Patents Assigned to Intermec IP
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Patent number: 6330972Abstract: A method and apparatus for error correction enhancement for decoding data collection symbols encoding data characters, special function characters, and error correction characters comprising: (i) reading a machine readable symbol; (ii) attempt to decode the symbol; (iii) selecting a group of n successive characters, where n is equal to the number of error correction characters in the symbol; (iv) attempt to solve an error correction equation while treating the group of characters as erasures; and (v) repeatedly selecting groups of successive characters and attempting to solve the error correction equation until the equation is solved or until there are no more groups of n successive characters.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1998Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP CorporationInventors: Christopher A. Wiklof, H. Sprague Ackley
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Patent number: 6330974Abstract: An apparatus that permits high resolution imaging of low contrast one and two-dimensional symbols includes a housing having a window and an electro-optical element disposed within the housing behind the window. At least two laser diodes are mounted externally to the housing adjacent to the window. The laser diodes respectively provide beams that intersect at a point within a field of view of the electro-optical element, and the beams provide light to the electro-optical element through the window that has reflected off a symbol positioned at the intersection point. The laser diodes may be selectively or automatically triggered upon the symbol being positioned at the intersection point.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1996Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventor: H. Sprague Ackley
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Patent number: 6330975Abstract: An image capture system (100) having an image capture module (102) and a terminal unit (104) captures both photo images and coded images. An alterable optical path of the system (100) operates in a first configuration when capturing coded images and in a second configuration when capturing photo images. Captured images are presented on a display (114) as they are captured. A user of the system (100) may parse through captured images to select one or more of the captured images for permanent storage and/or transmission to a remote location. The system (100) operates to identify coded targets within captured images, to prompt the user to select one or more of the identified coded targets and to decode the selected coded targets. The image capture system (100) may direct a user to reposition the system (100) so that a decodable coded image will be captured. The image capture system (100) communicates over wireless and wired networks with remote computer systems (307), personnel, and mobile units (307).Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Alan G. Bunte, Arvin D. Danielson, Dennis A. Durbin, James D. Bennett
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Patent number: 6329915Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) transponder (RF tag) is proposed, where a high dielectric constant material is used in operative cooperation with a tag antenna so that the distance of the tag antenna from conducting or absorbing surfaces may be reduced, and so the tag dimensions may be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP CorpInventors: Michael J. Brady, Paul A. Moskowitz, Dah-Weih Duan, Ali Afzali-ardakani, Christopher A. Field, Peter R. Duncombe
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Patent number: 6328214Abstract: The invention concerns an oplo-electronic device for acquisition of images of codes in one and two dimensions, comprising an electronic sensor constituted by a high-resolution photosensitive matrix, an analog/digital converter to convert the data emitted from the electronic sensor, and an image acquisition and processing module, comprising a preprocessing module and two processing modules, forming a pipe-line type architecture. The preprocessing module, acts in synchronous mode on the flow of digital data and implements simple image-processing operations. A number of cabled processing units can form the preprocessing modules. The processing modules, are constituted by programmable modules acting in asynchronous mode on the data emitted from the preceding module and stored in alternative manner in two memory blocks.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP CorporationInventors: Khalid El Akel, Christophe Dumontier, Patrick Reuze, Serge Thuries, Jean-Michel Puech, Jean-Louis Massieu
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Patent number: 6327312Abstract: A radio receiver discriminates between narrowband and wideband radio frequency (RF) signals on the basis of the rate of increase of the integrated energy level of the received signal. The receiver comprises a receive section adapted to receive and downconvert RF input signals to intermediate frequency (IF) signals, and a received signal strength indicator coupled to the receive section and providing a receiver energy signal corresponding to the energy of the IF signals. A discrimination section receives the energy signal, and determines whether the RF input signals are narrowband or wideband by detecting the rate of increase of the integrated level of the receiver energy signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Alan F. Jovanovich, John W. Mensonides, Bruce G. Warren
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Patent number: 6321986Abstract: A new bar code symbology in an exemplary embodiment employs three bars (and spaces) within nine modules, similar to Code 93. Fifty-three data characters are defined, including several special mode characters. By employing these special mode characters, together with certain routines, three symbol characters can represent two 8-bit bytes, or one 16-bit word. As a result, the symbology can efficiently encode 8-bit bytes for use in computer processing, or encode 16-bit character sets such as Unicode. Symbology encodes extended channel interpretation (ECI) numbers, provides multiple numeric compression modes, provides a structured append using a single mode character, as well as other features. Additionally, the symbology includes error correction, with a Special Features Flag character indicating use of error correction in a symbol.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1998Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP CorporationInventor: H. Sprague Ackley
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Patent number: 6320509Abstract: A radio frequency identification transponder has a high gain antenna for increased range. In an embodiment, the radio frequency transponder has a reflector to increase its operative range. A system of one or more reflectors is operatively associated with a transponder and may be formed out of any sort of radio frequency reflective material. The reflector system can enhance reception or transmission of radio waves by or from the transponder. The reflector system may also be used to provide for selective coupling of the radio frequency transponder with a base station, user- or vehicle-supported reader, or the like based on relative orientation. In addition, the reflector system may be used to selectively reflect particular radio waves. In another embodiment, the radio frequency transponder has a horn antenna providing increased gain and directivity. In yet another embodiment, the radio frequency transponder has a patch antenna providing increased gain and circular polarization.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1999Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Michael John Brady, Dah-Weih Duan, Venkata S. R. Kodukula, Rene D. Martinez, Paul Andrew Moskowitz, Philip Murphy
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Patent number: 6320896Abstract: A receiver is provided for use in an environment in which both frequency-hopping and direct-sequence spread spectrum radio frequency (RF) signals are present. The receiver includes a receive section adapted to receive and downconvert RF input signals. A detector is coupled to the receive section, and has a plurality of parallel filter stages with each tuned for a distinct frequency band. A discriminator compares the RF energy level passing through each of the filter stages to determine whether the RF input signals are frequency-hopping or direct-sequence spread spectrum signals. A controller is adapted to control the receive section in response to the discriminator.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1998Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Intermec Ip Corp.Inventors: Alan F. Jovanovich, John W. Mensonides, Bruce G. Warren
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Patent number: 6318636Abstract: A data carrier reader includes an RFID tag reading section and a machine-readable symbol reading section, which can contain some common components. The reader is operable in an RFID tag reading mode and/or a symbol reading mode. The reader provides a consistent and intuitive user interface within, and between, the operating modes. The user interface can include visual, aural and tactile indicators. The visual indicators can include a pattern displayed by indicators on the reader, or projected onto or near the data carrier.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1999Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Andrew E. Reynolds, Christopher A. Wiklof, Daniel B. Bodnar
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Patent number: 6307349Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a battery conditioning system monitors battery conditioning and includes a memory for storing data based thereon; for example, data may be stored representative of available battery capacity as measured during a deep discharge cycle. With a microprocessor monitoring battery operation of a portable unit, a measure of remaining battery capacity can be calculated and displayed. Where the microprocessor and battery conditioning system memory are permanently secured to the battery so as to receive operating power therefrom during storage and handling, the performance of a given battery in actual use can be accurately judged since the battery system can itself maintain a count of accumulated hours of use and other relevant parameters. In the case of a nonportable conditioning system, two-way communication may be established with a memory associated with the portable unit so that the portable unit can transmit to the conditioning system information concerning battery parameters (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Ronald D. Becker, Phillip Miller
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Patent number: 6295461Abstract: A multi-mode radio frequency network comprises a first type of computing device having a radio receiver/transmitter adapted for communication over a narrowband frequency range, and a second type of computing device having a radio receiver/transmitter adapted for communication over both the narrowband frequency range and a wideband frequency range. A network access controller is adapted for communication with both types of computing device over respective ones of the narrowband and wideband frequency ranges. The network access controller provides synchronization signals for coordinating the timing of communications over the narrowband and wideband frequency ranges. The second type of computing device may be adapted for either frequency-hopping or direct sequence spread spectrum communication signals over the wideband frequency range.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1997Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Brian G. Palmer, Alan F. Jovanovich
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Patent number: 6294998Abstract: An RFID with uniform profile. A compressible mask layer or cutout mask layer provides a uniform profile despite the presence of an RFID integrated circuit and antenna. The uniform profile allows clear overprinting and hinders visual detection of the RFID transponder.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Matthew T. Adams, Kevin Girard Conwell
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Patent number: 6294997Abstract: An RFID tag is provided with a timing module to measure elapsed time and an environment module to detect certain environmental conditions. The RFID tag includes a transmitter/receiver, memory module, antenna module, converter, and the timing and environment modules. In an embodiment of the invention, the timing module enables the user, upon interrogating the RFID tag, to determine the precise length of time from the previous charge of the RFID tag. The environment module enables the user to determine how long the RFID tag has been exposed to certain environmental conditions that have been pre-defined by the user.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Intermec Ip Corp.Inventors: Robert M. Paratore, Paul A. Maltseff
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Patent number: 6292437Abstract: A method and apparatus for transaction verification is provided. An acoustic signature of a transaction executioner is captured and electronically saved as a digital signature file. The digital signature file is associated with the transaction and then sent to a central location for storage. The transaction may be verified by reproducing the acoustic signature file from the digital signature file and acoustically verified by parties interested in verifying the transaction.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1997Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventor: Paul Beard
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Patent number: 6288629Abstract: A method of sending data from a base station to a passive RF tag and writing the data to a tag non-volatile memory which detects a “partial write”, where the tag voltage falls during the write process under the voltage sufficient to reliably write the tag non-volatile memory, is presented. The tag voltage is compared to a stable reference voltage during the time the tag memory is being written, and if the tag voltage falls below an acceptable level, a flag in the tag non-volatile memory is cleared.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1997Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Thomas Anthony Cofino, Daniel Joseph Friedman, Kenneth Alan Goldman, Harley Kent Heinrich
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Patent number: 6286762Abstract: A data carrier reader is capable of executing a number of different reading methods. One method performs an inclusive search, identifying all RFID tags having a characteristic data string that appears on a list of characteristic data strings, for example, stored in a buffer. Another method performs and exclusive search, identifying any RFID tags having a characteristic data string that does not appear on the list. In each method, the data carrier reader provides a consistent and intuitive output the user to identify the successful and unsuccessful operations such as locating a desired RFID tag on the list or missing from the list.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Andrew E. Reynolds, Christopher A. Wiklof, Daniel B. Bodnar
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Patent number: 6283651Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for mounting a print head in a printer. The arrangement comprises a frame (1) to which a feeder device feeds a material to be printed which the printer will print on by means of a print head (3), movably arranged adjacent to a print roll (2) for being brought into, or out of, contact with the material to be printed. According to the invention, the arrangement uses a magnet (5) to hold the print head. Preferably, the print head is fitted in a fixture device (4), which is pivoting freely around a rear axle (7) parallel to the print roll, and the pressure is applied on the print head by a pressure member (6). The magnet (5) is preferably attached to the pressure member (6) so as to transfer pushing as well as pulling forces. The invention enables screws or fixed mounting of the print head to be avoided. The arrangement according to the invention also allows for the print head (3) pressure point to be transversally displaced.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP CorpInventor: Robert Holmberg
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Patent number: 6285342Abstract: An RF transponder is provided with a miniature resonant antenna that can fit on a small form factor the size of a button or coin. More particularly, the RF transponder comprises a substrate and an RF integrated circuit disposed thereon. An antenna is provided on the substrate and is electrically connected to the RF integrated circuit. The antenna has a contorted shape that permits it to fit into the limited available space on the substrate, while having an electrical length that is greater than a maximum length dimension of the substrate. Possible shapes for the antenna may include a meander antenna, a non-uniform meander antenna, a bent dipole antenna, a spiral antenna, a z-shaped dipole, a squeezed dipole antenna, or a combination of any of the antenna types. The RF transponder may further include at least one loading bar spaced from the antenna and/or at least one tuning stub coupled to the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Michael John Brady, Dah-Weih Duan, Venkata S. R. Kodukula
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Patent number: 6280544Abstract: A system includes a method and apparatus for printing labels and applying electronic tags, e.g. RF tags, to the labels, and also includes the resulting labels. The apparatus comprises a label media supply station that receives a strip of label media. The back face of the media may have adhesive thereon, which may be protected by a liner. The media is conveyed to a print station for printing on the front face of the media. A strip of RF tags is conveyed from a tag supply station to a tag application station downstream of the print station. At the tag application station, an electronic tag is applied to the back face of a label that has been printed at the print station. Preferably, a tag strip bar defines the location at which a tag is brought into contact with the back face. The bar is configured to provide a sharp turn in a pathway for a liner portion of the strip of tags. This separates the liner from the tag as the tag is applied to the label.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Duane M. Fox, David N. Bledsoe