Abstract: A grip held and grip operable data entry device for data collection by an operator having a hand includes a narrow grip unit for entry of data and a housing extension for carrying certain components that would otherwise have to be carried within grip unit, allowing grip unit to be narrow for comfortable and secure gripping without elimination of any desired functionality. Grip unit includes main housing having a first side and a second side, the first housing grasped by the operator's hand with the thumb extending along the first side and the middle finger engaging the second side. A housing extension extends from and is carried by main housing behind the operator's thumb such that operator support for holding device is furnished by the operator's thumb and the operator's middle finger acting upon the first side and the second side of main housing, leaving the index finger free to engage and disengage a pushbutton.

Abstract: A grip held and grip operable data entry device for data collection by an operator having a hand includes a narrow grip unit for entry of data and a housing extension for carrying certain components that would otherwise have to be carried within grip unit, allowing grip unit to be narrow for comfortable and secure gripping without elimination of any desired functionality. Grip unit includes main housing having a first side and a second side, the first housing grasped by the operator's hand with the thumb extending along the first side and the middle finger engaging the second side. A housing extension extends from and is carried by main housing behind the operator's thumb such that operator support for holding device is furnished by the operator's thumb and the operator's middle finger acting upon the first side and the second side of main housing, leaving the index finger free to engage and disengage a push-button.

Abstract: A peripheral device adapted to be releasably secured to a host computer of the type having a standardized card slot. The peripheral device includes a card shaped portion attached to a module portion which houses an input/output device. In one embodiment, the input/output device is an item identification reader, and the card shaped portion and module portion are integrally connected. Further, the card shaped portion is fitted into the card slot in the host computer to secure the peripheral device within the card slot to permit one handed operation of the host computer/peripheral device combination. The first embodiment also provides an electronic interface between the host computer and the peripheral device. In a second embodiment, the card shaped portion does not provide an electronic card interface. The card shaped portion and card slot merely engage to secure the peripheral device within the card slot. In this embodiment, the electronic interface is provided via a separate serial port connection.

Abstract: A device (10) adding keyboard input to a handheld computer (12) lacking such input (such as pen computers and personal digital assistants) includes a bracket (30) having a plurality of clips (33) removably carrying the handheld computer (12), and a joint (40) secured to the keyboard (11) and the bracket (30) for positioning the keyboard (11) in a plurality of orientations relative to the handheld computer (12). These orientations include a first orientation in which the keyboard (11) is operable and at a preselected viewing angle from a display (14) that is pan of the handheld computer (12), a second orientation adjacent the display (14) in which the keyboard (11) substantially covers the display (14), and a third orientation proximate the handheld computer (12) in which the display (14) is unobstructed, thereby facilitating pen-based input through the display (14).

Abstract: A portable device (10) for selective message recordation and playback and scheduling includes a portable unit (11) and an optional homebase station (12). Portable unit (11) includes a housing (15), unit controller (20), tactile input mechanism (40), audio processor (60) and video processor (80). Portable unit (11) allows textual, audible and visual message inputs and their selective playback based on time or other preselected textual, audible or visual stimulus. A selectively detachable stylus (51) may be removed to engage a touch panel (50) for making operational selections and entering information. Optional homebase station (12) may include a variety of features for supporting and supplementing those of handheld unit (11), such as a floppy drive (112) message memory, input keys (114), a battery charging circuit (115) and an external communication circuit (117).

Abstract: A portable device (10) for selective message recordation and playback and scheduling includes a portable unit (11) and an optional homebase station (12). Portable unit (11) includes a housing (15), unit controller (20), tactile input mechanism (40), audio processor (60) and video processor (80). Portable unit (11) allows textual, audible and visual message inputs and their selective playback based on time or other preselected textual, audible or visual stimulus. A selectively detachable stylus (51) may be removed to engage a touch panel (50) for making operational selections and entering information. Optional homebase station (12) may include a variety of features for supporting and supplementing those of handheld unit (11), such as a floppy drive (112) message memory, input keys (114), a battery charging circuit (115) and an external communication circuit (117).

Abstract: A device (10) adding apparatus as a keyboard input to a handheld computer (12) lacking such input (such as pen computers and personal digital assistants) includes a keyboard (11) and a planar motion pivot mechanism (30). Planar motion pivot mechanism (30) includes a body (31) formed as a boot that encloses an end of the handheld computer (12), and a pivot pin (32). The user simply rotates keyboard (11) from a nonoperational position substantially covering the handheld computer display (14), to an operational position at substantially a right angle to the display (14).

Abstract: A protective case for housing a portable computer having a keyboard and a display, which protective case includes a keyboard case for receiving the keyboard and a display case for receiving the display. The display case is pivotally attached to the keyboard case and is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the keyboard case. The axis of rotation of the display case relative to the keyboard case is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the display relative to the keyboard of the portable computer. An articulating handle is provided which attaches to both the keyboard case and the display case, and articulates about a pivot pin as the display case moves relative to the keyboard case. Additionally, the handle may be moved between an unlatched position whereby the display case pivots freely relative to the keyboard case, and a latched position whereby the display case is retained against movement relative to the keyboard case.

Abstract: A grip held and grip operable data entry device for data collection by an operator having a hand includes a narrow grip unit for entry of data and a housing extension for carrying certain components that would otherwise have to be carried within grip unit, allowing grip unit to be narrow for comfortable and secure gripping without elimination of any desired functionality. Grip unit includes main housing having a first side and a second side, the first housing grasped by the operator's hand with the thumb extending along the first side and the middle finger engaging the second side. A housing extension extends from and is carried by main housing behind the operator's thumb such that operator support for holding device is furnished by the operator's thumb and the operator's middle finger acting upon the first side and the second side of main housing, leaving the index finger free to engage and disengage a pushbutton.

Abstract: A device (10) adding keyboard input to a handheld computer (12) lacking such input (such as pen computers and personal digital assistants) includes a keyboard (11) and a planar motion pivot mechanism (30). Planar motion pivot mechanism (30) includes a body (31) formed as a boot that encloses an end of the handheld computer (12), and a pivot pin (32). The user simply rotates keyboard (11) from a nonoperational position substantially covering the handheld computer display (14), to an operational position at substantially a right angle to the display (14).

Abstract: A laptop style computing device (10) includes a base portion (11), a display portion (12) containing a display screen (16) and a touch input panel (18) and a mechanism (45, 55) for selectively positioning the display portion in selective angular engagement with the base portion in a plurality of angular upright positions for use in the laptop mode, as well as the display up position for slate style use and the display down position for closing the device.

Abstract: A peripheral device adapted to be releasably secured to a host computer of the type having a standardized card slot. The peripheral device includes a card shaped portion attached to a module portion which houses an/input/output device. In one embodiment, the input/output device is an item identification reader, and the card shaped portion and module portion are integrally connected. Further, the card shaped portion is fitted into the card slot in the host computer to secure the peripheral device within the card slot to permit one handed operation of the host computer/peripheral device combination. The first embodiment also provides an electronic interface between the host computer and the peripheral device. In a second embodiment, the card shaped portion does not provide an electronic card interface. The card shaped portion and card slot merely engage to secure the peripheral device within the card slot. In this embodiment, the electronic interface is provided via a separate serial port connection.

Abstract: A headphone assembly adapted for engaging a user's head includes an adjustable headband having first and second ends. A right ear piece is attached to a first end, and a left ear piece is attached to a second end of the headband. Each ear piece is substantially semi-circular shaped, and has a substantially inverted U-shaped shell having an inverted U-shaped inner wall. The U-shaped inner wall defines an acoustic cavity having a bottom end opening for receiving approximately the top half of the user's ear. A rear wall of the acoustic cavity has a number of holes extending therethrough behind which a speaker is mounted. An inverted U-shaped chamber is provided about the acoustic cavity. The right ear piece chamber will hold the electronic circuitry necessary for a cordless receiver. The left ear piece has a similar chamber which accepts a power board.

Abstract: A handheld, portable device for processing point of sale transactions includes a housing, a magnetic card reader for reading credit card information, the reader carried within the housing substantially adjacent to the first end of the housing, a numeric keyboard and an alphabetic keyboard for entering customer information, and a barcode scanner for scanning product identification information, the barcode scanner carried within the housing substantially adjacent to a second end of the housing. Also included is a display for displaying selected information, a printer for printing a customer receipt, a communications assembly for furnishing the information needed to obtain transaction approval, and a processor for receiving the information, and controlling the display, the printer and the communications assembly. Device furnishes all functions necessary to facilitate and complete a point of sale credit card transaction. The housing configuration allows handsfree operation for most functions.

Abstract: An electronic terminal of the type employing a card reading device mounted within the interior thereof accessible through an input port formed in a wall of the terminal. A shield formed of an elastomeric material is mounted adjacent the input port of the card reader to prevent the entrance of debris into the interior of the terminal. The shield provides at least two opposing movable overlapping flaps extending over the card reader input port. The flaps are readily flexible to allow a card to slide therebetween, and automatically flex back to an overlapping closed position when the card is withdrawn. Locator pins and mating holes are provided in said flaps to assure a consistent return to the closed and sealed position. In one embodiment, the shield is made from two half sections which may be either separated or connected via a flexible bridge.

Abstract: A portable hand-held device (10) for data collection by an operator includes a grip unit (12) having polarized connectors (31, 32) at the top and bottom thereof for removable engagement with mating polarized connectors (33, 34) in external modulus (14) furnishing operator selectable, application functions such as CCD or laser scanning, and radio frequency automatic identification. Device (10) is held and operable by one hand in either right- or left-handed configurations with the output from modules (14) directed away from the operator and toward the object from which data is to be obtained. The connectors (31, 32) are mounted in reversed orientation from each other, thereby insuring that external removable modules (14) are automatically connected in the proper orientation for the desired handed operation.

Abstract: A handheld, portable device (10) for processing point of sale transactions includes a housing (20), a magnetic card reader (40) for reading credit card information, the reader (40) carried within the housing (20) substantially adjacent to the first end (23) of the housing (20), a numeric keyboard (50) and an alphabetic keyboard (60) for entering customer information, and a barcode scanner (70) for scanning product identification information, the barcode scanner (70) carried within the housing (20) substantially adjacent to a second end (24) of the housing (20). Also included is a display (80) for displaying selected information, a printer (90) for printing a customer receipt, a communications assembly (110) for furnishing the information needed to obtain transaction approval, and a processor (130) for receiving the information, and controlling the display (80), the printer (90) and the communications assembly (110).

Abstract: A portable device (10) for data collection by an operator (11) includes a data entry unit (12) for entry of data other than by scanning and a module (14) having a display (50) for display of information and a scanner (51) or other auto-identification device for data collection. Data entry unit (12) operates both when carried by hand and while carried on operator (11) other than by hand. Module (14) is detachably carried by data entry unit (12) and operates both while module (14) is carried by data entry unit (12) and while detached therefrom. Data entry unit (12) includes a module carrier (70) for adjustably, detachably carrying display/scanner module (14). Because module (14) includes both a display and scanner, both are always within the line of sight of operator (11), greatly facilitating use of device (10). Because data entry unit (12) includes the remaining components, module (14) is lightweight and may be used for long periods without fatigue.

Abstract: A headphone assembly adapted for engaging a user's head includes an adjustable headband having first and second ends. A right ear piece is attached to a first end, and a left ear piece is attached to a second end of the headband. Each ear piece is substantially semi-circular shaped, and has a substantially inverted U-shaped shell having an inverted U-shaped inner wall. The U-shaped inner wall defines an acoustic cavity having a bottom end opening for receiving approximately the top half of the user's ear. A rear wall of the acoustic cavity has a number of holes extending therethrough behind which a speaker is mounted. An inverted U-shaped chamber is provided about the acoustic cavity and the outer perimeter of the ear piece. The right ear piece chamber will hold the electronic circuitry necessary for a cordless receiver.