Abstract: A hub assembly for a data storage disk comprises a hub member and a raised boss near a center axis of the hub member, the raised boss being surrounded by an annular bonding surface and being configured so as to protrude into a center hole of a data storage disk when the bonding surface is in contact with a surface of the disk. Two hub assemblies are disposed on opposite sides of the disk, the respective raised bosses of the hub assemblies protrude into a center hole of the disk, where they are bonded to each other to increase the overall bonding force between the hub assemblies and the disk. The hub assemblies and disk may be bonded together using a UV curable adhesive. The hub assembly may also include a metal hub plate that is used to magnetically clamp the disk/hub assembly to the spindle of a disk drive. In one embodiment, the metal hub plate has several tabs that are bent around the disk to attach the metal hub plate to the disk.

Abstract: An integrated optical imaging assembly for scanning an object may comprise a printed circuit board having an upper end and a lower end. An optical detector is mounted to the upper end of the printed circuit board at an end of an image light path, and a lens system is mounted to the printed circuit board below the optical detector to be interposed in the image light path. A reflector is mounted to the lens in the image light path between the lens and the optical detector to direct the image light path between the lens and the optical detector. An illumination source is mounted to the lower end of the circuit board to illuminate a second end of the image light path below the lens, and an illumination reflector is mounted to the lens opposite the illumination source to direct an illumination light path from the illumination source toward the image light path below the lens.

Abstract: Scanner apparatus having a visual scan-region position feedback system according to the present invention may comprise a body having at least one elongate opening therein that extends along a transverse axis so that the elongate opening encompasses a scan region on an object during a scanning operation. An image sensing system mounted within the body of the scanner is optically coupled to the elongate opening therein and receives image light reflected by the scan region. A first light source mounted to the body produces a first light beam that is generally aligned with the elongate opening in the body and that extends outwardly from the body in a first direction along the transverse axis. The first light beam is incident on at least a portion of the object being scanned during the scanning operation and provides a visual indication of a position of the scan region with respect to the object being scanned.

Abstract: A capturing and viewing appliance and method are used for capturing and communicating images. The capturing and viewing appliance is an instrument used to capture and communicate images to other devices with communication capabilities. The capturing and viewing appliance includes a processor for manipulating and viewing the images on a built-in display. Program code stored in internal memory includes a menu/image navigation application program which allows the user to use navigation buttons to view multiple images as well as navigate menus. According to another aspect of the invention, the menu/image navigation interface provides a user-friendly interface for effective communication of functionality of an appliance or other device to the user through use of animated transitions.

Abstract: A capturing and viewing appliance and method are used for capturing and communicating images. The capturing and viewing appliance is an instrument used to capture and communicate images to other devices with communication capabilities. The capturing and viewing appliance includes a processor for manipulating and viewing the images on a built-in display. Program code stored in internal memory includes a menu/image navigation application program which allows the user to use navigation buttons to view multiple images as well as navigate menus. According to another aspect of the invention, the menu/image navigation interface provides a user-friendly interface for effective communication of functionality of an appliance or other device to the user through use of animated transitions.

Abstract: An integrated optical imaging assembly for scanning an object may comprise a printed circuit board having an upper end and a lower end. An optical detector is mounted to the upper end of the printed circuit board at an end of an image light path, and a lens system is mounted to the printed circuit board below the optical detector to be interposed in the image light path. A reflector is mounted to the lens in the image light path between the lens and the optical detector to direct the image light path between the lens and the optical detector. An illumination source is mounted to the lower end of the circuit board to illuminate a second end of the image light path below the lens, and an illumination reflector is mounted to the lens opposite the illumination source to direct an illumination light path from the illumination source toward the image light path below the lens.

Abstract: An integrated optical imaging assembly for scanning an object may comprise a printed circuit board having an upper end and a lower end. An optical detector is mounted to the upper end of the printed circuit board at an end of an image light path, and a lens system is mounted to the printed circuit board below the optical detector to be interposed in the image light path. A reflector is mounted to the lens in the image light path between the lens and the optical detector to direct the image light path between the lens and the optical detector. An illumination source is mounted to the lower end of the circuit board to illuminate a second end of the image light path below the lens, and an illumination reflector is mounted to the lens opposite the illumination source to direct an illumination light path from the illumination source toward the image light path below the lens.

Abstract: A compact drive assembly for a hand-held scanner device may comprise a roller mounted for rotation in the hand-held scanner device and a motor having an output shaft. A first worm mounted to the output shaft of the motor engages a first worm gear. A second worm is operatively associated with the first worm gear so that the second worm rotates with the first worm gear. A second worm gear mounted to the roller engages the second worm so that the motor drives the roller via the first worm, the first worm gear, the second worm and the second worm gear. An encoder assembly operatively associated with the second worm provides an indication of the angular position of the second worm. A control system operatively associated with the encoder assembly and the motor operates the motor to drive the roller within a predetermined speed range.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hand-held scanning device in which the scanning device housing window is attached directly to the optical assembly. In this manner, alignment between the window and the optical assembly may be maintained even when the housing is being subjected to stress. The window is also designed to float with respect to at least a portion of the housing, thus allowing the housing to flex without causing movement of the window relative to the optical assembly. A tortuous path seal arrangement may be provided between the window and the housing. The tortuous path seal allows the housing to move relatively to the window, and yet inhibits the entry of dust and other contaminants into the interior of the housing through the space provided between the window and the housing.

Abstract: A hand held electronic scanning device that preferably has a front surface provided with abutments so that, when the front surface is laid on a supporting surface, operating buttons on the front surface will not contact the supporting surface and a transparent member covering a display window opening will also not contact the support surface to avoid scuffing thereof.

Abstract: An articulated reactor may comprise a generally rectangular member having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, an elongate inlet side, and an elongate outlet side. A raised portion extends along a direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and at least one slot extends from about the elongate outlet side to about the elongate inlet side. The slot forms at least two fingers the raised portions of which are biased against a roller associated with a scanner device when the scanner device is positioned adjacent the articulated reactor.

Abstract: A monitor assembly for a media autochanger having a media holder assembly which is rotatable with respect to a media autochanger support frame about a media holder rotation axis. The media holder assembly includes first and second media engaging members. The monitor assembly includes first indicia located on the first media engaging member, second indicia located on the second media engaging member and an indicia sensor mounted on the support frame. The monitor assembly determines the angular orientation of the media holder assembly and whether an adjacent media engaging member is in a linear registration position by analyzing the indicia sensor signal.