Energy dispensing system having a bar code scanning unit
First Claim
1. In an energy dispensing system, a bar code reading mechanism integrated with said energy dispensing system capable of reading a variety of bar code shapes and sizes in order to process a transaction, said bar code reading mechanism comprising:
- (a) a bar code scanning unit coupled with said energy dispensing system for directing a plurality of scan beams into a readable area;
(b) a card guide having card guide rails on both sides of the readable area of the scanning unit, said card guide for accepting a bar encoded card and guiding said bar encoded card into the readable area of said scanning unit; and
(c) a receiving cavity for accepting other bar encoded media to be read and processed into the readable area of said scanning unit.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A bar code reader system is required to be integrated into an energy dispenser that is able to read a variety of bar code formats printed on a variety of media. The bar code reader system accepts both bar encoded cards having very low aspect ratios and other printed bar encoded media having differing aspect ratios. The system also provides a robust scanning pattern such that other printed bar encoded media can be placed into a receiving cavity without regard to a particular orientation. Further, the system provides a sensing mechanism capable of determining when a card has been inserted into the system or when another bar encoded media has been placed into the receiving cavity.
22 Citations
19 Claims
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1. In an energy dispensing system, a bar code reading mechanism integrated with said energy dispensing system capable of reading a variety of bar code shapes and sizes in order to process a transaction, said bar code reading mechanism comprising:
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(a) a bar code scanning unit coupled with said energy dispensing system for directing a plurality of scan beams into a readable area; (b) a card guide having card guide rails on both sides of the readable area of the scanning unit, said card guide for accepting a bar encoded card and guiding said bar encoded card into the readable area of said scanning unit; and (c) a receiving cavity for accepting other bar encoded media to be read and processed into the readable area of said scanning unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. In an energy dispensing system having an exterior panel suitable for customer interaction, a bar code reading mechanism integrated within said energy dispensing system capable of reading a variety of bar code shapes and sizes which is accessible to a customer via said exterior panel wherein a customer presents a bar encoded media to the bar code reading mechanism in order to process a transaction, said bar code reading mechanism comprising:
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(a) a bar code scanning unit coupled with said energy dispensing system for directing a plurality of scan beams into a readable area where said customer places a bar encoded media; (b) a card guide having card guide rails on both sides of the readable area of the scanning unit, said card guide for accepting a bar encoded card and guiding said bar encoded card into the readable area of said scanning unit wherein said card guide is fixed to the exterior panel of said energy dispenser device such that it is readily accessible to a customer; and (c) a receiving cavity for accepting other bar encoded media to be read and processed into the readable area of said scanning unit wherein said receiving cavity is positioned beneath said card guide such that an opening of the receiving cavity allows a customer to insert bar encoded media therein. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification