Abstract: A portable housing of a moving laser beam reader or an imaging reader is held by an operator in a handheld mode during electro-optical reading of symbols. A docking station supports the housing in a docked state when the housing is not in the handheld mode. At least one proximity sensor is supported by the housing and/or the docking station. The proximity sensor detects the operator's remoteness from the sensor to lock the housing to the docking station in the docked state, and detects the operator's proximity to the sensor to release the housing from the docking station.

Abstract: An electrical cable bulk which can be coiled includes a jacket; a first wire assembly and a second wire assembly. The first wire assembly includes a shield conductor member at least partially shielding a first wire set. The first wire set includes a pair of insulated conductors disposed contiguously within the shield conductor member; and a ground conductor disposed within the shield conductor member. The second wire assembly includes a first shield conductor member at least partially shielding a second wire set. The second wire set includes a first pair of insulated conductors disposed contiguously within the first shield conductor member and a second pair of insulated conductors disposed contiguously within the first shield conductor member. The second wire assembly includes a second shield conductor member around a drain conductor and the first shield conductor member. The first and second wire assemblies are disposed within the jacket.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for charging a power source comprising determining a type of power supply used by a base, communicating a charge rate to a power source charging module and providing power to the power source at a charge rate. In one embodiment, a scanner can recharge from a cradle that receives power from either a dedicated external power source or through USB by adjusting its charge rate based on a communication from the base.