Abstract: A handle for a recreational vehicle is described that includes a handrail and a support arm. The handrail has a proximal end configured to be pivotably coupled relative to structure of a recreational vehicle and an opposite distal end. The support arm has a first end configured to be pivotably coupled relative to structure of a recreational vehicle and an opposite second end slidingly coupled relative to the handrail. With this configuration, the handrail can be pivoted from a storage position extending along the recreational vehicle and a use position extending outwardly from the recreational vehicle causing the second end of the support arm to slide towards the distal end of the handrail.

Abstract: A handle for a recreational vehicle is described that includes a handrail and a support arm. The handrail has a proximal end configured to be pivotably coupled relative to structure of a recreational vehicle and an opposite distal end. The support arm has a first end configured to be pivotably coupled relative to structure of a recreational vehicle and an opposite second end slidingly coupled relative to the handrail. With this configuration, the handrail can be pivoted from a storage position extending along the recreational vehicle and a use position extending outwardly from the recreational vehicle causing the second end of the support arm to slide towards the distal end of the handrail.

Abstract: A hand-held produce data collector which captures wavelength information from a produce item. The produce data collector includes a light emitter for illuminating a produce item, collecting optics for collecting light reflected from the produce item and separating the reflected light into a plurality of wavelength portions of light, a photosensor for capturing wavelength information from the wavelength portions of light, control circuitry, and a hand-held housing containing the light emitter, the collecting optics, the photosensor, and the control circuitry. The control circuitry may store reference wavelength information and compare the captured wavelength information to the reference wavelength information to identify the produce item.

Abstract: An item checkout device which combines a produce data collector with an optical bar code data collector. The item checkout device includes a housing, a bar code data collector within the housing, and a produce data collector within the housing.

Abstract: A produce data collector and produce recognition system which illuminates a produce item with substantially uniform light to enhance the accuracy of collected produce data and subsequent identification of the produce item as part of a transaction in a transaction establishment. The produce data collector includes a light source for illuminating the produce item with substantially uniform light during the transaction, a light separating element for splitting light collected from the produce item into a plurality of different light portions having different wavelengths, a detector for converting energy in the plurality of light portions into a plurality of electrical signals, and control circuitry which digitizes the plurality of electrical signals to produce a digital spectrum from the produce item which contains information to identify the produce item for the purpose of determining its unit price.

Abstract: A produce data collector and produce recognition system which illuminates a produce item with substantially uniform light to enhance the accuracy of collected produce data and subsequent identification of the produce item as part of a transaction in a transaction establishment. The produce data collector includes a light source for illuminating the produce item with substantially uniform light during the transaction, a light separating element for splitting light collected from the produce item into a plurality of different light portions having different wavelengths, a detector for converting energy in the plurality of light portions into a plurality of electrical signals, and control circuitry which digitizes the plurality of electrical signals to produce a digital spectrum from the produce item which contains information to identify the produce item for the purpose of determining its unit price.

Abstract: A produce data collector and produce recognition system which illuminates a produce item with substantially uniform light to enhance the accuracy of collected produce data and subsequent identification of the produce item as part of a transaction in a transaction establishment. The produce data collector includes a light source for illuminating the produce item with substantially uniform light during the transaction, a light separating element for splitting light collected from the produce item into a plurality of different light portions having different wavelengths, a detector for converting energy in the plurality of light portions into a plurality of electrical signals, and control circuitry which digitizes the plurality of electrical signals to produce a digital spectrum from the produce item which contains information to identify the produce item for the purpose of determining its unit price.

Abstract: A produce recognition system which identifies a produce item by comparing its shape with reference shape information. The system includes a produce shape data collector which includes a light projector which generates a plurality of lines of light for illuminating a produce item with the plurality of lines of light. The lines of light bend across the outer surface of the produce item thereby assuming the shape of the produce item. The produce data collector further includes an image capture device which captures an image of the lines of light during illumination of the produce item, and control circuitry for controlling operation of the light projector and the image capture device. The system further includes a computer which compares shape data in the image with reference shape data to identify the produce item.

Abstract: An item checkout device which combines a produce data collector with an optical bar code data collector. The item checkout device includes a housing, a bar code data collector within the housing, and a produce data collector within the housing.

Abstract: A convertible barcode scanner includes a housing in which are disposed a laser, spinner, and plurality of pattern mirrors optically aligned with the spinner for reflecting a beam from the laser to produce a first pattern of scan lines out a window at a first exit angle. A conversion mount adjustably supports a diverting one of the pattern mirrors in different tilt orientations for changing reflection angle thereon and correspondingly changing at least one of the scan lines from the first exit angle to a different exit angle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for equalizing the signal strengths of different scan lines which employs an attenuating mirror. The attenuating mirror attenuates a laser beam and reflected light from an article at an attenuation which is different from the attenuation of another pattern mirror so that reflected light from the one and the other pattern mirror have intensities which are substantially equal, within a predetermined range of intensities having a low end equal to a signal-to-noise threshold and a high end equal to a saturation level.

Abstract: A device and method for fastening lighting to a supporting structure. The first fastening element, an anchor portion, includes an adhesive backing to attach to the supporting structure. A second fastening element, a fastening portion, is secured to the anchor portion by a plurality of VELCRO.RTM. loops and hooks, which may also attached to a third fastening element, a disk portion, by an adhesive means. The fastening portion includes a pair of holes for receiving a fastener for securing wire.