Patents by Inventor Steven J. Hammer

Steven J. Hammer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9311514
    Abstract: A barcode scanner which uses different wavelengths of light to produce different fields of view. An example barcode scanner includes a plurality of light devices each having a different wavelength of light and each associated with a different field of view for illuminating an item with a barcode, a plurality of waveband mirrors each reflecting one of the different wavelengths of light from the light devices and transmitting other wavelengths of light, an imager for receiving the different wavelengths of light reflected from the waveband mirrors and for producing corresponding images, and a controller configured to sequentially activate the light devices and the imager and to decode the barcode in an at least one of the images received from the imager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Hammer
  • Publication number: 20150278566
    Abstract: A barcode scanner which uses different wavelengths of light to produce different fields of view. An example barcode scanner includes a plurality of light devices each having a different wavelength of light and each associated with a different field of view for illuminating an item with a barcode, a plurality of waveband mirrors each reflecting one of the different wavelengths of light from the light devices and transmitting other wavelengths of light, an imager for receiving the different wavelengths of light reflected from the waveband mirrors and for producing corresponding images, and a controller configured to sequentially activate the light devices and the imager and to decode the barcode in an at least one of the images received from the imager.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Hammer
  • Patent number: 8985444
    Abstract: A checkout stand with a barcode reader on a bagging end which reduces transaction times over conventional checkout stand designs. An example checkout stand includes a housing including a first and a second end, a conveyor for transporting items from the first end to the second end, a bagging station at the second end, a base portion between the conveyor and the bagging station, a first tower portion on the base portion, and a second tower portion on the base station separated from the first tower portion by a gap. The base portion and the first and second tower portions are for mounting a barcode reader for scanning the items before the items reach the bagging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Hammer
  • Publication number: 20130320083
    Abstract: A checkout stand with a barcode reader on a bagging end which reduces transaction times over conventional checkout stand designs. An example checkout stand includes a housing including a first and a second end, a conveyor for transporting items from the first end to the second end, a bagging station at the second end, a base portion between the conveyor and the bagging station, a first tower portion on the base portion, and a second tower portion on the base station separated from the first tower portion by a gap. The base portion and the first and second tower portions are for mounting a barcode reader for scanning the items before the items reach the bagging station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: NCR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Steven J. Hammer
  • Patent number: 8366006
    Abstract: A combined laser and imaging scanner has an image capture device located under a horizontal platen such that the field of view of the image capture device points away from an operator side of the scanner in order to capture an image of an optical code which is being scanned by the laser scanner through the horizontal platen. The image capture device is located in amongst the mirrors which form the scanning optics of the laser scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Hammer
  • Patent number: 8365998
    Abstract: A convertible barcode reader which includes different configurations for self-service operation and assisted-service operation. An example convertible barcode reader includes a first housing portion including a first barcode reader engine, a second housing portion including a second barcode reader engine, and a hinge for coupling the second housing portion to the first housing portion between the first and second barcode reader engines. The second housing portion is moveable between a first position for self-service operation and a second position for assisted service operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Dave L. Gregerson, Steven J. Hammer
  • Publication number: 20120160910
    Abstract: A combined laser and imaging scanner has an image capture device located under a horizontal platen such that the field of view of the image capture device points away from an operator side of the scanner in order to capture an image of an optical code which is being scanned by the laser scanner through the horizontal platen. The image capture device is located in amongst the mirrors which form the scanning optics of the laser scanner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Steven J. Hammer
  • Patent number: 7913910
    Abstract: A method of programming a barcode label with a single programming barcode label. The method includes printing a single programming barcode label for implementing a plurality of program features by a computer, and scanning the single programming barcode label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Hammer
  • Patent number: 7510119
    Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a mirrored spinner about multiple axes. The apparatus includes a first axle which rotates about a first axis of rotation, and a second axle for mounting the mirrored spinner to the first axle, wherein the second axle rotates the mirrored spinner about a second axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Hammer, Wayne L. Orwig
  • Publication number: 20090001168
    Abstract: Barcode scanner including a multitasking pattern mirror which allows the size of a scanner to be reduced without decreasing performance. The bar code scanner includes a laser for producing a laser beam, a mirrored spinner for reflecting the laser beam, and a plurality of pattern mirrors for directing the laser beam from the mirrored spinner to produce a scan pattern and for directing light reflected from an item to the mirrored spinner. One of the pattern mirrors is located between the laser and the mirrored spinner and includes an aperture for allowing the laser beam to pass through. The one pattern mirror may also serve to direct the reflected light from the mirrored spinner to the collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Steven J. Hammer
  • Publication number: 20080237331
    Abstract: A method of programming a barcode label with a single programming barcode label. The method includes printing a single programming barcode label for implementing a plurality of program features by a computer, and scanning the single programming barcode label.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Steven J. Hammer
  • Patent number: 7316356
    Abstract: An optical scanner having a balanced mirrored spinner. The optical scanner includes a laser for producing a laser beam, a mirrored spinner for directing the laser beam to produce scanning light beams, and an apparatus for rotating the mirrored spinner including a motor having a shaft which rotates about a first axis of rotation, a spinner mount coupled to the shaft and having an axle coupled to the mirrored spinner for rotating the mirrored spinner about a second axis of rotation, a drive mechanism for rotating the mirrored spinner about the axle, and a balance for counteracting precession of the mirrored spinner as it rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua B. Minter, Steven J. Hammer
  • Patent number: 7178734
    Abstract: Barcode scanner including a multitasking pattern mirror which allows the size of a scanner to be reduced without decreasing performance. The bar code scanner includes a laser for producing a laser beam, a mirrored spinner for reflecting the laser beam, and a plurality of pattern mirrors for directing the laser beam from the mirrored spinner to produce a scan pattern. The multitasking pattern mirror additionally directs the laser beam from the laser to the mirrored spinner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Hammer
  • Patent number: 7137560
    Abstract: An optical scanner includes a scanner housing including a scan window, a laser light source, reflected light detector and a mirrored polygon spinner. The spinner is arranged to spin around both a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation so as to produce a substantially hemispherical scan volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Hammer
  • Patent number: 7073716
    Abstract: A barcode scanner with a dual-surface polygon which increases total scan line length. The polygon includes generally planar walls arranged in a ring having first mirrored facets facing generally towards a center of the ring and second mirrored facets facing generally away from the center of the ring. The first and second mirrored facets direct a laser beam to produce a scan pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Hammer
  • Patent number: 7051939
    Abstract: A bar code scanner with laser beam oscillator which rasters a laser beam to produce more scan line coverage. The bar code scanner includes a laser for producing a laser beam, a mirrored spinner, and a laser beam oscillator optically located between the laser and the mirrored spinner for continuously deflecting the laser beam about an undeflected path of the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Hammer, Wayne L. Orwig
  • Patent number: 6905070
    Abstract: A bar code scanner has a housing including a surface having a transparent scanning window. The housing contains optical components including a spinner mounted on a rotating motor; pattern mirrors and a collector for collecting light reflected from a bar code during scanning. Wherein the spinner is an inverted frusto-conical spinner with internal reflecting surfaces, the diameter of the spinner increasing as distance from the motor increases, and wherein the collector is mounted substantially within the body of the spinner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Hammer
  • Patent number: 6883712
    Abstract: A bar code scanner has a housing including a surface having a transparent scanning window. The housing contains optical components including a spinner and pattern mirrors arranged to produce sets of densely packed scan lines. The housing further contains a single output mirror which can be arranged in a first position in which the scan lines are optimized for horizontal scanning and a second position in which the scan lines are optimized for vertical scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Hammer, Donald A. Collins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6764010
    Abstract: A checkout device with a barcode reading apparatus, scale, and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. The checkout device includes a scale including a base portion and a weigh plate over the base portion, a security label deactivation system between the base portion and the weigh plate, and a barcode reading apparatus including a first barcode reader adjacent the scale including a first aperture, and a second barcode reader between the base portion and the weigh plate including a second aperture. The weigh plate includes a third aperture over the second aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. Collins, Jr., Rex A. Aleshire, Steven J. Hammer, Wayne L. Orwig
  • Publication number: 20040000591
    Abstract: A checkout device with a barcode reader and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. The checkout device includes a barcode reader including a first portion having a substantially horizontal aperture and a second portion having a substantially vertical aperture, a weight plate suspended above the horizontal portion, and a security label deactivation system between the first portion and the weigh plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Donald A. Collins, Steven J. Hammer