Filing system scanner and improved bar code
First Claim
1. Apparatus for locating a particular file contained in a file holder which contains a plurality of files, the apparatus comprising:
- a machine-readable code mounted on each of said files;
guide means attached to each file holder;
a code-reading means for reading the codes on the files in a file holder, the code reading means having means for allowing for physical movement along the guide means such that as the code-reading means is directed along the guide means the machine-readable code for each file is read, andindicator means for receiving the machine-readable codes for each file as they are read and indicating when the particular machine-readable code corresponding to the particular file is located.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A filing system is provided for locating a particular file contained in a file holder which contains a plurality of files. The apparatus includes a machine-readable code mounted on each of said files, a guide attached to each file holder, a scanner for reading the codes on the files in a file holder, and an indicator for indicating when the particular machine-readable code corresponding to the particular file is located. The apparatus uses an improved bar code in which character boundaries are eliminated and the number of ONE'"'"'s and ZERO'"'"'s in a code are variable, resulting in increased data density. The unique numeric values which result from the improved bar code sparsely populate the possible range of values, and therefore a mapping algorithm is provided to map the bar code values to a sequential numeric system for ease of use. The improved bar code system uses repeating basic patterns of bars separated by a MARK bar, and a basic pattern can be reconstructed if the scan view includes only one MARK bar surrounded by ONE and ZERO bars. The improved apparatus also utilizes an inventive perpendicular file tab which positions the bar code accurately for the scanner. Border bars are provided to allow the scanner to separate bar codes from each other and to aid in determining if a bar code is defective or damaged.
57 Citations
16 Claims
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1. Apparatus for locating a particular file contained in a file holder which contains a plurality of files, the apparatus comprising:
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a machine-readable code mounted on each of said files; guide means attached to each file holder; a code-reading means for reading the codes on the files in a file holder, the code reading means having means for allowing for physical movement along the guide means such that as the code-reading means is directed along the guide means the machine-readable code for each file is read, and indicator means for receiving the machine-readable codes for each file as they are read and indicating when the particular machine-readable code corresponding to the particular file is located. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification