Patents by Inventor David E. Bellows
David E. Bellows has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20130229262Abstract: An antenna method and apparatus for a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader includes an RFID reader, a plurality of radio ports of the RFID reader, and a plurality of linearly polarized antenna elements coupled to the radio ports, wherein the RFID reader directs the radio ports to sequentially communicatively connect only one antenna element at a time to the RFID reader such that only one antenna element is operable to transmit/receive at any instant in time. The antenna elements are mounted in an alternating vertically polarized and horizontally polarized configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2012Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventor: David E. Bellows
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Publication number: 20130169414Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining data of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag in a virtual read zone of a non-RFID enabled device. The method comprises determining a location of the non-RFID enabled device, determining a virtual read zone of the non-RFID enabled device using at least the location of the non-RFID enabled device, identifying at least one fixed reader device having an RFID read zone that at least partially includes the virtual read zone, reading data of the RFID tag using the at least one fixed reader device, and transmitting the data of the RFID tag from the at least one fixed reader device to the non-RFID enabled device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: David E. Bellows, Michael O'Haire, Panchapakesan V. Subramanian
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Publication number: 20130169415Abstract: A portable data tag method, device and system for identifying a location of a data tag. The method comprises reading the data tag by a portable data tag reader device; determining, by a processor in operative communication with the reader device, a location of the portable data tag reader device; determining, by the processor, a read zone of the portable data tag reader device, relative to the location of the portable data tag reader device; and determining, by the processor, the location of the data tag using the location of the portable data tag reader device and the read zone of the portable data tag reader device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: David E. Bellows, Thomas E. Wulff
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Publication number: 20130113669Abstract: The present disclosure provides a rotating-polarization reflector-backed Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) loop antenna apparatus and method. The loop antenna apparatus and method provides high gain (i.e., maximizing read distances at lowest power), directionality (i.e., ability to focus on specific areas), orientation insensitivity (i.e., ability to read RFID tags in any direction or orientation) while occupying minimal volume in overhead configurations. In an exemplary embodiment, the loop antenna apparatus includes a reflector and a loop element with the reflector configured to reflect downward RF energy from the loop element. Antenna polarization is controlled by a feed location on the loop element and antenna pattern is controlled by the reflector. Thus, orientation insensitivity may be achieved without changing the antenna pattern by rotating the feed location and not the reflector.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: David E. Bellows
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Patent number: 8421604Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying the read zone of an RFID reader. The apparatus includes a supporting sheet, a reader-position mark on the supporting sheet to indicate a recommended location to position an RFID reader, and a zone-boundary mark on the supporting sheet to indicate a read zone of the RFID reader with a predetermined field strength.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David E. Bellows, Timothy B. Austin, Mark W. Duron, Thomas E. Wulff
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Patent number: 8279125Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a combined and compact monopole and slot antenna providing circular polarization for various applications, such as ultra high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID). The antenna of the present invention combines a slot antenna with a monopole antenna using a single feed to drive both, effectively resulting in a circular polarized antenna. In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna may be integrated internally to a mobile device and printed on a flex or a printed circuit board (PCB), made from sheet metal, etc. Advantageously, the design of the antenna provides performance similar to circular polarized patch antennas while avoiding the size, weight, and cost.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventor: David E. Bellows
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Patent number: 8245930Abstract: An apparatus and method for augmenting an optical barcode scanner. The apparatus comprises an accessory module that includes an RFID reader, a body part attachable to the optical barcode scanner, and an interface connector for forming a communication link between the RFID reader and the optical barcode scanner when the interface connector is connected with the expansion port of the optical barcode scanner.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David E. Bellows, Timothy B. Austin, LuoSheng Chen, Mark W. Duron, Richard T. Knadle, Thomas E. Wulff
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Patent number: 8242909Abstract: A method of configuring an RFID reader includes (1) collecting information related to an operation environment of an RFID reader, and (2) configuring the RFID reader to operate in a mode that is selected for the operation environment of the RFID reader.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David E. Bellows, Joseph R. White, Thomas E. Wulff
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Patent number: 8199015Abstract: A system and methods for measuring the temperature of an RFID reader module and inserting a delay in the RFID reader's duty cycle to prevent the RFID reader from initiating a thermal shutdown. The system and methods are self-adaptable, therefore incurring the benefit regardless of the design of the RFID reader host and its associated heat sink. The system and methods also provide for archiving the collected data and analyzing the data providing the ability to improve the design of the RFID reader host.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert I Sandler, David E. Bellows, Martin J. Strzelczyk
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Publication number: 20120044112Abstract: An antenna for a mobile device is described. The antenna includes a housing formed from a metal material. The housing functions as a ground plane for the antenna and an RF shield for at least one electronic component of the mobile device. An insulating material covers at least a portion of the housing. The antenna also includes a radiating element disposed on the insulating material.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventor: David E. Bellows
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Publication number: 20110130085Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying the read zone of an RFID reader. The apparatus includes a supporting sheet, a reader-position mark on the supporting sheet to indicate a recommended location to position an RFID reader, and a zone-boundary mark on the supporting sheet to indicate a read zone of the RFID reader with a predetermined field strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventors: David E. Bellows, Timothy B. Austin, Mark W. Duron, Thomas E. Wulff
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Publication number: 20110121075Abstract: An apparatus and method for augmenting an optical barcode scanner. The apparatus comprises an accessory module that includes an RFID reader, a body part attachable to the optical barcode scanner, and an interface connector for forming a communication link between the RFID reader and the optical barcode scanner when the interface connector is connected with the expansion port of the optical barcode scanner.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: David E. Bellows, Timothy B. Austin, LuoSheng Chen, Mark W. Duron, Richard T. Knadle, Thomas E. Wulff
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Publication number: 20100308973Abstract: A system and methods for measuring the temperature of an RFID reader module and inserting a delay in the RFID reader's duty cycle to prevent the RFID reader from initiating a thermal shutdown. The system and methods are self-adaptable, therefore incurring the benefit regardless of the design of the RFID reader host and its associated heat sink. The system and methods also provide for archiving the collected data and analyzing the data providing the ability to improve the design of the RFID reader host.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Robert I. Sandler, David E. Bellows, Martin J. Strzelczyk
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Publication number: 20100033306Abstract: A method of configuring an RFID reader includes (1) collecting information related to an operation environment of an RFID reader, and (2) configuring the RFID reader to operate in a mode that is selected for the operation environment of the RFID reader.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2008Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: David E. Bellows, Joseph R. White, Thomas E. Wulff
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Patent number: 7158374Abstract: A method and system for assembling a keypad or a keypad module to a processing portion of an electronic device is described. The keypad module is a sealed unit connectable to the pre assembled processing portion through a common interface. The keypad module includes a bezel substrate that has a locally thin region where an accessory can be placed. For example, a speaker may be included in the keypad module. The keypad module itself may be its own an electromechanical entity.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Wulff, David E. Bellows
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Patent number: 6973291Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology to enable efficient storage and handling of hand held devices and conveniently provide access to information within the devices. Single-handed storage and removal features enable users to insert and remove the device into and from a multifunctional cradle. The cradle mitigates device damage by limiting device movement and/or vibration once accepted into the cradle. One or more auxiliary storage compartments that feature single-handed component storage and removal can be included with the cradle. Functional segmentation of the cradle enables interface components within the cradle to be isolated from regions that can be exposed to contamination. The cradle includes operative connections for devices stored in the cradle to facilitate operations, such as charging the device and exchanging or updating device information with other local and/or remote systems.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventor: David E. Bellows
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Patent number: 6878016Abstract: A connector contact interface system for a portable device. The system includes a first arrangement of one or more fixed electrically conductive contacts of a first device, and a second arrangement of one or more electrically conductive pogo contacts in a second device, which pogo contacts of the second device are in substantially axial alignment with the respective fixed contacts of the first arrangement of the first device. When the connectors are in full engagement, the one or more pogo contacts and the respective one or more fixed contacts are in tip-to-tip abutment. The first arrangement is included either on a rigid or flexible circuit board or in connector housing of the first device, and the second arrangement is included in a connector housing of the second device. The contacts of either or both of the first and second arrangements are plated with a wear-resistant metal such as hard gold.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Wulff, David E. Bellows
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Patent number: 6822853Abstract: A method and system for assembling a keypad or a keypad module to a processing portion of an electronic device is described. The keypad module is a sealed unit connectable to the pre assembled processing portion through a common interface. The keypad module includes a bezel substrate that has a locally thin region where an accessory can be placed. For example, a speaker may be included in the keypad module. The keypad module itself may be its own an electro-mechanical entity.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Wulff, David E. Bellows
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Publication number: 20040115994Abstract: A connector contact interface system for a portable device. The system includes a first arrangement of one or more fixed electrically conductive contacts of a first device, and a second arrangement of one or more electrically conductive pogo contacts in a second device, which pogo contacts of the second device are in substantially axial alignment with the respective fixed contacts of the first arrangement of the first device. When the connectors are in full engagement, the one or more pogo contacts and the respective one or more fixed contacts are in tip-to-tip abutment. The first arrangement is included either on a rigid or flexible circuit board or in connector housing of the first device, and the second arrangement is included in a connector housing of the second device. The contacts of either or both of the first and second arrangements are plated with a wear-resistant metal such as hard gold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2002Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: Thomas Wulff, David E. Bellows
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Publication number: 20030198007Abstract: A method and system for assembling a keypad or a keypad module to a processing portion of an electronic device is described. The keypad module is a sealed unit connectable to the pre assembled processing portion through a common interface. The keypad module includes a bezel substrate that has a locally thin region where an accessory can be placed. For example, a speaker may be included in the keypad module. The keypad module itself may be its own an electro-mechanical entity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2002Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventors: Thmas Wulff, David E. Bellows