Abstract: A portable computing device (e.g. a notebook type computer) also includes communications features including a pager receiver and a radio frequency modem which are supported by allowing the device, under application program control, to resume operation from a suspend (sleep) state upon receipt of a paging message. Additionally, depending upon the contents of the paging message, various application programs can be automatically launched in the main processor. Under application program control, the device can operate in a background state with for instance the main screen, its backlight and the keyboard powered down, but with the main processor running at full speed for unattended operation. Under application program control in normal or background mode, the device can request that the unit suspend operation without user intervention, for battery power savings during unattended operations.

Abstract: A data collection system for use with a movable cart. The system has a portable data collection unit which may include an indicia reader, a wireless communication system or a user interface. The data collection unit can be removed from the cart and can remain operational when removed. When attached to the cart, the data collection unit can communicate with an output device contained within the boundaries of the cart. The output device can be a printer. The system can also include a mounting device which removably attaches the data collection unit to the cart. The mounting device can remain attached to the cart after removal of the data collection unit. The system can include an auxiliary device which can be removed from the cart for operation. For example, an auxiliary device can be a printer that can be removed from the cart along with the data collection unit.

Abstract: A portable computing device (e.g. a notebook type computer) also includes communications features including a pager receiver and a radio frequency modem which are supported by allowing the device, under application program control, to resume operation from a suspend (sleep) state upon receipt of a paging message. Additionally, depending upon the contents of the paging message, various application programs can be automatically launched in the main processor. Under application program control, the device can operate in a background state with for instance the main screen, its backlight and the keyboard powered down, but with the main processor running at full speed for unattended operation. Under application program control in normal or background mode, the device can request that the unit suspend operation without user intervention, for battery power savings during unattended operations.

Abstract: Data collection apparatus includes an assemblage of a data collection terminal and a carrying case which is a combination of a printer module and a docking module which are joined and combined into a unitary structure. The carrying case has an attached handle which is preferably attached to the printer module. The carrying case further includes a holder for temporarily grasping an data collection accessory, such as a bar code scanner. The data terminal is quickly insertible and removable from the docking module. Communication connectors and communication wiring becomes coupled to the data collection terminal upon insertion of the data collection terminal into the docking module.

Abstract: An improved device for docking a first electrical apparatus, having a first apparatus connector, such as a portable interchangeable data terminal, to a second electrical apparatus having a second apparatus connector, such as a vehicle mount. The device includes a portable dock for selectively receiving the data terminal. The dock includes a laterally extending base having a first dock connector, a second dock connector, and first guides extending transversely from each end of the base. Similarly, the second electrical apparatus has transversely extending second guides.

Abstract: A microprocessor circuit including a microprocessor device and pseudo-static RAM memory further includes a switching circuit which is coupled to an NMI signal port and to a RESET signal port of the microprocessor device. The switching device intercepts an NMI signal to be applied to the NMI port of the microprocessor device and converts an initial NMI signal following a power-down or sleep mode to a RESET signal and applies the RESET signal to the RESET signal port of the microprocessor device. NMI signals which occur during normal operation of the microprocessor circuit are routed through the switching device directly to the microprocessor circuit consistent with normal operations. The RESET signal after power-down or sleep mode operations causes the microprocessor device to address ROM until after the pseudo-static RAM memory has assumed an active, externally refreshed state.

Abstract: An improved device for docking a first electrical apparatus, having a first apparatus connector, such as a portable interchangeable data terminal, to a second electrical apparatus having a second apparatus connector, such as a vehicle mount. The device includes a portable dock for selectively receiving the data terminal. The dock includes a laterally extending base having a first dock connector, a second dock connector, and first guides extending transversely from each end of the base. Similarly, the second electrical apparatus has transversely extending second guides.

Abstract: Data collection apparatus includes an assemblage of a data collection terminal and a carrying case which is a combination of a printer module and a docking module which are joined and combined into a unitary structure. The carrying case has an attached handle which is preferably attached to the printer module. The carrying case further includes a holder for temporarily grasping an data collection accessory, such as a bar code scanner. The data terminal is quickly insertible and removable from the docking module. Communication connectors and communication wiring becomes coupled to the data collection terminal upon insertion of the data collection terminal into the docking module.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for portable interchangeable data terminals and peripherals includes a terminal adapted to receive information from a pen inputing device and a docking mechanism having a terminal receiver for selectively receiving the terminal. The terminal receiver includes a handle extending upwardly therefrom, a base extending laterally across the docking mechanism, and open channel members extending upwardly from each side of the base. A rear portion of each of the channel members may carry at least one roller guide and/or a central portion of each of the channel members may carry at least one roller guide disposed to contact a respective lateral edge of the terminal as the terminal is received by the docking mechanism. The base has a guide and a receiver connector configured to operably and respectively connect to a tab and a terminal connector of the terminal, as the terminal is received by the terminal receiver such that information is processable from the terminal to peripherals.

Abstract: Data collection apparatus includes an assemblage of a data collection terminal and a carrying case which is a combination of a printer module and a docking module which are joined and combined into a unitary structure. The carrying case has an attached handle which is preferably attached to the printer module. The carrying case further includes a holder for temporarily grasping an data collection accessory, such as a bar code scanner. The data terminal is quickly insertible and removable from the docking module. Communication connectors and communication wiring becomes coupled to the data collection terminal upon insertion of the data collection terminal into the docking module.

Abstract: A portable printer has a housing of impact resistant plastic material. The housing forms a printer cavity and a terminal cavity. A handle is integrally formed as part of the printer housing. Edges of housing elements forming the printer cavity are substantially sealed against each other to protect a printer mechanism, a paper supply, a battery and printer electronics within the printer cavity from water or other contaminants. The terminal cavity housing forms a receptacle for receiving a portable data entry terminal. A circuit board along an edge common to both the printer cavity and the terminal cavity of the housing carries a spring contact connector having a predetermined number of contact springs to engage a corresponding number of contact pads of such a portable data entry terminal when inserted into the receptacle. The circuit board further includes a seal in the region of the wall between the terminal cavity and the printer cavity to maintain the substantially sealed character of the printer cavity.