Abstract: A ruggedized triggering handle device for a mobile scanning system supports a mobile device (tablet, smartphone) attachable by a bracket on the upper surface of the handle. The handle may establish a wireless link to the mobile device; a trigger of the handle device includes a magnetic switch which, when driven proximate to a triggering element enclosed within the handle, causes the triggering element to transmit key codes and instructions via the wireless link, enabling the user to trigger applications and peripheral sensing components (e.g., readers, scanners, imagers) of or proximate to the mobile device via the handle. The peripheral sensing components may be modular elements attachable between the upper and lower portions of the handle device, either individually or serially as needed, and operable via the trigger or the additional buttons without the need for visual reference to the handle.

Abstract: A ruggedized triggering handle device for a mobile scanning system supports a mobile device (tablet, smartphone) attachable by a bracket on the upper surface of the handle. The handle may establish a wireless link to the mobile device; a trigger of the handle device includes a magnetic switch which, when driven proximate to a triggering element enclosed within the handle, causes the triggering element to transmit key codes and instructions via the wireless link, enabling the user to trigger applications and peripheral sensing components (e.g., readers, scanners, imagers) of or proximate to the mobile device via the handle. The peripheral sensing components may be modular elements attachable between the upper and lower portions of the handle device, either individually or serially as needed, and operable via the trigger or the additional buttons without the need for visual reference to the handle.

Abstract: An externally reconfigurable input system for an electronic device is provided. The input system has the flexibility of receiving input via an input interface with the guidance of key-based substrate overlay positioned proximate a sensor array that is coupled to a printed wiring assembly. An input correlation component receives signals generated by the sensor array in response to displacement of one or more keys associated with the key-based substrate. The key-based substrate overlay is removable so as to be reconfigured.

Abstract: Numerous features and improvements currently related to a portable computing and data collection system are presented. It will be appreciated, however, that although the features disclosed herein are disclosed in connection with a small, portable hand-held system, these features can also be used singly or in combination with a variety of other computing or battery powered devices. Disclosed features include an improved battery pack containing a unique battery temperature-based sensing system, a modular radio system having an antenna board, a radio frame designed to accept any of a variety of different radio boards, a sealed hand-held personal computing system, a light transmissive window that also serves as a door providing access to the interior of the device, and a unique compact flash card implementation. Embodiments containing various combinations and relations of these features in a portable computing system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permitting a base housing to support a plurality of different product configurations. Some of the configurations include different types of optical indicia readers. The base housing has a reading portal capable of receiving a window frame. The window frame is designed for use with a specific type of optical indicia reading component. The invention permits efficient manufacturing of the housing prior to determining which type of optical indicia reader the housing will house.