoding request from a client, to select a back-end computer to forward the decoding request to, based on either a pre-defined rule, load estimates for said at least two computers, estimated network throughputs across network paths to the two computers. In response to receiving this request, the back-end computer that is selected is configured to decode the request, which is an image of decodable indicia, by locating the decodable indicia within the image and decoding it into a decoded message. The decodable indicia was provided by a raw image byte stream, a compressed image byte stream, or a partial compressed image byte stream.

Abstract: A system and method for asset management that includes receiving from a client, an EIR terminal that includes an optical reading device configured to output the signal and/or results of decodable indicia and has an RFID receiver which outputs a first datum and a second datum. The invention includes locating the decodable indicia within the signal to reveal identifying information about an asset. The first datum identifies one or more of the RFIDs tag in closest proximity to the asset. These RFID tags are affixed to different known locations in a facility; every location within the facility is within the broadcast radius of at least one RFID tag. The second datum identifies at least one RFID tag in closest proximity to the asset.

Abstract: Apparatus and devices are provided for detecting indicia and projecting images related to the detected indicia. The apparatus includes an indicia detecting system adapted to detect a decodable indicium, such as, a bar code, and an image projecting system adapted to project an image in response to the detected decodable indicium. The apparatus may include a memory storage adapted to store projection data for use by the image projecting system in projecting an image. The indicia detecting system includes a photo detector and image collecting optics, the image projecting system includes light sources and a light manipulation system. Methods of detecting indicia and projecting images related to the detected indicia are also provided.

Abstract: An indicia reading terminal for reading of a decodable indicia is provided wherein the indicia reading terminal includes an image sensor integrated circuit comprising an image sensor having a plurality of pixels; a memory for storing image data, and a unit for processing the image data for attempting to decode decodable indicia represented in the image data; and an optical system, including a lens assembly and at least a first aperture and a second aperture, the second aperture being smaller than the first aperture. The lens assembly comprises one or more lens elements. The first aperture is disposed in the lens assembly, and the second aperture is disposed at a distal end of the optical system, adjacent to the lens assembly.

Abstract: There is set forth herein in one embodiment an image sensor array including a global shutter shared by first and second pixels. The global shutter can include a charge storage area having an associated shield for reducing charge build up on the charge storage area attributable to incident light rays. There is set forth herein in one embodiment an imaging apparatus having one or more configuration. The one or more configuration can include one or more of a configuration wherein a frame read out from an image sensor array has unbinned pixel values, a configuration wherein a frame read out from an image sensor array has binned pixel values corresponding to an M×N, M>=2, N>=2 arrangement of pixel values, and a configuration wherein a frame read out from an image sensor array has binned pixel values corresponding to a 1×N, N>=2 arrangement of pixel values.

Abstract: There is set forth herein in one embodiment an image sensor array including a global shutter shared by first and second pixels. The global shutter can include a charge storage area having an associated shield for reducing charge build up on the charge storage area attributable to incident light rays. There is set forth herein in one embodiment an imaging apparatus having one or more configuration. The one or more configuration can include one or more of a configuration wherein a frame read out from an image sensor array has unbinned pixel values, a configuration wherein a frame read out from an image sensor array has binned pixel values corresponding to an M×N, M>=2, N>=2 arrangement of pixel values, and a configuration wherein a frame read out from an image sensor array has binned pixel values corresponding to a 1×N, N>=2 arrangement of pixel values.

Abstract: A floor grinding and polishing machine including a base that includes a shroud, and first and second spindle carriers rotatably coupled thereto which have first and second axes of rotation spaced from each other in an alignment direction. The base also includes first and second pluralities of rotatable spindles, each plurality carried by a spindle carrier and distributed about the respective spindle carrier axis of rotation. Motors are connected to the shroud and drivingly engaged with the pluralities of spindles, whereby each plurality of spindles is rotatably driven about its respective spindle axis of rotation. The machine also includes floor-engaging handle coupled to the base and defining a direction of operative movement along which the machine may linearly travel. The base and handle have different first and second selective, relative positions in which the alignment and operative movement direction have substantially different relative angular positions.

Abstract: Methods for using an optical indicia reading terminal including a housing, a multiple pixel image sensor disposed within the housing, an imaging lens assembly configured to focus an image of decodable indicia on the image sensor, an optical bandpass filter disposed in an optical path of light incident on the image sensor, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured to convert an analog signal read out of the image sensor into a digital signal representative of the analog signal, and processor configured to output a decoded message data corresponding to the decodable indicia by processing the digital signal.

Abstract: A system for collecting data is provided that includes a presentation scanning apparatus comprising a first presentation scan window formed into a housing. A first laser source within the housing is operable to emit a first beam through the first presentation scan window along a first axis and illuminate a target comprising an encoded symbol character. A first scanning mirror is disposed intermediate the first laser source and the first presentation scan window. The first scanning mirror is operable to deflect the first beam emitted from the first laser source so that the first beam scans across the presentation scan window according to a baseline scan pattern.

Abstract: A system for decoding an encoded symbol character associated with a product is provided. The system includes a bioptic scanning apparatus comprising a first scan source disposed within a housing, and a second scan source disposed within the housing. The second scan source comprises an operating technology distinct from an operating technology of the first scan source. The first scan source is adapted to output a first scan data set, and the second scan source is adapted to output a second scan data set.

Abstract: An improvement in a steam powered pressing iron, in which steam is supplied by a boiler. The steam collects in a steam chamber inside a body 5, and heats the iron. A lever 8 is depressed by a thumbpad 9 to actuate a steam discharge valve 10. The steam discharge valve 10 discharges the steam to a garment being pressed. The improvement includes a steam trap valve 36. The steam trap valve discharges condensate to a discharge return connector 38, through the return hose to the boiler. The steam trap valve 36 is a thermodynamic steam trap, for preventing the flow of hot steam back to the boiler. But when in contact with cold condensate, the steam trap valve 36 automatically permits the flow of condensate back to the boiler. Cold condensate is automatically purged from the iron without operator intervention.

Abstract: A communications system for a vehicle user is provided. The system comprises a portable receiver which the vehicle user can easily carry on his or her person. The portable receiver is capable of receiving coded transmissions from a vehicle-mounted transmitter which is capable of activating a function in a portable transceiver.

Abstract: A communications system for a vehicle user is provided. The system comprises a portable transceiver which the vehicle user can easily carry on his or her person and a vehicle-mounted transceiver. The portable transceiver is capable of communicating with the vehicle-mounted transceiver. Audio information contained in a transmission from the portable transceiver may be retransmitted by the vehicle-mounted transceiver either to a public address system or a second vehicle-mounted transceiver.