Abstract: Electrical power consumption is saved in a low-cost scanner for reading bar code symbols by oscillating one of the scanner components either by mechanical power alone or by a low-power electrical drive.

Abstract: A hands-free scanning system for reading indicia having parts of different light reflectivity, including a housing having a window and an actuatable electro-optical scanner in the housing for projecting a light beam through the window to indicia to be read, for scanning the indicia. The system further detects light of variable intensity that is reflected off the indicia to generate an electrical signal representative of the indicia. The housing is mounted on an arm of an operator and the scanner initiates reading of the indicia upon movement of the operator's hand relative to the arm by means of an actuator switch.

Abstract: A bar code scanner employs a light source such as a laser for generating a light beam to be directed along a path toward a bar code symbol to be read. A scanner such as a mirror driven by a motor moves the light beam along a scan line across the bar code symbol. A sensor detects the intensity of reflected light from the bar code symbol, and generates an electrical signal in response to this reflected light. A signal processor receives the electrical signal and produces a digitized signal representing the bar code symbol. Control circuit automatically de-energes the scan by shutting off at least one of the light source and the motor after the signal processor has produced a digitized signal representing a valid bar code symbol.

Abstract: A portable laser diode scanning head, aimable at each symbol to be read, emits and receives non-readily-visible laser light, and is equipped with a trigger-actuated aiming light arrangement for visually locating and tracking each symbol. A compact laser diode optical train and an optical folded path assembly, as well as an interchangeable component design and an integral window construction for the head also are disclosed.

Abstract: In bar code symbol scanning systems employing laser, optical and sensor components, a mirrorless scanner arrangement mounts one or more of these components on a drive for repetitive reciprocating movement either about an axis or in a plane to effect scanning.

Abstract: A scan board module includes a printed circuit board on which optical and scanning components are mounted in an optically-aligned relationship. The module is mountable in hand-held heads and protected from damage due to external shock by shock mounts, or in workstations which are either directly of indirectly connected to a cash register-type terminal or hand-held terminal.

Abstract: A portable laser diode scanning head, aimable at each symbol to be read, emits and receives non-readily-visible laser light, and is equipped with a trigger-actuated aiming, light arrangement for visually locating and tracking each symbol. A compact laser diode optical train and an optical folded path assembly, as well as an interchangeable component design and an integral window construction for the head also are disclosed.

Abstract: A narrow-bodied, single- and twin-windowed, hand-held, laser scanning head for reading bar code symbols includes at least one window mounted at the rear region of the head, and through which either the incident beam going to the symbol and/or the reflected beam returning from the symbol, passes unobstructedly and exteriorly of, and past, the front and intermediate body regions of the head. A field-replaceable laser tube arrangement, a laser tube and method of making the same, an arrangement for and method of controlling a scanning system, optical passive elements for increasing the depth of field, a trigger protective device, and a one-piece support bench and method of fabricating the same by mass-production techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: A scanning head includes a keyboard and a display respectively mounted at rear and front regions of the head. An outgoing laser beam exits a window positioned between the keyboard and the display, and travels over the display. A transceiver and a printer are also mounted on the head.

Abstract: Electrical power consumption is saved in a low-cost scanner for reading bar code symbols by oscillating one of the scanner components either by mechanical power alone or by a low-power electrical drive.

Abstract: A portable laser diode scanning head, aimable at each symbol to be read, emits and receives non-readily-visible laser light, and is equipped with a trigger-actuated aiming light arrangement for visually locating and tracking each symbol. A compact laser diode optical train and an optical folded path assembly, as well as an interchangeable component design and an integral window construction for the head also are disclosed. An embodiment that employs a Fresnel optical element and an embodiment that discloses a curved scanning/connecting mirror are also disclosed.

Abstract: A narrow-bodied single-and twin-windowed hand-held, laser scanning head for reading bar code symbols includes at least one window mounted at the rear region of the head, and through which either the incident beam going to the symbol and/or the reflected beam returning from the symbol, passes unobstructedly and exteriorly of, and past, the front and intermediate body regions of the head. A field-replaceable laser tube arrangement, a laser tube and method of making the same, an arrangement for and method of controlling a scanning system, optical passive elements for increasing the depth of field, a trigger protective device, and a one-piece support bench and method of fabricating the same by mass-production techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable laser diode scanning head, aimable at each symbol to be read, emits and receives non-readily-visible laser light, and is equipped with a trigger-actuated aiming light arrangement for visually locating and tracking each symbol. A compact laser diode optical train and an optical folded path assembly, as well as an interchangeable component design and an integral window construction for the head also are disclosed.

Abstract: A narrow-bodied, single-and twin-windowed, hand-held, laser scanning head for reading bar code symbols includes at least one window mounted at the rear region of the head, and through which either the incident beam going to the symbol and/or the reflected beam returning from the symbol, passes unobstructedly and exteriorly of, and past, the front and intermediate body regions of the head. A field-replaceable laser tube arrangement, a laser tube and method of making the same, an arrangement for and method for controlling a scanning system, optical passive elements for increasing the depth of field, a trigger protective device, and a one-piece support bench and method of fabricating the same by mass-production techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: A scan board module includes a printed circuit board on which optical and scanning components are mounted in an optically-aligned relationship. The module is mountable in hand-held heads and protected from damage due to external shock by shock mounts, or in workstations which are either directly or indirectly connected to a cash register-type terminal or hand-held terminal.

Abstract: A portable laser diode scanning head, aimable at each symbol to be read, emits and receives non-readily-visible laser light, and is equipped with a trigger-actuated aiming, light arrangement for visually locating and tracking each symbol. A compact laser diode optical train and an optical folded path assembly, as well as an interchangeable component design and an integral window construction for the head also are disclosed.

Abstract: Optical alignment between components in a head of a laser scanner is maintained in the event of external shock. Optical and scanning component assemblies are shock-mounted near their respective centers of mass. A flexible, printed circuit board on which the assemblies are mounted serves as an alignment fixture.

Abstract: A narrow-bodied, single-and twin-windowed, hand-held, laser scanning head for reading bar code symbols includes at least one window mounted at the rear region of the head, and through which either the incident beam going to the symbol and/or the reflected beam returning from the symbol, passes unobstructedly and exteriorly of, and past, the front and intermediate body regions of the head. A field-replaceable laser tube arrangement, a laser tube and method of making the same, an arrangement for and method of controlling a scanning system, optical passive elements for increasing the depth of field, a trigger protective device, and a one-piece support bench and method of fabricating the same by mass-production techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable laser diode scanning head, aimable at each symbol to be read, emits and receives non-readily-visible laser light, and is equipped with a trigger-actuated aiming light arrangement for visually locating and tracking each symbol. A compact laser diode optical train and an optical folded path assembly, as well as an interchangeable component design and an integral window construction for the head also are disclosed.