Abstract: A diode-laser bar stack includes a plurality of diode-laser bars having different temperature dependent peak-emission wavelengths. The stack is arranged such that the bars can be separately powered. This allows one or more of the bars to be “on” while others are “off”. A switching arrangement is described for selectively turning bars on or off, responsive to a signal representative of the temperature of the diode-laser bar stack, for providing a desired total emission spectrum.

Abstract: A diode-laser bar stack includes a plurality of diode-laser bars having different temperature dependent peak-emission wavelengths. The stack is arranged such that the bars can be separately powered. This allows one or more of the bars to be “on” while others are “off”. A switching arrangement is described for selectively turning bars on or off, responsive to a signal representative of the temperature of the diode-laser bar stack, for providing a desired total emission spectrum.

Abstract: A diode-laser bar stack includes a plurality of diode-laser bars having different temperature dependent peak-emission wavelengths. The stack is arranged such that the bars can be separately powered. This allows one or more of the bars to be “on” while others are “off”. A switching arrangement is described for selectively turning bars on or off, responsive to a signal representative of the temperature of the diode-laser bar stack, for providing a desired total emission spectrum.

Abstract: A method of printing labels includes supporting a laser sensitive material on a disc and printing label images on the disc with a modulated focused beam from a diode-laser. The label images may be printed in regions of the medium having pre-cut label boundaries. Alternatively, label boundaries may be cut through the medium using the focused laser beam. The labels are peeled from the disc after printing.

Abstract: A method of printing labels includes supporting a laser sensitive material on a disc and printing label images on the disc with a modulated focused beam from a diode-laser. The label images may be printed in regions of the medium having pre-cut label boundaries. Alternatively, label boundaries may be cut through the medium using the focused laser beam. The labels are peeled from the disc after printing.

Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating a bar code at a relatively shallow (i.e., acute) angle, and for sensing the light reflected from the surface at the shallow angle. In one embodiment the apparatus is used to illuminate the data bars at an acute angle along their length. Viewing the illuminated area at an acute angle, equal to the acute angle of incidence, increases the area being viewed and tends to spatially integrate the non-uniformity of the data bars. Apparatus embodying the invention is particularly useful for reading bar codes formed on a highly reflective surface. The shallow angle of illumination increases the contrast between the surrounding surface and the "data bars" of the bar code as it increases the effective area being viewed and enables the bar code to be read more accurately. In some embodiments a laser light spot is swept at an acute angle across a bar code and the light reflected from the bar code is viewed at the acute angle.