Abstract: A method of and a system for generating a dense pattern of scan lines. In a preferred configuration, multiple laser beams are formed and directed along offset outgoing paths onto a scanning mechanism such as a polygon mirror which scans the beams across pattern mirrors to generate simultaneous scan patterns out into the scan volume. Return light from both scan patterns are retrodirectively collected and redirected by a common collection element such as a collection lens. The collection lens focuses return light from the first beam onto a first detector and light from the second beam onto a second detector, the first and second detectors being offset in corresponding fashion to the offset of the outgoing beams.

Abstract: An optical scanning system includes a laser pulser configured to output light at a predetermined duty cycle having an on time and an off time. The system also includes a receiver that receives light at the predetermined duty cycle, where the receiver includes an ambient light measuring and analyzing unit for analyzing received ambient light during the off time. The ambient light measuring and analyzing unit outputs a signal to the laser pulser that includes information as to characteristics of the received ambient light. The laser pulser operates at a modulating frequency that is separate from a frequency band of the received ambient light.

Abstract: A data reading system and method which renders the return signal strength of light reaching the detector more uniform over greater distances and/or positions relative to the collection system and including an optical correction module or corrective optical element(s) is placed in the light collection path to the detector whereby the characteristics of light coming from sources in different locations and/or distances relative to the collection lens may be changed. In one embodiment, an optical element such as a diffusion element or aperture is placed between a collection lens and the detector such that the amount of collected light from a far field target reaching the detector is maximized and the amount of collected light from a near field target reaching the detector is selectively inhibited rendering the total light intensity on the detector more uniform as between the far field signal and the near field signal.

Abstract: A data reading systems including an aiming aid system which creates a highly visible target or image in the scan volume at a preferred location for placement of the article to be scanned. In a preferred application, an overhead bar code scanner employs a rotating polygon mirror which scans one or more laser beams off pattern mirrors creating a complex pattern of scan lines down into the scan volume whereby the aiming aid is created by directing a laser beam onto a scanning mirror positioned on top of the polygon mirror generally along the rotational axis of the polygon mirror and then directing that beam out into the scan volume in the desired pattern, such as a circular aiming aid. Alternately, the aiming aid may be a multi-dimensional graphical image formed by holographic or diffractive optics.

Abstract: A method of and system for generating multiple parallel scan lines, for a thin, narrow height scanner by generating a reading beam, using a suitable scanning mechanism to scan or dither the reading beam, directing the scanned beam onto an optical element, controlling the system such that the beam is alternately transmitted or reflected by the optical element, and directing multiple scan lines into the scan volume. When the optical element is reflective, a scan line is produced directly off the optical element; when the optical element is transmissive, a scan line passes through the optical element and is reflected by a fold mirror and into the scan volume.

Abstract: A scanner including a plastic focusing lens and thermal compensation element, integrally formed with the asphere or comprising a separate element, to replace the existing glass laser diode focusing lens. The combined optical system is thereby configured to provide overall temperature compensation for the system with reduced cost and improved performance.

Abstract: A data reading system and method which renders the return signal strength of light reaching the detector more uniform over greater distances and/or positions relative to the collection system and including an optical correction module or corrective optical element(s) is placed in the light collection path to the detector whereby the characteristics of light coming from sources in different locations and/or distances relative to the collection lens may be changed. In one embodiment, an optical element such as a diffusion element or aperture is placed between a collection lens and the detector such that the amount of collected light from a far field target reaching the detector is maximized and the amount of collected light from a near field target reaching the detector is selectively inhibited rendering the total light intensity on the detector more uniform as between the far field signal and the near field signal.

Abstract: An optical system and method for data reading in which a light source generates an optical beam directed toward an object to be read and a variable aperture mechanism positioned in the outgoing light path establishes at least two separate focal planes. The variable aperture device may comprise a variable aperture system in which the size of the aperture is selectively varied about a range within the diffractive limit of the light beam. A preferred aperture mechanism is an electronically actuable mechanism with no moving parts which may include a liquid crystal aperture with one or more aperture regions which are selectively or consecutively activated. The optical system therefore establishes two or more separate waist locations from a single light source resulting in greater depth of field or multiple depths of field.

Abstract: An optical system and method for data reading in which a light source generates an optical beam directed toward an object to be read and a variable aperture mechanism positioned in the outgoing light path establishes at least two separate focal planes. The variable aperture device may comprise a variable aperture system in which the size of the aperture is selectively varied about a range within the diffractive limit of the light beam. A preferred aperture mechanism is a liquid crystal aperture with one or more aperture regions which are selectively or consecutively activated. The optical system therefore establishes two or more separate waist locations from a single light source resulting in greater depth of field or multiple depths of field.

Abstract: An optical element causes emission of a visible spotter beam [emitted by]from a hand-held scanning bar code reader. The visible beam provides visible indications of the area of a surface which is being scanned by an invisible scanning beam. The optical element transforms the visible spotter beam, at its extreme of travel, into two pairs of cursor beams which are directed along predetermined trajectories relative to the trajectory followed by the scanning beam. The predetermined trajectories can be above and below, or to the left and right of the center of travel of the invisible scanning beam. In one embodiment, a method of identifying the proper focusing distance of the scanning reader is presented. The method identifies the focusing distance by directing the pairs of cursor beams formed from the visible beam at its two angular extremes to form a predetermined pattern indicating the proper focusing distance.

Abstract: A carrier for mounting onto a bicycle that can be converted between a child carrier and a cargo carrier is disclosed. The carrier is provided with a seat panel, backrest, handle bars and footrests which may be adjusted relative to the backrest and seat panel so as to accommodate various sizes of children. Further, the carrier includes a convertible element that pivots between rear and forward positions to convert the carrier between child carrier and cargo carrier configurations, respectively. The convertible element nests within the backrest When the carrier is in its child carrier configuration. Also disclosed is a suspension element for mounting between the carrier and the bicycle to reduce road vibration and impacts.

Abstract: An optical element for causing a visible spotter beam emitted by a hand-held scanning bar code reader provides visible indications of the area of a surface which is being scanned by an invisible scanning beam. The optical element transforms the visible spotter beam, at its extreme of travel, into two pairs of cursor beams which are directed along predetermined trajectories relative to the trajectory followed by the scanning beam. The predetermined trajectories can be above and below, or to the left and right of the center of travel of the invisible scanning beam. In one embodiment, a method of identifying the proper focusing distance of the scanning reader is presented. The method identifies the focusing distance by making the pairs of cursor beams formed from the visible beam at its two angular extreme of travel to form a predetermined pattern indicating the proper focusing distance.

Abstract: An optical system and method for data reading in which a light source generates an optical beam directed toward an object to be read and a variable aperture mechanism positioned in the outgoing light path establishes at least two separate focal planes. The variable aperture device may comprise a variable aperture system in which the size of the aperture is selectively varied about a range within the diffractive limit of the light beam. A preferred aperture mechanism is a liquid crystal aperture with one or more aperture regions which are selectively or consecutively activated. The optical system therefore establishes two or more separate waist locations from a single light source resulting in greater depth of field or multiple depths of field.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading a bar code symbol with an illumination beam of light. The apparatus includes an integrally formed lens with a first lens surface for transmitting the beam of light toward the bar code symbol along an optical axis and second and third lens surfaces for receiving any of the beam of light that is reflected from the bar code symbol and transmitting the received light along two distinct optical paths to two photodiodes. The two distinct optical paths are separated from each other and not aligned with the optical axis. The configuration of lenses provides an improved depth of field.

Abstract: An optical system and method for data reading in which a light source generates an optical beam directed toward an object to be read and a variable aperture mechanism positioned in the outgoing light path establishes at least two separate focal planes. The variable aperture device may comprise a variable aperture system in which the size of the aperture is selectively varied about a range within the diffractive limit of the light beam. A preferred aperture mechanism is an LCD aperture with one or more aperture regions which are selectively or consecutively activated. The optical system therefore establishes two or more separate focal planes from a single light source resulting in greater depth of field or multiple depths of field.

Abstract: A temperature-compensated optical system for a scanning device. The optical system includes a first optical element having a positive radius of curvature in a plane and a second optical element having a negative radius of curvature in the plane. Both optical elements focus light energy to nearly the same point within a housing of the scanning device. The focal point is on the side of the second optical element that is opposite to the first optical element. In one embodiment, the optical system can be two separate optical elements and, in another embodiment, the optical system can be an integral piece of material, such as plastic, with the first and second optical elements being surfaces on opposite sides of the integral piece.

Abstract: A scanning interferometer that is capable of measuring the complete relative movement of up to 10 or more measurement sites on a test structure, to determine thermal distortion or expansion. The interferometer includes means for dividing a source beam into signal and reference beams, and an acousto-optic deflector for deflecting the signal beam in response to a control signal to produce a deflected signal beam. The control signal is generated such that deflected signal beams are sequentially directed to the different measurement sites. Reflection means at each measurement site reflects the deflected signal beam to produce a reflected signal beam. Each reflected signal beam is combined with the reference beam to produce an interference pattern, and a photodetector positioned in the interference pattern produces a fringe signal. Signal processing means are provided for periodically measuring the phase of the fringe signal for each deflected signal beam, to thereby measure the movement of each measurement site.