Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1340 933
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the route distribution industry, where a truck driver
makes numerous deliveries to individual customers and
locations, it is necessary for the driver to make a record of
each delivery and to provide a delivery ticket or invoice to
each customer along with the goods delivered. In one
approach a printing device is mounted within the truck
driver's vehicle. The printer receives a hand-held data
entry unit and provides invoices or delivery tickets.
Briefcase type printer devices haves been developed so
that invoices can be created within the customers' stores.
Such briefcase configurations may have a receptacle for
receiving a data entry terminal unit.
In the data capture field generally, there are many
applications where hand-held data terminals should be of
rugged construction so as to.survive rough handling. Many
operators are not inclined toward painstaking or precise
manipulations. An E~xampl~e is in the,use of RF data capture
terminals on forklil't trucks in factories and warehouses
where items to be transported are identified by bar codes.
Other examples are i:ound n the fields of route delivery and
direct store delivery wh ere many items are handled and the
terminal means automates the accounting function. Even in
applications where t>ar code data is transmitted on-line to a
central station, it may beg desirable for hand-held terminals
to be inserted into docking apparatus for the interchange of
data signals e.g. the loading of scheduling information or
_,.
~3~0 933
the like into the terminal at the beginning of a working
shift. Further where terminal means has memory capacity for
accumulating data during a delivery operation or the like, it
may be desirable for such data to be transferred to a printer
so that a hard copy may be produced. In cases where
rechargeable batteries are used, the docking apparatus may
provide for the recharging of such batteries at the same time
as data communicati~~n is taking place.
It is conceived that it would be highly advantageous to
provide a data capture system with docking apparatus
adaptable to a wide range of terminal means, and which
furthermore could bc~ quickly and simply loaded in a
relatively foolproon manner, and without.re,quiring attention
and care from operators engaged in physically demanding and
arduous work routines. A docking apparatus would be
desirable that comp7.etely avoids the use of mating pin and
socket type electrical connections, and that does not rely on
a specialized configuration of the terminal, e.g. the
provision of an optical scanner tip which may be used for
data communication.
SUMMARY OF THE INVErfTION
The present invention relates particularly to data
capture systems utilizing portable data terminal means which
are to be held in one hand during data capture operation;
however the invention is also applicable to portable data
terminal means which may t>e mounted e.g. on a belt or e.g. on
-3-
1 3 40 9 ~ 3
a vehicle during data capture operation. The data terminal
means preferably will be of size and weight to be held in one
hand, even though r.ot so held during data capture operation.
Also the data terminal means may be provided with batteries
so as to be capable of portable operation, and such batteries
may be rechargeable.
In a typical case, t:he portable data terminal means will
have user interface means. such as a manually operated data
input (e. g. a keyboard) and/or a data output (e. g. a liquid
crystal display), and will contain data storage means for the
storage of programming instructions and/or program data,
and/or for the storage of data capture information.
1n accordance with a.n important aspect of the present
invention, a docking apparatus removably receives portable
data terminal means for purposes of data communication e.g.
with a host computer and/or for the recharging of
rechargeable batteries, and is so configured that the
terminal means may have electrical contact pad means
generally flush with the exterior of the terminal means.
Preferably an abutting type engagement between the terminal
contact pad means and cooperating electrical contact means of
the docking apparatus is used for each electrical connection
which is required at the docking apparatus, and the typical
pin and socket type docking connections are entirely avoided.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention the
same basic docking structure may be provided with greater or
lesser numbers of contact positions. For example, one type
-4-
1 3 40 9 3 3
of hand-held terminal intended for on-line RF communication
with a host computer may have six contact pads for coupling
with a local area network, and may have a nine position
electcical connector for compatibility with an earlier type
of interface system requiring interfitting of pin and socket
connectors; another type of hand-held terminal designed for
route accounting applications may have e.g. twelve external
contact pads and be intended for interfacing only with
systems having provision for open abutment type
interconnection.
The terminal receptacle means is preferably arranged so
that with the terminal secured therein, the or each line of
the terminal display remains visually observable in a
convenient orientation relative to a driver of a vehicle for
example. (See Appendix A.) Also all of the key positions of
the terminal keyboard area manually accessible, the legends on
the keyboard having an orientation so as to be conveniently
readable, e.g. by t:he driver of the vehicle. In particular
the axis of each line of the display and of each row of key
positions should be' generally horizontal (rather than
vertical) and the <~lphan,americ characters of the terminal
display and keyboard legends should be upright (rather than
inverted) as viewed by the operator.
Also most pre:Eerably the terminal can be inserted into
the receptacle with one hand and the terminal is securely
retained. Ideally the terminal is automatically secured with
a snap type action which is perceptible to the operator.
-5-
1 3 40 9 3 3
While in some instances a resilient bias may serve to firmly
position the terminal for steady reliable electrical contact at
each abutting type contact position in spite of vehicle jarring
and vibration or the like. For enhanced security of retention
of the terminal with the docking apparatus, e.g. in portable
applications, it i~. preferred that the terminal be automatically
physically locked in its receptacle rather than relying on
spring urged means or det:ent type action. With an actual
mechanical blocking of the release of the terminal from its
receptacle, the terminal is not jarred .Loose even if the
portable device is dropped or receives an accidental sharp blow
or the like.
One preferred embodiment of data capture terminal unit
is provided with a plurality of electrically conductive pads
generally coplanar with the external surface of the housing.
Such electrically conductive pads may be interconnected by
internal circuitry to the connector elements of a D-style
connector mounted upon th.e housing end c:ap such that recharge
power and data communication pathways may be made through either
or both of the contact means. The electrically conductive pads
are positioned such that they may be engaged with mating
elements having sufficient resilience to maintain stable
electrical contact therebetween while the terminal is in a
docking receptacle ~~r the like.
6
~r ~.
~.
X340 933
In accordance with the present invention there is
provided a docking adapter for receiving a portable data
terminal for docki:zg the portable data terminal to a another
object such as a v.=hid e, the portable data terminal having a
user interface dis~?osed on a front surface of the portable data
terminal, the docking adapter comprisir~g: a receiving cradle
adapted to receive the portable data terminal such that, upon
receipt, the user :interface is accessible to a user; a pivot
mechanism coupled 1:o the receiving cradle; a base unit coupled
to the pivot mechanism such that the base unit provides support
to the receiving cradle 'via the pivot mechanism; and the pivot
mechanism allowing the receiving cradle to pivot with respect to
the base unit to any of a plurality of static positions to
permit adjustments to the=_ accessibility of the user interface of
the portable data t:ermin<~l.
In accordance with the present invention there is
further provided a docking system comprising: a portable device
having a front surf=ace and a user interface disposed on the
front surface; a docking adapter that receives the portable
device for docking the portable device to another object such as
a vehicle, such that, upon receipt, the user interface is
accessible to a user; and the docking adapter comprising an
adjustment mechanism perrnitting relatively rigid angular
adjustments to charge or_Lentation of the user interface of the
portable device to any oi_ a plurality of static positions while
the portable devicE~ is docked.
6a
130 933
In accor~3ance with the present invention there is
further provided a docking adapter for receiving a portable
device for docking to a another object such as a vehicle, the
portable device ha,;ring a user interface disposed on a front
surface of the pori~able device, the docking adapter comprising:
a receiving cradle adapted to receive the portable terminal such
that, upon receipt of th~~ portable device, the user interface is
accessible to a user; an adjustable mechanism coupled to the
receiving cradle; ~~ base unit coupled to the adjustable
mechanism such that, the base unit provides support to the
receiving cradle vua the adjustable mechanism; and the
adjustable mechani:~m allowing adjustment of an orientation of
the portable terminal with respect to the base unit to any of a
plurality of static: positions.
An object: of the invention is to provide a ruggedized,
easily manufactured hand-held data entry terminal unit
particularly adapted for use in the route distribution
6b
1340 933
industry, and a modular printer system cooperable therewith.
Another object of th.e invention is to provide a hand-
held data entry terminal device which is conveniently shaped
to comfortably fit in the hand of a user.
Another object of the invention is to provide a hand-
held data entry terminal device having an engaging support
strap mounted thereto which is easily removed by the user of
the device.
Another object of the invention is to provide a hand-
held data entry terminal device having an external
telecommunications ~:apability so as to reliably communicate
with a printer during the course of printing operation of the
printer.
Features of the' present invention reside in a one-hand-
loaded docking unit adapt;~ble to an existing commercial
modular printer system, a communication system adaptable to
communication between a hand-held data capture terminal and a
modular printer having su<:h a one-hand-loaded docking unit,
and to a ruggedized and/or water repellant hand-held data
capture unit coopera.ble with the one-hand-loaded docking
unit.
Preferably the docking unit provides a snap action
effect signifying secure loading of the terminal, and most
preferably loading with ore hand takes place without
requiring substantial exertion and yet a secure positive
locking is achieved. A button may provide for release of the
terminal unit, and may require only moderate manual pressure
1 3 4Q g3 3
to actuate. ideally the manual release is accompanied with a
degree of mechanical ejection of the terminal unit, without
requiring an increase in the number of parts for the docking
unit.
Other objects, features and advantages will be apparent
from the following detailed description, taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings, and fram the individual
features and relationships of the respective appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION c~F THE DRAWING FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic frontal perspective
view showing a hand-held data capture terminal embodying the
technologies and teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a somewhat diagrammatic,exploded view of the
hand-held terminal illustrated in FIG_. 1.
FIGS. 3A and _~B are schematic diagrams showing the major
electronic circuit:. and components contained within the
terminal of FIGS. 1. and 'l. and the interconnections between
them, FIG. 3A showing pce~ferred circuit details for the power
control components of FIC~. 3B.
FIG. 9 is a somewhat: diagrammatic exploded view of the
top. end of the terminal :>howing a peripheral memory card
mounting/terminal block and a back-up lithium battery with an
associated mylar insulating strip.
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic partial perspective
illustration of the terminal with a cut--away view of a
battery compartment, showing a detached battery end cap and a
removed nickel-cadmium battery pack.
_g_
1 3 40 g 3 3
FIG. 6 is a somewhat: diagrammatic perspective view
showing a modular F~cinter. system configured as a unitary
portable device and embodying teachings and concepts of the
present invention, and which may be adapted to receive the
terminal of FIGS. 1,2,3A,3B, 4 and 5, and cooperate therewith
to provide a hard copy print out of data supplied by the
terminal.
FIG. 7 is a somewhat diagrammatic transverse sectional
view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 and showing internal
construction at the terminal module of the portable device.
FIG. 8 is a somewhat diagrammatic transverse sectional
view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 and showirig the printer case
and other internal parts at a rear prin,ter.module receiving
portion of the portable version of FIGS. 6 and 7, the printer
cover, and printer module having been removed from the
printer case to reveal the rear wall of the printer case.
FIG. 9 is a somewhat diagrammatic top plan view of the
portable version of the invention, with the printer module,
printer cover and iostrum~ent panel finish strip removed to
show interior construction of the printer case and paper tray
module.
FIG. 10 is a somewhat diagrammatic longitudinal
sectional view of the portable embodiment of FIG. 6.
FIG. 11 is an enlarged somewhat diagrammatic partial
longitudinal sectional view showing the printer module within
the printer case, arid indicating a pivoted position of the
printer module in dot dash outline wherein access is provided
to the paper tray bin of i:he paper tray module.
-9-
1 3 40 9 3 ~
FIG. 12 is a somewhat diagrammatic side elevational view
of an AC adapter module ~rhich may replace the foot at the
left side of the portable version of FIG. 6 so as to provide
for operation of the printer system of FIGS. 6-11 from
commercial alternating current power.
FIG. 13 is a somewhat diagrammatic partial transverse
sectional view showing the AC adapter module of FIG. 12
operatively secured with the portable embodiment of FIGS.
6-11 in place of the foot member.
FIG. 14 is a s~~mewhat diagrammatic partial elevational
view showing the fr~~ntal end of the AC adapter module of
FIGS. 12 and 13.
FIG. 15 is a somewhat diagrammatic, perspective view of a
non-portable version of the printer system which utilizes the
frame module, and o~:her components of FIGS. 6-11, rearranged
so as to be particu:!arly auited to mounting in a delivery
vehicle or the like"
FIG. 16 is a somewhat diagrammatic longitudinal section-
al view of the device of 1~IG. 15, and showing use of a paper
tray module of greater capacity than that of FIGS. 6-11.
FIG. 17 is a somewhat diagrammatic perspective view
showing portions of a vehicle frame mounting a vehicle
docking unit for receiving a hand-held data terminal, and
mounting a reader head hol'.ster for receiving a bar code or RF
tag reader or the like and shown coupled with the data
terminal by means of an e~;tensible cable.
FIG. 18 is a scmewhat: diagrammatic elevational view of
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1340 933
the mounting arrangement of FIG. 17, with portions of the
terminal receptacle means and received data terminal broken
away and in section to reveal preferred details of
construction, and with the reader holster shown in vertical
section and having the reader head inserted therein.
FIG. 19 is a s~~mewhat diagrammatic frontal elevational
view of the terminal docking unit, with a portion thereof
broken away to shown internal parts.
FIG. 20 is a s~~mewhat diagrammatic rear perspective view
of the docking unit of FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 showing an
exemplary adjustable mount for adjustably positioning the
terminal receptacle means at any desired angular orientation,
e.g. so as to facilitate operation of the terminal keyboard
and observation of the terminal display while the terminal is
inserted into the docking unit.
FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view showing details of
the RF data terminal. of FIGS. 17-20.
FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view showing details of
a hand-held data terminal as shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 23 is a partial, exploded perspective view showing
an improved battery compartment hatch (in comparison to that
shown in FIG. 2).
FIG. 24 is a somewhat diagrammatic exploded perspective
view showing detail~~ of the printer system of FIGS. 6-16, and
showing the use of a~ new i:ype of docking module with the
printer system for e~nhance~d ease of loading and accommodating
the terminal configuration of FIGS. 1, 5 and 22, for example.
-11-
1 3 40 9 3 3
FIG. 25 is a somewhat diagrammatic exploded side
elevational view of the new docking module shown in FIG. 24.
FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the docking module
of FIG. 25, with portions broken away and in section, so as
to reveal details of internal construction.
FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic illustration of the data
communication system pcovided by the terminals of FIGS. 1, 2,
3A, 3B, 4, 5 and 22, and of FIGS. 17, 18 and 23, and the
printer systems of FIGS. 6-16 and 24 and 25.
FIG. 28 is a s~~mewhat diagrammatic perspective view with
a portion of a cradle type receptacle broken away to show
internal parts, and illustrating an early concept of a
docking system.
FIG. 29 is a somewhat diagrammat~.c perspective view with
a portion of a crad:Le type docking unit broken away to
illustrate leaf sprang type contact means for engagement with
the terminal extern~~l contacts of the terminal of FIGS. 28
and 29.
FIG. 30 is a partial sectional view of a corner of the
terminal of FIG. 28 and illustrating further detail of the
external contact arrangement.
FIG. 31 is a partial sectional view similar to FIG. 30
but illustrating a modified contact spring configuration.
FIG. 32 is a somewha?t diagrammatic bottom plan view of
the contact arrangement o:E the terminal of FIGS. 28 and 29.
FIG. 33 shows a further modification c~ the external
contact configuration for the terminal of FIGS. 28 and 29.
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1340 933
FIG. 34 is a t:ransverse sectional view of a cradle
type docking rece~~tacle such as illustrated in FIG. 28, and
indicating exemplary details of construction.
FIG. 35 is a :somewhat diagrammatic perspective view
showing the docking unit: contact arrangement separate from the
docking cradle tyF~e receptacle of FIG. 34.
FIG. 36 is a :somewhat diagrammatic vertical
sectional view of the cx-adle type docking unit of FIG. 29 and
illustrating details of construction for the docking unit
contact arrangement.
Detailed Description
FIG. 1 shows a portable hand-held data capture
terminal 10 embodying a:>pects of the present invention. The
terminal 10 has an elongated housing formed of parts 11 and
12, the back housing part 12 of which .is formed in a manner so
as to enable a user to hold the device comfortably in one hand
for extended periods of time.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention,
terminal 10 may be powered by a rechargeable nickel-cadmium
battery pack 28 (FIG. 5) or a plurality of AA size batteries.
Enclosed within the terminal housing 1:1, 12 are four
- 13 -
1 3 40 9 3 3
permanently mounted printed circuit boards 26, 37, 41, and
43, (FIG. 2), name7.y a host printed circuit board 37, a
display printed circuit board 43, a keypad printed circuit
board 41, and a memory card controller or peripheral printed
circuit board 26. Interconnections between the circuit
boards are accomplished through a plurality of pin and socket
type connectors includin<~ pin type connectors 86 and mating
receptacle type connectors 87. An.exception is the
interconnection between display board 43 and keypad board 41
which is accomplished through a resilient conductive pad 42.
when assembled, frc>nt housing part 11 and back housing part
12 are joined together by a plurality of screws 88.
The front hou~;ing p<~rt 11 of the terminal 10 provides a
mounting platform for a display 13 (FIG. 2) which may provide
a visual indication of various types of information. In the
preferred embodiment of t:he invention, display 13 is of a
liquid crystal display (hCD) variety providing sixteen lines,
with twenty characters peer line, of display area.
Optionally, the display l.3 may be of a four line type. The
display 13 may be mounted upon a display printed circuit
board 43 which is then mounted or secured to front housing
part 11 by a plurality o1: screws 58. In addition, the front
housing part 11 may provide a mounting platform for a keypad
14 (FIG. 1), having a plurality of keys 56 thereon. In the
preferred embodiment of the invention, keypad 14 is provided
with either twenty-three or forty keys. The control and
interface circuitry for 4;eypad 14 may be contained on keypad
- -14-
1340 933
printed circuit board 41 (FIG. 2) which is mounted or secured
to front housing pa::t 11 by a plurality of screws 59.
Electrical intE~rconnections between the display printed
circuit board 43 an<j keypad printed circuit board 41 may be
accomplished through a resilient, conductive pad 42, which
may be located betwE~en overlapping portions of the
aforementioned circuit boards and retained in this location
by means of the pressure .exerted upon it when the respective
circuit boards are rnounted in the terminal 10. Conductive
pad 42 may contain ~~ plurality of generally parallel, spaced
apart conductive elements embedded within it. The
overlapping portion~a of display printed circuit board 43 and
keypad printed circuit board 41 each contain a plurality of
coplanar, generally para1:1e1, and evenly spaced apart
connector elements Ei0 and 61, respectively. The respective
conductive elements of conductive pad 42, when conductive pad
42 is mounted between the overlapping portions of keypad
printed circuit board 41 and display printed circuit board
43, are in positive contact with corresponding aligned
connector elements E.0 and 61, and provide respective paths
for the transfer of electrical signals therebetween.
Alternatively, the required electrical interconnections
between display printed circuit board 43 and keypad printed
circuit board 41 ma~~ be accomplished through a flexible
multi-conductor ribbon type cable.
The bottom housing part 12 of the terminal 10 may
provide a mounting platform for a removable, elastic type
-15-
1 3 44 9 3 3
flexible strap 15 (FIG. 2.). Flexible strap 15 may allow the
user of the terminal 10 to relax the user's grip on the
terminal 10 for short periods of time, without actually
removing the terminal 10 from the user's hand. The flexible
strap 15 may be secured to the bottom housing part 12 by
means of two retaining clamps 16 (FIG. 2) and 17 (FIG. 5).
Retaining clamps 15 and 17 are secured to bottom housing part
12 through the use of screw 57, with two screws 57 securing
each retaining clamp. In the preferred embodiment of the
invention, retainin~~ clamps 16 and 17 may be removed with
simple hand tools, ~~llowing the flexible strap 15 to be
easily replaced. Beneath the flexible strap 15 and generally
between retaining c:Lamps 16 and 17, bottom .housing part 12 is
contoured in such a way that, when the terminal 10 is being
held by the user, the user's hand is placed on a recessed
area 62 (FIG. 1) in bottom housing part 12 and beneath
flexible strap 15.
Referring to F1:G. 2, the top end of the terminal 10 may
be enclosed with a removable end cap 18. End cap 18 is
attached with two screws Ei4 to terminal 10. When installed
on terminal 10, end cap 18 overlies and encloses cavity 63.
Located on, and part, of the end cap 18 may be a multiple pin
D-sub type connector 19, which may in turn be direct or hard
wired via a flexible multi.-conductor ribbon type cable 20 to
a connector platform 21, on which may be mounted two
connector receptacles 22 and 23. Cable 20, connector
platform 21 and connector receptacles 22 and 23 may also be
-16-
1340 933
mounted on and be Fart o!: end cap 18. The multiple pin D-sub
connector 19 may provide a communications port capable of the
two-way transfer of data with other compatible devices
according to the RS-232C standard as defined by the
Electronic Industries Association. when end cap 18 is
installed on terminal 10, receptacles 22 and 23 mate with a
plurality of pins 67 and 68 which protrude through connector
blocks 69 and 70. Pins 6~7 and 68, and connector blocks 69
and 70 are each attached or connected to memory card
controller board 26. In a preferred embodiment of the
invention, the end cap 1f. may be removable using common hand
tools. Alternatively, a type of end cap which does not
contain a D-sub connector 19 or any of,:its.asso.ciated
components 20-23, may be used in place of end cap 18.
Memory card 24 may currently be used to increase the
embedded memory of the terminal 10 by up to five hundred-
twelve kilobytes of data, and/or may also contain various
application programs which may be run on the terminal 10. In
a preferred embodiment memory card 24 may contain up to four
megabytes of available memory or programming and still be
compatible with computer terminal 10. Memory card 24 may be
easily installed in or removed from terminal 10 by removal of
end cap 18. With end cap 18 removed, memory card 24 may be
inserted in or removed from a mounting/electrical contact
block 25 (FIG. 4). The mounting/electrical contact block 25
may be mounted on and electrically connected to a peripheral
type memory card controller board 26 (FIG. 2). when memory
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1340 g33
card 24 is installed in mounting/electrical contact block 25,
it occupies the area of cavity 63 and extends through an
opening 65 in wall 66. Wall 66 is formed when top housing 11
and bottom housing 12 are joined together.
Memory card controller board 26 may contain the
electronic components and circuitry necessary to control the
operation of memory card 24, as well as to interface the
operation of memory card 24 with that of the terminal 10. In
addition, memory card controller board 26 provides the
electronic circuitry required to interface the two-way data
transfer which may occur through D-sub connector 19. In a
preferred embodiment, memory card controller board 26 may be
a peripheral type device which may be exchanged or otherwise
configured with other controller type_-cards to enable the use
of various types of end cap devices. These various end cap
devices may enable terminal 10 to perform a wide variety of
functions not currently possible with existing hand held data
capture devices inc:Luding, but in no way limited to, the two-
way transfer of dat<~ through space using radio frequency
waves as the data carrying medium, the two-way transfer of
data over telephonic. communication links, and the two-way
transfer of data bei:ween the terminal and a bar code reading
device.
Referring again to FIG. 2, the bottom end of the
computer terminal 10 may '.be enclosed by a battery compartment
hatch 27. This bati:ery compartment hatch 27 may enclose and
retain a rechargeab:Le nickel-cadmium type battery pack 28 in
-18-
1 3 44 9 3 3
a battery compartment or cavity 29 (FIG. 5) located on the
terminal 10. Optionally,, a plurality of AA size batteries
which provide the required power may be used in place of
nickel-cadmium battery pack 28. In the preferred embodiment
of the invention, the battery compartment hatch 27 may have
attached to its surface a plurality of conductive metallic
type contacts 30. Metallic contacts 30, in conjunction with
a plurality of metallic springs 72 located in the battery
compartment 29, may complete the electrical path of the
batteries enclosed in the battery compartment 29. When the
battery compartment hatch. 27 is properly installed on the
terminal 10, it comes in contact with a conductive metallic
rod 70 (FIG. 5) which extends the lengt,h.of the battery
compartment and is hard wired to battscy supply connector 71,
and completes the ground or negative potential path for the
batteries. The enclosed batteries are arranged in battery
compartment 29 in a series type configuration to provide the
required voltage. 'The positive potential of the battery path
is completed by the hard wiring of a metallic spring 72 to
battery supply conn~=ctor 71. Battery supply connector 71
contains a plurality of receptacles which mate with host
board 37 to provide the battery power to the terminal 10.
Battery compartment hatch 27 attaches to the bottom housing
part 12 of terminal 10 through the interlocking and meshing
of identical but opposite railings on both the battery
compartment hatch 2'~ and bottom housing part 12. Battery
compartment 29 is formed by a cavity within terminal 10, with
-19-
1 3 40 9 3 3
a somewhat rectangular op~oning f38 on which three corners are
rounded and one corner is somewhat squared. Battery
compartment 29 is formed in terminal 10 on bottom housing
part 12 when battery compartment cover 33 (FIG. 2) is
attached thereon.
Battery pack 28 may be constructed of a plurality of
nickel-cadmium battery cells, arranged in such a way as to
provide approximately six volts of direct current electrical
power. In addition, battery pack 28 may contain a formed
metallic plate 31 wizich may be attached to the nickel-cadmium
batteries in such a way as to form a somewhat squared edge on
one corner 86 of the battery pack 28. The somewhat squared
corner 86 (FIG. 2) of the battery pack.28 may correspond with
the previously desco:ibed somewhat squared corner on the
rectangular opening 85 (FIG. 5) of battery compartment 29,
and may prevent the improiper.insertion of battery pack 28 in
battery compartment 29. In addition, metallic plate 31 may
be further formed to create a conductive metallic shunt 32
(FIG. 2). when battery pack 28 is installed in computer
terminal 10, metallic shunt 32 engages probes 34 and 35 (FIG.
5) to create an elec:trica:lly conductive path or short circuit
between the probes a4 and 35. Probes 34 and 35 may form part
of the battery charging circuit of the terminal 10 and may
disable this circuit: when not electrically shorted together,
thereby preventing t:he inadvertent and possibly hazardous
application of recharging electrical power to non-
rechargeable (e. g. alkaline) batteries.
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140 933
Referring to FIG. 4, a lithium type battery 36 may be
mounted upon a host printed circuit board 37 (FIG. 2) and
retained in position by a non-conductive type of mounting pod
72. when installed, battery 36 may provide stand-by
electrical power to ensu re any data stored in the memory
circuits is retainec9 should the primary power supply drop
below a predeterminf~d level, and may further maintain the
operation and memory of as integrated circuit type of real-
time clock during the sama conditions. The lithium battery
36 may be provided with a electrically non-conductive (e. g.
mylar) strip 38 which, when installed between the battery 36
and an electrically conductive battery retaining clip 39, may
prevent activation of the stand-by battery .power during the
aforementioned conditions until such a time as the non-
conductive strip 38 is removed by the user. For ease of
removal, non-conductive strip. 38 may protrude through an
opening 40, which m~~y be :Located on the top end of computer
terminal 10 and under the end cap 18 which may be attached
thereto.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection may be provided
exclusively through circuit techniques and board mounted
devices arranged in such a manner as to protect the entire
electronic circuitry of tearminal 10 from the potentially
harmful effects of transient signal phenomena, including that
introduced to the terminal. 10 through any external
connectors. The elimination of shielding devices commonly
used to provide protection from said transient signal
-21-
~~40 g3~
~nenomena on previous types of portable data capture
terminals may enable lighter, molded polymeric materials to
be used in the manui:acturing process of certain components.
Description of FIG. 3A
Referring to F7:G. 3A, unique battery charging and
terminal sleep mode circuits are illustrated. The battery
charging circuit ma~~ be enabled only when rechargeable
battery pack 28, capable of making a short circuit between
the metallic probes 34 and 3S (FIG. S) is properly installed
in the battery compartment 29 as previously described. When
terminal 10 is attached or otherwise connected to a
compatible recharging device, a charging voltage may be
introduced on the CflRGX lane (FIG. 3A). The charging voltage
on CHRGX line 43 ma~~ then be applied to a voltage regulating
device 49 e.g. type LP 29'.1 ACM. The regulated charging
voltage output of regulating.device 44 may be applied to a
transistor switch 4~~ through a resistor R73. Transistor
switch 45 may be sot:tware controlled, and may be activated or
turned on when the ~;ignal on CHGON line 46 changes its
logical state, which may cause field effect transistor 47 to
change state which then may cause transistor switch 45 to
change state. Tran~;istoc switch 45 may provide a constant
charging current through a diode CR3, to the installed
battery pack 28, for a predetermined length of time. The
charging current may be applied to installed battery pack 28
through the shorted metallic terminals 34 and 35. Metallic
probe 35 (FIG. S) corresponds to the CHRGOUT line 48 (FIG.
-22-
40 9
jA) and metallic probe 34 (FIG. 5) corresponds to the BATT IN
line 49 (FIG. 3A).
The sleep mode circuitry of terminal 10 monitors the
input activity of the terminal 10 and, when no activity is
detected for a predetermined length of time, may cause the
terminal 10 to shift to a stand-by or sleep mode to conserve
the power supplied by the installed batteries. When in the
inactive state, the memory array and real time clock circuits
of terminal 10 require less power than when in an active
state. In operation, when the terminal 10 has been inactive
(e.g. no keys 56 are pressed on keypad :14) for a
predetermined amount of time, MEMON line 50 may pulse. This
pulse may be sensed on the CLK input of flip-flop integrated
circuit 51, which may cause its Q output to switch levels.
Resistor 8140 and capacitor C96 may ensure that no false
signals are received by flip-flop 51. The Q output of flip-
flop 51 is designated MEN(Sw line 52. The state of MEMSw line
52 may cause field effect: transistor 53 to change state.
MEMSw line 52 may be filtered by resistor R88 and capacitor
C93. when field effect transistor 53 changes states, it
greatly reduces the amount of current flowing through the
base of transistor 54 by causing resistor R59 to be placed in
series with resister R60. The greatly reduced current flow
through the base of transistor 54 allows the regulated supply
of the terminal 10, provided by the power of the installed
batteries applied through a voltage regulating device, to
provide less currer~.t, thus increasing the active life of the
installed batteries..
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140 933
when terminal 10 again becomes active (e.g. d key 56 is
depressed on keypad 14) NMI line 55 may pulse. The pulse on
NMI line 55 may be sensed by flip-flop '~1, FIG. 3A, at its
CLR input, and may then cause the Q output of flip-flop 51 to
change state. The state of MEMSw line 52, FIG. 3A, at the Q
output of flip-flop 51 may now cause field effect transistor
53 to reset to its former state, returning current flow
through the base of trane,istor 54 to its active level.
The terminal 10 may operate exclusively from the power
supplied through a regulating device by the installed
batteries (e. g. battery pack 28, FIG. 2) until the MEMDIS
line 83, FIG. 3A, changes state. The ME line may change
state when the installed batteries or attached charger do not
provide sufficient voltage to operate-the terminal. When the
MEMDIS line changes state, it may change the state of field
effect transistor, Q15. The,MEMDIS line may be filtered by
resistor 8141 and capacitor C94. When field effect
transistor Q15 changes state it may cause interruption of
current flow through the base of transistor 54, effectively
removing the regulated supply of terminal 10 from the memory
array. when this occurs, standby lithium battery 36 (FIG. 4)
or a charged capacitor may supply the memory array and real
time clock circuits until such time that the main power
supply is returned to the level required to power the
terminal 10. A charged capacitor may provide short term
back-up power for the terminal 10, with the lithium battery
36 providing power when the stored charge of the capacitor is
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1340 933
depleted. Lithium battery 36 may provide long term back-up
power. When the main power of terminal 10 is restored to an
operational level, the MEMDIS line, FIG. 3A, may return to
its former state which may restore normal current flow
through the base of transistor 54.
Description of FIG, 3B
Referring now to FIG. 3B, the terminal functional block
diagram is illustrated.
A central processor unit (CPU) 74 may contain program
storage and reside on the host printed circuit board. CPU 74
controls all termin<31 functions, executes machine instructions
in proper sequence, and supervises data communication with
devices inside and outside the termina1.10., However, it may
allow an optional auxiliary processor_unit on the memory card
controller board 26 to control some external access (e. g.
reading from and/or writing to a memory card 24). The CPU 74
may abort all communications throughout terminal 10 should
power available from the main batteries (e. g. nickel-cadmium
battery pack 28) drop below a predetermined level. All access
to static RAM 75, the real time clock 76, the keypad 14 and
keypad circuit board 41, <~nd display 13 and display circuit
board 43 are accomplished through CPU 74. The CPU 74 also
controls the charging current applied to battery pack 28 by
control of CHGON lire 46 (FIG. 3A) and generates a signal on
MEMON line 50 to initiate the sleep mode described earlier.
In addition, CPU 74 allow, activation of the 485 circuit and
watchdog timer component 77, RS232 level converter 78, and the
backlight of display 13.
-25-
134 ~~3
The memory in static RAM 75 is decoded in the decode
circuit 79. MEMDIS line 83 is coupled with this circuit and
will inhibit access to static RAM 75 in the event the five
volt regulator 80 has dropped out of regulation, indicating
the installed batteries (e.g. nickel-cadmium battery pack 28)
are no longer providing the necessary voltage. In the
preferred embodiment of the invention, memory in the static
RAM 75 may be selectively configured in one of varying sizes.
The terminal 10 may be equipped with a battery/charge
monitor circuit 81 ~s well as a battery charge circuit 82.
The battery/charge monitor circuit 81 monitors the main
battery and providers a signal on the LOwBA'~T line if battery
voltage drops below a certain value. The signal on the
LOwBATT line inform, the CPU 74 that battery power is getting
low, and CPU 74 in ~~urn will notify the user through the
display 13. The te;~minal l0.wi11 continue to operate normally
as long as the LOwBATT lime remains in a high logical state.
If the LOWBATT line goes low, the terminal 10 will switch to
its inactive (sleep) state, but will be allowed to become
active if a key 56 fFIG. 1) is pressed. A further output of
the monitor component 81 is the DDEC line. The DDEC line
provides a true ind~.cation if the five volt regulator 80
begins to drop out of regulation. When the DDEC line goes
low, the terminal 1(J switches to sleep mode promptly, saving
all data in the static RAM 75, which will have backup power in
the event that the main batteries are removed. Finally, when
the output of the main batteries (through 5 volt regulator 80)
-26-
1 3 40 9 ~ 3
.rops to a predefined level, the MEMDIS line 83 will carry a
low logical signal, causing the static RAM 75 to be disabled,
the CPU 74 to be reset and the transistar 54 (FIG. 3A),
located in the power isolation circuit 84, to switch to
nonconducting mode. The CPU 74 is equipped with an analog
input port which allows it to monitor several other
battery/charge conditions. The signals available at this port
may provide information regarding the charge level, the
voltage level of any power source in an inserted memory card
24. Other signals which may be monitored here are an extended
duration signal emanating from the KEYINT line 85. The memory
card controller board 26 may also provide an interrupt signal
on PERINT line 86, which :is made available to the CPU 74 on
this analog port.
The charge circuit 8:? is disabled unless a shorting
mechanism (conductive metallic plate 32, FIG. 2) which is
located on and part of the' nickel-cadmium battery pack 28, is
present and properly installed in the battery compartment 29
(FIG. 5) as described previously. Charging of an installed
nickel-cadmium battery pack 28 occurs automatically when a
charge voltage of a predetermined valve is present on CHARGE
line 87. Charging of the installed nickel-cadmium battery
pack 28 may occur selectively at a rate of approximately
twenty milliamps or a rate of approximately seventy-five
,milliamps, and is determined by the terminal software through
CPU 74. The CPU 74 also monitors the ambient air temperature
,snd, if below a predetermined level, preferably approximately
-27-
1 3 40 g 3 3
rive degrees Centigrade, the CPU 74 cause the LOWTEMP line 88
to provide a signal, which causes constant current charge to
default to the lower charge (20 milliamps) rate. When
terminal 10 is first attached or otherwise connected to a
charger, the CHGDET line 89 goes active for approximately four
milliseconds, then returns to its inactive state. This causes
NMI generator 90 to generate a pulse to wake the terminal 10
from its sleep mode and signal that a charger is present.
A charger must be attached to terminal 10 for the 485
circuit and watchdog component 77 to function, as this circuit
is powered by the charger. The 485 circuit and watchdog
circuitry 77 may provide the terminal 10 with a communications
port capable of synchronous two-way data.co,mmunication with
other compatible devices, transferring data at a rate not
greater than five hundred thousand bits per second, according
to the predominate RS485 standard as defined by the Electronic
Industries Association. When CPU 74 detects the presence of a
charger, it activates the 485 circuit and watchdog through
4850N line 91. Data may then be transmitted and received by
terminal 10 on RS485 DATA+ line 92 and RS485 DATA-line 93,
these lines being c~~nnected to a pair of a number of coplanar,
generally parallel and evenly spaced conductive metallic pads
94 (FIG. 5). Received data is applied to the CPU 74 from the
485 circuit and wat~:hdog circuit 77 on 485RXD line 95, while
transmitted data is applied to the 485 circuit and watchdog
circuit 77, from CPtJ 74, on 485TXD line 9fi.
-28-
1340 933
Five volt regulator 80 may operate from either the main
battery supply or an attached charger. If both are present,
the output voltage ef the charger will be higher than the
battery voltage, causing five volt regulator 80 to choose
current from the charger supply rather than the batteries.
This is accomplished through "OR" wiring of diodes 97 and 98.
Tecminal 10 has been designed to be in an inactive state
(sleep mode) for the majority of time to conserve battery
power. As described previously, NMI line 55 must be pulsed
for terminal 10 to wake u.p and begin program execution. The
pulse on NMI line 55 is generated by the NMI generator 90 and
may be generated by a pulse on KEYINT line from the keypad 14,
a pulse on RTCINT line from the real time clock 76,
simultaneous pulses on hOWBATT line arid DDEC line, a pulse on
CHGDET line 89, a pulse on PERINT line 86 from memory card
controller board 26, or a pulse on the PWRUP line (from the 5V
regulator 80).
Power is applied to the memory card controller board 26
under the control of CPU 74. Once the memory card controller
board 26 power is stable and the memory controller board
microprocessor is stable, the memory card controller board
microprocessor begins a unique sequence of hand shaking with
CPU 74 to establish a communication link. This link has some
software support to monitor date integrity throughout the
transfer of data. 'che memory card controller board 26 is
equipped with a poi:: of analog switches which isolate the data
bus on the memory c<~rd controller board 26 from the memory
-29-
1 3 40 9 3 3
data bus on the host printed circuit board 37. This isolation
prevents inadvertent data bus interference during the power up
routine of the memory card controller board microprocessor.
The memory card controller board microprocessor controls all
address and data bus generation required to access memory card
24. The power to the memory card 24 is enabled by a sequenced
combination of si~~nals both from the CPU of the host board 37
and the microprocfsssor of the memory card controller board 26.
When power to memory card 24 is off, the contents of the
random access memory (RAM) of memory card 24 may be maintained
by a lithium battE~ry located on a part of memory card 24,
unless a charger :is attached to terminal 10, in which case
power for memory ~~ard 24 will be supplied by the charger.
The fol:Lowing FIGS. 6 through 16 show a modular
printing system which may be adapted to connect with either
the connector 19 of FIGS. 1 and 2, or the external contact
pads 94, FIG. 5.
Description of FIGS. 6-16
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a
commercial version of a portable modular printer device 100 in
accordance with t:ze present invention. As in the previous
embodiment, the d~wice comprises a standardized open frame
module 111 which :receives a terminal module 114 and a printer
module 116. In t:zis embodiment a printer cover 117 has a
paper outlet slot 117A. A control panel 118 may include
actuating regions such as "Advance Page" actuator 118A and a
"Set Top of Page" actuator 118B.
- 30 -
1 3 40 9 3 3
The open frame 111 may have a configuration similar
to that of frame 1.1 of 3?IG. 2, and in each embodiment the
frame may be of integral unitary construction and of
structural plastic: material (e.g. Noryl* FN-215) so as to
provide the desired strength and rigidity with a minimum
weight of materia7_. Le:Et and right frame elements 121 and 123
have upper and lower flange portions similar to flanges 21A,
21B, FIG. 2, which prat~~ctively embrace terminal module 114,
printer module llc; and ;paper tray module 112.
As best seen in FIG. 7, frame elements 121 and 123 have
central grooves which are shown as receiving an interior rib
*Trade-Mark
- 31 -
1~4t~ 933
~tructure 130A of a foot member 130 and a base rib structure
140A of a handle member 140. Threaded fastening elements such
as indicated at 141 and 142 in FIG. 8 may secure members 130
and 140 with the frame 111. As seen FIC;. 6, a base 140B of
handle member 140 may extend for the entire length of frame
element 123 so as to completely cover the central groove
therein.
As shown in FIG. 7, terminal module 114 has an elongated
recess 114A accommcdatinc~ reciprocal movement of a terminal
retainer bracket 150. A hand-held terminal corresponding to
terminal 30 FIG. 2, is indicated in dash outline at 152, FIG.
7, in coupled relat.ionshi.p to the terminal module 114. The
terminal 152 is di=~engage~d from the terminal module by sliding
the retainer bracket 150 to the right as seen in FIG. 7,
against the action of a spring means located in a bottom
portion of the terminal rnodule 114. The spring means acts on
the bracket 150 with sufficient force to insure inter-
engagement of a socket o:E the terminal 152 with a plug type
connector 154 associated with the terminal module 114.
Connector 154 is connected with the electric circuitry of the
printer device 100 by means of a cable indicated at 160. As
previously described, connector 154 and cable 160 provide for
data communication between the terminal indicated at 152 and a
printer unit associated with printer module 116.
As seen in FIC~. 7, terminal module 114 is comprised of a
terminal holder base 170 of molded plastic construction (e. g.
Cycolac KJw, Borg Warner>. The base 170 may be threadedly
-32-
1 :~ 4 ~ ~ ~ 3
secured to basses integral with the underlying frame elements
corresponding elements 24 and 25, FIG. 2. The base 170 is
provided with a double wall configuration at its opposite
longitudinal ends such that the cable 160 may extend within an
enclosed chamber 172.
As shown in FIG. 8, paper tray module 112 of the portable
device 100 may be provided with a fifty sheet paper bin 180
for holding a supply of paper which is to be automatically fed
into the printer mechanism. The paper gray 112-1 shown in
FIG. 16 is equipped with a larger paper bin 180-1 capable of
holding 200 sheets for automatic feed into a printer
mechanism. The larger capacity paper tray module 112-1 is
normally associated with a non-portable device such as shown
in FIGS. 15 and 16. The paper tray modules 112 and 112-1 may
be identical except for the difference in capacity of the
paper bins.
As diagrammati~~ally indicated in FIGS. 7, 9 and 10,
terminal holder base 170 may have an integral depressed
central bottom 190 ;FIG. 7) with two integral upstanding
bosses 191, 192 (FIC;. 9) serving to secure the ends of a
tension spring indicated diagrammatically at 194. The bracket
150 includes an intE~gral lider piece 200 with an integral
depending lug 201 about which a mid region 194A of spring 194
may extend.,
As best seen in FIG. 10, slider piece 200 may have
integral depending legs with outturned feet such as 211 which
interengage with ledge parts such as 215 which are integral
-33-
1 3 40 9 3 3
pith the terminal holder base 1?0. The upper edges of the
ledge parts such as 215 a.re chamfered, e.g. over a distance of
.040 inch at forty-five degrees, at their inner edges so that
the feet such as 211 will be cammed inwardly as the sliding
retainer bracket 150 is pressed downwardly during assembly
with the terminal holder base 170. The legs 211 snap into
interengagement with ledges such as 2I5 to hold the parts in
assembled relation while accommodating longitudinal sliding
motion of the retainer bracket 150.
As seen in FIGS. 7, 9 and 10, the connector 154 has an
associated alignment pin 220 which engages in a receiving
socket on the terminal 152 and assures reliable
interengagement of the connector pins and sockets in spite of
manufacturing toler;~nces. The depressed bottom 190 of the
terminal holder base provides a clearance space 221, FIG. 9,
into which the slider piece 200 moves to accommodate insertion
of one end of the computer terminal 152, FIG. 7, under lip 222
of the retainer bracket 150, and to allow the opposite end of
the terminal 152 to be lowered into engageable alignment with
the pin 220, after which the bracket 150 is allowed to move to
the left (as viewed in FIG. 7) until the terminal 152 is
interengaged with connector 154 in readiness for a data
transfer operation.
In an embodiment actually constructed, the ledges such as
215 had a length of about 5.4 inches, and the outturned feet
such as 211 had a length of about four inches. The length of
the slider piece 200 was <~bout 9.1 inches while its slideway
-34-
1 3 40 9 3 3
..ncluding clearance space 221 was about 10.2 inches, the
slider piece 200 being lOllgitudinally shiftable over a
distance of about one inch against the action of spring 194.
To fasten the t:ermin<~1 module 114 with the open frame
111, the open frame is provided with four integral tabs such
as 231, FIG. 10, having internally threaded sleeves for
receiving screws such as 232, FIGS. 9'and 10.
As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 10, a sealing strip 240
extends about the perimeter of the two openings in the frame
111 with a downturned integral edge 241 of the terminal module
114 being held in sealing relation against the seal strip 240
continuously about the perimeter of the terminal module.
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, the paper tray module 180
has bosses such as x;50 (F:CG. 8), 251 (FIG. 10) and 252 (FIGS.
8 and 10) at respective corners which receiver screws such as
253, FIG. 10, threadedly engaged with the frame 111. In
particular, the frame has integral corner tabs such as 254
(FIG. 8), 255 (FIGS. 8 and 10) and 256 (FIG. 10) with
internally threaded sleeves for receiving the screws such as
253.
As seen in FIG. 9, the paper tray module includes a pair
of integral retaining fingers 261, 262 for receiving a battery
pack 263 for use during portable operation. A printed circuit
board 264, FIG. 7, occupy~~_ng a left marginal region of the
paper tray 112 may 1-~ave a plug-in type receptacle thereon
adjacent finger 261, FIG. 9, for receiving input direct
current operating power from the battery pack.
-35-
1 3 40 9 3 3
In the illustrated embodiment the control panel 118
includes an apertured structural member 270A which is an
integral part of a one-piece printer case 270 of plastic
:material (e.g. Cycolac KJw, Borg Warner).. The case is of
generally open rectangular configuration and overlies four
elements of the frame 111 (corresponding to frame elements 21,
22, 23, 25, FIG. 2). The case 270 includes a rectangular
perimeter 271, FIG. 10, which continuously sealingly engages
the sealing strip 240.
The frame 111 includes an integral crosspiece 280, FIG.
10, with integral tab portions such as 281, FIG. 10, having
threaded sleeves to which overlying flanges such as 282 (FIGS.
9 and 10) and 283 (FIG. 9) of the printer case 270 are secured
by means of screws such as. 284. Corner tabs 254 and 255, FIG.
8, of the frame 111 are threadably engaged with corner flange
parts 287 (FIGS. 8-10) andl 288 (FIG. 8 and 9) as indicated by
screw 291, FIGS. 9 and 10.
The printer case 270 is provided with integral inwardly
projecting ribs at opposite sides thereof which define printer
module mounting means 301, 302, FIGS. 9 <~nd 10. The purpose
of mounting means 301, 302; is explained in detail hereafter in
reference to FIG. 11. As seen in FIG.10, each of the mounting
means includes a vertical guide channel such as 301A
connecting with an arcuate guide channel such as 301B.
As seen in FIG. 8, a rear wall element 270B of the
printer case 270 has a series of five notches leaving exposed
ledges such as 311 which i.nterengage with hook parts integral
-36-
1 3 40 9 ~ 3
~th vertical ribs such as 312, FIG. 10. This provides for a
hinged coupling of t:he re<~r wall 1178 of cover 11 with the
rear wall 2708 of t:ie printer case, the frontal edge of cover
117 having a series of cam hooks such as 314 which can be
snapped into engagement with an edge 315 of the printer case
270. when the cover 117 is opened, it can be completely
removed by pulling the integral hooks of ribs 312 forwardly
out of the notches ?.10.
The rear wall element: 2708, FIG. 10, has a sealing strip
320 secured thereon which engages with a lower edge of cover
wall 1178 when the cover 7.17 is in closed position. The cover
117 has a further sealing strip 321 which together with
sealing strip 320 extends along the entire closure perimeter
of the cover 117. A. clear' soft plastic strip 330 may be
secured in a recess 331, FIG. 6, e.g, by means of adhesive at
332, FIG. 10, so that a flap 330A of strip 330 normally covers
the paper outlet slot 117P, while still allowing paper to be
fed therefrom during printing operation.
FIG. 11 shows a printer module 350 interengaged with the
crinter case 270. In particular the printer module is
provided with a generally U-shaped pivot frame 351 of pressed
metal which adapts various commercially available printer
mechanisms such as 352 to the printer case 270.
The pivot frame 351 has upstanding lateral flanges such
as 351A each of which carries a pivot shaft with a disk 355
which fits into a conforming receiving slot such as indicated
<~t 356, FIG. 10, of the printer module mounting means 301,
-37-
1 X44 X33
X02, FIG. 9. A limit pin 360, FIG. 11, of each pivot frame
lateral flange is of lesser diameter than disk 355 so as to be
freely movable in the vertical channel 301A and in the arcuate
channel 301B, FIG. 10.
The pivot frame 351 of the printer module 350 is further
provided with a pair of longitudinally directly flanges such
as 351B which carry rotary latch mechanisms 361. The latch
mechanisms each inc.iude a sleeve 362 which has an extended
position as indicatE~d in dot dash outline at 362-1 and which
is shiftable against. the .action of a compression spring 364 as
the printer module pivots clockwise as shown in FIG. 11 from
the inactive position 350-1 to the position shown in solid
lines at 350. As the sleeve 362 retracts a bar-shaped lug 366
moves through a coni:orming elongated slot such as 367 in a tab
such as 288, FIG. 9. when lug 366 reaches a position below
the tab 288, a cammi.ng action between sleeve 362 and the lug
stem may cause the l.ug 36fi to rotate slightly and interlock
with the tab. To release the lug 366, the printer module is
rocked slightly in the clockwise direction against the action
of spring 364, whereupon t:he lug 366 is realigned with its
slot 367 to allow counterclockwise pivotal movement of the
printer module to pcsition 350-1.
The pivot frame 350 further includes a central curved
extension 351C disposed between the longitudinal flanges 3S1B
and providing a smooth paper guide face 370 which forms part
of a paper feed path 371. when the printer module is pivoted
to position 3S0-1, the paper path may be extended as indicated
at 371-1.
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1340 933
FIGS. 12-14 show an AC adapter module 400 which is
readily applied to the portable version of FIGS. 5--11 in place
of foot member 130. For this purpose, the module 400 is
provided with internally threaded sleeves at 401-403 so as to
be aligned with respective apertures such as that receiving
screw 141, FIG. 8. The frame module of FIGS. 13 and 14 may be
identical to the frame module 111 of FIGS. 6-11 so that the
same reference numeral hays been applied in FIGS. 13 and 14,
the aperture 410, FIG. 1?'., being covered by the foot member
130 in FIGS. 6-11.
The adapter module f~00 may have a pair of flat raised
parts such as 400A, FIG. 13 for resting stably on a flat
surface with the handle uppermost. The module 400 has
external closure walls 41.1-416 and butts against frame element
121 so as to provide a first chamber 421 open only at an end
421A, and a second chamber 422 closed at both ends by walls
414 and 416.
A power cord 430 includes a coiled section 430A stored in
chamber 421 and further section 4308 extending in chamber 422.
An inner end portion 430C: of the power cord extends from
chamber 422 to a central chamber 433 and then through aperture
410, FIG. 13, in frame 17L1 and into the interior of the
portable device. The AC power may be supplied to a suitable
power supply circuit within the portable device.
Alternatively the power supply circuit may be located within
chamber 422, for e~:ample.
-39-
1340 933
As shown in FI~;,S. 12 and 14, a conventional power plug
440 is affixed at the outer end of the power cord and when not
in use may be engaged in slots 441 in a closure wall 416A at
the adjacent end of chamber 422.
When the power cord 430 is to be connected with
commercial AC power, the plug 440 is disengaged from the slots
441 in wall 416A, and the coiled section 430A withdrawn as far
as necessary from chamber 421 through the open end 421A.
FIGS. 15 and 16 show a non-portable version 500 which may
be constructed primarily from the same components as the
portable version of FIGS. 6-11. In FIGS. 15 and 15, the frame
module 111 may be identical to frame module 111 of FIGS. 6-14
and receive the same' reference numerals. In FIGS. 15 and 16,
the printer case is identical to the case 270 of FIGS. 6-11
and has the same rei:erence numeral applied thereto. Since the
printer case 270, F7:G. 16 has been reversed in its receiving
space of frame 111, the frame side walls 121 and 123 are to
the right and left relative to the control panel 118 which is
considered to be at the front of the device.
In FIG. 15, printer cover 117 and paper outlet slot 117A
are identical, but are of reversed orientation along with the
printer module and F>rinter case 270.
In FIGS. 15 and 16, i~he receptacle for the terminal
module 114 simply receive<,~ a cover plate 510, while in place
of foot member 130, FIG. '.1, the frame module 111 receives a
terminal side bracket 520,, which secures to the frame in the
same manner as foot member 130, FIG. 8, or AC module 400, FIG.
-40-
1340 933
12. The terminal side bracket 520 receives a terminal module
114 identical to i~hat of FIG. 7. Reference numerals 150, 152
and 222 are appliE~d in FIG. 15 and have been explained in
relation to FIGS. 7 and 9.
The apeoture 410, FIG. 13, in the frame module 111
is of a size and .Location to accommodate the cable 160, FIG.
7, for the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16.
The paper tray module of FIGS. 15 and 16 may
correspond with the paper tray module 112 of FIGS. 7 and 8,
but may be of sub:~tanti<~lly greater depth so that paper bin
180-1 of FIG. 16 rnay accommodate a substantially greater
number of paper sheets, e.g. two hundred paper sheets instead
of fifty.
In each of the embodiments of FIGS. 6-11 and 15 and
16, the printer module :350, FIG. 11, may be completely removed
from the unit by vertically aligning limit pin 360 under disk
355, FIG. 11, and then .Lifting module 350 vertically so that
pin 360 travels upwardl~r along channel 301a as the disk is
lifted from its receiving recess 356, FIGS. 9 and 10. The
electrical connections rnay be of the pin and socket type so as
to be readily severed, and readily reestablished.
Description of FIGS. 17 - 21
FIG. 17 illustrates a presently preferred vehicle
mounted docking ur..it 600.
In FIG. 17, fz-ame 601 may be a rigid part of a
vehicle such as a forklift truck, delivery van, or the like.
The docket unit may have' a mounting stand 602 including a base
603 secured to frame 601. and an upright 604 which adjustably
- 41 -
1344 933
carries the docking unit. terminal receptacle means 606.
Receptacle means E~06 ha:~ a channel 607 for receiving a data
entry terminal 10 such as shown in FIGS. 1,2,3A,3B, 4 and 5.
The terminal alternativE:ly may be an RF terminal unit 610 and
have a RF antenna 611 at: its upper end.
Receptacle means 606 may have opposing sidewalls 622
and 624 which are interconnected by rear wall 626. Front wall
parts 628A, 628B a.nd 628C cover only the margins 610a, 610b
and 610c of the te:rmina7_ avoiding interference with keypad 629
of data entry terminal E>10. Bottom wall 630 interconnects
with sidewalls 622 and Ei24 and the front wall parts and the
rear wall 626. Contact elements 632 normally project above
the level of bottom wall 630. Guide rails 634, 635 (FIG. 19)
have sloping upper edge~a 634a, 635a to engage data entry
terminal 610 as it is inserted into channel 607, so as to
guide the terminal into proper alignment with contact elements
632. The parts 622, 629: and 626 fit within a mounting frame
640. The frame 640 has a housing 641 at its rear side which
is carried by an adjustment mechanism 642 of vehicle mount
602.
- 42 -
1340 9~3
Contact elements 632 are arranged in spaced apart fashion
in correspondence with the spacing of contact pads such as 94,
FIG. 5, or 643, FIG. 21. A gap 642 is present in bottom wall
630 and between parts such as 628A and 628C to accommodate
connector 545 FIG. 1.8.
Detents 650 and 652 (see FIG. 19) may be carried on tabs
such as 654, FIGS. 1.7 and 18, which have upper margins integral
with rear wall 626. The t:ab 654 accommodate resilient
deflection of the de~tents as the terminal 610 is inserted into
channel 607. The de~tents 650, 652 define a fully inserted
position of the terminal EilO wherein a desired degree of
contact pressure has. been established between contact elements
632 and contact pads. 643, FIG. 21.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the RF terminal 610
has a connector 656 providing for signal communication
according to the RS-232 format. In this way terminal 610 may
be compatible with e~arliei: versions of docking system utilizing
pin and socket type conne<:tors. where the docking unit 600 is
to receive RF terminals according to FIG. 21, but which are not
equipped with a LAN interlace (e.g. as shown at 77, 92, 93,
FIG. 3B), such docking unit may be provided with a cooperating
pin type connector E~57 which is fully engaged with the terminal
connector 656 when the terminal is inserted in channel 607 to
the position established by detent means 650, 652.
When such tran~;itional type terminal units are no longer
required, the connector 6'.i7 may be dispensed with. An advanced
type of RF terminal may omit both connectors of the ninth
-43-
1344 933
incorporated figure of Serial 07;305,302, so that the terminal
is entirely free of recesses of the type indicated in the ninth
incorporated figure and at 655 and 658 in FIG. 21. In this
case, coupling to a separate reader unit such as 675, FIG. 17
may be by means of a wireless link avoiding the use of
connector 656, FIG. 21, and coiled cable 674, FIG. 18. All
electrical contact type connections will then take place
through contact pads such as 643, FIG. 21, which are generally
flush with the exterior of the terminal unit for maximum
imperviousness of the terminal to contaminants and mechanical
damage.
A connector is indicated at 676 in FIG. 17, for providing
quick connection anc~ disconnection with a flexible cable
leading to a suitab7_e interface means. A power connector 677,
FIG. 17, may receives charging power via a second flexible
cable. The second i:lexib:ie cable may be connected with a
battery charger for charging the batteries of terminal unit
610, and the battery charger may be energized from vehicle
electric power as previously described.
Certain pin po~aition:; of connector 676 and the pins of
power connector 677 may be connected via suitable interface
circuitry with respective spcing loaded contacts 632 so that
all connections with a data terminal unit are via its contact
pads 643, FIG. 21. Other pin positions of connector 676 may
connect with pin po<.~ition:; of connector 657 to accommodate
transitional type terminals which ace not equipped to operate
exclusively via the open 'type abutting contact means 94, FIG.
5, or 643, FIG. 21.
-44-
134Q 933
where the term:lnal 610 has a hand strap as indicated at
15, FIG. 4, the ram s 634, 535,, FIG. 19, may be configured to
insure that such strap and its mounting parts do not interfere
with insertion of the terminal into channel 607 of the terminal
receptacle means 60Ei. Thus rails 634, 635 may engage the ter-
urinal at regions such as Lndicated at 610d and 610e, FIG. 21.
Referring to F7:G. 18, a plurality of contact elements 632
are deployed within a contact receiving block 678 of insulating
material. Each contact element 632 comprises a formed
resilient conductive strip having a first leg 680 in a fixed
position. A second deflectable leg 682 of each strip is
provided with a generally U-shaped section for projecting into
channel 607. First leg 680 and second leg 682 are formed in
generally parallel relationship and are connected by a reverse
bend 688. Contact e~lement:s 632 are constructed of electrically
conductive material with sufficient resilience so that
deflectable leg 682 will return to a position with its free end
at the upper end of a confining slot when not subjected to
deflective force.
Each contact element 632 is fitted into contact receiving
block 678 such that contact elements 632 are spaced apart in
parallel insulated relatic>nship with the U-shaped sections of
legs 682 projecting into channel 607 as shown in FIG. 17.
Second legs 682 are deflectable downwardly to the position
shown in FIG. 18 as the terminal unit reaches fully inserted
position. First leg 680 of contact element 632 is provided
with a protrusion for establishing electrical contact with a
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1340 933
conductive area on. circuit board 690, FIG. 18, to which
contact receiving block 678 is secured.
Referring to FIG. 18, it can be seen that contact
receiving block 678 is positioned so as to extend into an
opening of bottom wall E>30.
The indentations 691, 692 receive the detents with a
discernible abrupt action which advises the operator that the
fully inserted position has been reached. FIG. 18 shows one
of the detents, e.g. 650, engaged in a cooperating segmental
spherical indentation 691 of the terminal. As the terminal is
removed from channel 607, the detents 650 and 652 are cammed
out of the receiving indentations 691, 692 by the mating
segmental spherical surfaces thereof against the bias of the
tabs 654. As a plate 693 containing indentations 691, 692
clears the detents, the detents assume a normal position as
shown in FIG. 17. Upon insertion of the terminal, its plate
693 cooperates with the segmental spherical external surfaces
- 46 -
1340 933
of the detents to deflect the detents rearwardly until the
cooperating indentations of the terminal are moved into
register therewith.
The front wall sections 628A, 628B may have raised ribs
such as 694, FIGS. 17 and 18 with tapered upper ends 694a for
cooperating with rails 634, 635 in the low friction guidance of
the terminal into a precise position relative to spring loaded
contact elements 632.
The employment of detents 650 and 652 in cooperation with
indentations 691, 692, FIG. 21 permits frame 640 to be disposed
in other than generally vertical orientation while still
maintaining a secure retention of data entry terminal 10 or 610
in the docking unit with firm reliable i.nterengagement of
contact pads such as 94, FIG. 5, or 643, FIG. 21, with contact
elements 632 in spite of vehicle jarring and vibration.
FIG. 20 shows a rear perspective view of the docking unit,
showing a handle 695 which serves to loosen a clamping
arrangement so that the terminal receptacle means 606 can be
angularly adjusted fore and aft as represented by double headed
arrow 696 and/or swiveled laterally about the axis of post 604
as indicated by douible headed arrow 697. A preferred
adjustment mechanism 642 is commercially available and is
covered by U. S. patent No. 2,898,068.
Also shown in FIG. 20 is a signalling means 698 such as a
horn for communicating with the operator particularly in a high
noise environment. Toggle switch 699 may serve to disable the
signalling means 698 when a high intensity audible signal is
-47-
1340 933
.iot required. The horn mechanism 698 is to be placed inside
housing 641 in a future version.
Discussion Re FIGS. 17-21
FIGS. 17 and 18 show a holster 700 on base 601 for
ceceiving and securely retaining a scanner 675, e.g. by a
resilient liner 701 of the holster 700 frictionally engaging
with a barrel 702 of the scanner. The holster 700 may be
constructed to hold the handgrip part 704 and trigger 705
(FIG. 18) clear thereof so that the scanner is quickly and
easily removed by manually grasping the handgrip part 704, and
so that the trigger 705 will not be actuated as the scanner is
manually inserted into the holster. FICi. 18 shows a resilient
liner 701 and stop ~=lements 706 of resilient material.
The scanner for bar codes need not be physically attached
to the terminal. In configurations foc warehouse scanning
systems, a lot of the software effort involved may represent
the accommodation o.E the periodic removal of major sections of
the system to do remote scanning of marginally accessible
codes. In conventional practice the scanner is always
attached to the terminal by a pendant cable and if the code to
be scanned is beyond the reach of the cable then the terminal
must necessarily be removed from its holster. The terminal
may represent a very significant portion of a "LAN" system and
to remove it in this fashion may disable the system generally.
Placing the terminal- in its holster again may entail the
reestablishment of t:he hierarchial or virtual address
structure that was established prior to the removal of the
terminal.
-48-
1 3 4~ ~ 3 3
If, however, it: is possible to only remove the scanner
and to not be tied t:o the terminal by a cable then the degree
of disability imposed upon the "LAN" system is significantly
lessened and the software effort to develop such a system
would be reduced.
The terminals now incorporate various types of scanner
interfaces. Some of them have been add-on devices to
accommodate scanner types manufactured by third parties.
Others have been built-in and have been used to communicate
with scanners such a.s shown in U.S. Patent 4,766,300. Some of
these hand-held terminal devices provide power converters
accommodating the requirements idiosyncratic to specific
scanner types. All of such scanners directly draw power from
the terminal, reducing operational time per battery charge.
A scanner such as 67~i, FIGS. 17 and 18, may be operated
while disconnected from the terminal on a permanent basis.
Terminals presently connect with a host by an RF link and
maintain contact without benefit of cable. Of course,
terminals mounted on a vet~iicle will be drawing their power
from the vehicular electrical system. The power requirements
for a scanner connected by cable to a terminal on a vehicle as
in FIGS. 17 and 18 will not be a large factor in the power
budget imposed upon the terminal.
Detaching the terminal from the scanner completely,
provides benefits in the area of flexibility and ease of use.
Since the scanner doesn't require contact with or attachment
to the terminal the job of providing operating power no longer
1340 933
the province of the terminal. The scanner, being
completely portable would require its own battery pack but
this pack would not have i_o be unusually capacious. Once the
scanning function has been performed the scanner can be
reinserted in its holster on the vehicle and charged back up
to full capacity from vehicle power by its own charger.
The communication link replacing cable 674, FIG. 17, may
be ultrasonic but could also be infrared or even another very
low power RF link. Various modulation and demodulation
schemes could be employed and the choice of the most
appropriate means oi: encoding data on the channel would depend
greatly upon the channel type used. Once the code had been
read, the link between the scanner and the terminal could
employ one of the various error checking and correcting
procedures.
Physically the terminals would still incorporate a form
of scanner interfacE~ but the link would not be mechanical. It
would be desirable to provide a bidirectional data path. The
scanner would include the matching interface to implement the
link and using a bic3irectional data path the scanner could
receive an acknowledgement after a scan. Reception of such an
acknowledgement would constitute an indication of a valid scan
and the illumination of an indicator light would provide
operator feedback. The lack of a response from the terminal
in a specified time period would constitute a negative
acknowledgement and another indication on the scanner would
signal the operator that another scan was necessary.
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1340 933
Appropriate scanners for this type of operation
would include current w<~nd and modified CCD type scanners of
Norand Corporation and <~ number of other manufacturer's laser
scanners.
This scanner would be used typically, by a forklift
operator in close proximity to his vehicle. Limited range
would not be a significant deterrent here and may even be a
benefit in an operation where multiple units are in use.
Discussion Re Appendix ~~ FIGS. 6-16 and FIGS. 17-21
A high perforrnance data terminal coupled to a
ruggedized printer is shown in Appendix A hereto. This
printer may utili2~e a cradle type docking configuration such
as shown in the present FIGS. 6 through 16.
By way of example, referring to FIG. 7 in place of
pin type connector 154 at the fixed end of the terminal
receptacle, an open, abutment type contact arrangement such as
represented by spring contact elements 632, FIGS. 17 and 18,
may be applied to the movable retainer part 150, FIG. 7, with
a suitable flexible electrical connector (in place of 160), so
that a terminal such as 10, FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4 and 5, can
have its bottom en.d inserted into engagement with the movable
retainer, utilizing manual force on tha_ terminal 10 to
displace the retainer against the action of its biasing spring
194, FIG 7. When the receiving space of the receptacle is
sufficiently large the upper end of the terminal may be
pressed into the receptacle. The retainer will then hold the
terminal in the seated position by virture of its overhanging
lip 222, FIG. 7, with e~aernal contact pad means such as 94,
- 51 -
1 3 40 9 3 3
FIG. 5, in pressure engagement with the spring contact
elements. The spring bias (194) on the retainer (150) will
exert a greater force than the contact spring elements so that
pressure engagement is established corresponding to that
represented in FIG. 18. To remove the terminal, the sides of
the terminal should be manually accessible so that the
terminal can be manually shifted against the action of the
spring bias (194) on then retainer (150) whereupon the upper
end of the terminal can be lifted out of the receptacle and
the terminal disengaged from the retainer (150).
This same description applies to FIG. 15 herein. As
shown in FIG. 15, and bar sheet one of APPENDIX A, the display
is fully visually observable by the operator, and the keyboard
is completely manually accessible while the terminal is in the
printer receptacles of FIGS. 7 and 15.
The various parts of the docking unit receptacle
means 606 may be identical to parts foaming a wall mounted
docking unit.
Further Discussion. Re a Wireless Scanninc,~System
The com~onent~~ of the system are: Scanner e.g. 675,
FIG. 17, (or multiple sc:anners); holster e.g. 700, FIG. 17, to
accommodate the scanner(s); data terminal (hand-held, vehicle
mount, counter or work surface mount, wall mount, or other,)
e.g. 10, FIGS 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4 and 5, or 610, FIGS. 17-21.
Functions of t:he components: Data terminal: One of
many classes of data terminals described above which
processes, stores, and/or communicates (via RF, cable or
modem) data which is entered to it from an entry means. Such
- 52 -
F
~3~~ 93~ '
entry means may include,, but not be limited to: keyboard,
scanner, modem, voice, I7EX/UCS.
Compatible terminal: A data terminal which has
additional circuits and hardware to communicate with the
wireless scanner without: electrical or physical connection to
- 53 -
1 ~ 40 9 3 3
the wireless scanner. The communicating medium is RF,
magnetic and/or ultrasonics. The data is transferred via a
low power RF magnetic link or through an ultrasonic link.
Scanner: One of many classes of scanners which typically
read bar code information or other machine readable codes
(wand, laser, flash type). The scanner may incorporate some
degree of user interface such as a keybaard and/or display.
wireless scanner: A scanner which incorporates an
integral power source by which the wireless scanner is able to
read, process (if necessary) and communicate the read code to
a compatible termin~~l without having ph~~sical or electrical
cable connection to the terminal. These batteries may be the
rechargeable type. The wireless scanner' incorporates circuits
to process (if nece:;sary) and communicate the read code to a
compatible terminal. The data is transferred via a low power
RF or magnetic link or through an ultrasonic link. The
communicating medium is RF, magnetic and/or ultrasonics. The
wireless scanner utilizes a power source consisting of
batteries. The scanning device has a self contained power
supply which may include, but not be limited to, Nicad
batteries. The scanning device may be placed in a holster
device which may provide charging of the scanning device
batteries.
Holster: The bolster device in addition to holding the
scanning device, may provide charging of the scanning device
batteries from the holster device batteries or from some other
power source. Thus, a holster device can be portable or it
-54-
1 3 4~ 9 3
can be fixed. The holster device may be worn on a belt around
the waist, or mounted to a vehicle.
Description of FICiS. 22 and 23
FIG. 22 shows a hand-held data capture terminal 710
which corresponds with germinal 10 of FIGS. 1-6, except for
the provisions of depre:~sions 711 and 712 in the integral rib
714, FIG. 5, for cooperation with the detents of a docking
unit corresponding to that of FIG. 17 but provided with a
contact spring arr'angeme'nt .
The terminal ',~10 has twelve external contact pads
717 corresponding to pads 94, FIG. 5.
Description of FIG'. 23
FIG. 23 shows a new battery compartment hatch 727
which is applied to the lower housing ;part 12 the same as
illustrated for hatch 2~' in FIG. 2. T:he battery hatch 727 has
a plurality of conductive metallic type spring contacts 730
which are relatively highly deflectable during engagement with
the battery pack 28. It: is found that with the greater range
of deflection of the spring arms 730, 'these arms maintain
contact with the batteries of the batt~ary pack 28 during any
vibration or motion cau~~ed by impact with the terminal. Thus,
the batteries may move ~~omewhat to compress springs 72, FIG.
5, but during such movement will not lose contact with the
spring arms 730, FIG. 23.
_ 55 _
1 3 40 ~ ~ 3
In accomplishing this; improved reliability, the material
for the hatch part eras ch;~nged from high-impact Borg-Warner
Cycolac brand ABS thermoplastic, Grade K,1U (for part 27) to
fifteen percent glass-filled PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
molding compound. ~:'he early contacts (30) were of beryllium
copper .012 inch thick wi~:.h a semicircular contact part of
radius .110 inch. The new contacts (730) were of C17200
beryllium copper one'-fourth H, .007 inch thick; heat treated
for two hours at 600°F af!~er being formed. The curved part
730a had a inside radius of .130 inch, but the center of
curvature of this radius Haas at a distance of .23 inch from
the spring arm base portion 730b. The angle portion 730c of
each spring arm formed an angle of fifty eight degrees with
the base portion 730b.
with the new construction, the spring contacts with each
end of the batteries of the battery pack continuously remained
in contact with the batteries during any motion of the
batteries as a result of vibration or impact.
Description of FIG. 24
FIG. 24 is an exploded view showing a new snap lock type
docking module 800 f:or association with the remaining parts of
the modular printer system of FIGS. 6-16.
FIG. 24 shows t:he following parts identical to those of
FIGS. 6-16:
Element of FIG. 24 Location in FIGS. 6-16
frame 111 FIGS. 7 and 15
paper tray module 112 FIG. 6
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1340 933
frame elements 121, 123 FIG. 6
foot merr~ber 1.:0 FIG. 7
handle member 140 FIG. 6
fastening elements 141, 142 FIG. 8
paper bin 180 FIG. 8
tabs 231 FIG. 10
screws 232 FIG. 10
bosses 250, 251 FIGS. 8 and
10
screws 253 FIG. 10
corner tabs 255 FIG. 8
retaining finders 261, 262 FIG. 9
printed circuit board 264 FIG. 7
crosspiece 280 FIG. 10
FIG. 25 shows a somewhat diagrammatic exploded side
elevational view of the terminal docking module 800. The
docking module has a series of spring contact fingers 801
mounted by means of printed circuit board 802. The spring
fingers may be arranged so as to engage with the contact pads
94, FIG. 5. A connector' 805 and ribbon cable 806, FIG. 24,
provide electrically conductive paths between the spring
fingers 801 and associated paths on board 802, and printed
circuit board 264, FIG. 24. Ribbon cable 807, FIG. 24, leads
from printed circuit board 264 to the controller for the
printer which is mounted. at 301, FIG. 10. By way of example,
for an embodiment of portable briefcase printer, the cable 806
- 57 -
F
1 3 40 9 3 3
"gay be a sixteen conductor ribbon cable having a length of
twenty inches, and serving both for power and data
input/output. A similar cable of greater length may be used
when module 800 is mounted in a vehicle remote from the
printer.
A cover member 810, FIG. 25, is secured module base 811,
and provides an overhanging lip at 812, FIG. 26, for retaining
the lower end of a germinal such as 10, FIG. 1.
At the opposit4~ end of module base 811, a latch part 820,
FIG. 25, is mounted for pivotal movement on a latch mounting
bracket 821. The bracket 821 may have a pair of spaced
flanges such as 822 with aligned openings such as 823 which
mount trunnions such as 825 of the latch 820. A torsion
spring 830 acts on t=he latch to urge a mechanical sensor foot
part 831, FIG. 26, of the latch into the space to be occupied
by the upper end of a terminal such as 10 as it is pivoted
downwardly into the receptacle 832 of the docking module.
Engagement of i:he terminal with mechanical sensor 831
causes the latch 82t) to pivot until a latch spring 835, FIG.
26, snaps upwardly !.o engage a bend 836 thereof behind a
cooperative ledge 837 of the latch. An extension 838 of the
spring 835 limits the upward movement of the spring and
retains the bend 836 in blocking relationship to ledge 837
preventing reverse ~~ivoting of the latch. The latch 820 is
thus locked in an angular position wherein a projection 840
thereof overlies the terminal receiving space and securely
retains the terminal in receptacle 832. Even dropping of a
_58_
1 3 44 9 3 3
rortable printer wi7_1 not cause release of the terminal from
the receptacle since' the :Latch 820 is securely locked in the
retaining angular position.
A latch releaser button 842 is secured to latch spring 835
and may be manually depre:;sed to depress bend 836 and
disengage it from ledge 8:37 whereupon torsion spring 830
returns sensor foot 831 to its initial position, partly
lifting the terminal out of receptacle 832. The latch button
842 protrudes through apei:ture 844, FIG. 25, of a trim plate
845 so as to be accessible for manual depression to release
the latch.
By way of examF~le, the latch spring 835 may be formed
from a strip of type 304 sstainless steel, cold rolled, .015
inch thick (No. 28 gauge) and .875 inch .aide. The bend 836
may form an angle of seventy-five degrees with the plane of
the latch spring main body portion 835a, FIG. 25; so that the
ledge 837 is captured at the bend 836. Hy way of example the
height of bend 836 measured normal to the plane of body
portion 835a, FIG. 25, may be .22 inch. Portion 835a may have
a length of 1.844 inches a.nd extension 838 may have a length
of more than .2 inch where the overall length measured
parallel to the plane of body portion 835a (FIG. 25) is 2.00
inch. The dimensions from fixed end 835b to the screw
Location indicated at 850 is .927 inch. The values .927, 2.00
,end 1.844 were changed to these values from former values of
.957, 2.125 and 1.913, respectively.
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Lescription of FIG. 27
FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic illustration of data flow
between the printer and the terminal for FIGS. 6-16 and 24-26.
In FIG. 27, a ~cecondary controller and interface means
900 (e. g. a type 78C.'10 printer controller with interface
circuitry) is indicated at. the right. The interface circuitry
accommodates three ;witch selectable protocols as described in
section 8.0 of APPEnIDIX B.. The controller 900 is programmed
for operation as a aecondacy as described in APPENDIX C, e.g.
at Section 4.4.9 Secondary State Machine, and Section 6.0
PRINTER PRESENTATIOMf LAYER. In particular it is to be noted
that with the protocol according to the present invention, the
secondary controller 900 when the printer finishes printing
the print line or lines in a print command, returns a response
with the same sequence number so that the terminal e.g. 10,
FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, 5 wind 22, or 610, FIGS. 17-21, is
advised as which print limes ace actually printed.
As represented in FIG. 27, the signals TXD, DTR, RTS, RXD
and CTS may be coupled e.c~. via flexible cable 807, FIG. 24,
to the printed circuit board 264. The signal paths on the
printed circuit board are indicated at 907, FIG. 27. The
ribbon cable 806, FIG. 24, is indicated in FIG. 27, and leads
to the 15 pin D-sub connector 154, FIGS. 7, 9 and 10, or to
the spring fingers such as 801, FIG. 25, a docking means such
as 114, FIGS. 6, 9 and 15, or 800, FIGS. 24-26, being
indicated at 908, FIG. 27.
-60-
1 3 40 9 ~ 3
A primary controller is indicated at 910, FIG. 27, and
may be implemented us shown at 74, 78, FIG. 3B, for example,
and as described in APPENDIX C. Thus the primary controller
910 may be part of ~~ data device means 912 such as terminal 10
or 610. The electrical interface is described in Section
2.2.2.2 of APPENDIX B.
A braided power' ground strap 912, FIG. 24, may connect
with the power ground terrninal of connector 154, FIGS. 7, 9
and 10, or to the power ground spring contact of contacts 801,
FIG. 25.
Discussion of the Modular Printer System
In prior art vam mounted printers, communication with a
data source such as a hand-held data capture terminal was
limited such that it. was possible for the printer to fail to
print a line or more of data without alerting the terminal.
Such printers could ackno~oledge receipt of a line of data from
the hand-held data capture terminal, but there was no
provision for a feedback :signal to the hand-held data capture
terminal to signify that a particular data line had actually
been printed. Thus, where' the printer accumulated several
lines of data in a buffer memory, and the operator then
inadvertently turned off t:he printer, such lines of data could
be lost and not actually printed. Similarly, if the vehicle
engine was started causing a power spike, actual printing of
data in the buffer might fail to occur without any feedback
notification to the terminal.
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~~40 9~3
APPENDIX B gives the product specification for a
commercial version of the modular printer system. Section 6.5
of APPENDIX B describes the connector providing signals
between the host and the: printer controller. The electrical
interface is further de~;cribed in APPENDIX B in section
2.2.2.2.
A special communications proi~ocol termed "NPCP"
(Part B) is described in section 8.1 of APPENDIX B, and in
APPENDIX C, and a complete specification for this "NPCP"
protocol is given in APPENDIX D.
Discussion RE Early Dock:ina Embodiments
In some applications, earlier developments of
docking means may be utilized. For example, an integrated
type scanner might have a docking means with a generally
vertical receptacle channel for receiving the handle (15) up
to the level of th.e trigger (32). At the bottom of the
receptacle channel a plug may project upwardly centrally to
fit into a conforming recess at the base of the handle (15).
The plug and recess may have cooperating parts of a
conventional tele~~hone jack connection for
completing battery charging and communications data pathways
to the rechargeable batteries (16) and data circuitry of the
hand-held scanner. The plug means of the docking receptacle
would have an array of external conductors (metal wires) for
interfitting with a mat~~ng female connector means having de-
flectable springs (meta7_ wires) in the recess of the handle
(15) .
- 62 -
1 3 40 9 3 3
~he conventional plug connector has a resilient retention means
(latch element) automatically interlocking with the female
connector with a perceptible snap action. A suitable mechanical
or electrical release of the latch element of the plug
connector, e.g. a miniature solenoid, is readily provided, or
finger access to the plug means latch element could be provided
from the rear of the docking receptacle.
The following describes further early but more recent
concepts, having reference to FIGS. 28-.36.
The basic functional. requirements I started with was to
provide a data I/O port that has non-critical mechanical
alignment requirements such as optical connectors, but is
capable of higher ;peed data transmission rates than is possible
with optical connectors. The female half will be a moisture
sealed contact strip that is recessed into the bottom rear
corner of hand-held unit 920, FIGS, 28 and 29. The male half of
the connector will be installed in a data I/O cradle 922 or
other peripheral device. It will be either vertical travel
plunger pins 924 or leaf spring type contacts 926.
Female Option 1: The female half will have a contact strip
molded integrally into a 70 durometer rubber part 930, FIG. 30.
After molding the contact strip will be trimmed to separate the
individual contacts e.g. 931-936, FIG. 32.
The contact strip will be molded of rubber so that as part
of the mounting it can be compressed against the inside wall 937
of the housing 938, thus. providing a water tight seal. Water
tightness is also the reason for molding the contact strip
integrally with th.e rubber.
-63-
- 1 3 40 g ~ 3
There will be ribs 9=!9, FIGS. 30-32, molded between the
individual contacts to minimize the possibility of shorting.
The contacts will be made from pre-plated spring tempered
berryllium copper m<<terial at least .013" thick. The tail ends
e.g. 931a, FIG. 30, of the contacts must be designed to deliver
a high enough normal. force to the PCB 940 to make gas tight
connection. If room permits, the contact could also be
bifurcated to increzise electrical integrity. If it is within
the capability of insert molding, the contact should be wrapped
around the bottom o:= the support block 930 as at 931', FIG. 31.
If leaf spring type contacts are used, the PCB may need to
be supported from the side opposite the contact fingers to
insure long term reliability.
Screws 941, FIGS. 30-33, insure the connector makes good
contact to the printed circuit board 940 and also secure the
connector to the housing 938 and support the end of 940.
The number of contacts should be carefully selected and
addressed to provide for use of this new connector on all new
hand-held terminals. If charge current for rechargeable
batteries is to be provided through this connector, the positive
and negative leads should, not be placed adjacent to one another.
The block should be thick enough to allow components on the
same side of the board a~; the connector.
Female Option 2: Basically the same functional parameters
as Option 1 except the contact strip is actually a flexible
circuit 945, FIG. 33, that is formed over a solid plastic
support 950.
-64-
__ ~ 340 933
Moisture seal will be provided by an open cell foam gasket
951 compressed between the flex circuit and the housing to less
than 10'~ of its freer thickness.
The end of the flex circuit would be soldered as at 952
into the PCB for reliable contact.
The flex circuit Kapton carrier will have to have slots
punched in between t:he contacts to provide clearance for ribs
molded onto the support b:Lock 950.
Male Option 1: Each male contact point will be a spring
loaded plunger 960 that contacts the exposed strip area on the
female half.
Provision could be m<~de for sealing each of the pins with a
small o-ring 965.
The terminal cc.adle will have latches 971, 972 for engaging
detents such as 973 on the terminal housing to insure contact
between the plunger: and contact strip.
wires 980 will be attached to the plungers 960by soldering
onto a peg in the c<_~nter of the plunger.
The number of plungers could be adjusted as required on
each peripheral to minimi;~e cost.
Male Option 2: Have a leaf spring type contact strip 990,
FIG. 36, molded into a plastic mounting block 992.
The leaf springs would contact against the bottom of the
terminal and thus not require detents on the terminal to
maintain engagement..
-65-
