Intermec IP Corporation

Selfcharge

Robert M Paratore

Thomas Richard Benson

Paul August Maltseff

David S Nierescher

Walter A Van Schalkwijk

An RFID tag is provided with a timing module to measure elapsed time and an environment module to detect certain environmental conditions. The RFID tag includes a transmitter/receiver, memory module, antenna module, converter, and the timing and environment modules. In an embodiment of the invention, the timing module enables the user, upon interrogating the RFID tag, to determine the precise length of time from the previous charge of the RFID tag. The environment module enables the user to determine how long the RFID tag has been exposed to certain environmental conditions that have been pre-defined by the user.

RFID tag having timing and environment modules

A keypad-overlay for use with an electronic device. The electronic device has a plurality of keys or signal input members coupled to electronic components within a housing of the electronic device. The signal input members have key indicia that identify key strokes usable in operation of the electronic components. The keypad-overlay is removably positioned adjacent to the signal input members. The keypad-overlay has a plurality of translucent cover members each positioned over a respective key indicia within the key indicia being visible to a user through the translucent cover member. The cover members have tactile indicators that provide a tactile indication to a user that the cover member has depressed a selected distance to accomplish a key stroke. The cover members have a key-activating protrusion positioned to engage and activate the key when the cover member is depressed toward the key.

Electronic device with tactile keypad-overlay

A hand held user computer interface is capable of being automatically switched between a keyboard input mode and a pen input mode. When the computer is pivoted to the pen input mode, the keyboard is automatically disabled allowing the user to grip the keyboard without concern about accidentally hitting a key. The hand held computer comprises a display portion pivotally connected to a keyboard portion by a hinge. In the keyboard input mode, the display portion is at an angle with respect to the keyboard portion. The keyboard portion is pivotable to a position underneath the display portion so that the display portion overlies the keyboard portion and faces upwards to form a comfortable writing surface. The rotation of the keyboard is detected and the computer automatically switches mode to disable the keyboard portion and activate the pen input mode. Thus, no manual knob or switch control is needed to change from keyboard input mode to pen input mode or vice versa. The hand held computer eliminates interference from the keyboard portion while in the pen input mode. The keyboard may then be used for easy gripping and keeping control. As a result, the computer design can be made small and light.

Hand held user computer interface

A device for scanning a bar code symbol is adapted on a glove to be worn comfortably on an operator's bare or gloved hand. The glove includes a scan element on the back of the glove electrically connected to an activation switch disposed on a bottom finger tip of the glove. The activation switch triggers the scan element to scan a bar code by pressing the finger tip at a base of the bar code symbol to be read. Sliding the finger to turn on the scan element is a natural motion and does not interfere with normal use of the hand.

Finger point bar code input device

A modular battery charging system is provided in two main embodiments. In a first embodiment, the modular battery charging system includes a power supply, an elongated track, a connector, and at least one battery charging module. The power supply converts an outlet alternating current voltage supply to a stepped-down direct current voltage supply of an amount equal to or less than about 30 volts. The elongated track includes a number of conductive strips, interfitting with each other. The battery charging module includes a housing, a charging unit supported within the housing, a number of electrical connection components to contact the track strips and to extend to the charging unit, and a battery device receiving port to receive the particular battery device in need of charging. In a second embodiment, the modular battery charging system includes a power supply and one or more battery charging module modules. The battery charging module modules include a housing having an electrical input port and an electrical output port, a charging unit positioned and supported within the housing, and a number of electrical connection components. During use, the electrical input port of a first battery charging module is connected directly to the power supply output port, and the electrical input ports of additional battery charging module modules are connected directly to the previous battery charging module electrical output port. In this manner a train of battery charging module modules is formed, headed by a single power supply.

Growing community of inventors

Woodinville, WA, United States of America

Robert M Paratore