Abstract: High speed scanning arrangements in scanners for reading bar code symbols by oscillating a scanner component in single or multi-axis scan patterns.

Abstract: An integrated scanner for scanning a barcode is formed on a common substrate. The scanner may include a micro-machined mirror, a laser diode, and a detector, mounted on a single substrate or several connected substrates. Lenses can be used to focus a laser beam from the laser diode as well as expand a laser beam deflected by the micro-machined mirror. The scanner may also scan a barcode without using a micro-machined mirror by rotating the laser diode.

Abstract: An optical scanner for scanning various optical indicia uses one or more tunable optical components for noise reduction purposes. The scanner may include a narrow band-pass tunable optical filter for passing selected wavelengths of incoming light. The scanner may also have a tunable light source, such as a tunable laser source, whereby the wavelength of the generated laser light is sensed and controlled by the scanner's electronic sub-system.

Abstract: Described is a method and system for an access control in a communication network which includes a first wireless unit, a second wireless unit and at least one further unit. The first unit generates a frame for the second unit. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes data indicating that the first unit is about to establish a direct communication channel with the second unit. The first portion is transmitted to the second unit and is received by the at least one further wireless unit. The direct communication channel is established between the first unit and the second unit for transmission the second portion. During the transmission of the second portion, the at least one further unit abstains from communications using the direct communication channel.

Abstract: An integrated optical communication and barcode scanning module suitable for use with portable electronic devices is provided. In a first mode of operation the module functions as an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) compatible communications interface. In a second mode of operation, IrDA communications is disabled, and the module functions as a barcode scanner. The module may be switched back and forth between the two modes of operation or operated simultaneously.

Abstract: A nozzle apparatus for use with an abrasive fluid jet cutting system, and its method of construction and operation, are disclosed that reduce the wear and erosion problems typically experienced in the cutting jet's nozzle. This improved nozzle apparatus comprises (a) a nozzle having an entry port for receiving a slurry consisting of a carrier fluid and abrasive particles, an inner wall for directing the flow of the slurry, and an outlet port through which the slurry exits the nozzle, (b) wherein at least a portion of the nozzle wall is porous, and (c) a lubricating fluid chamber that surrounds the porous portion of the outer wall of the nozzle, the chamber having a port where a lubricating fluid enters the chamber, with the chamber port connecting to an input pipe which connects to a filter for filtering contaminants that might clog the pores of the porous portion of the nozzle.

Abstract: A statistical basis for use in a self-scanning checkout system determines how many items to check in a shopper's shopping cart for incorrect or missing scans as well as which particular or types of items to check to determine if they were properly scanned, if the shopper is determined to be audited. The present invention does not audit every customer, but rather determines whether a given shopper or customer is to be audited on a given shopping trip based upon obtaining a minimum checkout loss for such customer. The methodology determines how many items to check for a given shopper as well as which particular items to check for that shopper.

Abstract: An information processing system adapted to be worn on the body of a user, the system a module for processing data capable of being worn by a user; and a band secured to the module and adapted to be secured around a part of the user's body so as to support the module and to allow the user to utilize the module, the band incorporating a battery for powering the module.

Abstract: A portable instrument incorporates an electro-optical assembly for reading indicia during a reading mode, and for projecting a bit-mapped color image during a display mode. A manually operable switch on the instrument is disposed for selecting one of the modes. The color image is formed by pulsing a plurality of differently colored lasers at selected times on selected scan lines.

Abstract: An optical scanning module for use in a bar code reader, including a frame, including a base and a vertical support; a scanning element mounted to the base and including a mirror disposed in the path of an unfocussed laser beam and mounted for oscillatory motion so as to create a scanning laser beam; and a focusing lens, mounted to the vertical support and in the path of the scanning laser beam, for focusing the beam on a target exterior to the module.

Abstract: A beam generator, or beam shaping system, for example for use in an optical scanner, creates a non-Gaussian beam which provides improved indicia-reading characteristics. In one embodiment, diffractive optical elements are used to create a Bessel-Gaussian scanning beam, which comprises a coherent combination of a Gaussian beam and a Bessel beam.

Abstract: A nozzle apparatus for use with an abrasive fluid jet cutting system, and its method of construction and operation, are disclosed that reduce the wear and erosion problems typically experienced in the cutting jet's nozzle. This improved nozzle apparatus comprises (a) a nozzle having an entry port for receiving a slurry consisting of a carrier fluid and abrasive particles, an inner wall for directing the flow of the slurry, and an outlet port through which the slurry exits the nozzle, (b) wherein at least a portion of the nozzle wall is porous, and (c) a lubricating fluid chamber that surrounds the porous portion of the outer wall of the nozzle, the chamber having a port where a lubricating fluid enters the chamber, with the chamber port connecting to an input pipe which connects to a filter for filtering contaminants that might clog the pores of the porous portion of the nozzle.

Abstract: A flexible member mounts a scanner component for angular oscillating movement relative to a support about an axis in alternate circumferential directions between scan end positions. The scanner component is electromagnetically driven in order to scan a light beam across optically encoded indicia to be read. A permanent magnet is connected to the scanner component and magnetically interacts with an electromagnetic coil so as to impart a force to the magnet and move the scanner component from a rest position to at least one of the scan end positions.

Abstract: Simplified data message terminals and data communicating voice terminals are described for providing additional functionality in a facility using a wireless data communication system. The simplified data message terminals provide message and paging communication to employees or customers in a simplified terminal configuration using the existing data communication system. By performing voice to data and data to voice conversions, the same system provides voice communication without interruption of data communication services.

Abstract: An abrasive, fluid jet cutting apparatus, and its method of construction and operation, are disclosed that reduce the wear and erosion problems typically experienced in the cutting jet's mixing tube.

Abstract: A statistical basis for use in a self-scanning checkout system determines how many items to check in a shopper's shopping cart for incorrect or missing scans as well as which particular or types of items to check to determine if they were properly scanned, if the shopper is determined to be audited. The present invention does not audit every customer, but rather determines whether a given shopper or customer is to be audited on a given shopping trip based upon obtaining a minimum checkout loss for such customer. The methodology determines how many items to check for a given shopper as well as which particular items to check for that shopper.

Abstract: An optical scanner for scanning various optical indicia uses one or more tunable optical components for noise reduction purposes. The scanner may include a narrow band-pass tunable optical filter for passing selected wavelengths of incoming light. The scanner may also have a tunable light source, such as a tunable laser source, whereby the wavelength of the generated laser light is sensed and controlled by the scanner's electronic sub-system.

Abstract: A miniature imager for reading target images. The optical and electrical systems of the miniature imager are optimized to reduce one or more dimensions or the volume of the imager. In accordance with one embodiment the pixel pitch and focal length are decreased from that of a larger imager to maintain a comparable field of view for each pixel. The decreased pixel pitch allows the area of the aperture and the instantaneous field of view of the pixel to remain constant while decreasing the overall size of the imager. In other embodiments apparatus and techniques are provided which reduce and/or eliminate the need for illumination of a target by the imager thereby reducing the overall power consumed by the imager and/or its overall size. An imager with an increased working range is provided, as is a light emitting diode which produces a light with reduced line thickness.

Abstract: An optical scanner for scanning various optical indicia uses one or more tunable optical components for noise reduction purposes. The scanner may include a narrow band-pass tunable optical filter for passing selected wavelengths of incoming light. The scanner may also have a tunable light source, such as a tunable laser source, whereby the wavelength of the generated laser light is sensed and controlled by the scanner's electronic sub-system.

Abstract: A portable data input or computer system includes an input/output device such as a keyboard and a display, another data input device such as an optical bar code scanner, and a data processor module. To scan bar code type indicia, the operator points the scanner at the bar code and triggers the scanner to read the indicia. All the system components are distributed on an operator's body and together form a personal area system (PAS). Components may include a scanner or imager, a wrist unit, a headpiece including an eyepiece display, speaker and a microphone. Components within a particular PAS communicate with each other over a personal area network (PAN). Individual PASs may be combined into a network of PASs called a PAS cluster. PASs in a particular PAS cluster can communicate with each other over another wireless communication channel. Individual PAS can gain access to a Local Area Network (LAN) and/or a Wide Area Network (WAN) via an access point.