Patent ID: 6581837
Filing Date: 2003-06-24
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
In combination, an accessory for wirelessly and universally connecting any of a variety of data input devices to a remote data processing station, the combination comprising a two-way wireless interface unit adapted for universal interconnection to a one such data input device that is carded by a person and adapted to communicate wirelessly through a remote wireless interface unit with a said data processing station that is located remote from the person; a battery supplying direct current (DC) electrical power at a voltage sufficient to drive said two-way wireless interface unit; a standard multiple-pin connector adapted to connect with a data collection device that has a cable that terminates in a mating multiple-pin connector; and a wiring arrangement connecting said battery, said two-from way wireless interface unit, and said standard multiple-pin connector for permitting data to pass between said interface unit and selected pins of said standard connector, and imposing said DC power on a predetermined pin of said standard connector and also on a power lead going to the interface unit, such that said battery also powers said data collection device; said cable being an elongated flexible cord that extends from said data collection device to said mating multiple-pin connector, and thence to said standard connector and to the wiring arrangement for carrying data from said data collection device and for carrying said DC power from said battery to said data collection device; such that any other available data collection device having a cable terminated in a similar standard multiple-pin connector can be substituted for the first-mentioned data collection device.