Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a hand-held bar code reader has an elongated relatively narrow hand grip portion and an enlarged reader head portion with an extended window of greater width than the hand grip portion. Light energy is directed outwardly through the extended window so as to flood a bar code sensing region in front of the window having a depth dimension of at least about ten millimeters, and an optical system focuses bar code patterns in the sensing region onto an image plane in the reader unit with a resolution so as to read bars/spaces with a minimum width of about 0.0075 inch, or even less. Preferably the lens system provides a depth of focus for such bar code patterns of at least ten millimeters, so that a bar code pattern of marked curvature can be read in its entirety by means of an instant reading operation.

Abstract: A mobile radio antenna is provided such that its antenna function may be concealed. This may be accomplished in one preferred arrangement by coupling or blending the mobile radio unit with an oranmental device at the traditional frontal hood-level location. In the case of a luxury automobile, the ornamental device may be designed to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle. In certain instances, the mobile antenna may include or be associated with an ornament arrangement for receiving any desired indicia (e.g. a company logo) as selected by an individual owner.

Abstract: A lens and elliptical-effect reflector respond to the bar code image.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment a transmission link coupler is provided at each node. In a transmission mode, the coupler provides a transmission path which transmits incoming messages directly to the node output without any processing step delay. In the decoupling mode of the coupler, the associated data processor still receives messages from the node input, but the direct path from the node input to node output is attenuated. During the sending of messages and responses thereto, the link couplers at the sending and responding nodes are operated so as to prevent the messages from making unattenuated multiple traverses of the loop communications path while also avoiding the occurrence at other nodes of a communications gap which would permit such nodes to interfere with the exchange of messages. The arrangement is such that each node can be implemented with low cost integrated circuitry. No common timing link is required between the nodes.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment a transmission link switch is provided at each node. In a transmission mode, the switch provides a transmission path which transmits incoming messages directly to the node output without any processing delay. In the cutoff mode of the switch, the associated data processor still receives messages from the node input, but the direct path from the node input to node output is interrupted. During the sending of messages and responses thereto, the link switches at the sending and responding nodes are operated so as to prevent the messages from making multiple traverses of the loop communications path while also avoiding the occurrence at other nodes of a communications gap which would permit such nodes to interfere with the exchange of messages. The arrangement is such that each node can be implemented with low cost integrated circuit modules. No common timing link is required between the nodes.

Abstract: An improved bar code reader unit. The bar code is hand-held and has improved focussing and illumination structure.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment a transmission link switch is provided at each node. In a transmission mode, the switch provides a transmission path which transmits incoming messages directly to the node output without any processing delay. In the cutoff mode of the switch, the associated data processor still receives messages from the node input, but the direct path from the node input to node output is interrupted. During the sending of messages and responses thereto, the link switches at the sending and responding nodes are operated so as to prevent the messages from making multiple traverses of the loop communications path while also avoiding the occurrence at other nodes of a communication gap which would permit such nodes to interfere with the exchange of messages. The arrangement is such that each node can be implemented with low cost integrated circuit modules.

Abstract: A portable instant bar code reader including a hand-held reader unit having a flash type illuminator. The flash type illuminator is triggered to illuminate a bar code label positioned adjacent to a light receiving window of the reader. Reflections from the bar code label are transmitted through the light receiving window and are focused onto a photodiode array by means of a lens. The photodiode array is scanned automatically, and read-out pulses are developed into logic which represents the information contained in the bar code.

Abstract: A bar code label having a series of bars of two different widths, namely a narrow bar and a wide bar. The bars may be formed in black and white to be read by an optical scanner of the type described in my Co-pending Application entitled, "Bar Code Scanner" filed on even date herewith. The bars are allocated to equal width "slots" and are given a binary weight according to a standard hexadecimal code. The black and white bars may be used interchangeably to represent the same logic state. Accordingly, the logic information is obtained only as a result of the detection of wide and narrow bars.

Abstract: A bar code scanner having light sensitive means for detecting black and white regions of a bar code and having circuit means for translating the light pulses into digital signals. The scanner system has circuit means responsive to bar codes employing bars of only two different widths, specifically wide bars and narrow bars. The scanner has automatic level control circuitry and has means for detecting the bar code substantially independent of the angle and speed of scan within desired limitations. The scanner also has built-in error checking and warning devices as well as an automatic clear system for clearing errors. The data developed by the scanner is then transferred by suitable circuitry to a data collection and utilization system.