Abstract: A hand-held scanning device employs apparatus for varying the depth of field of the scanning device. The scanning device comprises a gun-shaped housing for comfortably fitting within the hand of an operator. The scanning device is actuated by a finger-activated trigger, which moves a CCD sensor on an image plane as the trigger is pulled. In this manner, focusing for large depth of field applications is achieved.

Abstract: An electro-optical triggerless reader reads indicia having parts of different light reflectivity within a limited working range of distances relative to the reader. A light beam is focused to have its minimum beam cross-section, as considered along a scan direction, or waist situated within a housing for the reader, thereby enabling the reader to read indicia located adjacent the reader housing.

Abstract: An end fed dipole antenna system comprises first and second quarter wavelength (L/4) conductive strips (12, 14) arranged end-to-end on one side of a PCB (16), and third and fourth conductive L/4 strips (22, 24) on the opposite side of the PCB; the third strip (22) overlying the first strip (12) and the fourth strip (24) having a longer arm lying parallel to the third strip (22). An RF generator (18) of wavelength L is connected to the corresponding outer ends of the overlying strips. Strip parts (14, 24) which do not overlie form an end fed dipole which operates as if it were center fed.

Abstract: A method for decoding an analog waveform corresponding to a symbol comprises detecting the extrema locations of the waveform, and creating a feature vector from these extrema locations. The feature vector is compared to stored reference arrays corresponding to each symbol from an alphabet of possible symbols using statistical pattern recognition techniques to decode the waveform. The invention also features an analog waveform decoder that has reference storage for holding reference arrays, and a processor that creates and decodes a feature vector for the analog waveform.

Abstract: A method which enables a credit cardholder to make a donation to a cardholder-selected charity any time he makes a purchase using the credit card. The method comprises a credit/charge card which identifies on its magnetic strip, charities to receive a donation, and a bank expedited system which processes the card user's purchase transaction, pays a previously decided amount to the charity or charities and also bills the cardholder. In this system, the donated amounts may be paid by the bank or card issuing organization, or the cardholder may add an amount which he pays to the selected charity. The proposed system may be described as being a bank expedited charity donation, (abbreviated to BAX) approach for credit/charge cardholders.

Abstract: A device for separating liquids from solids and solids from solids is provided by utilizing a tall column filled with liquid which is subjected to a siphon action that pulls the liquid/solids mixture vertically through the column clarifying the liquid and classifying the solids. This siphon method provides a most efficient method of classification of solids and clarification of liquids. Atmospheric pressure and gravity create forces within the device which simultaneously act on every particle. The interior of the tall column has no moving parts.