Abstract: A wireless local area network for digital radio communication between remote devices and a PBX telephone system, wherein the remote devices can access and use the voice message features in the PBX and the data bases on a host computer and servers. A wireless phone is provided for voice and data communication through the PBX or a CO telephone line with remote locations or the Internet using digital data packets and standard Internet Protocol. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the remote device is a cash register comprising a bar code scanner and a phone. Radio communication between the register and a host computer is carried out over two channels, a first channel for data communication and a second channel for voice communication.

Abstract: A design device and method of manufacturing a vertical cavity surface emitting laser with a visual indicator for determining exposure to electrostatic discharge (ESD) or electrical overstress (EOS). Either an on-chip or off-chip fuse used in series or in parallel with the VCSEL that provides a visual indicator that the device has been subjected to an ESD or EOS event.

Abstract: A converter is provided having an AC input and a DC output. The converter includes a rectifier that receives the AC input and that provides a rectifier output, a series connected current to magnetic field energy storage device and current interrupter connected across the rectifier output and a series connected gallium nitride diode and output charge storage device connected between a midpoint of the series connected magnetic field energy storage device and current interrupter and a terminal of the rectifier output and wherein the converter is characterized in not needing a transient voltage suppression circuit.

Abstract: A converter is provided having an AC input and a DC output. The converter includes a rectifier that receives the AC input and that provides a rectifier output, a series connected current to magnetic field energy storage device and current interrupter connected across the rectifier output and a series connected gallium nitride diode and output charge storage device connected between a midpoint of the series connected magnetic field energy storage device and current interrupter and a terminal of the rectifier output and wherein the converter is characterized in not needing a transient voltage suppression circuit.

Abstract: A range finder for use with a bar code scanner. An image of a scan line is detected by a sensor array. Distance from the scanner to the bar code symbol is determined from the length of the detected scan line image.

Abstract: A scanning device for reading indicia of differing light reflectivity, including bar code or matrix array symbols, has a single light emitter, such as a laser or light emitting diode, for generating a scanning light beam to visually illuminate sequential portions of the indicia. A sensor, such as a charge coupled or other solid state imaging device, simultaneously detects light reflected from portions of the indicia and generates an electrical signal representative of the spacial intensity variations the portions of the indicia. The scanning device may also include an ambient light sensor, and a second light emitter for use only in aiming or orienting the scanning device. A photodetector may also be provided to separately detect one symbol virtually simultaneous with the detection of another symbol by the sensor or to provide dual modalities. A method for reading indicia is also provided.