US4018504A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Retro-reflective multiple-X optical scanning system
Assignee: Sweda International Inc
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Filing: 1975-05-02
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Granted: 1977-04-19
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Expires: 1995-05-02
Abstract
Abstract Optical scanning apparatus for scanning and sensing information contained on a label-bearing article includes a light source, a rotatable member having a reflective surface, optical means for directing light from the source to the reflective surface and optical means for directing light reflected from the reflective surface to form a scanning pattern on a predetermined plane; the scanning pattern being comprised of a plurality of segments together forming at least one pair of overlapping X-shaped traces.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul S. Wu
- 👤 Michael R. Stroll
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 18:23
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10821; G06K7/10861; G06K7/10871; G06V; G06V10/00; G06V10/10; G06V10/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
Optical scanning apparatus for scanning and sensing information contained on a label-bearing article, comprising: a light source; a rotatable member having a reflective surface; first optical means for directing light from said source to said surface; and second optical means for directing light reflected from said surface to form a scanning pattern on a predetermined plane; said second optical means comprising fixed reflective means for directing said light by reflection; said scanning pattern being comprised of a plurality of segments together forming at least one pair of overlapping cross-shaped traces.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
Optical scanning apparatus for scanning and sensing information contained on a label-bearing article, comprising: a light source; a rotatable member having a reflective surface; first optical means for directing light from said source to said surface; and second optical means for directing light reflected from said surface to form a scanning pattern on a predetermined plane; said second optical means comprising fixed reflective means for directing said light by reflection; said scanning pattern being comprised of a plurality of segments together forming at least one pair of overlapping cross-shaped traces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
Optical scanning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said reflective means comprises a plurality of mirrors disposed about the axis of rotation of said rotatable member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
Optical scanning apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein: said mirrors are equiangularly spaced with respect to said axis.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
Optical scanning apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein: said mirrors are equidistant from said axis.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
Optical scanning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said rotatable member is comprised of a plurality of plane-sided faces forming a polygon in cross-section with respect to the axis of rotation of said member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
Optical scanning apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein: said polygon is a regular polygon.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
58 words
Optical scanning apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein: each of said plane-sided faces is divided longitudinally into two sections; said two sections associated with each face forming a dihedral angle having a first value; and adjacent sections associated with adjoining faces forming a dihedral angle having a second value; said first and second values being unequal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
Optical scanning apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein: said first angle value differs from said second angle value.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
58 words
Optical scanning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said first optical means comprises a beamsplitter for dividing a light beam from said source into first and second rays; and first and second reflectors in the paths of said first and second rays, respectively; each reflector directing its associated ray to the surface of said rotatable member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
Optical scanning apparatus as set forth in claim 9, further including: beamforming lens means interposed between said light source and said first optical means for modifying the diameter of the beam emitted from said source.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
Optical scanning apparatus as set forth in claim 9, further including: focusing lens means interposed between said light source and said first optical means; said focusing lens means having a focal point coincident with scanning plane.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
54 words
Optical scanning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further including: sensor means interposed along the optical path between said light source and said plane; said sensor means being adapted to sense scanned information associated with a label-bearing article following a path retro-reflected with respect to a generated scanning beam following said optical path.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-04-18 | 1980-10-18 | 1981-04-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-04-18 | 1984-10-18 | 1985-04-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-04-18 | 1988-10-18 | 1989-04-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |