Quick release dock system and method
First Claim
1. A quick release and attachment docking system for a handheld terminal, the system comprising:
- a docking station having a first magnetic contact; and
a handheld terminal comprising a user interface system and a second magnetic contact, the user interface system comprising a handle and a trigger button located in proximity to the handle and configured to operate the handheld terminal when actuated;
wherein the first magnetic contact and the second magnetic contact mate with one another at least in part by magnetic force supplied from an electromagnet, magnetically attaching the handheld scanner to the docking station; and
wherein magnetic force is configured to de-energize or reverse polarity, allowing the handheld terminal to release from the docking station, upon detecting an input acting as a release request, the input comprising the trigger button being actuated.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A docking station to secure and charge a portable computer such as a hand held terminal to allow the operator to easily and quickly remove the portable computer. When the docking station is energized, an electromagnetic contact is capable of magnetically retaining the portable computer. Upon activation of a release on either the portable computer or the docking station, the electromagnetic contact is de-energized and the portable computer is detached. In an exemplary embodiment, the docking station is mounted on a vehicle and the electromagnetic contact receives power from the battery of the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion. When the vehicle is halted and turned off, the electromagnetic contact may be de-energized but the portable computer may still be held in place by a mechanical retention port.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A quick release and attachment docking system for a handheld terminal, the system comprising:
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a docking station having a first magnetic contact; and a handheld terminal comprising a user interface system and a second magnetic contact, the user interface system comprising a handle and a trigger button located in proximity to the handle and configured to operate the handheld terminal when actuated; wherein the first magnetic contact and the second magnetic contact mate with one another at least in part by magnetic force supplied from an electromagnet, magnetically attaching the handheld scanner to the docking station; and wherein magnetic force is configured to de-energize or reverse polarity, allowing the handheld terminal to release from the docking station, upon detecting an input acting as a release request, the input comprising the trigger button being actuated. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of quickly releasing a handheld terminal from a docking station, the method comprising:
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providing a docking station having a first magnetic contact and a handheld terminal having a second magnetic contact, the first magnetic contact and the second magnetic contact mated with one another at least in part by magnetic force supplied from an electromagnet, the handheld terminal thereby magnetically attached to the docking station, wherein the handheld terminal comprises a user interface system having a handle and a trigger button located in proximity to the handle and configured to operate the handheld terminal when actuated; detecting an input acting as a release request, the input comprising the trigger button being actuated and/or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag worn on or near the user'"'"'s hand being in proximity to the handheld terminal; and causing the magnetic force to de-energize or reverse polarity, allowing the handheld terminal to release from the docking station. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A quick release and attachment docking system for a handheld terminal, the system comprising:
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a docking station having a first magnetic contact; and a handheld terminal comprising a user interface system and a second magnetic contact, the user interface system comprising a handle configured to be held by the user when operating the handheld terminal; wherein the first magnetic contact and the second magnetic contact mate with one another at least in part by magnetic force supplied from an electromagnet, magnetically attaching the handheld scanner to the docking station; and wherein magnetic force is configured to de-energize or reverse polarity, allowing the handheld terminal to release from the docking station, upon detecting an input acting as a release request, the input comprising a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag worn on or near the user'"'"'s hand being in proximity to the handle. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21)
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Specification