Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which, in turn, communicate with one or more host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller and an adapter which has a simulcast and sequential mode provide selective interface between host computers and base transceivers. A scheme for routing data through the communication system is also disclosed wherein the intermediate base stations are organized into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which, in turn, communicate with one or more host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller and an adapter which has a simulcast and sequential mode provide selective interface between host computers and base transceivers. A scheme for routing data through the communication system is also disclosed wherein the intermediate base stations are organized into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which, in turn, communicate with one or more host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller and an adapter which has a simulcast and sequential mode provide selective interface between host computers and base transceivers. A scheme for routing data through the communication system is also disclosed wherein the intermediate base stations are organized into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically.

Abstract: A data collection network supporting roaming terminals which may enter and exit a sleep mode to conserve power. A plurality of base stations each periodically transmit pending message indications to those roaming data collection terminals within range. Instead of requiring the transceiver within each terminal to always be active, the receiver is activated in synchrony with the transmissions of pending message indications from at least one of the base stations. Otherwise, the terminal may deactivate the transceiver (i.e., place it in a sleep state). The terminal may also sleep through pluralities of transmissions of pending message indications, and, thereafter, awake in synchrony to receive subsequent pending message indications. To minimize noise, the terminal may operate using a lower frequency system clock when not collecting data. When collecting data, especially where processing time proves critical, the system clock frequency is increased.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which, in turn, communicate with one or more host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller and an adapter which has a simulcast and sequential mode provide selective interface between host computers and base transceivers. A scheme for routing data through the communication system is also disclosed wherein the intermediate base stations are organized into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which communicate with one or two host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller provides selective interface means to be employed between the host computers and the base transceivers whereby low data rate base transceivers may be utilized with the network controller while spread spectrum or high data rate networked base transceivers may be also utilized. The network controller may allow selection of interface means for three of its ports from its front panel with use of three input keys. The network controller is entirely external to the host computer or computers, and can couple to a variety of commonly encountered host ports.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which, in turn, communicate with one or more host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller and an adapter which has a simulcast and sequential mode provide selective interface between host computers and base transceivers. A scheme for routing data through the communication system is also disclosed wherein the intermediate base stations are organized into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which, in turn, communicate with one or more host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller and an adapter which has a simulcast and sequential mode provide selective interface between host computers and base transceivers. A scheme for routing data through the communication system is also disclosed wherein the intermediate base stations are organized into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically.

Abstract: A data collection network supports roaming terminals which may enter and exit a sleep mode to conserve power. A plurality of base stations each periodically transmit pending message indications to those roaming data collection terminals in range. Instead of requiring the transceiver within each terminal to always be active, the receiver is activated in synchrony with the transmissions of pending message indications from at least one of the base stations. Otherwise, the terminal may deactivate the transceiver, i.e., place it in a sleep state. The terminal may also sleep through pluralities of transmissions of pending message indications, and, thereafter, awake in synchrony to receive subsequent pending message indications. To minimize noise, the terminal may operate using a lower frequency system clock when not collecting data. When collecting data, especially where processing time proves more critical, the system clock frequency is increased.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which communicate with one or two host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller provides selective interface means to be employed between the host computers and the base transceivers whereby low data rate base transceivers may be utilized with the network controller while spread spectrum or high data rate networked base transceivers may be also utilized. The network controller may allow selection of interface means for three of its ports from its front panel with use of three input keys. The network controller is entirely external to the host computer or computers, and can couple to a variety of commonly encountered host ports.

Abstract: An antenna for a hand-held RF transceiver terminals includes an antenna element which is encapsulated by material which does not detrimentally effect its antenna performance, but which closely conforms the antenna to the general shape of the terminal without having the antenna extend directly from the terminal.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which communicate with one or two host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller provides selective interface means to be employed between the host computers and the base transceivers whereby low data rate base transceivers may be utilized with the network controller while spread spectrum or high data rate networked base transceivers may be also utilized. The network controller may allow selection of interface means for three of its ports from its front panel with use of three input keys. The network controller is entirely external to the host computer or computers, and can couple to a variety of commonly encountered host ports.

Abstract: An antenna for a hand held RF transceiver terminals includes an antenna element which is encapsulated by material which does not detrimentally effect its antenna performance, but which closely conforms the antenna to the general shape of the terminal without having the antenna extend directly from the terminal.

Abstract: A hand held data entry apparatus having a body for receiving, storing and transmitting information, including a camming mechanism for quickly sealingly attaching an accessory such as a scanner to the top of a hand held data entry apparatus. Additionally, a similar camming mechanism is utilized to hold a battery pack in place with the additional feature of not only pulling the battery pack securely against the housing, but also pushing the battery pack contacts into abutment with complementary contacts disposed within the housing. A keypad is provided for permitting information to be manually entered into the hand held body and this keypad is encased in a layer of elastomeric material such as silicone. A pair of LED's are utilized, one to indicate a "good scan" and the other to indicate something else, such as a "bad scan." Additionally, these LED's can be encased in operative or dummy keys in order to save keyboard space. A mechanism is provided for pivoting the scanner about either of two perpendicular axes.

Abstract: A hand held data entry apparatus having a body for receiving, storing and transmitting information, including a camming mechanism for quickly sealingly attaching an accessory such as a scanner to the top of a hand held data entry apparatus. Additionally, a similar camming mechanism is utilized to hold a battery pack in place with the additional feature of not only pulling the battery pack securely against the housing, but also pushing the battery pack contacts into abutment with complementary contacts disposed within the housing. A keypad is provided for permitting information to be manually entered into the hand held body and this keypad is encased in a layer of elastomeric material such as silicone. A pair of LED's are utilized, one to indicate a "good scan" and the other to indicate something else, such as a "bad scan." Additionally, these LED's can be encased in operative or dummy keys in order to save keyboard space. A mechanism is provided for pivoting the scanner about either of two perpendicular axes.