US5280165A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Scan pattern generators for bar code symbol readers
Assignee: Symbol Technologies LLC
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Filing: 1992-04-14
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Granted: 1994-01-18
•
Expires: 2012-04-14
Abstract
Abstract A scan pattern generator for use in a bar code reader which uses a single drive (one coil and one magnet) to produce movement of a reflective surface so as to produce an oscillating movement of the surface in two directions, thereby forming a raster-type scanning pattern when a light beam is reflected off the surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul Dvorkis
- 👤 Howard Shepard
- 👤 Simon Bard
- 👤 Joseph Katz
- 👤 Edward Barkan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 02:26
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10554; G06K7/10564; G06K7/10584; G06K7/10594; G06K7/10603; G06K7/10633; G06K7/10643; G06K7/10653; G06K7/10673; G06K7/10683; G06K7/10693; G06K7/10792; G06K7/10801; G06K7/10811; G06K7/10821; G06K7/10851; G06K7/10861; G06K7/10871; G06K7/10881; G06K7/10891; G06K7/109; G06K7/1098; G06K2207/00; G06K2207/1011; G06K2207/1016; G06K2207/1018
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 44
Claim 1
Independent Claim
216 words
In a scanner for reading indicia having parts of different light reflectivity by directing light toward the indicia, and by collecting reflected light returning from the indicia, an arrangement for scanning the indicia, comprising: (a) a scanner component; (b) holder means for mounting the component for angular oscillating movement in first and second scan directions between first and second pairs of scan end positions; and (c) a read-start means for simultaneously moving the component in the first and second scan directions to simultaneously angularly oscillate the component between said first and second pairs of scan end positions for directing light along said first and second scan directions to thereby effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over the indicia, wherein the holder means includes first and second vibratory means positioned to vibrate in two orthogonal planes and to cooperate for angular oscillating movement of the component in first and second orthogonal scan directions; the read-start means includes an electrically-operated actuator operative, when actuated, for simultaneously vibrating the first and second vibratory means to angularly oscillate the component in the first and second orthogonal scan directions; and the actuator includes an electromagnetic coil having a passage, and a magnet mounted on one of the vibratory means and movable into and out of the passage during actuation of the coil.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
216 words
In a scanner for reading indicia having parts of different light reflectivity by directing light toward the indicia, and by collecting reflected light returning from the indicia, an arrangement for scanning the indicia, comprising: (a) a scanner component; (b) holder means for mounting the component for angular oscillating movement in first and second scan directions between first and second pairs of scan end positions; and (c) a read-start means for simultaneously moving the component in the first and second scan directions to simultaneously angularly oscillate the component between said first and second pairs of scan end positions for directing light along said first and second scan directions to thereby effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over the indicia, wherein the holder means includes first and second vibratory means positioned to vibrate in two orthogonal planes and to cooperate for angular oscillating movement of the component in first and second orthogonal scan directions; the read-start means includes an electrically-operated actuator operative, when actuated, for simultaneously vibrating the first and second vibratory means to angularly oscillate the component in the first and second orthogonal scan directions; and the actuator includes an electromagnetic coil having a passage, and a magnet mounted on one of the vibratory means and movable into and out of the passage during actuation of the coil.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
82 words
The arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the first vibratory means is configured to vibrate at a high range of frequencies and wherein the second vibratory means is configured to vibrate at a low range of frequencies to thereby effect a raster-type scan pattern over the indicia in response to a driving signal applied to said coil comprising a superposition of a first signal having a frequency within said high range and a second signal having a frequency within said low range.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The arrangement according to claim 2 wherein the first vibratory means includes a U-shaped spring means having a pair of arms on one of which is mounted the component.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the second vibratory means includes a generally planar spring means having one end secured to one arm of the U-shaped spring means and the other end secured to a base.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the generally planar spring means is one of a flexible leaf spring and a flexible metal foil.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
80 words
The arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the second vibratory means includes a generally S-shaped leaf spring means having a pair of outer arms and a central arm, and wherein the holder means further includes a first generally planar spring means secured to a base and attached to said S-shaped leaf spring means and said U-shaped spring means, and a second generally planar spring means secured to the base and to the central arm of said S-shaped leaf spring means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The arrangement of claim 6, wherein the generally planar spring means is one of a flexible leaf spring and a flexible metal foil.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the arms of the U-shaped spring means are asymmetrically dimensioned.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the component is a light reflector.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
207 words
In a scanner for reading indicia having parts of different light reflectivity by directing light toward the indicia, and by collecting reflected light returning from the indicia, an arrangement for scanning the indicia, comprising: (a) a scanner component; (b) holder means for mounting the component for angular oscillating movement in first and second scan directions between first and second pairs of scan end positions; and (c) a read-start means for simultaneously moving the component in the first and second scan directions to simultaneously angularly oscillate the component between said first and second pairs of scan end positions for directing light along said first and second scan directions to thereby effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over the indicia, wherein the holder means includes first and second vibratory means positioned to vibrate in two orthogonal planes and to cooperate for angular oscillating movement of the component in first and second orthogonal scan directions; the read-start means includes an electrically-operated actuator operative, when actuated, for simultaneously vibrating the first and second vibratory means to angularly oscillate the component in the first and second orthogonal scan directions; and said first and second vibrating means are positioned to vibrate at a frequency ratio to effect a Lissajous scan pattern over the indicia.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
207 words
In a scanner for reading indicia having parts of different light reflectivity by directing light toward the indicia, and by collecting reflected light returning from the indicia, an arrangement for scanning the indicia, comprising: (a) a scanner component; (b) holder means for mounting the component for angular oscillating movement in first and second scan directions between first and second pairs of scan end positions; and (c) a read-start means for simultaneously moving the component in the first and second scan directions to simultaneously angularly oscillate the component between said first and second pairs of scan end positions for directing light along said first and second scan directions to thereby effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over the indicia, wherein the holder means includes first and second vibratory means positioned to vibrate in two orthogonal planes and to cooperate for angular oscillating movement of the component in first and second orthogonal scan directions; the read-start means includes an electrically-operated actuator operative, when actuated, for simultaneously vibrating the first and second vibratory means to angularly oscillate the component in the first and second orthogonal scan directions; and said first and second vibrating means are positioned to vibrate at a frequency ratio to effect a Lissajous scan pattern over the indicia.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
88 words
The arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the first vibratory means includes a U-shaped spring means having a pair of arms on one of which is mounted the component and wherein said second vibratory means includes a generally planar spring means having one end secured to a base and a free end secured to the other arm of the U-shaped spring means, the arms of the U-shaped spring means vibrating in one plane and the planar spring torsionally vibrating in the other plane of the two orthogonal planes.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the arms of the U-shaped spring means are asymmetrically dimensioned.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The arrangement of claim 11, wherein the generally planar spring means is one of a flexible leaf spring and a flexible metal foil.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
192 words
A method of scanning indicia having parts of different light reflectivity by directing light toward the indicia, and by collecting reflected light returning from the indicia, comprising the steps of: (a) mounting a scanner component on a holder means for angular oscillating movement in first and second scan directions between first and second pairs of scan end positions; and (b) simultaneously moving the component in the first and second scan directions to simultaneously angularly oscillate the component between said first and second pairs of scan end positions for directing light along said first and second scan directions to thereby effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over the indicia; wherein the step of moving the component includes vibrating the component in the first scan direction at a high range of frequencies and vibrating the component in the second direction at a low range of frequencies to thereby effect a raster-type scan pattern over the indicia in response to a driving signal applied to a coil connected to the component comprising a superposition of a first signal having a frequency within said high range and a second signal having a frequency within said low range.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
192 words
A method of scanning indicia having parts of different light reflectivity by directing light toward the indicia, and by collecting reflected light returning from the indicia, comprising the steps of: (a) mounting a scanner component on a holder means for angular oscillating movement in first and second scan directions between first and second pairs of scan end positions; and (b) simultaneously moving the component in the first and second scan directions to simultaneously angularly oscillate the component between said first and second pairs of scan end positions for directing light along said first and second scan directions to thereby effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over the indicia; wherein the step of moving the component includes vibrating the component in the first scan direction at a high range of frequencies and vibrating the component in the second direction at a low range of frequencies to thereby effect a raster-type scan pattern over the indicia in response to a driving signal applied to a coil connected to the component comprising a superposition of a first signal having a frequency within said high range and a second signal having a frequency within said low range.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
113 words
An apparatus for scanning indicia having parts of different light reflectivity by directing light toward the indicia and collecting reflected light returning from said indicia, comprising: a scanner component; a holder for supporting the scanner component while enabling said component to oscillate in first and second planes; wherein said holder includes at least first and second spring elements having (1) a common end interconnected and lying in a common plane and (2) opposite free ends lying in respective non-parallel planes, said scanner component being mounted to the free end of one of said spring elements; and means for imparting movement to said scanner component to effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over the indicia.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
113 words
An apparatus for scanning indicia having parts of different light reflectivity by directing light toward the indicia and collecting reflected light returning from said indicia, comprising: a scanner component; a holder for supporting the scanner component while enabling said component to oscillate in first and second planes; wherein said holder includes at least first and second spring elements having (1) a common end interconnected and lying in a common plane and (2) opposite free ends lying in respective non-parallel planes, said scanner component being mounted to the free end of one of said spring elements; and means for imparting movement to said scanner component to effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over the indicia.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said spring elements are leaf springs.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one of said leaf springs is U-shaped.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said U-shaped spring element is formed with first and second interconnected arms of different length.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one of said leaf springs is S-shaped.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 19, including a base, and at least one planar spring member supporting said S-shaped leaf springs on said base.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 16, wherein one of said leaf springs is U-shaped and the other is S-shaped.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 21, including a base, and at least one planar spring member supporting said S-shaped leaf springs on said base.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 15, including a balancing mass mounted to the free end of the other one of said spring elements.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said movement imparting means comprises means for imparting magnetic force to said common end of said spring elements.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 24, wherein a magnet is mounted to said common end of said spring elements, and said movement imparting means includes an electromagnet.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 25, including a base upon which said first and second spring elements are mounted, and including an upright support on said base upon which said electromagnet is supported in proximity to said magnet.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said first and second spring elements are structured and arranged to have different resonant frequencies.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
102 words
An apparatus for scanning indicia having parts of different light reflectivity by directing light toward the indicia and collecting reflected light returning from said indicia, comprising: a scanner component; a holder for supporting the scanner component while enabling said component to oscillate in first and second planes; wherein said holder includes at least first and second arcuate leaf spring elements having an interconnected end and opposite free ends, said scanner component being mounted to the free end of only one of said spring elements; and means for imparting movement to said scanner component to effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over the indicia.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
102 words
An apparatus for scanning indicia having parts of different light reflectivity by directing light toward the indicia and collecting reflected light returning from said indicia, comprising: a scanner component; a holder for supporting the scanner component while enabling said component to oscillate in first and second planes; wherein said holder includes at least first and second arcuate leaf spring elements having an interconnected end and opposite free ends, said scanner component being mounted to the free end of only one of said spring elements; and means for imparting movement to said scanner component to effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over the indicia.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 28, including a balancing mass mounted to the free end of the other one of said spring elements.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 28, wherein at least one of said leaf springs is U-shaped.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 28, wherein at least one of said leaf springs is S-shaped.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 31, including a base, and at least one planar spring member supporting said S-shaped leaf springs on said base.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 28, wherein one of said leaf springs is U-shaped and the other is S-shaped.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 33, including a base, and at least one planar spring member supporting said S-shaped leaf springs on said base.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said movement imparting means comprises means for imparting magnetic force to said common end of said spring elements.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 28, wherein a magnet is mounted to said common end of said spring elements, and said movement imparting means includes an electromagnet.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 36, including a base upon which said first and second spring elements are mounted, and including an upright support on said base upon which said electromagnet is supported in proximity to said magnet.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said first and second spring elements are structured and arranged to have different resonant frequencies.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said U-shaped spring element is formed with first and second interconnected arms of different length.
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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) | 1997-01-17 | 1997-07-19 | 1998-01-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-01-17 | 2001-07-19 | 2002-01-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-01-17 | 2005-07-19 | 2006-01-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |