Registers – Coded record sensors – Particular sensor structure
Reexamination Certificate
1998-02-10
2001-04-10
Frech, Karl D. (Department: 2876)
Registers
Coded record sensors
Particular sensor structure
C235S462430
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213400
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to scanning devices and, more particularly, to a scanning device having a field-replaceable antenna mounted on a door that is removably secured to the housing of the device and covers an access opening in the housing.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Inventory control in various industries is greatly facilitated by the use of bar codes on inventory items. In the field, such as in a warehouse or shipping station, the movement of an item can be tracked by reading the bar code and storing and/or relaying the information to a centralized computer. The relaying of information from a scanning device to a host computer may be accomplished by radio frequency transmissions. Such transmissions require an antenna connected to relevant components of the scanning device.
Practical considerations have led to a standard requirement that antennas associated with scanning devices be field-replaceable. They must be relatively quickly and easily replaceable without requiring disassembly of the device. A conventional approach to providing a field-replaceable antenna is to mount the antenna on the side of a hand-held scanning device and connect the antenna to the internal components of the device by a series of connectors. The use of a plurality of connectors tends to add to the overall cost of the device and also potentially degrades the performance of the antenna and related radio components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an aspect of the invention, a scanning device comprises a housing, a door, and an antenna. The housing has an outer shell defining an interior space and an access opening. The access opening extends through the shell and communicates with the interior space for receiving an often serviced component therethrough. The door is removably secured to an outer surface of the shell and covers the access opening. The antenna is carried by the door and has a cable extending therefrom into the interior space. The cable has an outer end with a connector configured to engage a component located in the interior space.
The door may be secured in various ways. Currently, it is preferably secured by a pair of screw-type fasteners extending through the door and threadedly engaging the shell to removably secure the door to the shell. This arrangement provides a secure and reliable attachment of the door to the housing which is readily engaged and disengaged in the field. Replacement of the antenna by replacing the door requires only the removal of the two screws and then the securing of a second door to the housing shell by again threading the screws into the shell. This procedure may be followed as often as is necessary.
The manner in which the antenna is mounted on the door may also be varied. A major factor determining how the antenna is mounted is the performance requirements in a particular situation. In one embodiment, the antenna is mounted internally in the door. In another embodiment, the antenna is pivotally mounted on the door. Preferably, in the latter embodiment, the antenna is pivotable by a user when the door is secured to the shell. The antenna is pivotable between a lowered position adjacent and parallel to an edge of the door, and a raised position projecting substantially perpendicularly from the edge along the outer surface of the shell.
A preferred feature of the invention is a gasket carried by the door and sealingly engaging the outer surface of the shell. The gasket is positioned and configured to surround the access opening to prevent entry of environmental contaminants into the opening. In the preferred embodiment, the gasket surrounds an area of the outer surface including the access opening, and the device comprises a pair of screw-type fasteners, as described above. The fasteners securely hold the door in position and urge the gasket into sealing engagement with the outer surface of the shell.
Another preferred feature of the invention is a recess on the door positioned to confront and substantially align with the access opening. The antenna cable extends from the door through the recess. The recess is configured to receive excess length of cable. When the recess is provided in combination with the gasket, the recess is preferably surrounded by the gasket.
According to another aspect of the invention, a hand-held scanning device has the characteristics described above. The access opening in the scanning device receives a memory card therethrough. The connector on the outer end of the antenna cable is configured to engage a memory card located in the interior space. The hand-held scanning device may be provided with the alternative and preferred features discussed above.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of providing a hand-held scanning device with a field-replaceable antenna and enabling switching the mode of operation of the device in the field. The device is of a type having a shell defining an interior space and an access opening communicating with the space. According to this aspect of the invention, the method comprises positioning a memory card in the space through the access opening. An antenna is mounted on a door. The antenna is connected to the memory card. The door is secured to an outer surface of the shell so that the access opening is covered by the door.
The mode of operation of the device may be changed in the field simply by replacing the door with a different door with a different antenna mounted thereon. It may also be changed to an antenna-less mode of operation by replacing the door with a second door lacking an antenna. In such case, the second door preferably has a slot that aligns with the access opening to permit a memory card to be moved into and out from the space through the slot and access opening without removing the second door from the outer surface of the shell. A removable plug is placed in the slot to protect the space from contaminants.
As used herein, the term “scanning device” is intended to mean various types of scanners for symbologies, including both one and two dimensional bar codes. It also includes various other types of devices for receiving and transmitting and/or storing identifying information. For example, the device may be designed to receive radio frequency (RF) information, such as RF signals received from identification tags worn by personnel in a particular area. The term “often serviced component” refers to a component of a scanning device that is required to be accessible for servicing in the field without disassembly of the device or other undue effort. One example of such a component is a memory card or PCMCIA of a type commonly found in scanning devices for bar codes.
Devices constructed according to the invention and the method of the invention provide an improved arrangement for a field-replaceable antenna. They also facilitate switching the mode of operation of a scanning device in the field. The method and apparatus of the invention maintain the required field replaceability of the antenna and, at the same time, help decrease the cost and increase the reliability of the device.
These and other advantages and features will become apparent from the detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention that follows.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5515303 (1996-05-01), Cargin, Jr. et al.
Sheufelt Edward L.
Zigler Robert A.
Frech Karl D.
Intermec Technologies Corporation
Pauly Joan H.
LandOfFree
Antenna/door module and method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Antenna/door module and method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Antenna/door module and method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2533073