Abstract: Bar codes imprinted or otherwise applied to an object are read and decoded by focusing light reflected from the code by means of an object lens to a light responsive transducer. Electrical signals produced by the transducer are correlated and converted from a trinary code format into a binary code format. The trinary code utilizes bars and half bars made up of segments in one or more of four quadrants to represent a decimal equivalent number. This trinary code is applied to a converter where logic converts the trinary signals into equivalent binary signals which are then translated from a serial format into a parallel format for further processing by conventional binary code processors.

Abstract: Bar codes imprinted or otherwise applied to an object are read and decoded by focusing light reflected from the code by means of an objective lens to an image intensifier tube. Light energy reflected from the code impinges on the photo cathode of the image intensifier tube thereby causing an electron beam to generate a display on a phosphor screen with the electron beam deflected to center the code image on the phosphor screen. A fiber optic array channels light from the phosphor screen to an array of zones of photo sensors each zone having an output coupled to a correlation circuit. Output voltages from the correlation circuits are simultaneously coupled to acquisition, tracking and reading logic. Initially, upon detecting the presence of a code on an object, the acquisition and tracking logic responds thereto to produce deflection voltages to the image intensifier tube to provide centering on the phosphor screen.

Abstract: An extensible and retractable, split hitch construction which offers articulative versatility in aligning the hitch with the ball or other hitch connection of a towing vehicle. Accordingly, rather than requiring an exact alignment of the trailer tongue with the tractor ball, for example, the tractor is merely brought in proximity with the hitch connection. Thereafter the tongue of the hitch is extended and pivoted as necessary to come into proper vertical alignment with the ball or other tractor connection. Means are provided in the hitch construction for the gradual application of brakes to the towed trailer where the same presses toward the tractor.