Abstract: A magnetic RF tag reader is shown for reading RF tags which transmit information to the receiver when the RF tag is disposed in a low frequency magnetic field. The reader is of a size which can be hand-held and is operatively attached to a separate hand-held terminal for receiving, processing and storing information. The hand-held terminal can be used independently for other purposes when it is not operably connected to the RF tag reader. A regular bar code reader can also be attached to the hand-held terminal means if desired.

Abstract: A hand-held portable data collection terminal is encased by an elongate housing of generally rectangular outline. The housing includes upper and lower housing shells which are assembled into a water tight housing. The upper housing shell may support on an upper surface a display and a keyboard with typically alpha-numeric keys. The area taken up by the display and keyboard defines an overall width of the data terminal which may exceed the width of a readily hand fitting grip. The terminal consequently includes in its lower housing shell a grip-conforming inwardly displaced lower wall bounded by inwardly converging angled sidewalls. The inwardly displaced region at the bottom of the housing is spanned by a resilient strap disposed longitudinally across the grip-conforming portion. A user may insert a hand into a space defined between the strap and the inwardly displaced surface.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held data terminal of modular structure includes a base module with a keyboard and a display screen. A data and communications module may be selected from a number of different data and communications modules, each having different types of data communications transceivers, or including in addition data collection devices, such as shelf label readers or bar code readers. The base module includes a microprocessor-controlled data communications and control interface having a predetermined protocol. To adapt the various types of data and communications modules for selection of any one thereof to become attached to the base module and function therewith, each of the data and communications modules includes a microprocessor operable to function as an emulator to interact with the microprocessor of the base module and communicate with the microprocessor of the base module in accordance with the protocol of the data communications and control interface of the base module.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held data collection terminal unit is of modular structure including among other modules a display screen module, a keyboard module and a base module, each of which may be chosen from a plurality of modules available for assembly into the terminal unit. Consequently, a wide combination of terminal units may be assembled from a comparatively limited number of modular choices, such that the cost of assembly of a terminal unit with specific functions may be minimized. A particular selected module is a scanning module including a pivotable scanning head to permit a user to adjust the scanning head to a convenient position for operating the scanning module without sacrifice of visual access to a display screen of the display screen module. The display screen module may be selected from modules of standard width equal to the width of the terminal unit, of extended width extending when assembled to a selected keyboard module beyond either or both lateral edges of the terminal unit.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, portable data devices can be coupled with a local area network at any of a multiplicity of points and integrated into the system on a dynamic basis. The preferred system is highly flexible and closely adaptable to changing needs of an individual user. For example, unitary multiple docking devices each receiving a plurality of handheld computerized data terminals may be chained in a series to a single primary controller which may have a further LAN channel including an auxiliary unit which may supply charging power to a further series of multiple docking devices, added to the system as needed. A preferred auxiliary unit is capable of handling two-way communication without the provision of a direction control line in the channel. A preferred LAN system may have unitary printed circuit boards or other rigid network pathways provided with multiple docking receptacles. The control for the LAN system will automatically establish identities for randomly added devices.

Abstract: Basic elements of a modular printer system may comprise a rectangular open frame with receptacles for a printer module and computerized terminal module, and with an external configuration for receiving modular components such as a carrying handle, a support foot, an auxiliary terminal module mounting bracket and an AC adaptor module. Respective different paper tray modules may be selectively secured to the open frame to form a bottom closure and to provide a repository for appropriate circuit boards and an on-board battery if needed, as well as containing an appropriate supply of paper for the printer (e.g. 50 sheets or 200 sheets). Respective terminal adaptor modules may secure different generations of computerized terminals in the frame for data transfer to the printer. A terminal module may utilize a spring-urged retainer for retaining a hand-held computerized terminal therewith.

Abstract: A portable printing data entry terminal device includes a portable data entry terminal unit which has a display and keyboard for manual entry of data and control instructions. The data entry terminal unit is powered by a rechargeable battery pack which is housed within the terminal unit. A printer unit is mounted to one end of the data entry terminal unit. The printer unit has its own battery pack to power the printing function. An electrical and data interface between the terminal and printer units routes data to the printer unit for information to be printed. The interface also routes communication and power lines through the printer unit to external connectors disposed at one end of the printer unit. The printer power, though contained within the printer unit, is controlled by the data entry terminal unit to be selectively turned off. Controlling the printer power to be turned on only when information is to be printed tends to equalize the discharge cycle of the terminal and printer batteries.

Abstract: A hand-held portable data entry terminal is encased by an elongate housing of substantially rectangular dimensions. The housing includes upper and lower housing shells which are assembled into a water tight housing. The upper housing shell supports on an upper surface a display and a keyboard with typically alphanumberic keys. The area taken up by the display and keyboard defines an overall width of the data terminal which may exceed the width of a readily hand fitting grip. The terminal consequently includes in a central portion of its lower housing shell a grip conforming portion of an inwardly displaced lower wall bounded by inwardly converging angled sidewalls. The depression in the center portion of the housing adjacent opposite end portions is spanned by a resilient strap disposed longitudinally across the grip conforming portion. A user may insert a hand into a space defined between the strap and the inwardly displaced surface.

Abstract: In a exemplary computerized FM Data Transceiver terminal, an antenna may extend longitudinally from one end and a battery drawer at an opposite (lower) end may receive a detachable bar code scanner module or the like for mechanized data input. In such computer terminals which are hand-held for relatively long time periods, e.g., during inventory data collection, use of the terminal is particularly facilitated by indenting the underside of the terminal intermediate its ends to form a hand grip configuration and by providing a strap spanning the indentation such that the fingers of one hand can be inserted between the hand grip and strap in a quick smooth motion without requiring as a separate motion the lifting of the strap to accommodate the fingers. These features coact to provide for an outstandingly comfortable and secure gripping of the terminal during use.