Abstract: An optical scan module, for example for an optical scanner, includes an integrally molded plastics material member which defines not only the laser focusing lens, but also the laser focusing aperture and the collection mirror. In addition, the molded member may act to house and to locate both a semiconductor laser and a photodetector, thereby ensuring easy and accurate placement of those elements within the scanning assembly. The optical assembly may be in modular form, mounted onto a common printed circuit board with a beam scanner.

Abstract: An integrated scanner for scanning a barcode omnidirectionally is formed an a common substrate. The scanner may include a mirror assembly or scan module, a laser diode, and a detector, mounted on a single substrate or several connected substrates. Lenses can be used to focus a laser beam from the laser diode as well as expand a laser beam deflected by the micro-machined mirror.

Abstract: A portable data device system includes a portable data device and a cradle for receiving the portable data device. The cradle is arranged to recharge the portable data device power supply and/or upload or download information to and from the portable data device. The cradle and portable data device are in wireless communication allowing a minimum of processing and data storage capability at the front end and hence operation of the portable data device as a thin client.

Abstract: High speed scanning arrangements in scanners for reading bar code symbols by oscillating a scanner component in single or multi-axis scan patterns.

Abstract: An optical scanning system for reading indicia of differing light reflectivity has an optical scan module which is adapted to be mounted on a finger of a user. A first peripheral module, preferably in the form of a wrist watch, has a receiver which detects the reflected light. A second peripheral module, mounted on the other arm of the user, communicates with the first module by radio frequency transmission. According to other aspects of the invention, the light detector may be mounted in a housing which is separate and part from the optical scan module. According to another aspect, a laser pointer or scanner is mounted to a ring which is arranged to be worn on a single finger of the user.

Abstract: Several different embodiments are disclosed of a simple, compact bar code scanner which is capable of scanning in any one of several modes, a linear scan mode for scans along a single axis, an omnidirectional scan mode for scans with consecutive scan lines which are angularly displaced relative to each other, or a raster scan mode for scans with consecutive scan lines along a first scan axis which are displaced relative to each other along a second perpendicular axis. In a preferred embodiment, the compact bar code scanner is used in a small housing mounted on an index finger of an operator such that the natural pointing direction of the index finger aims the scanner. In one embodiment, a high frequency flexural member, with a scanning mirror and permanent magnet mounted thereon, is supported by a low frequency flexural member.

Abstract: An optical scan module, for example for an optical scanner, includes an integrally molded plastics material member which defines not only the laser focusing lens, but also the laser focusing aperture and the collection mirror. In addition, the molded member may act to house and to locate both a semiconductor laser and a photodetector, thereby ensuring easy and accurate placement of those elements within the scanning assembly. The optical assembly may be in modular form, mounted onto a common printed circuit board with a beam scanner.

Abstract: A miniature module emits and focuses a divergent light beam. The focusing module consists of a small-sized light emitter, such as a laser diode, and a micro-optical element seated in a lens holder. The outside diameter of the micro-optical element is 4 mm or less and preferably less than or equal to 2.5 mm. The micro-optical element may be a small conventional lens, a gradient index lens, or one of several types of diffractive optical element. The focal length of the module relative to the light from the emitter is set by sliding the lens holder along its central axis and permanently adhering it in place with respect to the emitter after focusing. During focal adjustment, axial rotation between the lens holder and between the base of the emitter is prevented by a series of notches. The miniature focusing module is smaller, lighter, costs less and may provide a larger relative aperture than the conventional structures currently used for example in solid state laser scanners.

Abstract: A miniature high speed bar code scanning element is detachably mounted within an industry standard PCMCIA card for implementation in personal computing devices.

Abstract: Several different embodiments are disclosed of a simple, compact bar code scanner which is capable of scanning in any one of several modes, a linear scan mode for scans along a single axis, an omnidirectional scan mode for scans with consecutive scan lines which are angularly displaced relative to each other, or a raster scan mode for scans with consecutive scan lines along a first scan axis which are displaced relative to each other along a second perpendicular axis. In a preferred embodiment, the compact bar code scanner is used in a small housing mounted on an index finger of an operator such that the natural pointing direction of the index finger aims the scanner.

Abstract: A housing, held or worn by a user, contains a light emitter for emitting a light beam that is manually moved by the user relative to a target in a pointing mode of operation. An actuator is operative for actuating a scanning element to automatically move the light beam relative to the target in a scanning mode of operation. The actuator may be a switch or proximity sensor to switch between the modes.

Abstract: High speed scanning arrangements in scanners for reading bar code symbols by oscillating a scanner component in a single line pattern, the scanner component being suspended from a flexural assembly for oscillating movement. A stop is operative for contacting the scanner assembly in the event that the arrangement is subjected to external shock forces.

Abstract: High speed scanning arrangements in scanners for reading bar code symbols by oscillating a scanner component in a single line pattern, the scanner assembly being suspended from a single flexural assembly for oscillating movement. The flexural assembly includes a flexure that lies in a plane extending through a central region of a scan mirror in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the mirror. A drive is operative for moving the scanner assembly from a rest position in a circumferential direction to one of two scan end positions. The flexural assembly is tensioned and stores energy, which energy is released in order to return the scanner assembly in the other circumferential direction to the other scan end position.

Abstract: High speed scanning arrangements in scanners for reading bar code symbols by oscillating a scanner component in a single line pattern, the scanner component being suspended from a holder including flexible, resilient spring portions extending in different paths away form the scanner component to a pair of spaced-apart regions on a support. A stop is fixed to the support, for abutting the holder in the event that the arrangement is subjected to external shock forces.

Abstract: High speed scanning arrangements in scanners for reading bar code symbols by oscillating a scanner component in a single line pattern, the scanner assembly being suspended from a flexural assembly for oscillating movement. A drive is operative for moving the scanner assembly from a rest position in a circumferential direction to one of two scan end positions. The flexural assembly is tensioned and stores energy, which energy is released in order to return the scanner assembly in the other circumferential direction to the other scan end position.

Abstract: An optical scanner module for directing a light beam to scan an optically encoded symbol includes an optical element mounted for oscillatory motion to scan the light beam in one direction by a flex element capable of torsional flexure. This oscillatory motion is induced by the interacting magnetic fields established by a permanent magnet mounted to the flex element and an electromagnetic coil driven by an AC current. Bidirectional light beam scanning is achieved by mounting an assembly of the flex element, optical element and permanent magnet to one or more additional flex elements for oscillatory motion to scan the light beam in a second direction. This oscillatory motion is induced by the inclusion of an additional permanent magnet and/or electromagnetic coil.

Abstract: A scanner interface is operatively connected to an electro-optical scanner for scanning bar code symbols. A status/condition interface is operatively connected with a system component, e.g., a photodetector, a decoder, a battery, etc., whose status/condition is to be monitored. Threshold information about the system component is stored in a memory. A system processor generates updated information about the system component during scanning, compares the updated information with the threshold information and generates an output signal upon such comparison. In response to the output signal, an indicator signals a user as to the status/condition of the system component.

Abstract: High speed scanning arrangements in scanners for reading bar code symbols by oscillating a scanner component in a single line pattern, the scanner component being suspended from flexible, resilient spring portions extending in different paths away from the scanner component to a pair of spaced-apart regions on a support.

Abstract: To reduce the size and weight of an optical scanner, the present invention provides a mirrorless beam scanning unit. A flexible member, such as a multi-wire, flat, electrical cable is connected to the light emitter. Reciprocation of the light emitter during emission of light by the light emitter causes the light to scan a surface, such as a surface bearing a bar code label. The cable flexes during such reciprocation.

Abstract: A system for reading indicia such as bar code symbols having a scanner for generating a scanning light beam directed toward a symbol to be read; a first actuator manually displaceable from a first position to a second position for producing a first light beam for aiming or positioning the reader, and a second actuator manually displaceable from a first position to a second position for initiating a scanning beam pattern for reading the symbol. The actuators are independently operative of each other. A detector receives the reflected light from the symbol and produces electrical signals corresponding to data represented by the symbol. A graphical user interface with icons simplifies system control functions.