Abstract: A portable laser diode scanning head, aimable at each symbol to be read, emits and receives non-readily-visible laser light, and is equipped with a trigger-actuated aiming light arrangement for visually locating and tracking each symbol. A compact laser diode optical train and an optical folded path assembly, as well as an interchangeable component design and an integral window construction for the head also are disclosed.

Abstract: A lightweight hand-held scanning device for repetitively scanning a laser light source having a laser light generating means and at least one high speed scanning motor controlled by a resonant motor circuit which automatically controls the frequency and amplitude of oscillation of a high speed scanning motor. The frequency and amplitude control is accomplished by using a single feedback signal obtained from the windings of the motor which indicates resonance and which also measures the amplitude of oscillation. The feedback signal obtained is a second harmonic of the driving current. The circuit can be utilized to tune and maintain the motor in a resonant oscillating mode. By controlling both the frequency and amplitude of oscillation the high speed scanning motor can maintain a consistent scanning speed and use less power.

Abstract: A narrow-bodied, single-and twin-windowed, hand-held, laser scanning head for reading bar code symbols includes at least one window mounted at the rear region of the head, and through which either the incident beam going to the symbol and/or the reflected beam returning from the symbol, passes unobstructedly and exteriorly of, and past, the front and intermediate body regions of the head. A field-replaceable laser tube arrangement, a laser tube and method of making the same, an arrangement for and method for controlling a scanning system, optical passive elements for increasing the depth of field, a trigger protective device, and a one-piece support bench and method of fabricating the same by mass-production techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: A scan board module includes a printed circuit board on which optical and scanning components are mounted in an optically-aligned relationship. The module is mountable in hand-held heads and protected from damage due to external shock by shock mounts, or in workstations which are either directly or indirectly connected to a cash register-type terminal or hand-held terminal.

Abstract: A lightweight hand-held scanning device for repetitively scanning a laser light source across a target having a laser light generating means and at least one high speed scanning motor controlled by a motor amplitude regulator circuit which automatically controls the amplitude of oscillation of the shaft of the high speed scanning motor. The amplitude control is accomplished by using a closed loop control system that supplies the ac stator windings of the scanning motor with periodic triangular current waveforms for energizing and de-energizing the ac stator coils. The signal that closes the control loop is a feedback signal obtained from the dc stator windings of the motor which indicates the amplitude of oscillation. By controlling the amplitude of oscillation, the high speed scanning motor can maintain a consistent scanning speed and use less power.

Abstract: A drive circuit excites a stepper motor. A current steering network alternately conducts current through first one and then the other of a set of AC windings. A regulated current source excites the DC windings of the stepper motor such that magnitude of the resultant vector due to the current in the motor is substantially constant in time.

Abstract: Apparatus for reading bar code symbols including a laser light source, an optical component for scanning a reference plane, and a sensor for detecting the light of variable intensity reflected from the target. A processor determines whether the reflected light represents a spatial variation that could represent a bar code and generates an enabling signal and a controller is provided for modifying the light beam in response to the enabling signal.

Abstract: A focusing module for divergent light emitted from a source such as a laser diode. The focusing module consists of telescoping cylindrical members which focus by sliding the members along their central axis and permanently adhering the members to each other after focusing. The focusing lens is embodied in a lens assembly which prevents direct contact between the lens surface and the lens seat in one of the cylindrical members. Axial rotation between the cylindrical members, and between the base and the module is prevented by a series of notch and key elements. Consequently, the opening of the focusing module is fixed with respect to the cross-section of the light emitted, and can be shaped to match the cross section of the laser light beam thereby permitting maximum emission of focused light.

Abstract: A portable laser diode scanning head, aimable at each symbol to be read, emits and receives non-readily-visible laser light, and is equipped with a trigger-actuated aiming, light arrangement for visually locating and tracking each symbol. A compact laser diode optical train and an optical folded path assembly, as well as an interchangeable component design and an integral window construction for the head also are disclosed.

Abstract: Optical alignment between components in a head of a laser scanner is maintained in the event of external shock. Optical and scanning component assemblies are shock-mounted near their respective centers of mass. A flexible, printed circuit board on which the assemblies are mounted serves as an alignment fixture.

Abstract: A multidirectional scan pattern is generated by two mirrors, each inclined at a tilt angle and rotated about an axis at an angular speed. The size and shape of the pattern are controlled by adjusting the tilt angles and the angular speeds.

Abstract: A narrow-bodied, single-and twin-windowed, hand-held, laser scanning head for reading bar code symbols includes at least one window mounted at the rear region of the head, and through which either the incident beam going to the symbol and/or the reflected beam returning from the symbol, passes unobstructedly and exteriorly of, and past, the front and intermediate body regions of the head. A field-replaceable laser tube arrangement, a laser tube and method of making the same, an arrangement for and method of controlling a scanning system, optical passive elements for increasing the depth of field, a trigger protective device, and a one-piece support bench and method of fabricating the same by mass-production techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable laser diode scanning head, aimable at each symbol to be read, emits and receives non-readily-visible laser light, and is equipped with a trigger-actuated aiming light arrangement for visually locating and tracking each symbol. A compact laser diode optical train and an optical folded path assembly, as well as an interchangeable component design and an integral window construction for the head also are disclosed.

Abstract: A portable laser diode scanning head, aimable at each symbol to be read, emits and receives non-readily-visible laser light, and is equipped with a trigger-actuated aiming light arrangement for visually locating and tracking each symbol. A compact laser diode optical train and an optical folded path assembly, as well as an interchangeable component design and an integral window construction for the head also are disclosed.