Abstract: A machine-readable symbol reader is operable to read one and two-dimensional machine-readable symbols such as barcode or matrix code symbols. The reader includes an imaging subsystem and a scanning subsystem. The reader initially attempts to acquire a symbol operating as a conventional imager. If unsuccessful, the reader then attempts to acquire a symbol operating as operating as a conventional scanner. If unsuccessful, the reader then employs an image sensor array of the imaging subsystem along with a scanning beam produced by the scanning subsystem, operating as a neither a conventional imager nor a conventional scanner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading optical information including a photosensitive system oriented to capture optical information. Also included is an optical system focusing optical information onto the photosensitive system, and a display oriented to display optical information captured by the photosensitive system. The apparatus also includes a portable, hand-held housing.

Abstract: A subsurfaced imaged label using a PET thermal transfer ribbon carrier as an overlaminate. A reverse image is printed onto a waste medium. The waste medium and inked reverse image are stripped away. The desired image remains on the PET carrier of the thermal transfer ink ribbon. A pressure sensitive adhesive substrate is laminated onto the carrier on the same side as the ink image. Label stock and another layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is then layered on the ink side of the PET carrier. When the label is applied to a surface the ink image is under the PET carrier and is protected by the PET carrier.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles facilitate the loading of a set of new instructions to replace set of existing instructions on a processor based device, for example an automatic data collection device. For example, a new operating system may replace an existing operating system using an executable that disables interrupts and/or exceptions. The new operating system may execute with, or without booting. The set of new instructions may be fragmented to fit the block size of a nonvolatile programmable memory, and/or may be compressed. Validation values such as check sums and/or error correction may be employed.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification system comprises a radio-frequency identification substrate and an interrogator. In one embodiment, the radio-frequency identification substrate comprises a plurality of radio-frequency identification devices. In one embodiment, a controller on the substrate controls a first one of the plurality of radio-frequency identification devices based on a state of a second one of the plurality of radio-frequency identification devices. In one embodiment, an antenna system includes an S-shaped portion electrically coupled to an integrated circuit along a central portion of the S-shaped portion. Adjusting the parameters of the segments making up the S-shaped portion controls performance characteristics of a radio-frequency identification device.

Abstract: A reader for optically reading machine-readable symbols such as barcodes. The reader includes at least one light source for producing light and a number of light emitters for emitting the light from the reader according to a desired sequence. The distinct light emitters are coupled with the at least one light source through an illumination network comprising waveguides and optical switches. The emitted light is controlled by a control subsystem, which can include a microprocessor, a buffer, a bus, and a memory. The distinct light emitters are supported in a holder, which is coupled to a housing of the reader. A focusing device directs the light emitted from the distinct light emitters. An optical sensor coupled to the housing receives at least some of the light reflected from the symbol and can operate with the control subsystem to decode the reflected light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permitting a base housing to support a plurality of different product configurations. Some of the configurations include different types of optical indicia readers. The base housing has a reading portal capable of receiving a window frame. The window frame is designed for use with a specific type of optical indicia reading component. The invention permits efficient manufacturing of the housing prior to determining which type of optical indicia reader the housing will house.

Abstract: An automatic data collection system reads data encoded in data carriers located inside enclosed environments, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to objects located in enclosures, such as buildings, shipping containers, transportation vehicles such as airplanes, and other enclosures. The enclosures have dimensions that normally exceed the read range of the RFID tags, and/or the enclosures are composed of a material (such as metal) that impede communication of signals with external RFID readers. Therefore, internal antenna systems are provided inside of the enclosures to relay interrogation signals from RFID readers to the RFID tags, and to relay response signals from the RFID tags back to the RFID readers.

Abstract: A system useful in providing communications with automatic data collection (ADC) devices employs an antenna located in a potentially hazardous environment, a radio circuit located in a non-hazardous environment, and a coupling apparatus to provide an interface between the antenna and the radio circuit that prevents electrical discharges from occurring in the potentially hazardous environment.

Abstract: A multistage voltage multiplying circuit for single chip passive RF tags is provided, wherein the parasitic capacitance of the diodes of each stage of the voltage multiplying circuit is much less than the parasitic capacitance of the diodes of the preceding stage.

Abstract: A master entity is capable of broadcasting commands to slaves which move to another state when they satisfy a primitive condition specified in the command. By moving slaves among three sets, a desired subset of slaves can be isolated in one of the sets. This desired subset of slaves ten can be moved to one of the states that is unaffected by commands that cause the selection of other desirable subsets of slaves. In the incorporated U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,550,547 and 5,673,037, certain subgroups of radio frequency tags are selected for querying, communicating, and/or identifying by commands from a base station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading embedded indicia. A light energy sensing system for an embedded indicia interpretation apparatus. The system includes a first light sensor and a second light sensor. The first and said second light sensors being directed to sense light energy reflected by an embedded indicia. Also, an embedded indicia reading apparatus having a light energy sensing system. The light energy sensing system having a first light sensor and a second light sensor. The first and said second light sensors positioned to sense light energy that has been reflected from an embedded indicia. The embedded indicia reading apparatus also having a computerized processing system coupled with the light sensing system. The computerized processing system including a program that determines data carried by an embedded indicia by interpreting light energy signals reflected from an embedded indicia and then sensed by the light sensing system.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes a first tubular member having a pitched bearing surface proximate one end; a second tubular member having a pitched bearing surface proximate one end; a coupling tubular member fixedly coupled to the second tubular member and rotatably and slideably coupled to the first tubular member; and an optical element received in at least one of the first, the second or the coupling tubular members. At least a portion of the pitched bearing surface of the first tubular member is in engaging contact with at least a portion of the pitched bearing surface of the second tubular member. Rotating the first tubular member with respect to the second tubular member smoothly varies a distance between the first and second tubular members and allows a large, smooth adjustment with little effort. Rotation in a single direction returns the distances to an initial starting point.

Abstract: A portable electronic device having a first housing member, a second housing member, and a coupling member. Elements of the coupling member provide respective electrical paths from an exterior of the first housing member to an interior of the first housing member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a process for acquiring bichromatic bar codes, with a two-dimensional sensor with electronic scanning. The height Hy of the scanned portion is modified between at least two successive scanning operations. Thus, the device is or may be adapted to the type and/or to characteristics not known in advance of the code to be read.

Abstract: An RFID reader directly controls computer network applications on the basis of information collected from an RFID tag. The RFID tag includes certain designated fields that identify a destination computer system and/or application program for data recovered from the RFID tag. The RFID reader can then distribute the collected information in a format and to a destination that is determined by the RFID tag, thereby eliminating the need for intermediary software programs or human operators to make such decisions about the distribution of information. This capability permits RFID tag information to be automatically collected and distributed to network applications for ultimate data processing and collection.

Abstract: A reader such as a barcode reader identifies at least one potential target such as a barcode symbol in its field-of-view, and projects or transmits an indicator toward or proximate the potential target containing information about the respective potential target. Such information may include which target is currently active, the symbology in which the target is encoded, the relative position of the reader with respect to the target, the ability of the reader to decode the target, and/or ranked or sorted order information regarding the target and neighboring targets. The reader may rank, sort, prioritize or otherwise determine order based on various parameters, including symbology, position in field-of-view, size, etc., and may base such on past history of the reader and/or user, and may weight such.

Abstract: A selectively mountable optical assembly having an optics body, at least one optical element, and a mounting base. Coupling structure allows the optics body to be selectively coupled to the mounting base such that a flange on the optics body is selectively aligned with the mounting base when in an engaged position.

Abstract: A method of operating a device having at least one solid-state memory and at least one spinning media memory for storing data includes from time-to-time, determining whether the device is in motion; and in response to determining that the device is not in motion, transferring frequently accessed data between the spinning media memory and the solid-state memory. An apparatus for use with a device includes at least one solid-state memory; at least one spinning media memory; and a controller configured to transfer frequently accessed data between the spinning media memory and the solid-state memory when the device is not in motion.

Abstract: EMI radiation in an integrated circuit device package (10) is reduced or eliminated by the introduction of a magnetic material into the encapsulating medium (14). The permeance of the magnetic encapsulating medium (14) affects the inherent series inductance of the lead frame conductors (16) to thereby reduce electromagnetic interference. Ferrite microbeads (30) are formed around the lead frame conductors (16) to contain the magnetic flux (32) generated by an electrical current signal and to attenuate the effects of mutual inductance.