Uniport interface for a bar code reading instrument
First Claim
1. In an optical bar code reader in which first digital electrical information signals are generated and which is responsive to second digital electrical information signals generated by a source external of said reader, said reader having an internal battery and an input-output terminal for connecting a source of voltage for charging said battery, the improvement comprising an interface circuit connected to said terminal, said interface circuit including output means for applying said first signals as output signals to said input-output terminal, means connected to said terminal for passing current of sufficient magnitude to charge said battery, and input means operative upon said second digital electrical information signals when said source is connected to said input-output terminal for applying said second digital electrical signals to said reader.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An optical bar code reading instrument has a uniport interface circuit which accepts through a common terminal both charging current for the reader'"'"'s internal rechargeable battery and incoming digital electric information signals. The uniport interface also allows digital electrical signals produced by the instrument to pass through the same terminal.
151 Citations
26 Claims
- 1. In an optical bar code reader in which first digital electrical information signals are generated and which is responsive to second digital electrical information signals generated by a source external of said reader, said reader having an internal battery and an input-output terminal for connecting a source of voltage for charging said battery, the improvement comprising an interface circuit connected to said terminal, said interface circuit including output means for applying said first signals as output signals to said input-output terminal, means connected to said terminal for passing current of sufficient magnitude to charge said battery, and input means operative upon said second digital electrical information signals when said source is connected to said input-output terminal for applying said second digital electrical signals to said reader.
- 11. In a bar code reader system having a reader with an internal battery and a single terminal for connecting a source of voltage for charging said battery and for sending first electrical data signals as output signals from said reader and receiving second electrical data signals as input to said reader, said reader having a jack with dual contacts, the improvement comprising an adapter for use as an interface between said reader and an external input-output device, said adapter including output means for applying said first signals from said reader as output signals to said input-output device, input means for applying said second signals from said input-output device as input signals to said reader, and a dual contact plug receivable in said terminal, one contact being common, the other contact being connected to said input and output means.
- 18. In a bar code reader system having a reader with an internal battery and a single terminal for connecting a source of voltage for charging said battery and for sending first electrical data signals as output signals to an input-output device, said first signals being generated in said reader, and receiving second electrical data signals as input from said reader, said second signals being generated in said input-output device, said reader having a jack with dual contacts, the improvement comprising an adapter for use as an interface between said reader and both said voltage source and an external input-output device, said adapter including means for passing current of sufficient magnitude to charge said battery, output means for applying said first signals as output signals to said input-output device, input means in which said second signals are generated in said input-output device for applying said second signals to said reader, and a plug to be received in said terminal.
Specification