Patent US6049813A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6049813A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Portable work station-type data collection system
Assignee: Norand Corp
•
Filing: 1996-12-05
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Granted: 2000-04-11
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Expires: 2016-12-05
Abstract
Abstract A portable data collection terminal has an elongate housing with a hand grip conforming rear surface. A front surface features a numerical keyboard adjacent a lower end of the housing and an LCD screen adjacent the keyboard toward an upper end of the housing. The display screen is of elongate rectangular shape, its length extending longitudinally of the housing of the data terminal. The active area of the display screen is covered by a touch sensitive overlay screen which is configured in one mode of operation of the data terminal into an alphabetical keyboard. The orientation of the display is switchable between orientations in which the line direction of the displayed data extends across or longitudinally of the data terminal. The keys of the numerical keyboard are identified by indicia disposed on a template. The orientation of the template may be sensed to switch the orientation of the displayed data and touch sensitive key identifiers to correspond to the orientation of the indicia on the template. As a further embodiment an electromagnetic activation by a pen may be used to enter data into a data terminal. The system includes terminals in the form of wireless transceivers in communication with base stations.
Inventors
- 👤 Arvin D. Danielson
- 👤 Darald R. Schultz
- 👤 Dennis Silva
- 👤 Darrell L. Boatwright
- 👤 Rickey G. Austin
- 👤 Daniel E. Alt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 04:36
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01Q; H01Q1/00; H01Q1/12; H01Q1/22; H01Q1/2258; H01Q1/2266; G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/1613; G06F1/1626; G06F1/1632; G06F1/1633; G06F1/1656; G06F1/26; G06F1/28; G06F1/32; G06F1/3203; G06F1/3206; G06F1/3228; G06F1/3234; G06F1/3293; G06F15/00; G06F15/02; G06F15/0225; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/02; G06F3/023; G06F3/0231; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10821; G06K7/10881; G06F2200/00; G06F2200/16; G06F2200/163; G06F2200/1632; G06F2200/1633; Y; Y02; Y02D; Y02D10/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 68
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
A portable data collection terminal system, comprising: a) a housing having, in a frontal side thereof, a housing portion having a display screen with a screen area, said display screen including a graphic data input component disposed coincident with said screen area; b) an accessory pod, including a handgrip extension pod, holding a selected accessory device of said system wherein said accessory pod has a width dimensioned less than a width of said housing portion; c) a grip plate having a width dimensioned less than said width of said housing portion; and d) an attachment device selectively and detachably attaching either said accessory pod or said grip plate to said housing, opposite said frontal side, such that said screen is shielded from accidental contact by a user when holding respectively said handgrip extension pod or said grip plate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
A portable data collection terminal system, comprising: a) a housing having, in a frontal side thereof, a housing portion having a display screen with a screen area, said display screen including a graphic data input component disposed coincident with said screen area; b) an accessory pod, including a handgrip extension pod, holding a selected accessory device of said system wherein said accessory pod has a width dimensioned less than a width of said housing portion; c) a grip plate having a width dimensioned less than said width of said housing portion; and d) an attachment device selectively and detachably attaching either said accessory pod or said grip plate to said housing, opposite said frontal side, such that said screen is shielded from accidental contact by a user when holding respectively said handgrip extension pod or said grip plate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The portable date collection terminal system according to claim 1, wherein said accessory device comprises an indicia reader.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The portable data collection terminal system according to claim 1, wherein said accessory device comprises a wireless receiver.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The portable data collection terminal system according to claim 1, wherein said accessory device comprises a laser scanner.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The portable data collection terminal system according to claim 1, further including a stylus holder located on an exterior of said housing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
94 words
A portable data collection terminal system, comprising: a) a housing having, in a frontal side thereof, a housing portion having a display screen with a screen area, said display screen including a graphic data input device disposed coincident with said screen area, said housing including an input circuit; b) a memory card door having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration such that said door is removably securable to said housing; and c) a sensor signaling, to said input circuit, manipulation of said memory card door from said locked configuration to said unlocked configuration.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
94 words
A portable data collection terminal system, comprising: a) a housing having, in a frontal side thereof, a housing portion having a display screen with a screen area, said display screen including a graphic data input device disposed coincident with said screen area, said housing including an input circuit; b) a memory card door having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration such that said door is removably securable to said housing; and c) a sensor signaling, to said input circuit, manipulation of said memory card door from said locked configuration to said unlocked configuration.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
The portable data collection terminal system of claim 6, including a memory card enclosed by said memory card door and further including means for communicatively attaching said card to a selected peripheral communication device externally located relative to said memory card door.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The portable data collection terminal system according to claim 6 wherein said sensor comprises an optical sensor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The portable data collection terminal system according to claim 6 wherein said sensor comprises a magnetic sensor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The portable data collection terminal system according to claim 6 wherein said sensor comprises an inductive sensor.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
77 words
A portable data collection terminal system, comprising a housing constructed of a co-molded structure wherein a boundary region is formed between first and second molded parts that, in combination, provide impact resistance over substantially the entire exterior of an end of said housing; said housing having, in a frontal side thereof, a housing portion having a display screen with a screen area; said display screen including a graphic data input device disposed coincident with said screen area.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
77 words
A portable data collection terminal system, comprising a housing constructed of a co-molded structure wherein a boundary region is formed between first and second molded parts that, in combination, provide impact resistance over substantially the entire exterior of an end of said housing; said housing having, in a frontal side thereof, a housing portion having a display screen with a screen area; said display screen including a graphic data input device disposed coincident with said screen area.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
119 words
A portable data collection terminal system, comprising a housing constructed of a co-molded structure wherein a boundary region is formed between first and second molded parts that, in combination, provide impact resistance over substantially the entire exterior of an end of said housing; said housing having, in a frontal side thereof, a first portion having a display screen with a screen area, and a second portion having a keyboard; said display screen including a graphic data input device disposed coincident with said screen area; said keyboard and said graphic data input device are connected in parallel with each other; said keyboard and said graphic data input device structured to operate in dependently of each other with separate interrupt signals.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
119 words
A portable data collection terminal system, comprising a housing constructed of a co-molded structure wherein a boundary region is formed between first and second molded parts that, in combination, provide impact resistance over substantially the entire exterior of an end of said housing; said housing having, in a frontal side thereof, a first portion having a display screen with a screen area, and a second portion having a keyboard; said display screen including a graphic data input device disposed coincident with said screen area; said keyboard and said graphic data input device are connected in parallel with each other; said keyboard and said graphic data input device structured to operate in dependently of each other with separate interrupt signals.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
107 words
The portable data collection terminal system according to claim 12, further comprising: a) an accessory pod, including a handgrip extension pod, holding a selected accessory device of said system wherein said accessory pod has a width dimensioned less than a width of said first portion; b) a grip plate having a width dimensioned less than said width of said first portion; and c) an attachment component selectively and detachably attaching either said accessory pod or said grip plate to said housing, opposite said frontal side, such that said screen is shielded from accidental contact by a user when holding said handgrip extension pod or said grip plate.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The portable data collection terminal system according to claim 13, wherein said graphic data input device is a touch sensitive screen.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
81 words
A hand-held device, comprising: a) a housing having a frontal side; b) an accessory device cover, including an accessory device cover handgrip pod, wherein said accessory device cover handgrip pod's width is narrower than said frontal side's width; and c) a grip plate, including a grip plate handgrip pod, wherein said grip plate handgrip pod's width is narrower than said frontal side's width; wherein said grip plate and said accessory device cover are selectively attachable to, and detachable from, said housing.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
81 words
A hand-held device, comprising: a) a housing having a frontal side; b) an accessory device cover, including an accessory device cover handgrip pod, wherein said accessory device cover handgrip pod's width is narrower than said frontal side's width; and c) a grip plate, including a grip plate handgrip pod, wherein said grip plate handgrip pod's width is narrower than said frontal side's width; wherein said grip plate and said accessory device cover are selectively attachable to, and detachable from, said housing.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
The hand-held device according to claim 15, further comprising an indicia reader contained at least partially within said accessory device cover.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
The hand-held device according to claim 16, wherein said indicia reader is an optical indicia reader.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The hand-held device according to claim 17, wherein said optical indicia reader is a scanner device.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
The hand-held device according to claim 15, further comprising a communication device contained at least partially within said accessory device cover.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
15 words
The hand-held device according to claim 19, wherein said communication device is a transceiver module.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
The hand-held device according to claim 19, wherein said communication device is a modem.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
The hand-held device according to claim 15, further comprising a memory device contained at least partially within said accessory device cover.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
The hand-held device according to claim 15, further comprising an energy source contained at least partially within said accessory device cover.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
The hand-held device according to claim 23, wherein said energy source is a battery.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
The hand-held device according to claim 15, further comprising a user interface located on said frontal side.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
The hand-held device according to claim 25, wherein said user interface comprises a display.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
13 words
The hand-held device according to claim 25, further comprising a graphic input device.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
The hand-held device according to claim 27, further comprising a stylus, said graphic input device accepting handwritten input.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
16 words
The hand-held device according to claim 28, further comprising a stylus holder located on said housing.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
47 words
The hand-held device according to claim 25, wherein said accessory device cover is located on a bottom side of said housing such that said user interface is shielded from accidental contact by a hand holding said accessory device cover handgrip pod or said grip plate handgrip pod.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
The hand-held device according to claim 25, wherein said user interface comprises a keyboard.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
24 words
The hand-held device according to claim 15, wherein said grip plate comprises an alternate accessory device contained at least partially within said grip plate.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
58 words
A hand-held device, comprising: a) a housing, having a frontal surface, said housing containing an accessory device connector and a control unit; b) an access panel having an open configuration and a closed configuration; and c) an access panel movement sensor; wherein manipulation of said access panel causes said access panel movement sensor to signal said control unit.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
58 words
A hand-held device, comprising: a) a housing, having a frontal surface, said housing containing an accessory device connector and a control unit; b) an access panel having an open configuration and a closed configuration; and c) an access panel movement sensor; wherein manipulation of said access panel causes said access panel movement sensor to signal said control unit.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
20 words
The hand-held device according to claim 33, wherein said housing further comprises a user interface located on said frontal surface.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
29 words
The hand-held device according to claim 33, wherein said access panel further comprises an access panel handgrip, said access panel handgrip's width being narrower than said frontal surface's width.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
27 words
The hand-held device according to claim 35, further comprising an accessory device coupled with said accessory device connector and contained at least partially within said access panel.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
18 words
The hand-held device according to claim 33, further comprising an accessory device coupled with said accessory device connector.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
15 words
The hand-held device according to claim 37, wherein said accessory device comprises an energy source.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
15 words
The hand-held device according to claim 37, wherein said accessory device comprises a memory unit.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
16 words
The hand-held device according to claim 37, wherein said accessory device is a standardized memory module.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
15 words
The hand-held device according to claim 37, wherein said accessory device is an indicia reader.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
29 words
The hand-held device according to claim 37, wherein said access panel movement sensor generates a warning signal prior to decoupling of said accessory device from said accessory device connector.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
17 words
The hand-held device according to claim 33, wherein said access panel movement sensor comprises an optical sensor.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
17 words
The hand-held device according to claim 33, wherein said access panel movement sensor comprises a magnetic sensor.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
The hand-held device according to claim 33, wherein said access panel movement sensor comprises an inductive sensor.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
28 words
The hand-held device according to claim 33, wherein movement of said access panel toward an open configuration triggers performance of a data saving procedure by the hand-held device.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
19 words
The hand-held device according to claim 33, wherein said access panel movement sensor's signal is an advance warning signal.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
23 words
The hand-held device according to claim 33, wherein said access panel movement sensor's signal precipitates a controlled shut down of the hand-held device.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
24 words
The hand-held device according to claim 48, wherein the hand-held device's state at shut down is recreated following a restart of the hand-held device.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
91 words
A hand-held devices, comprising: a) a housing comprising a frontal side, said frontal side having a user interface, said housing further comprising an access side defining an opening into the housing's interior; and b) a handgrip pod with a width narrower than a width of said frontal side, said handgrip pod being attachable to said housing; wherein said handgrip pod has a closed position closing the access side, and wherein said handgrip pod also has an open position permitting access via said access side to an interior component of said housing.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
91 words
A hand-held devices, comprising: a) a housing comprising a frontal side, said frontal side having a user interface, said housing further comprising an access side defining an opening into the housing's interior; and b) a handgrip pod with a width narrower than a width of said frontal side, said handgrip pod being attachable to said housing; wherein said handgrip pod has a closed position closing the access side, and wherein said handgrip pod also has an open position permitting access via said access side to an interior component of said housing.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
16 words
The hand-held device according to claim 50, wherein said interior component comprises an accessory device connector.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
18 words
The hand-held device according to claim 51, further comprising an accessory device coupled with said accessory device connector.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
29 words
The hand-held device according to claim 52, wherein said accessory device is at least partially contained within said handgrip pod when said handgrip pod is in its closed position.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
15 words
The hand-held device according to claim 52, wherein said accessory device comprises an indicia reader.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
14 words
The hand-held device according to claim 54, wherein said indicia reader comprises a scanner.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
16 words
The hand-held device according to claim 52, wherein said accessory device comprises an optical indicia reader.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
15 words
The hand-held device according to claim 52, wherein said accessory device comprises a communication device.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
14 words
The hand-held device according to claim 57, wherein said communication device comprises a transceiver.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
14 words
The hand-held device according to claim 57, wherein said communication device comprises a modem.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
15 words
The hand-held device according to claim 52, wherein said accessory device comprises a memory unit.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
15 words
The hand-held device according to claim 52, wherein said accessory device comprises an energy source.
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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) | 2003-04-11 | 2003-10-11 | 2004-04-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-04-11 | 2007-10-11 | 2008-04-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-04-11 | 2011-10-11 | 2012-04-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |