Abstract: A hand-held bar code scanner has a field-replaceable optical element (250) such as a window using a rubber boot (110) to hold the window (250) proximate to the scanner housing (101) in front of the housing. The optical element is most typically a window but may also be a filter or lens.

Abstract: A plurality of semiconductor laser diodes are disposed so as to emit laser beams whose optical axes extend in different directions. The laser beam emitted from the plurality of semiconductor laser diodes is deflected by a polygon mirror and then reflected by pattern forming mirrors, to thereby form a combined scanning pattern. Although the combined scanning pattern consists of a plurality of cross patterns that are arranged as connected without being overlapped with each other, it actually has the same reading area as a single large cross pattern. Scattered light produced by scanning a bar code symbol by means of the combined scanning pattern is subjected to photoelectric conversion, and a resulting signal is decoded. To form the combined scanning pattern, the rotational angle of the polygon mirror is detected and drives of the plurality of semiconductor laser diodes are switched at high speed based on the detection result.

Abstract: In order to certainly receive a proper IC card having a regular length to a terminal contact position without causing a forcible force to act on an integrated circuit incorporated in the IC card to discharge a wrong card having a length smaller than the regular length, an IC card inserted from a card insertion port is advanced toward a card storage unit of a frame having an opening formed in the lower surface thereof while the IC card is slightly pressed downward, and the leading end of the IC card is brought into contact with a card receiver of a slide member. The slide member is biased by a spring toward the card insertion port and is slid backward when the IC card is pressed deeper with a force stronger than the biasing force of the spring.

Abstract: A time delayed cash dispenser is interconnected with a control terminal that is connectable to an electronic funds transfer system. The control terminal is selectively controlled to "override" the timer of the time delayed cash dispenser to enable a user to access and perform transactions through the EFT system. Preferably, the control terminal activates the cash dispenser to vend cash containers containing the authorized cash disbursement. Cash stores in the time delayed cash dispenser are replenished by depositing excess cash from the retail location cash register. The system thus permits cash replenishment in discrete amounts without exposing the entire cash stores and permits a retail establishment to sell cash to customers through the EFT system.

Abstract: A bar code reader of the type which directs a light beam to scan an area (i.e. raster scan) is disclosed herein. The reader includes first and second oscillating mirrors for directing a light beam from a photodiode to a bar code, and for directing portions of the light beam reflected from the bar code back to a photodetector which generates an electrical signal representative of the information embodied in the bar code. The first oscillating mirror scans the light parallel to a first line (e.g. vertical line) at a first frequency onto the second oscillating mirror. The second oscillating mirror scans the light from the first mirror parallel to a second line (e.g. horizontal line perpendicular to the vertical line) at a second frequency greater than the first frequency onto the bar code. The first mirror may be a compound mirror having a concave, reflective surface which circumscribes a flat, reflective surface.

Abstract: In order to alleviate condensation which can cause window fogging or frosting conditions when the scanner is used in frigid environments as in refrigerated warehouses, a holder for the scanner is provided which may be located on a forklift or at a strategic location where rapid temperature changes can occur. The holder defines a chamber having doors defined by brushes which contact each other and which are located at one end and across at least a part of the bottom of a housing providing the chamber. The bar code scanner has a head and a handle which may be inserted through the end door into the chamber and supported by a shoulder surface of the bottom of the head around the handle. The doors seal the chamber while having sufficient permeability to allow the escape of moisture. The inside of the chamber may be heated to a temperature which alleviates any fogging.

Abstract: A scoring system compiles a set of statistics based on a given set of sport or performance data. A plurality of coded data items are accumulated which each identify a specific sports or performance parameter. The coded data items are contained within a predetermined format. The system employs a methodology for recording data that is easy to use does not interrupt or hinder the performance of the user. A card reader inputs and converts the coded data items into electrical signals. The inputted electrical signals are received and processed by sorting the electrical signals into a plurality of statistic categories. The electrical signals contained within each statistic category are compiled to compute statistics. The compiled statistics are outputted in a user selected manner.

Abstract: A symbology reader employing an area detector and LEDs mounted at various angular orientations on a printed circuit board for illuminating a target object in an object plane. Each of the LEDs is oriented according to a desired beam vector to illuminate a particular area of the object plane so that the sum of the beams produces a desired illumination pattern. In one embodiment, the illumination pattern is selected to be inversely proportional to the sensitivity of the area detector to provide an even response over an entire image area. The individual LEDs are angularly aligned by an alignment board having an alignment aperture for each LED. The LEDs are mounted onto the printed circuit board with their body portions spaced apart from the board and supported by semi-rigid wire leads soldered to the board. Each of the alignment holes of the alignment board is laterally offset slightly from the mounting position of the LED.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a surface which may bear a bar code symbol. The apparatus generates a series of pulses having a duty cycle which depends upon whether light reflected from a surface bearing a bar code symbol has been detected recently. If such a surface has been detected, the duty cycle is maintained at a high rate. Otherwise, the duty cycle is reduced substantially until such a surface is again detected to save battery power.

Abstract: An information storage and retrieval device comprising a card conveyor mount for supporting and conveying a card-type information storage medium; a drive means having a linear motor, for reciprocatingly driving the card conveyor mount; an electrical power control circuit having switching elements, for providing power to the linear motor; speed detection means and for detecting the speed at which the card conveyor mount is moving.

Abstract: An extraction/retention arrangement for use with a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) card features a tag which is attached to the card to provide for hand extraction of the card from a computer drive mechanism. The tag includes protrusions to prevent accidental extraction of the card by latching behind an interior lip of the drive mechanism, while enabling finger grip extraction of the card as is desired. The tag carries orientation indicia to insure that the card is properly inserted in the drive mechanism.

Abstract: An interactive training system is operated in combination with a training material including first recording medium for recording main training information composed of moving pictures, sub training information relating to the main training information and notice information, and second recording medium for recording reproduction control information. The system includes: reproduction unit for reproducing one of the main training information and the sub training information to be displayed on a display; input unit for reading out the reproduction control information from the second recording medium; and control unit for controlling the reproduction unit in accordance with the reproduction control information supplied from the input unit. The notice information is displayed on the display with the main training information when the sub training information corresponding to the main training information is recorded in the first recording medium.

Abstract: Meter cards, which are structurally identical with magnetic stripe vend cards, are used to collect and transfer transaction data from card actuated vending machines to a transaction terminal. The transaction terminal contains a card reader and a computer device. Transaction data, including the number of units sold, i.e., vends or plays, on the vending machines as well as the dollar volume of sales is fed into the transaction terminal and the associated computer device carries out inventory and accounting functions. The meter card contains command indicia that instruct the vend machine card reader to write the transaction data onto the magnetic stripe of the meter card. The transaction data can also include incentive or redemption points awarded to card holders for using the vend cards. A separate meter card is used for each vending machine in the system to transfer its transaction data to the transaction terminal.

Abstract: An optical storage disk for use in an optical storage system includes a storage layer which is capable of being disrupted when a laser beam of sufficient intensity is focused thereon. The optical storage disk has a transparent substrate layer on one side of the storage layer and a lacquer layer on the other side of the storage layer. The disruptions provided by the laser beam are selected to provide human readable and/or machine readable patterns. To reduce the damage to portions of the optical disk other than the storage layer, the storage layer is exposed to the laser beam prior to curing, or prior to applying and curing the lacquer layer. The optical disk can be of the type with data written thereon during fabrication, or the disk can be of the type in which data can be impressed thereon after fabrication of the optical disk. The patterns on the optical disk can be in the form of optical bar codes.

Abstract: A bar code reader and the mirror oscillating system thereof are disclosed herein. The bar code reader is of the type which produces a scanning light beam by oscillating at least one mirror with a electromagnetic oscillator. The electromagnetic oscillator includes a winding which is energized with an alternating current signal produced based upon a position signal generated by a magnetic pickup. The position signal is representative of the location of the mirror. The position signal is amplified, phase-shifted, and assigned a duration based upon the difference between the desired angle of mirror oscillation and the actual angle of oscillation to produce the alternating current signal which is applied to the winding. When applied to the winding, the alternating current produces an alternating magnetic field which interacts with a permanent magnet fixed relative to the mirror to oscillate the mirror.

Abstract: A point of sale system designed to read information from a consumer's check, credit card, or manual input with a subsequent debiting of a consumer's account and crediting a merchant's account for the goods or services provided. Point of sale terminals are designed to accept a form of credit card with a consumer's bank account information encoded thereon or in the alternative to read the MICR number from a consumer's check in order to verify that a consumer has an appropriate balance to conduct the transaction with a given merchant. Thereafter the transaction of that information is transmitted to a central computer system which verifies the consumer's credit worthiness and stores the transaction event information for subsequent bank reconciliation via the ACH network. The invention eliminates the need for paper checks with all bank reconciliation being accomplished electronically.

Abstract: Data collection apparatus includes an assemblage of a data collection terminal and a carrying case which is a combination of a printer module and a docking module which are joined and combined into a unitary structure. The carrying case has an attached handle which is preferably attached to the printer module. The carrying case further includes a holder for temporarily grasping an data collection accessory, such as a bar code scanner. The data terminal is quickly insertible and removable from the docking module. Communication connectors and communication wiring becomes coupled to the data collection terminal upon insertion of the data collection terminal into the docking module.

Abstract: A bar code reader for an article (17) which is moved at least substantially in one direction (26) has a scanner (12) which generates a scanning light beam (11) which scans a surface (18) of the article (17) linewise, a light receiving arrangement (13) which includes an electronic evaluation circuit (14) with which bar codes (16) applied to the surface of the article (17) and scanned by the light beam (11) can be recognized and which is arranged outside of the parth of movement (20) of the article (17) and directed towards the front surface (18) of the article (17) as seen in the direction of movement.

Abstract: Structure for and method of facilitating charge transactions by the holder of a plurality of charge cards, issued by a plurality of separate charge card issuers, utilizing a single universal charge card selector card, facilitating card holder reconciliation of card holder receipts and a consolidated statement, and providing the universal card holder with a single consolidated statement for all of the card holder's charge transactions during a statement period.

Abstract: An optical system and method for data reading. The preferred system is directed to a scanner which includes a multiple beam service, such as a laser diode and a beam splitter which generates first optical beam and a second optical beam, the first optical beam being directed toward one side of a scanning optical element such as a rotating polygon mirror and to a first mirror array, the second optical beam is being simultaneously directed toward a second optical element such as another side of the rotating polygon mirror and then to a second and a third mirror array. The first mirror array is configured to generate a scan pattern through a vertical window and the second and third mirror arrays are configured to generate scan patterns passing through a horizontal window. In combination, the three mirror arrays generate three sets of scan lines so as to scan the bottom and all lateral sides of an object being passed through the scan volume.