Trigger Detail Patents (Class 235/462.48)
  • Patent number: 10372954
    Abstract: A method of scanning and reading indicia off a display is disclosed. The method may utilize a light sensor of a mobile device to improve the quality of reading indicia, such as a barcode, off a display. A scanner illuminates the mobile device in order to increase the backlight intensity and obtain a high contrast image on the display and then ceases illumination in order to scan the high contrast image without specular reflection caused by the scanner illumination. In one embodiment, the scanner illuminates the mobile device for a period of time to achieve the maximum level of brightness that the mobile device is capable of emitting on the display in the period of time before ceasing the illumination. In another embodiment, the scanner detects whether the change in brightness is greater than predefined level before ceasing the illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik Todeschini
  • Patent number: 10224156
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a de-bouncing keypad and a preparation method thereof, wherein the keypad is composed of a rubber substrate and a metal contact having three layers of layered structures. A layer of tin alloy or lead alloy is plated on a surface of the metal contact by electroplating or chemical plating. The metal contact plated with the tin alloy or lead alloy has excellent contact bouncing resistance and arc-ablation resistance, and the metal contact is further composited with the rubber to shape and prepare the rubber de-bouncing keypad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Nantong Memtech Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huisheng Han, Zhenxing Wang, Yang Ding, Hongmei Zhang, Zhihao Dong, Jie Shi
  • Patent number: 10101457
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a depth map acquisition system, includes a housing, a light source for emitting light to illuminate objects in a scene subject to depth mapping, fixedly mounted to the housing, a mirror tilt actuator, fixedly mounted to the housing, for tilting a mirror fixedly mounted to the mirror tilt actuator, a mirror fixedly mounted to the mirror tilt actuator, for reflecting light from the light source to the objects, and a partially transparent photosensitive detector in the direct path of the light from the mirror to the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Topliss, Thomas M. Gregory
  • Patent number: 9792478
    Abstract: A trigger assembly including a cylindrical pivot shaft having a pivot-shaft longitudinal axis; a trigger key having a front face, a back face opposite the front face, an actuator extending from the back face, and a trigger-key longitudinal axis, wherein the a first end on the of the trigger key has a plurality of through holes arranged to receive the cylindrical pivot shaft; a trigger-key support having an aperture for the actuator to pass through, the trigger-key support further having a plurality of pivot-shaft supports, wherein each pivot-shaft support includes a concave surface configured to receive the cylindrical pivot shaft; and a trigger bezel having a plurality of substantially flat surfaces positioned to constrain the pivot shaft in opposition to the plurality of pivot-shaft supports, wherein the substantially flat surfaces are located at different positions along the pivot-shaft longitudinal axis than are the pivot-shaft supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Yanmin Mao
  • Patent number: 9160189
    Abstract: A case for an electronic device is provided. The case can include a front shell attachable to a back shell, the front shell and the back shell at least partially surrounding an electronic device installed in the case. The case can include an attached payment device reader that is electrically connected to the electronic device, an attached product information input device electrically connected to the electronic device, and a battery electrically connected to the electronic device. The case can also include an electromechanical button and a trigger member that can actuate the electromechanical button. The case can also include a rotatable mount that is removably attachable to an outer surface of the case and a hand strap attached to the rotatable mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew M. Glanzer, Lucas B. Weller
  • Patent number: 9043235
    Abstract: A cloud computing system for object location, object identification, object picking, object picking by line, object loading onto one or more transport devices, or object delivery that can include using a cloud based server comprising a cloud based processor in communication with a cloud based data storage. The cloud based server can be in communication with at least one mobile processor in communication with a mobile data storage and a display. The method can also include sending instructions to an operator from the cloud based computer to a mobile processor associated with an operator to instruct the operator to perform a logistics operation. The logistic operation can include one or more of object location, object identification, object picking, object picking by line, object loading onto one or more transport devices, and object delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: SYSTEMS APPLICATION ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Jerry Dennis Sacks, James Michael Parks, Gregory Parker Braun, Christopher Burks Parr
  • Publication number: 20140361081
    Abstract: A case for an electronic device is provided. The case can include a front shell attachable to a back shell, the front shell and the back shell at least partially surrounding an electronic device installed in the case. The case can include an attached payment device reader that is electrically connected to the electronic device, an attached product information input device electrically connected to the electronic device, and a battery electrically connected to the electronic device. The case can also include an electromechanical button and a trigger member that can actuate the electromechanical button. The case can also include a rotatable mount that is removably attachable to an outer surface of the case and a hand strap attached to the rotatable mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Matthew M. Glanzer, Lucas B. Weller
  • Patent number: 8814049
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile terminal having an information recognition module. The mobile terminal having an information recognition module of the present invention comprises: a terminal casing with a front casing and a rear casing coupled with each other; an information recognition module coupled to the terminal casing; and an information recognition module drive unit, which has a trigger provided at the terminal casing in such a manner that the trigger is exposed outside of the terminal casing, and an operation switch, which generates an electrical signal for operating the information recognition module by a trigger pull motion. According to the present invention, procedures for operating the information recognition module can be improved in convenience and stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Bluebird Soft Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jang Won Lee, Woong Ki Min
  • Publication number: 20140191034
    Abstract: A case for an electronic device is provided. The case can include a front shell attachable to a back shell, a flexible insert disposed between the front shell and the back shell and configured to at least partially surround an electronic device when installed in the case, a payment device reader attached to the case and configured to be electrically connected to the electronic device, a product information input device attached to the case and configured to be electrically connected to the electronic device, and a battery configured to be electrically connected to the electronic device. The case can also include a rotatable mount that is removably attachable to an outer surface of the case and a hand strap attached to the rotatable mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: 1 OAK TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew M. Glanzer, Lucas Weller
  • Patent number: 8702004
    Abstract: An accuracy-enhanced scanner provides (in response to a first user input) illumination of potential scan targets and scans (in response to a second user input) a selected scan target. The user uses the illumination to aim the scanner at the selected scan target in between providing the first and the second user inputs. The scanner has switches to communicate the user inputs, to specify an operating mode for the scanner, and/or to communicate information codes to a computing device. The scanner has one or more scan engines (such as a barcode reader or an RFID tag reader), and optionally communicates wirelessly with the computing device. A scanning system including the scanner optionally provides feedback to the user based on feedback from a host processor. The scanner is any of a Multi-Mode Ring Scanner (MMRS), a cordless hand scanner, or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) with an add-on scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Socket Mobile, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Miller, Bobby Dale Gifford, Leonard Ott, John E. Brandon
  • Patent number: 8559767
    Abstract: There is described an imaging apparatus having an imaging assembly that includes an image sensor. The imaging apparatus can capture a frame of image data having image data corresponding to a first set of pixels of the image sensor. The imaging apparatus can capture a frame or image data having image data corresponding to a second set of pixels of the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Welch Allyn Data Collection, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles P. Barber, Carl W. Gerst, III, George S. Smith, II, Robert M. Hussey, Robert C. Gardiner, Matthew W. Pankow
  • Patent number: 8469275
    Abstract: Barcode detection method and systems are typically configured for reading each barcode individually. However, it is often advantageous to read a plurality of barcodes (or a batch of barcodes) in a single scanning operation. Provided is a barcode detection method and system which is capable of scanning an area including one or more barcodes, detecting and decoding the barcodes in the scanned area and generating a batch of barcodes all in a single scanning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Metaform Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronen Dahari
  • Patent number: 8424768
    Abstract: A trigger mechanism with soft stops and associated method for activating a switch in a device or apparatus. The trigger mechanism includes a trigger receptacle, a trigger disposed in the trigger receptacle and movable between an un-actuated and an actuated position by a user depressing the trigger, and a soft stop comprised of at least one projection positioned to engage a resilient elastomeric insert. Moving the trigger from the un-actuated to actuated position compresses the elastomeric insert with the projection and activates the switch to provide a tactile sensation of the switch activation to the user. The switch may be an electric switch disposed in a hand held device, such as a barcode scanner in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Mark Rueblinger, Kai Wang, Daniel J. Olson, Mikhail L. Veksland
  • Patent number: 8428905
    Abstract: A data acquisition device for an auto triggering thereof includes a movement detector, a distance detector, a processor, and a data acquiring component. The movement detector detects movement data of the data acquisition device. The movement data indicates a state of movement for the data acquisition device. The state of movement is one of static and dynamic. The distance detector detects distance data between the data acquisition device and an object to which data is to be acquired. The processor receives the movement data to determine the state of movement and, when the state of movement is determined to be static, receives the distance data to determine the distance of the object from the data acquisition device. The data acquiring component acquires the data from the object when the processor initially determines that the state of movement is static and subsequently determines the distance is within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gad Noor, Jacob Gabay, Dmitry Slomov, Jay Paul White
  • Patent number: 8322622
    Abstract: A digital-imaging based code symbol reading system which automatically detects hand-induced vibration when the user attempts to read one or more 1D and/or 2D code symbols on an object, and controls system operation in order to reduce motion blur in digital images captured by the hand-supportable system, whether operated in a snap-shot or video image capture mode. An accelerometer sensor is used to automatically detect hand/system acceleration in a vector space during system operation. In a first embodiment, digital image capture is initiated when the user manually depresses a trigger switch, and decode processed only when the measured acceleration of the hand-supportable housing is below predetermined acceleration threshold levels. In another embodiment, digital image capture is initiated when an object is automatically detected in the field of view of the system, and decode processed only when the measured acceleration of the hand-supportable housing is below predetermined acceleration threshold levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Yong Liu
  • Publication number: 20120286048
    Abstract: A plug-and-play barcode scanner is plugged into an operable electronic apparatus, e.g. a computer or a portable electronic apparatus and after the plugging is completed, the plug-and-play barcode scanner is operative to scan a barcode. The plug-and-play barcode scanner is formed of a micro-scanner designed in combination with a plug-and-play transmission interface module, so that the barcode scanner tends to become more lightweight, more convenient and more practicable and is beneficial to the popularization of managing markets of commodity marketing and sales with the barcode in the future.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Kuo-Nien Liu, Kenneth Liou
  • Patent number: 8276821
    Abstract: A portable data collector having scan buttons pressed by forefinger to input merchandise information and scan merchandise barcode includes a shell body having a top face and a bottom face corresponding to the top face; a circuit board installed in the shell body; a plurality of input buttons arranged on the top face for actuating the scan component to generate scan light to read barcode and electrically connected to the circuit board; a display screen also arranged on the top face of the shell body and electrically connected to the circuit board; a scan component additionally arranged in the shell body and electrically connected to the circuit board; and a scan button shown as a trigger shape and arranged on the bottom face of the shell body to be electrically connected to the circuit board; thereby, when the scan button is pushed by forefinger, the scan component is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Deng-Shiang He
  • Patent number: 8256678
    Abstract: There is described an image sensor based indicia reading terminal comprising a variable setting imaging lens having a first setting at which the terminal has a first plane of optimum focus and a second setting at which the terminal has a second plane of optimum focus. According to one embodiment, a first predetermined picture size where picture size is determined according to a number of pixels subject to read out, can be associated to the first lens setting and a second picture size can be associated to the second lens setting such that the terminal with the lens setting set to the first setting reads out a frame of a first picture size and with the lens setting set to a second setting reads out a frame of a second picture size. In addition to or in place of the picture size operational parameters, different operational parameters can be associated to the respective first and second lens settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Havens, Timothy P. Meier
  • Patent number: 8235294
    Abstract: An accuracy-enhanced scanner provides (in response to a first user input) illumination of potential scan targets and scans (in response to a second user input) a selected scan target. The user uses the illumination to aim the scanner at the selected scan target in between providing the first and the second user inputs. The scanner has switches to communicate the user inputs, to specify an operating mode for the scanner, and/or to communicate information codes to a computing device. The scanner has one or more scan engines (such as a barcode reader or an RFID tag reader), and optionally communicates wirelessly with the computing device. A scanning system including the scanner optionally provides feedback to the user based on feedback from a host processor. The scanner is any of a Multi-Mode Ring Scanner (MMRS), a cordless hand scanner, or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) with an add-on scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Socket Mobile, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Miller, Bobby Dale Gifford, Leonard Ott, John E. Brandon
  • Publication number: 20120168512
    Abstract: An optical code symbol reading system including a hand-supportable housing having a light transmission aperture. A manually-actuated trigger switch is integrated within the housing. An optical code symbol reading subsystem is disposed in the housing for optically reading a code symbol in the field external to the light transmission aperture, and generating symbol character data representative of the read code symbol. One or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) are disposed in the housing, for producing a visible illumination. Also, an optical-waveguide structure is disposed in the housing for coupling visible illumination produced from the one or more LEDs, so as to illuminate the region about the manually-actuated trigger switch, thereby causing the optically-translucent region about the manually-actuated trigger switch to glow and visually indicate where it is located on the hand-supportable housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Xiaoxun Zhu, Michael Veksland, Ka Man Au, Patrick Giordano, Weizhen Yan, Jie Ren, Taylor Smith, Michael V. Miraglia, C. Harry Knowles, Sudhin Mandal, Shawn De Foney, Christopher Allen, David M. Wilz, SR.
  • Patent number: 8186592
    Abstract: A universal stand for holding a reading device that collects and processes machine readable data comprising: a base adapted for placement on a surface for providing holding stability for the reading device; a cradle arm having a flange portion and a cradle portion; and, a hinge for rotatably connecting the cradle arm to the base, wherein the cradle arm is adapted to be replaceable so that the base may be utilized for providing holding stability for more than one reading device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Donna M. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 8146819
    Abstract: There is described an image sensor based indicia reading terminal comprising a variable setting imaging lens having a first setting at which the terminal has a first plane of optimum focus and a second setting at which the terminal has a second plane of optimum focus. According to one embodiment, a first predetermined picture size where picture size is determined according to a number of pixels subject to read out, can be associated to the first lens setting and a second picture size can be associated to the second lens setting such that the terminal with the lens setting set to the first setting reads out a frame of a first picture size and with the lens setting set to a second setting reads out a frame of a second picture size. In addition to or in place of the picture size operational parameters, different operational parameters can be associated to the respective first and second lens settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Havens, Timothy P. Meier
  • Patent number: 8146823
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for rapidly capturing images in an automated identification system to effectively extend one dimension of a field of view of an image system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the image system captures and processes multiple images of at least a portion of a surface of a component in the automated identification system in response to a trigger signal communicated from a triggering device configured to sense a location of the component. Various embodiments of the invention include multiple sources for capturing images, and/or multiple user-specified schemas for effectively extending the field of view of the image system along the axis of component travel in the automated identification system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Microscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Moore, Danny S. Barnes, Matthew E. Allen, Bruce R. Scharf
  • Patent number: 8146824
    Abstract: A floating trigger assembly is mounted on a housing of an ergonomically triggered reader for electro-optically reading a target to initiate the reading when manually actuated by an operator. The trigger assembly includes a trigger support in the housing, and a floating trigger engageable by the operator exteriorly of the housing and mounted for initial translatory motion toward the trigger support upon initial actuation by the operator, and for turning motion about an axis after the floating trigger contacts the trigger support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Drzymala
  • Patent number: 8134430
    Abstract: A trigger device includes a retaining frame, a swing arm, a toggle switch, a resilient member and a touch component. An end of the swing arm is connected to the middle of the retaining frame, and another end of the swing arm is connected to a magnetic sensor, and an end of the toggle switch is pivotally connected to the top of the retaining frame. The swing arm forms a pressing rod disposed on the toggle switch and pressed for swinging the swing arm. The retaining frame and swing arm are connected to the resilient member, and the touch component is mounted into the retaining frame and installed at another end of the toggle switch. An elastic button is installed between the touch component and the toggle switch for pressing the toggle switch. Obvious feel and tough can be provided to enhance the operability and convenience of the trigger device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Unitech Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Hsien Chen, Tzu-Chi Wei
  • Publication number: 20120006896
    Abstract: Disclosed is data collection apparatus for hand use. The apparatus comprises a body and a bar code scanner. The body has: a central portion adapted to be and gripped in the manner of a joystick; a switch positioned on the central portion and positioned in the manner of a pistol trigger, for finger actuation; a first data entry portion to which the central portion extends, the first data entry portion having at least a 10-digit numeric keypad, each key of said keypad being adapted for and actuable in use by the thumb of said hand; and a second data entry portion from which the central portion extends. The scanner is: adapted for actuation by said switch; has a configuration in which the bar code scanner defines a protuberance extending from the first data entry portion; and is detachable from the body for use in tight spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Todd Henry, David Whitehouse, Sean Davoren, Scott Grant, Bob Johnston, Thomas H. Lupfer, David N. West
  • Patent number: 8028920
    Abstract: A data capture terminal for, and method of, automatically capturing data in a handheld mode, and in a hands-free mode, of operation, include an actuatable laser scanning reader supported by the terminal for electro-optically reading indicia to obtain data by scanning the indicia, an actuatable imaging reader supported by the terminal for electro-optically reading indicia to obtain data by capturing an image of the indicia, and an actuatable radio frequency identification (RFID) reader supported by the terminal for reading an RFID tag to obtain data. A trigger mechanism is manually actuatable by an operator to initiate actuation of the readers in the handheld mode with different triggering actions unique to the respective readers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Barkan
  • Patent number: 8016200
    Abstract: A scanning assembly is disclosed. The scanning assembly comprises a mobile electronic device comprising an optical sensor, the mobile electronic device adapted to perform a scanning operation, and a trigger assembly. The trigger assembly comprises a handle member adapted to be releasably coupled to the mobile electronic device, the handle member comprising a light source, and a switch assembly adapted to receive input from an operator of the trigger assembly, wherein the light source is adapted to emit a light signal in response to manipulation of the switch assembly, and wherein the mobile electronic device is adapted to perform the scanning operation in response to receiving the light signal with the optical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Gong, Chad Chaumont
  • Patent number: 7991655
    Abstract: A method for loading and delivering objects using at least one mobile processor in communication with a mobile data storage to provide at least one command to an operator is provided herein. The mobile processor can be in further communication with at least one input device. A host processor can provide the libraries and a list of objects to be loaded and delivered to the mobile processor. The host processor can be in communication with a host data storage that comprises computer instructions. An output device and an OLI trigger can also be used in conjunction with the mobile processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Systems Application Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Dennis Sacks, James Michael Parks, Gregory Parker Braun, Christopher Burks Parr
  • Patent number: 7991656
    Abstract: A method for delivering objects using at least one onboard mobile processor in communication with a mobile data storage to provide at least one command to a driver is provided herein. The onboard mobile processor can be in further communication with at least one input device. A host processor can provide the libraries and a list of objects to and delivered to the onboard mobile processor. The host processor can be in communication with a host data storage that comprises computer instructions. An output device and an OLI trigger can also be used in conjunction with the onboard mobile processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Systems Application Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Dennis Sacks, James Michael Parks, Gregory Parker Braun, Christopher Burks Parr
  • Patent number: 7991654
    Abstract: A system for selecting, picking by line, loading and delivering objects using a server with processor and data storage, at least one mobile processor, with a mobile data storage, a display, an input device and an output device, and an object location identification trigger for providing one of three signals to the host server is provided herein. The mobile processor receives, verifies, and stores various codes on objects and locations and delivery information for continuous and instantaneous use by an operator, while the operator provides the signals from the OLI trigger. The server stores various libraries containing information on an object, a location, an operator, a transport device, and a transport vehicle. The server can transmit a list of objects, a list of delivery devices, a delivery vehicle and a delivery location to the mobile processor for continuous use with the OLI trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Systems Application Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Dennis Sacks, James Michael Parks, Gregory Parker Braun, Christopher Burks Parr
  • Publication number: 20110163165
    Abstract: There is set forth herein an indicia reading terminal having an illumination subsystem for projection of an illumination pattern, the illumination subsystem having at least one light source, the illumination subsystem being switchable between a first state and a second state, wherein the illumination subsystem in the second state projects illumination light at a projection angle that is more narrow than a projection angle of illumination light projected by the illumination subsystem when the illumination subsystem is in the first state. An indicia reading terminal can include an imaging subsystem including an image sensor array and an imaging lens for focusing an image of a target onto the image sensor array, the imaging lens being a variable imaging lens and having a first lens setting at which the lens assembly has a relatively nearer plane of optimum focus and a second lens setting at which the imaging lens has a relatively farther plane of optimum focus setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicants: Metrologic Instruments, Inc., Hand Held Instruments
    Inventors: Yong Liu, Xiaoxun Zhu, Ynjiun Paul Wang
  • Publication number: 20110089243
    Abstract: A portable data collector having scan buttons pressed by forefinger to input merchandise information and scan merchandise barcode includes a shell body having a top face and a bottom face corresponding to the top face; a circuit board installed in the shell body; a plurality of input buttons arranged on the top face for actuating the scan component to generate scan light to read barcode and electrically connected to the circuit board; a display screen also arranged on the top face of the shell body and electrically connected to the circuit board; a scan component additionally arranged in the shell body and electrically connected to the circuit board; and a scan button shown as a trigger shape and arranged on the bottom face of the shell body to be electrically connected to the circuit board; thereby, when the scan button is pushed by forefinger, the scan component is actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Deng-Shiang HE
  • Publication number: 20110049243
    Abstract: A scanning assembly is disclosed. The scanning assembly comprises a mobile electronic device comprising an optical sensor, the mobile electronic device adapted to perform a scanning operation, and a trigger assembly. The trigger assembly comprises a handle member adapted to be releasably coupled to the mobile electronic device, the handle member comprising a light source, and a switch assembly adapted to receive input from an operator of the trigger assembly, wherein the light source is adapted to emit a light signal in response to manipulation of the switch assembly, and wherein the mobile electronic device is adapted to perform the scanning operation in response to receiving the light signal with the optical sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Frank Gong, Chad Chaumont
  • Patent number: 7857226
    Abstract: A portable terminal having a handle configured for connection to an enclosure of the portable terminal, such that the portable terminal has one or more scanning functions for interacting with information objects 16 in a logistics environment. The handle has a handle body having a grip portion shaped for grasping by a hand of the user of the portable terminal, a proximal end of the grip portion for coupling to the housing of the portable terminal, and a distal end of the grip portion. An actuator assembly of the handle is configured for affecting the operation of one or more scanning functions and is positioned in an aperture of the handle body for access by one or more fingers of the user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Psion Teklogix Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Mangaroo, Bo Xu, Dinesh Gandhi, Barry Boyd, Eddie Cantal
  • Publication number: 20100258631
    Abstract: A trigger mechanism with soft stops and associated method for activating a switch in a device or apparatus. The trigger mechanism includes a trigger receptacle, a trigger disposed in the trigger receptacle and movable between an un-actuated and an actuated position by a user depressing the trigger, and a soft stop comprised of at least one projection positioned to engage a resilient elastomeric insert. Moving the trigger from the un-actuated to actuated position compresses the elastomeric insert with the projection and activates the switch to provide a tactile sensation of the switch activation to the user. The switch may be an electric switch disposed in a hand held device, such as a barcode scanner in some embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Mark Rueblinger, Kai Wang, Daniel J. Olson, Mikhail L. Veksland
  • Patent number: 7795827
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a control system for controlling a motor for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) or a pump comprising: an opto-isolated speed command signal processing interface into which a signal for controlling a speed of the motor is inputted and which outputs an output signal for controlling the speed of the motor being transformed as having a specific single frequency; a communication device into which a plurality of operation control commands of the motor; an opto-isolated interface for isolating the plurality of operation control commands inputted through the communication device and the transformed output signal for controlling the speed of the motor, respectively; a microprocessor, being connected to the opto-isolated interface, for outputting an output signal for controlling an operation of the motor depending on the plurality of operation control commands and the transformed output signal for controlling the speed of the motor; a sensor, being connected to the motor,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Young-Chun Jeung
  • Patent number: 7740176
    Abstract: A TTR time of a reading apparatus can also be reduced by designing an apparatus to exhibit a certain timing relationship between a receipt of a trigger signal and/or more of image capture and decoding. An apparatus in one embodiment can be configured to continuously capture frames of image data prior to receipt of a trigger signal and can further be configured so that an output decoded message is decoded from a frame of image data having a capture initiation time of prior to the time of receipt of a trigger signal. An apparatus configured to output a decoded message from a frame of image data having a capture initiation time of prior to a time of receipt of a trigger signal can have a TTR time of less than a frame capture period of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ynjiun P. Wang, Andrew Longacre, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100019044
    Abstract: A portable terminal having a handle configured for connection to an enclosure of the portable terminal, such that the portable terminal has one or more scanning functions for interacting with information objects 16 in a logistics environment. The handle has a handle body having a grip portion shaped for grasping by a hand of the user of the portable terminal, a proximal end of the grip portion for coupling to the housing of the portable terminal, and a distal end of the grip portion. An actuator assembly of the handle is configured for affecting the operation of one or more scanning functions and is positioned in an aperture of the handle body for access by one or more fingers of the user's hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Alan Mangaroo, Bo Xu, Dinesh Gandhi, Barry Boyd, Eddie Cantal
  • Patent number: 7624924
    Abstract: An ergonomic single-line compact laser bar code scanning system having a compact housing for hand-held disposition at a counter. The scanning system is automatically-activated and includes a bar code symbol reading mechanism contained within a hand-supportable housing having a manually-activatable data transmission switch formed integrally in the housing. During symbol reading operations, the bar code symbol reading mechanism automatically generates a visible laser scanning pattern for repeatedly reading one or more bar code symbols on an object during a bar code symbol reading cycle, and automatically generating a new symbol character data string in response to each bar code symbol read thereby. During system operation, the user visually aligns the visible laser scanning pattern with a particular bar code symbol on an object (e.g., product, bar code menu, etc.) so that the bar code symbol is detected, scanned, and decoded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventors: Sung Ho Byun, Mark C. Schmidt, Garrett K. Russell, David M. Wilz, Sr., Donald Hudrick, James A. Nahill
  • Patent number: 7611063
    Abstract: An automatically-activated code symbol reading system includes a hand-supportable housing having a light transmission aperture through which a field of view (FOV) passes; and an automatically-activated bar code symbol reading mechanism for repeatedly reading code symbols on an object in the FOV, within a predetermined time period, and in response to each new successful reading of the code symbols, producing a new symbol character data string representative of the read code symbol. A system control subsystem (i) automatically activates the automatically-activated bar code symbol reading mechanism in response to the detection of the object in at least a portion of the FOV, and (ii) automatically activates the data transmission circuit in response to the generation of the data transmission control activation signal so that a symbol character data string, produced currently with or immediately subsequent to the activation of the manually-activatable data transmission switch, is transmitted to a host system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Wilz, Sr., George B. Rockstein, Robert E. Blake, Mark Schmidt, Garrett Russell, Donald T. Hudrick, Stephen J. Colavito, Carl Harry Knowles
  • Publication number: 20090236424
    Abstract: An optical reader can include an image sensor. In one embodiment an optical reader can be configured to have different operating modes, the different operating modes optimizing the reader for reading different indicia. In another embodiment an optical reader can comprise a multiple color emitting light source. In another embodiment an optical reader can be provided in a specialized form factor including an enlarged head portion and an elongated body portion extending from the head portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Hennick, Charles P. Barber, Eric Coleman, Michael A. Ehrhart, Colleen P. Gannon, Robert C. Gardiner, William H. Havens, Vivian L. Hunter, Melvin D. McCall, Thomas Ruhlman
  • Patent number: 7559473
    Abstract: A portable indicium scanner that includes circuitry for enabling an aiming pattern through an activation device. The aiming pattern targets selected indicia and signals the operator indicating whether a proper selection has been made, thereby allowing an imaging system to capture and decode the targeted indicia. The activation device includes a switch, two-stage trigger, an accelerometer, or photosensor that is located within the scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Duanfeng Jackson He
  • Patent number: 7549583
    Abstract: A method of waking up an in-counter bar code scanner from its standby mode comprises providing a sensor assembly attached to a touch plate. The sensor assembly comprises an oscillating magnet member affixed at one end and a permanent magnet attached at an opposite free end at the end of a flexible member. When a user touches the touch plate, the impact force exerted on the touch plate is transmitted to the oscillating magnet member causing the magnet to oscillate inducing an electrical signal in a pick-up coil provided near the magnet and wakes up the bar code scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Blake, Donald T. Hudrick, David M. Wilz, Sr., Stephen J. Colavito
  • Publication number: 20090108076
    Abstract: An immobile, non-magnetic mode sensor, preferably an optical sensor, is entirely supported by a housing of a reader for electro-optically reading indicia in a handheld mode, and in a hands-free mode, of operation. The mode sensor is operative for sensing the mode of operation, for example, by detecting whether the housing has been grasped by an operator, or by detecting whether the housing has been removed from a support surface. The mode sensor is actuatable between handheld and hands-free states, which respectively correspond to the handheld and hands-free modes of operation. A controller is operative for selecting the mode of operation, which is sensed by the mode sensor, in which the indicia is to be read.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Edward Barkan, Igor Vinogradov
  • Patent number: 7523867
    Abstract: A hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device having a laser scanning engine that is controlled to selectively operate in either an omni-directional scan mode or a single line scan mode. In the single line scan mode of operation, symbol character data produced by the laser scanning engine is communicated to a host device in response to an activation signal produced by a data transmission switch. In the omni-directional scan mode, symbol character data is communicated to the host device irrespective of the activation signal. Preferably, mode selection means selectively operates the laser scanning engine in either the omni-directional scan mode of operation or the single line scan mode of operation in response to placement of the device in a support stand, thereby enabling automatic operation as a stationary hands-free omni-directional projection scanner (in stand), and automatic operation as a portable hand-held line scanner (out of stand).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: William Martin, David M. Wilz, Sr., Sergio Movsessian, Thomas Amundsen, Patrick A. Giordano
  • Patent number: 7497382
    Abstract: A control switch arrangement for sequentially controlling different operating states in a moving beam reader or an imager employs a force sensing resistor switch requiring a low actuation force, and a control switch with improved tactile feedback and ergonomic efficiency between the switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuly Mitelman, Joseph Giordano, Amit Pai
  • Patent number: 7481372
    Abstract: Described is an improved trigger assembly for use in an electronic device. The trigger assembly includes a pressure sensitive member and a trigger button. The pressure sensitive member includes two or more conductive lines. The pressure sensitive member is secured to a portion of the mobile terminal. The trigger button is secured to the mobile terminal in a manner such that a force applied to the trigger button causes a resultant force to be applied on the pressure sensitive member. The force applied on the pressure sensitive member causes a change in an electrical property between at least two of the conductive lines. A module measures the electrical property between the conductive lines. A function of the device is initiated depending on a comparison of the measured electrical property to a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wulff, Azer Ilkhanov
  • Patent number: 7431215
    Abstract: An automatically-activated bar code reading system including: a visible laser light source, scanning element and a plurality of stationary mirrors. When arranged in a first configuration, the visible laser light source, scanning element and plurality of stationary mirrors cooperate to produce a visible omni-directional laser scanning pattern with multiple laser scanning lines having substantially uniform spatial and temporal intensity characteristics at a given scanning plane parallel to a scanning window within a working distance of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Wilz, Sr., Garrett Russell, Mark C. Schmidt, Mikhail Veksland, William Martin, Patrick Giordano, Shane Edmonds, Kevin DiPlacido, Shawn Defoney, Stephen Colavito, Donald Hudrick, James Osborn, Thomas Amundsen, Benjamin Hejl
  • Publication number: 20080164318
    Abstract: Described is an improved trigger assembly for use in an electronic device. The trigger assembly includes a pressure sensitive member and a trigger button. The pressure sensitive member includes two or more conductive lines. The pressure sensitive member is secured to a portion of the mobile terminal. The trigger button is secured to the mobile terminal in a manner such that a force applied to the trigger button causes a resultant force to be applied on the pressure sensitive member. The force applied on the pressure sensitive member causes a change in an electrical property between at least two of the conductive lines. A module measures the electrical property between the conductive lines. A function of the device is initiated depending on a comparison of the measured electrical property to a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Wulff, Azer Ilkhanov