Abstract: A semiconductor detector device for detecting optical code symbols includes no more than 512 pixels. Each of the pixels has an aspect ratio that is greater than 2 to 1 with a short dimension not greater than 8 microns. In a bar code reader, a sensor for detecting the field of view of the reader includes a single semiconductor device having a collection of surfaces configured as a set of no less than 256 and no more than 512 pixels. Each of the pixels has an aspect ratio that is greater than 2 to 1, with a short dimension not less than 2 microns and not greater than 8 microns.

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 omnidirectional optical code reader employs two or more line photo sensor arrays orientated at an angle to one another. Electrical signals from the photo sensor arrays may be converted to digital signals by circuitry located on the die of each of the line photo sensors. Code reader circuitry is located on a circuit board orientated vertically in a backwardly sloping handle of a gun-shaped housing.

Abstract: Holographic optical elements are configured and deployed in optical imagers and scanners to produce optical modification of output laser beams and light received and detected by the system. In some preferred embodiments electrically switchable holographic optical elements (ESHOEs) are employed for beam tilting, for varying spot size and shape for modifying system focal distance and field of view, for changing laser aiming patterns and/or for color imaging.

Abstract: A focusing lens is manually moved to extend a range of working distances in which a bar code symbol can be electro-optically read. The lens movement enables reading of close-in and far-out symbols. The lens movement can also be used to change operation between a reading mode and a pointing mode in which a visual display is created on a target.

Abstract: A bar code scanning system and method for reading and processing bar code symbology uses a scanning station installed above the check-out stand and a receiving station at some distance away from the scanning station. The scanning station projects light onto a surface of the check-out stand. The projected light can have a well defined border indicating where a user should place items to be scanned. Alternatively, a pattern coincident with the projected light can be projected onto the surface and which includes a target indicating where items should be placed for scanning. Light reflected by items in the target region is processed to decode optical symbology on the item and produce a signal that is representative of said sensed symbology. Information about the scanned item can be processed and displayed by the receiving station for use in, e.g., a point-of-sale transaction.

Abstract: An imaging engine and signal processing devices and methods are disclosed for reading various kinds of optical codes. The compact structure may include a two dimensional image sensor, apparatus for focusing images at different focal disclosures, an aiming system, a hi-low beam illumination system and related signal processing circuits.

Abstract: A bioptics bar code reader has first and second windows disposed at an angle to each other, a first imager for the first window and a second imager for the second window and first and second optics for directing light from a bar code in a reading area between the windows to the first and second imagers. The two imagers each obtain an image of the bar code in the reading area.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved pyrogenicity test for use in automated immunoassay systems, in which a sample is incubated with a monocyte-containing reagent in a pyrogen-free assay system preferably comprising a surface coated with pyrogen-free anti-cytokine antibodies. The invention also concerns pyrogen-free assay systems coated with pyrogen-free antibodies for use in these tests. The invention also relates to a test to measure the basal production of endogenous mediators of the inflammatory response by leukocytes and a method of measuring the capacity of a leukocyte to respond to a stimuli.

Abstract: An imaging optical code reader is adapted for use in producing video displays and for use in motion detection surveillance using video compression and narrow band width communication links. An optical system including a plane parallel plate may be employed to change the system focal distance. The imaging optical code reader is also adapted for measurement of physical parameters of a target object including motion, distance, weight and dimensions.

Abstract: A semi-retroreflective optical scanning system has an optical scanning element which directs a scanning light beam via a stationary holographic optical element in a scan path across indicia to be read. Light from the indicia is collected by an optical collector, such as a lens or a mirror, which focuses it onto a small optical detector via the scanning element. The field of view of the optical detector scans across the indicia in synchronization with the outgoing scanning beam from the holographic optical element. Since the incoming reflected light is not limited by the aperture of the scanning element, the signal-to-noise ratio remains high even when a small scanning element is used. In a further embodiment the light source, scanning element collector and detector are provided in a common plane, the collector and scanning element sharing a common optical axis and a light source being provided substantially off axis to allow reduction in the scanning element size.