US4392053A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical probe
Assignee: GOLDEN BOOKS PUBLISHING COMPANY Inc
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Filing: 1981-08-25
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Granted: 1983-07-05
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Expires: 2001-08-25
Abstract
Abstract An optical probe comprising an optical emitter and a detector which are directed through a cylindrical lens to be focused into an elongated pattern which is arranged for reading a printed optical code. The emitter and detector are angled relative to the central and vertical axes of the lens to produce an elongated light pattern adapted for reading an elongated bar code. A shutter may enhance the slit effect. A planar base and viewing aperture may also be provided.
Inventors
- 👤 Karlheinz H. Bockholt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 13:57
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10821; G06K7/10881
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
A hand-held probe for scanning an optical code comprising: a length of optically clear material comprised in the shape of a cylindrical lens having a central axis; an optically opaque housing supporting said clear material in axially parallel relationship to the code to be scanned and defining an opening in a first plane which, in use, is adjacent to the code to be scanned; an optical emitter mounted in said housing and emitting a beam of radiant energy through said clear material to said opening, said beam being approximately centered relative to said central axis; and an electro-optical detector, for producing an electronic signal proportional to variations in radiant energy received, mounted in said housing and receiving radiant energy through said lens in a sectional area centered relative to said central axis and directed towards said emitter, whereby radiant energy from said emitter is focused by said lens into a line parallel to said central axis and reflected back through said lens material to said detector.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
A hand-held probe for scanning an optical code comprising: a length of optically clear material comprised in the shape of a cylindrical lens having a central axis; an optically opaque housing supporting said clear material in axially parallel relationship to the code to be scanned and defining an opening in a first plane which, in use, is adjacent to the code to be scanned; an optical emitter mounted in said housing and emitting a beam of radiant energy through said clear material to said opening, said beam being approximately centered relative to said central axis; and an electro-optical detector, for producing an electronic signal proportional to variations in radiant energy received, mounted in said housing and receiving radiant energy through said lens in a sectional area centered relative to said central axis and directed towards said emitter, whereby radiant energy from said emitter is focused by said lens into a line parallel to said central axis and reflected back through said lens material to said detector.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The probe of claim 1 wherein said opening is narrower in width than the lens.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The probe of claim 1 wherein said optical emitter emits light in the range of nine hundred and fifteen to nine hundred and seventy-five nm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
9 words
The probe claim 3 wherein said detector is silicon-based.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The probe of claim 1 wherein said lens is a styrene or acrylic polymer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The probe of claim 1 wherein said emitter is angled at an acute angle relative to said lens.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
The probe of claim 1 further comprising: a reflective surface mounted in said housing in parallel to said central axis, angled relative to said first plane, and spaced from said lens so that radiant energy from said emitter is reflected by said reflective surface through said lens.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
193 words
A hand-held probe for scanning an optical code comprising: a length of optically clear material comprised in the shape of a cylindrical lens having a central axis; an optically opaque housing supporting said clear material in axially parallel relationship to a planar base surface for sliding on a surface to be scanned and defining an opening in a first plane which, in use, is adjacent to the code to be scanned, and further including an aperture therethrough for viewing printed matter adjacent said optical code, and a finger gripping outer surface; an optical emitter mounted in said housing and emitting a beam of radiant energy through said clear material to said opening, said beam being approximately centered relative to said central axis; and an electro-optical detector, for producing an electronic signal proportional to variations in radiant energy received, mounted in said housing and receiving radiant energy through said lens in a sectional area centered relative to said central axis and directed towards said emitter, whereby radiant energy from said emitter is focused by said lens into a line parallel to said central axis and reflected back through said lens material to said detector.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
193 words
A hand-held probe for scanning an optical code comprising: a length of optically clear material comprised in the shape of a cylindrical lens having a central axis; an optically opaque housing supporting said clear material in axially parallel relationship to a planar base surface for sliding on a surface to be scanned and defining an opening in a first plane which, in use, is adjacent to the code to be scanned, and further including an aperture therethrough for viewing printed matter adjacent said optical code, and a finger gripping outer surface; an optical emitter mounted in said housing and emitting a beam of radiant energy through said clear material to said opening, said beam being approximately centered relative to said central axis; and an electro-optical detector, for producing an electronic signal proportional to variations in radiant energy received, mounted in said housing and receiving radiant energy through said lens in a sectional area centered relative to said central axis and directed towards said emitter, whereby radiant energy from said emitter is focused by said lens into a line parallel to said central axis and reflected back through said lens material to said detector.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The probe of claim 8 wherein said aperture is positioned in said housing so that the printed matter view is centered in the aperture when said opening is adjacent a last bar in a code word.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-07-04 | 1987-01-03 | 1987-07-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-07-04 | 1991-01-03 | 1991-07-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-07-04 | 1995-01-03 | 1995-07-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |