US6595422B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bar code reader
Assignee: Assure Systems Inc
•
Filing: 1999-06-23
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Granted: 2003-07-22
•
Expires: 2019-06-23
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method for reading a bar code on an object includes a light diffusing cavity and a deflector. The deflector deflects and diffuses light from a light source which may be part of a bar code reader. Preferably the deflector deflects substantially all of the light from the reader, so that none of the light from the light source directly illuminates the bar code. Inner side wall surfaces of the light diffusing cavity redirect the deflected light to indirectly illuminate the bar code. Despite deflecting light from the light source, the deflector allows unhindered passage of light emanating from the bar code to a light detection system which may be part of the bar code reader.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank A. Doljack
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 21:31
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10712; G06K7/10722; G06K7/10742
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 50
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one surface, separate from the deflector, altering the direction of, and directing to the bar code, at least some of the at least a portion of light; wherein the deflector has an opening therethrough to allow light emanating from the bar code to pass through to the reader; and wherein the at least one surface is part of an external wall of the housing.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
126 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one surface, separate from the deflector, altering the direction of, and directing to the bar code, at least some of the at least a portion of light; wherein the deflector has an opening therethrough to allow light emanating from the bar code to pass through to the reader; and wherein the at least one surface is part of an external wall of the housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the deflector is coupled to a bar code reader.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing is a substantially-enclosed housing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the housing includes a holder for positioning and securing an object having the bar code thereupon.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
161 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector, separate from the deflector, preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one surface altering the direction of, and directing to the bar code, at least some of the at least a portion of light; wherein the deflector has an opening therethrough to allow light emanating from the bar code to pass through to the reader; wherein the deflector allows light including information represented by the bar code to pass substantially unhindered along one or more substantially straight paths to a light detector which is part of the bar code reader; and wherein the at least one surface is part of an external wall of the housing.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
161 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector, separate from the deflector, preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one surface altering the direction of, and directing to the bar code, at least some of the at least a portion of light; wherein the deflector has an opening therethrough to allow light emanating from the bar code to pass through to the reader; wherein the deflector allows light including information represented by the bar code to pass substantially unhindered along one or more substantially straight paths to a light detector which is part of the bar code reader; and wherein the at least one surface is part of an external wall of the housing.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
123 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector, separate from the deflector, preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one surface directing to the bar code at least some of the at least a portion of light, wherein the deflector has an opening therethrough to allow light emanating from the bar code to pass through to the reader, wherein the deflector is made of an opaque material, and wherein the at least one surface is opaque.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
123 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector, separate from the deflector, preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one surface directing to the bar code at least some of the at least a portion of light, wherein the deflector has an opening therethrough to allow light emanating from the bar code to pass through to the reader, wherein the deflector is made of an opaque material, and wherein the at least one surface is opaque.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
111 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one surface, separate from the deflector, directing to the bar code at least some of the at least a portion of light, wherein the deflector has a diffusive outer surface which diffuses the at least a portion of light, and wherein the deflector has a light absorbing inner surface.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
111 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one surface, separate from the deflector, directing to the bar code at least some of the at least a portion of light, wherein the deflector has a diffusive outer surface which diffuses the at least a portion of light, and wherein the deflector has a light absorbing inner surface.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
100 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one surface, separate from the deflector, directing to the bar code at least some of the at least a portion of light, wherein the deflector has a flared shape: and wherein the at least one surface is opaque.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
100 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one surface, separate from the deflector, directing to the bar code at least some of the at least a portion of light, wherein the deflector has a flared shape: and wherein the at least one surface is opaque.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
119 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one opaque surface, separate from the deflector, directing to the bar code at least some of the at least a portion of light, wherein the deflector has an opening therethrough to allow light emanating from the bar code to pass through to the reader, and wherein the deflector and the at least one surface are connected together.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
119 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one opaque surface, separate from the deflector, directing to the bar code at least some of the at least a portion of light, wherein the deflector has an opening therethrough to allow light emanating from the bar code to pass through to the reader, and wherein the deflector and the at least one surface are connected together.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
144 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising; a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one surface, separate from the deflector, directing to the bar code at least some of the at least a portion of light, wherein the at least one surface has a diffusive surface for directing to the bar code the at least some of the light, wherein the deflector is located along a centerline of the housing, wherein the deflector deflects the at least a portion of light away from the centerline, and wherein the diffusive surface is substantially parallel to the centerline.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
144 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising; a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one surface, separate from the deflector, directing to the bar code at least some of the at least a portion of light, wherein the at least one surface has a diffusive surface for directing to the bar code the at least some of the light, wherein the deflector is located along a centerline of the housing, wherein the deflector deflects the at least a portion of light away from the centerline, and wherein the diffusive surface is substantially parallel to the centerline.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
141 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one surface directing to the bar code at least some of the at least a portion of light, wherein the housing is a substantially-enclosed housing, wherein the at least one surface Is part of the housing, wherein the housing has an opening for allowing objects to be inserted into the housing and removed from the housing, wherein the opening is a circular opening configured to receive, fully within the housing, at least a cylindrical part of a cylindrical object.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
141 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one surface directing to the bar code at least some of the at least a portion of light, wherein the housing is a substantially-enclosed housing, wherein the at least one surface Is part of the housing, wherein the housing has an opening for allowing objects to be inserted into the housing and removed from the housing, wherein the opening is a circular opening configured to receive, fully within the housing, at least a cylindrical part of a cylindrical object.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the at least one surface is separate from the deflector, and wherein the at least one surface is opaque.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
122 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one surface directing to the bar code at least some of the at least a portion of light, wherein the housing is a substantially-enclosed housing, wherein the at least one surface is part of the housing, wherein the housing includes a holder for positioning and securing an object having the bar code thereupon, and wherein the holder includes a platform.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
122 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one surface directing to the bar code at least some of the at least a portion of light, wherein the housing is a substantially-enclosed housing, wherein the at least one surface is part of the housing, wherein the housing includes a holder for positioning and securing an object having the bar code thereupon, and wherein the holder includes a platform.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
124 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one surface directing to the bar code at least some of the at least a portion of light, wherein the housing is a substantially-enclosed housing, wherein the at least one surface is part of the housing, wherein the housing includes a holder for positioning and securing an object having the bar code thereupon, and wherein the holder includes one or more clamps.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
124 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one surface directing to the bar code at least some of the at least a portion of light, wherein the housing is a substantially-enclosed housing, wherein the at least one surface is part of the housing, wherein the housing includes a holder for positioning and securing an object having the bar code thereupon, and wherein the holder includes one or more clamps.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
139 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one opaque surface, separate from the deflector, directing to the bar code at least some of the at least a portion of light, wherein the housing is a substantially-enclosed housing, wherein the at least one surface is part of the housing, wherein the deflector is coupled to the housing, wherein the housing includes a bar code window opposite the deflector, and wherein the deflector and the bar code window are substantially along a centerline of the housing.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
139 words
An apparatus for use with a bar code reader in reading a bar code, comprising: a housing with respect to which a bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, said housing including a deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one opaque surface, separate from the deflector, directing to the bar code at least some of the at least a portion of light, wherein the housing is a substantially-enclosed housing, wherein the at least one surface is part of the housing, wherein the deflector is coupled to the housing, wherein the housing includes a bar code window opposite the deflector, and wherein the deflector and the bar code window are substantially along a centerline of the housing.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
77 words
A method for reading a bar code, comprising: indirectly illuminating the bar code by using a deflector between a light source and the bar code, the deflector deflecting at least a portion of source light emanating from the light source; and receiving light emanating from the bar code through an opening in the deflector; wherein the indirectly illuminating also includes deflecting the source light off of one or more opaque surfaces an additional one or more times.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
77 words
A method for reading a bar code, comprising: indirectly illuminating the bar code by using a deflector between a light source and the bar code, the deflector deflecting at least a portion of source light emanating from the light source; and receiving light emanating from the bar code through an opening in the deflector; wherein the indirectly illuminating also includes deflecting the source light off of one or more opaque surfaces an additional one or more times.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 16 , further comprising, prior to the indirectly illuminating, shielding the bar code from ambient light.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 16 wherein the source light impinges on a diffusing surface of the deflector.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the deflecting further includes diffusively reflecting light off of one or more surfaces of a housing.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 16 wherein the light source is part of a bar code reader.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the receiving includes receiving via a light detector which is part of the reader.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 16 wherein the deflector is substantially opaque, allowing substantially no light therethrough.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
114 words
An apparatus for use in reading a bar code using a bar code reader, comprising: a deflector between a tight source location and a bar code location, the deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted at the light source location from directly reaching the bar code location: and at least one opaque surface, separate from the deflector, at least partially in the path of the at least a portion of light, the at least one surface directing at least some of the portion of light to the bar code location; wherein the deflector has an opening allowing substantially unhindered passage of light between the bar code location and a light detector location.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
114 words
An apparatus for use in reading a bar code using a bar code reader, comprising: a deflector between a tight source location and a bar code location, the deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted at the light source location from directly reaching the bar code location: and at least one opaque surface, separate from the deflector, at least partially in the path of the at least a portion of light, the at least one surface directing at least some of the portion of light to the bar code location; wherein the deflector has an opening allowing substantially unhindered passage of light between the bar code location and a light detector location.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the at least one surface is substantially parallel to a line between the bar code location and the light detector location.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the at least one surface is part of a housing.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 25 , wherein the deflector is attached to the housing.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the deflector is substantially opaque, allowing substantially no light therethrough.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
141 words
An apparatus for use in reading a bar code using a bar code reader, comprising: a deflector between a light source location and a bar code location, the deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted at the light source location from directly reaching the bar code location; and at least one opaque surface, separate from the deflector, at least partially in the path of the at least a portion of light, the at least one surface directing at least some of the portion of light to the bar code location; wherein the deflector has an opening allowing substantially unhindered passage of light between the bar code location and a light detector location; wherein the at least one surface is part of a housing; and wherein the housing has a bar code window and a reader window at opposite ends.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
141 words
An apparatus for use in reading a bar code using a bar code reader, comprising: a deflector between a light source location and a bar code location, the deflector preventing at least a portion of light emitted at the light source location from directly reaching the bar code location; and at least one opaque surface, separate from the deflector, at least partially in the path of the at least a portion of light, the at least one surface directing at least some of the portion of light to the bar code location; wherein the deflector has an opening allowing substantially unhindered passage of light between the bar code location and a light detector location; wherein the at least one surface is part of a housing; and wherein the housing has a bar code window and a reader window at opposite ends.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein the housing includes a guide or mount at the reader window end.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
124 words
A system for reading a bar code, comprising: a bar code reader having a centrally-located light detector and a plurality of light source elements encircling the light detector; and a housing with respect to which the bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, the housing including a deflector therewithin preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one opaque surface, separate from the deflector, altering the direction of, and directing to the bar code, at least some of the at least a portion of light; wherein the deflector allows light emanating from the bar code to pass substantially unhindered therethrough to the light detector.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
124 words
A system for reading a bar code, comprising: a bar code reader having a centrally-located light detector and a plurality of light source elements encircling the light detector; and a housing with respect to which the bar code reader and a bar code to be read may be placed, the housing including a deflector therewithin preventing at least a portion of light emitted by a light source from directly impinging upon the bar code, and at least one opaque surface, separate from the deflector, altering the direction of, and directing to the bar code, at least some of the at least a portion of light; wherein the deflector allows light emanating from the bar code to pass substantially unhindered therethrough to the light detector.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 30 wherein the deflector has an opening that allows the light emanating from the bar code to pass therethrough.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 31 wherein the opening in the deflector allows light including information represented by the bar code to pass substantially unhindered along one or more substantially straight paths to the light detector.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 30 wherein the deflector encircles the light detector.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 33 wherein at least part of the deflector is encircled by the light source elements.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 30 wherein the deflector is substantially opaque, allowing substantially no light therethrough.
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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) | 2006-07-21 | 2007-01-20 | 2007-07-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-07-21 | 2011-01-20 | 2011-07-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-07-21 | 2015-01-20 | 2015-07-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |