Adjustable scanner mounting assembly and method

Assemblies and methods for adjustably mounting scanners in scale/scanner devices, and scale/scanner devices employing such assemblies.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention are directed to assemblies and methods for adjustably mounting scanners in scale/scanner devices, and to scale/scanner devices employing such assemblies.

GENERAL BACKGROUND

Those of skill in the art, as well as laypersons, are no doubt familiar with barcode scanners such as those that are located, for example, at a point-of-sale (POS) location within a retail establishment. Variations of these scanners exist and may include, for example, laser-based scanners that emit laser light to scan a bar code and optical-type scanners that essentially capture electronic images of a barcode. Such scanners are often integrated with a weighing scale. In some embodiments, such a combination scale/scanner device may include an enclosure that extends upward from a POS countertop to house the scale and scanner components. In other embodiments of such a device, the majority of the scale/scanner may be recessed within a cutout that is located in the POS countertop, such that typically only a portion of the scale platter and a scanner viewing window are visible to the user.

As would also no doubt be a familiar process, such a scale/scanner device is generally used to weigh and/or scan products purchased at the POS location. For example, the scanner may be used alone to scan the barcode of items that do not require weighing. In the case of an item that does require weighing prior to purchase, the scale portion of the scale/scanner device may be used alone (generally, along with some sort of electronic item lookup), or the scanner may be used to scan a barcode associated with the item and then the scale may be used to determine the weight of the item in order to determine the item price.

When installing a new scale/scanner device in a recessed retrofit application, or even in a new application, the cutout into which the scale/scanner device will be installed generally determines the size of the scanner (and the associated viewing window) that may be used—as scanners of different sizes are frequently usable with a given scale. Because such scanners are typically directional in the sense that they emit (scan) or image capture in the direction of an arriving item, the scanner of such a scale/scanner device may also need to be oriented differently in different applications. Further, since the scan pattern emitted by such a scanner or the imaging field of view of such a scanner is directed at an angle (i.e., not perpendicular to the overlying scanner window), placement of a scanner with respect to the scanner window may also be important in order to optimize the through-window scanning area.

There has heretofore been no efficient way of installing different scanners into a given scale/scanner enclosure or altering the orientation of a scanner with respect to a given scale/scanner. To accomplish either task with respect to known scale/scanner devices, one would need to use various tools and to go through the time consuming task of removing existing scanner support hardware and installing new hardware in its place. Consequently, a better solution to accomplishing one or both of said tasks is needed. System and method embodiments of the invention meet this need.

BRIEF SUMMARY

System and method embodiments of the invention permit a variety of scanners to be easily and quickly installed into a given scale/scanner device, and at different orientations. Such scanners may include, without limitation, laser-based scanners that emit laser light to scan a bar code and optical-type scanners that essentially capture electronic images of a barcode. Optical-type scanners are now also frequently being referred to in the art as “imagers”, and for purposes of the present application, the term “scanner” or “scanners” is intended to include laser-based scanners, optical-type scanners/imagers, and any other bar code reading device that might be reasonably installed in combination with a scale. Similarly, the specific location and/or orientation of the scanner within the scale/scanner device enclosure may be simply adjusted, and an existing scanner may be removed and replaced with a new or different scanner with little effort. Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, any of these aforementioned actions may be accomplished without the use of tools.

Various scale/scanner device embodiments will generally include a device housing that may serve, among other things, as a mounting frame for suspending or otherwise locating the scale/scanner device in a support surface (e.g., counter) cutout, as an enclosure for containing and retaining components of the scale, and as a support and retention surface for scanner mounting assembly embodiments according to the invention. Such housings may be of various shape, size and construction. The design of the scale portion of the scale/scanner device may also be of various design and construction.

Generally speaking, scanner mounting assembly embodiments of the invention will include cooperating and adjustable sets of mounting rails that act to support and locate a scanner of a given scale/scanner device. A first mounting rail set includes, in some exemplary embodiments, a pair of mounting rails that are affixed to opposite inner walls of the scale/scanner device housing or that form a portion of opposite walls of the scale/scanner device housing. A second mounting rail set includes, in one exemplary embodiment, a pair of mounting rails that substantially transversely extend between the first mounting rail set and are connected thereto in a manner that allows the position of the second mounting rail set with respect to the first mounting rail set to be easily adjusted. For example, the second mounting rail set may be slidable along the length of the first mounting rail set such that the position thereof along the first mounting rail set may be adjusted, as may the spacing between the second mounting rail set.

The aforementioned first and second set of mounting rails cooperatively function to position a scanner laterally within the scale/scanner device housing (i.e., along a typically planar X-Y axis that is usually substantially parallel to the scanner window). In some embodiments, the length of the first and second sets of mounting rails may be fixed. In other embodiments, the length of the first and/or second sets of mounting rails may be adjustable. For example, in certain embodiments, the lengths of the mounting rails of the second mounting rail set may be adjustable so as to span the width or length of different scale/scanner device enclosures.

In some embodiments, scanner position may also be adjustable along a third (i.e., Z) axis that is substantially perpendicular to the axes of adjustment provided by the first and second sets of mounting rails. That is, in some embodiments, the position of a scanner may also be adjusted along an axis that allows the scanner to be located closer to or farther away from the scanner window. Various embodiments of third axis position adjustment mechanisms may be employed in this regard. Such third axis position adjustment mechanisms may be provided in conjunction with the two axis positioning capability already mentioned above, thereby providing for full, three axis scanner position adjustability.

The mounting rails of scanner mounting assembly embodiments of the invention may be affixed to a scale/scanner housing and to each other in various ways. For example, in more simplistic embodiments, such affixation may be accomplished using threaded fasteners. In other exemplary embodiments, affixation of at least the second mounting rail set may be accomplished by means of spring-loaded rail retention mechanisms that releasably and adjustably maintain the position of the second mounting rail set on the first mounting rail set. Consequently, the position of either or both mounting rails of the second mounting rail set may be adjusted along the length of the first mounting rail set by simply manipulating a pin element of the spring-loaded rail retention mechanisms and moving the rail(s) of the second mounting rail set to a desired location.

As with the mounting rails, a scanner may be removably located within a scanner mounting assembly of the invention in several ways. For example, in certain embodiments, the scanner may include or be associated with mounting hardware that is secured to the second set of rails and/or the first set of rails with threaded fasteners. In at least certain exemplary embodiments, however, each rail of the second set of rails includes an upstanding wall along its outer long edge, which serves to act as a locator and as a stop against scanner movement along a first axis of the scale/scanner device when the rails of the second mounting rail set are properly spaced. Additionally, in such exemplary embodiments, each rail of the second mounting rail set is equipped with a pair of spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms that may be similar in design to the spring-loaded rail retention mechanisms. The spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms include stop elements and are slidable within slots that extend in the length direction of each rail of the second set of rails. Consequently, when properly located, the spring-loaded scanner retention devices may be spaced apart so as to act as stops against scanner movement along a second axis of the scale/scanner device. Similar spring-loaded retention devices may also be used to releasably secure the position of a third axis adjustment mechanism, when present.

Other aspects and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments along with the accompanying drawing figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Depicted inFIG. 1is one exemplary embodiment of a recessed installation type scale/scanner device5to which scanner mounting assembly embodiments of the invention may be installed. As shown, this particular scale/scanner device5includes a housing10, with leveling feet15located along a bottom surface thereof. A scale platter20that includes a glass scanner viewing window25forms a top surface of the scale/scanner device5. In use, items having bar codes to be scanned are passed over the scanner window25for scanning by a subjacent scanner (not shown), while items to be weighed are placed on the scale platter20that typically rests on load cells or some other weighment element(s), as is well known in the art and generally described above.

A section view of the scale/scanner device5ofFIG. 1is illustrated inFIG. 2. The view ofFIG. 2, as well as the views provided byFIG. 3andFIG. 4, reveal one exemplary embodiment of a scanner mounting assembly30that is located within the housing10. The scanner mounting assembly30can be seen to include a first mounting rail set35which, in this embodiment, includes a pair of rails35a,35bthat each form a portion of opposite walls of the scale/scanner device housing10. In other embodiments, the rails of the first set of rails may simply attach to the device housing rather than form a part thereof.

Each rail35a,35bof the first mounting rail set35includes elongated slots40that extend along the length direction thereof. The slots40are provided for connecting a second mounting rail set (see below) between the first mounting rail set35. In other embodiments, the slots40may be replaced with a single slot or with a series of separate holes that provide multiple connection points for a second mounting rail set.

Each rail35a,35bof this particular first mounting rail set35also includes optional graduated scale markings45along its length. As described in more detail below, the scale markings45allow the second mounting rail set to be properly located along the first mounting rail set35.

The scanner mounting assembly30also includes a second mounting rail set50which, in this embodiment, includes a pair of rails50a,50bthat extend substantially perpendicularly between the rails35a,35bof first mounting rail set35. Each rail50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50also includes an upstanding scanner retention wall55a,55b. The walls55a,55bserve to locate and prevent movement of a scanner along one axis of the scale/scanner device5when the scanner is installed to the scanner mounting assembly30and the mounting rails50a,50bare properly spaced.

Each rail50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50also includes elongated slots60that extend along the length direction thereof. The slots60are provided for engaging scanner locating mechanisms75, exemplary embodiments of which are described in more detail below. In other embodiments, the slots60may be replaced with longer single slots.

Each rail50a,50bof this particular first mounting rail set50also includes optional graduated scale markings65along the slots60located therein. As described in more detail below, the scale markings65allow the scanner locating mechanisms75to be properly located along the second mounting rail set50based on the particular scanner to be mounted.

Although the rails50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50may be secured to the first mounting rail set35using rail retention devices in the form of threaded or other suitable fasteners, this exemplary embodiment of the scanner mounting assembly30employs spring-loaded rail retention devices70for this purpose. Similarly, while the scanner locating mechanisms could be mounted to the second rails50a,50bof the scanner mounting assembly30with scanner locating mechanism retention devices in the form of threaded or other suitable fasteners, this exemplary embodiment of the scanner mounting assembly employs spring-loaded retention pin devices80for this purpose. Therefore, the scanner locating mechanisms75may be thought of as being spring loaded.

An enlarged view of the exemplary spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms75shown inFIGS. 2-4is provided inFIG. 5A. The spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism75can be observed to include a spring-loaded retention pin device80and an associated scanner stop element100. An enlarged view of the spring-loaded retention pin device80is shown inFIG. 5B.

This exemplary embodiment of the spring-loaded retention pin device80includes a pin85having an upper spring retainer90. A lower portion of the pin85passes through an optional lower spring retainer/upper clamping element95. In other embodiments, the upper surface of the second rail55a,55bsurrounding the slot60may act as the lower spring retainer. In this embodiment, a portion of the pin85extends through the upper clamping element95and is connected to a base leg105of the associated scanner stop element100, such as by threading, welding, etc.

Although not shown inFIG. 5Afor purposes of clarity, it can be understood fromFIGS. 2-4that when the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism75is installed to a slot60in one of the rails50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50, the rail resides between the upper clamping element95and the base leg105of the scanner stop element100. The pin85also passes through a spring120, which is trapped between the upper spring retainer90of the spring-loaded retention pin device80and the upper clamping element95(or the rail in other embodiments). The spring exerts an upward force on the upper spring retainer90of the spring-loaded retention pin device80that pulls the base leg105of the scanner stop element100tightly against the underside of the second rail50a,50bto which the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism is installed, while simultaneously exerting a downward force against the upper clamping element95(or directly against the rail50a,50b). Consequently, the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism75is held securely to the rail50a,50bby the extension force of the spring120.

This exemplary scanner stop element100is also shown to include a pair of upwardly extending guide legs (tabs)110that are sized to pass through the slots60in the rails50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50. The guide tabs110help to guide the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism75along the mounting rails when the position thereof is adjusted.

This exemplary scanner stop element100is further shown to include an upwardly extending locating tab115. The locating tab115extends from the base leg105and functions to serve as a hard stop to scanner movement when spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism75is properly positioned on the rails50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50and secured thereto by the spring-loaded retention pin device80.

An enlarged view of the exemplary spring-loaded rail retention mechanisms70shown inFIGS. 2-4is provided inFIG. 6. The spring-loaded rail retention mechanisms70can be observed to include a pin125, which may be a threaded fastener. A lower portion of the pin125passes through an optional upper clamping element130. A portion of the pin125extends beyond the upper clamping element130and is connected to the associated lower clamping element135, such as by threading, welding, etc. A spring140surrounds the pin125and is trapped between the upper clamping element130and an upper spring retainer145, such as a nut that is fixed to the pin.

Although not shown inFIG. 6for purposes of clarity, it can be understood fromFIGS. 2-4that when the spring-loaded rail retention mechanism70is used, a portion of the pin passes through the slot40in the rails35a,35bof the first mounting rail set35and through a slot or hole near the ends of the rails50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50. Further, the rails35a,35bof the first mounting rail set35as well as the rails50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50both reside between the upper clamping element130and the lower clamping element135. The spring140exerts an upward force on the upper spring retainer145, which pulls the lower clamping element135tightly against the underside of the rail50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50, while simultaneously exerting a downward force against the upper clamping element130or directly against the rail35a,35bof the first mounting rail set35. As such, a rail50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50may be held securely in position between the rails35a,35bof the first mounting rail set50by the extension force of the spring140.

It should be noted that neither use of the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism75or the spring-loaded rail retention mechanism70requires the use of any tools. Rather, a user need only to depress the pin and compress the spring of said mechanisms to release the clamping force and move the rails50a,50bor the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms75.

Referring again toFIGS. 2-4, it is also noted that the optional graduated scale markings45provided on the rails35a,35bof the first mounting rail set35may be used to easily and properly position the rails50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50to receive and locate a given scanner along a first axis of the scale/scanner device5. Similarly, the optional graduated scale markings65provided on the rails50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50may be used to easily and properly position the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms75to locate a given scanner along an axis of the scale/scanner device5that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. In this regard, the location points for the rails50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50and also the positions for the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms75may be predetermined for a given scale and provided to coincide with particular ones of the graduated markings45,65. In one example, a specified Y-axis location of “3” for a particular scanner would indicate that each spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism75is to be set at the graduated marking65on the rails50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50that is labeled “3”. In another example, the same Y-axis location (and graduated marking65) may be used to set the proper second rail set location for only some of the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms75. In yet another example, each of the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms75may be properly set to a different Y-axis/second rail set location (and graduated marking65). These variations allow for the mounting of scanners of different dimension and also of irregular (non-uniform) shape. The proper Y-axis location settings for the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms75of a given device may be called out, for example, in a service or installation manual, and/or in other locations.

Because the positions of the rails50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50are adjustable along the rails35a,35bof the first mounting rail set35, and because the positions of the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms75are adjustable along the length of the rails50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50, it should be apparent that a scanner may be installed within the scale/scanner housing10at any of four different orientations. Particularly, a scanner may be installed with a given end thereof facing either of the rails35a,35bor50a,50b. Depending on the particular scanner, this may be generally thought of as two different portrait orientations and two different landscape orientations. Additionally, because of the adjustability of the rails50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50and the adjustability of the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms75, a scanner may be located other than at the center of the housing10. That is, the overall location of the scanner within the scale/scanner device housing10may also be adjusted. Consequently, it may be easily understood that a scanner mounting mechanism of the invention facilitates the installation of a variety of different possible scanners and may also allow such installation to be accomplished in an easy and efficient manner, and without tools.

In addition to the 2-dimensional (X-Y axes) scanner placement adjustability described above, it is also possible in certain embodiments to provide for position adjustment in a third dimension. In the particular exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, this third axis is referred to purely for purposes of illustration as the Z-axis.

One exemplary embodiment of a third axis adjustment mechanism150that may form a part of an exemplary scanner mounting assembly embodiment of the invention is depicted inFIGS. 7A-7B. As shown, this particular exemplary third axis adjustment mechanism150accomplishes a third axis positional adjustment of a scanner235(seeFIG. 8) by altering the third-axis position of the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms155that are used to otherwise locate the scanner in the other two dimensions (as described above).

More specifically, the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms155of this embodiment are designed to locate a scanner in all three dimensions (X, Y, Z). In a manner similar to that of the previously-described spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism embodiment75, this exemplary spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism155includes a spring-loaded retention pin device160and an associated scanner stop element165. The spring-loaded retention pin device160may have a construction and operation that is the same as or similar to the spring-loaded rail retention mechanisms70described above with respect toFIG. 6. Unlike the previously-described spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism embodiment75, however, the scanner stop element165of this exemplary third axis adjustment mechanism150is of multi-piece construction and also facilitates third axis positional adjustment of a scanner.

As shown inFIGS. 7A-7B, the scanner stop element165includes a rail engaging component170and a scanner support component175. The rail engaging component170is releasably securable to the rail50a,50bof a second mounting rail set50. The scanner support component175is releasably securable to the rail engaging component170in a manner that permits the position of the scanner support component with respect to the rail engaging component to be slidably adjusted in the third axis direction.

The rail engaging component170of this exemplary scanner stop element165is shown to include a base leg180that slides along the top surface of a rail50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50, and a pair of guide legs (tabs)185that extend downward from the base leg and are sized to pass through the slots60in the rails of the second mounting rail set so as to help guide the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism155along the mounting rails when the position thereof is adjusted.

The rail engaging component170of this exemplary scanner stop element165also includes an upwardly-extending scanner support component mounting tab190that extends from the base leg180and functions as a mounting and support surface for the scanner support component175. To this end, the exemplary scanner support component mounting tab190of this exemplary rail engaging component170includes at least one scanner support component mounting and adjusting slot195. As shown inFIGS. 7A-7B, an optional position indicator slot200may also be located in the scanner support component mounting tab190for indicating the third axis position of the scanner support component175. In this regard, a graduated scale205or some other position indication markings may be located on the face of the scanner support component mounting tab190in the area of the position indicator slot200, when present.

The exemplary embodiment of the scanner support component175depicted inFIGS. 7A-7Bis similar to the rail engaging component170in that it includes a base leg210and a stop tab215that extends upwardly therefrom. A top surface of the base leg210of the scanner support component175serves to contact and support the underside of a scanner, while the bottom surface may slide along the top surface of a rail50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50when the third axis adjustment mechanism150is in its lowermost position. The upwardly-extending stop tab215of the scanner support component175serves as a hard stop to lateral/horizontal (Y axis) movement of a scanner along the rails50a,50bof the second mounting rail set50when the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms155are properly positioned thereon and secured thereto by the spring-loaded retention pin devices160.

In order to adjustably secure the scanner support component175to the rail engaging component170of the scanner stop element165, this exemplary scanner support component includes a hole220(FIG. 8) that is aligned with the scanner support component mounting and adjusting slot195of the rail engaging component when the two components are properly positioned with respect to one another. The scanner support component mounting and adjusting slot195and the hole220in the scanner support component175cooperatively permit the passage therethrough of a third axis retention device, which may be a threaded fastener or, as shown here, a spring-loaded retention pin device225. The spring-loaded retention pin device225may be a spring-loaded device of the same or similar construction as the scanner locating mechanism retention pin device160. The third axis retention pin device225functions to releasably and adjustably secure the scanner support component175to the rail engaging component170at any of various positions along the length of the scanner support component mounting and adjusting slot195, by exerting a releasable spring-provided clamping force that holds the scanner support component and the rail engaging component tightly together unless deliberately released to reposition the scanner support component.

An indicating element may be optionally associated with the scanner support component175for the purpose of indicating the third axis position of the scanner support component and a scanner supported thereby. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 7A-7B, the indicating element is an indicator pin230that extends from the upwardly-extending tab215of the scanner support component175so as to protrude through the position indicator slot200of the scanner support component mounting tab190and to align with a given marking of the graduated scale205. In this manner, the third axis position of the scanner support component175may be easily ascertained as the scanner support component is placed in different third axis positions. Other scanner support component175and scanner third axis position indication means may be employed in other embodiments.

Referring now particularly toFIG. 7A, a lowermost position of the scanner support component175of this particular exemplary embodiment of the third axis adjustment mechanism150may be observed. As shown, in this position, a bottom surface of the base leg210of the scanner support component175rests on or is adjacent the top surface of a rail50a,50bof the second set of rails50. Consequently, the third axis retention pin device225is at or near the bottom of the scanner support component mounting and adjusting slot195and the indicator pin230is at or near the bottom of the position indicator slot200in the scanner support component mounting tab190and aligned with the lowermost one of the graduated markings205. It should be realized that the particular relationship of elements in the exemplary embodiment of the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism155and associated third axis adjustment mechanism150ofFIG. 7Ais shown and described only for purposes of illustration, and the exact relationship of the various elements may be different in other embodiments.

Referring now particularly toFIG. 7B, an uppermost position of the scanner support component175of this particular exemplary embodiment of the third axis adjustment mechanism150may be observed. As shown, in this position, the base leg210of the scanner support component175is raised some distance above the top surface of the rail50a,50bof the second set of rails50. Consequently, the third axis retention pin device225is at or near the top of the scanner support component mounting and adjusting slot195and the indicator pin230is at or near the top of the position indicator slot200in the scanner support component mounting tab190and aligned with the uppermost one of the graduated markings205. It should be realized that the particular relationship of elements in the exemplary embodiment of the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism155and associated third axis adjustment mechanism150ofFIG. 7Bis shown and described only for purposes of illustration, and the exact relationship of the various elements may be different in other embodiments.

The spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism155and associated third axis adjustment mechanism150ofFIGS. 7A-7Bis depicted in a scanner supporting function inFIG. 8. As shown, the mounting end of the rail50aof the second set of rails50has been releasably affixed to the rail35aof the first set of rails35by a spring-loaded rail retention device70, as was previously described. Similarly, the position of the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism155along the length of the rail50ahas been secured by the spring-loaded retention pin device160, as also previously described above. Consequently, the upwardly-extending tab215of the scanner support component175serves as a hard stop to lateral/horizontal (Y axis) movement of a scanner235along the length of the rail50a. As would be understood from the previous description of exemplary embodiments, other spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms155would also be used as necessary to secure the desired location of the scanner along the rails50a,50bof the second set of rails50.

As shown inFIG. 8, the scanner support component175and the scanner235are set at a lowermost position. If it is desired to raise the scanner position, the third axis retention pin device225is operated by a user to release the exerted clamping force and the scanner support component175is slid upward along the scanner support component mounting tab190of the rail engaging component170until the desired third axis position is reached. As with the positions of the exemplary spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms75,155described herein, a proper third axis position for a given scanner may be indicated in a service manual, etc., by way of a graduated marking callout or a similar position indication callout. For example, a proper third axis position for the scanner235may coincide with a third axis position of the scanner support component175that results in the indicator pin230being aligned with a graduated marking205designated by a given numeral, etc. The scanner support components175of the other spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism third axis adjustment mechanisms150may be set to the same third axis positions to achieve a substantially level scanner orientation, or different third axis positions may be employed to place the scanner on an angle with respect to the overlying scanner window25.

An alternative embodiment of a scanner locating third (Z) axis adjustment mechanism250is depicted inFIGS. 9A-9B. As with the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism155and associated third axis adjustment mechanism150ofFIGS. 7A-7B, this embodiment of the third axis adjustment mechanism250may form a part of an exemplary scanner mounting assembly embodiment of the invention.

In combination with previously described embodiments of spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms, the third axis adjustment mechanisms250of this embodiment are again designed to locate a scanner in all three dimensions (X, Y, Z). However, unlike the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 7A-7B, this exemplary third axis adjustment mechanism250is not part of a X-Y (lateral) axis scanner locating (stop) mechanism and also includes a modified second rail set.

More specifically, as shown inFIGS. 9A-9B, a rail255aof a second rail set (complimentary rail not shown) is shown to include an upwardly bent mounting end260. The upwardly bent mounting end260of the second rail255ais adapted to includes a rail support component mounting and adjusting slot265, that facilitates the releasable mounting thereto of a rail support component275in a manner that permits the position of the second rail255awith respect to the rail support component to be slidably adjusted in the third axis direction. The upwardly bent mounting end260of the second rail255amay also include an optional position indicator slot270for indicating the third axis position of the rail support component275. In this regard, a graduated scale280or some other position indication markings may be located on the face of the upwardly bent mounting end260of the second rail255ain the area of the position indicator slot270, when present.

The rail support component275of this exemplary third axis adjustment mechanism250is shown to include a base leg285that is slidable along the top or a bottom surface of a first rail35a,35bof a first mounting rail set35, as well as a second rail mounting tab290that extends upwardly from the base leg285and functions as the mounting surface for releasably mounting the rail support component275to the upwardly bent mounting end260of the second rail255a. In operation, the rail support component275is attached to the a first rail35a,35bof a first mounting rail set35by the base leg285, and to the upwardly bent mounting end260of the second rail255aby way of the second rail mounting tab290.

The rail support component275is slidable along the length of a first rail35a,35bin the same manner as the mounting end of a second rail50a,50bof the adjustable scanner mounting assembly embodiments described above with respect toFIGS. 2-4. As such, a spring-loaded rail support component retention device295may pass through the base leg285of the rail support component275and through the slot60in a first rail35a,35b. The spring-loaded rail support component retention device295may function to releasably secure a given position of the rail support component275on a first rail35a,35bin the same or a similar manner as the spring-loaded rail retention devices70ofFIGS. 2-4andFIG. 6and the spring-loaded retention pin devices160ofFIGS. 7A-7BandFIG. 8.

In order to adjustably secure the rail support component275to the upwardly bent mounting end260of the second rail255a, this exemplary rail support component includes a hole (not visible) that is aligned with the rail support component mounting and adjusting slot265of the upwardly bent mounting end of the second rail when the two components are properly positioned with respect to one another. The rail support component mounting and adjusting slot265and the hole in the rail support component275cooperatively permit the passage therethrough of a third axis retention pin device300. Generally speaking, the third axis retention pin device300functions to releasably and adjustably secure the rail support component275to the upwardly bent mounting end260of the second rail255aat any of various positions along the length of the rail support component mounting and adjusting slot265, by exerting a releasable spring-provided clamping force that holds the rail support component and the upwardly bent mounting end of the second rail tightly together unless deliberately released to reposition the second rail255a. The third axis retention pin device300may or may not be of the same or similar construction and operation as the third axis retention pin device225of the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 7A-7B.

An indicating element may be optionally associated with the rail support component275for the purpose of indicating the third axis position of the second rail255aand a scanner supported thereby. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 9A-9B, the indicating element is an indicator pin305that extends from the upwardly-extending tab290of the rail support component275so as to protrude through the position indicator slot270of the upwardly bent mounting end260of the second rail255aand to align with a given marking of the graduated scale280. In this manner, the third axis position of the second rail255amay be easily ascertained as the second rail is placed in different third axis positions. Other second rail and scanner third axis position indication means may be employed in other embodiments.

Positioning of a scanner along a lateral (X-Y) axis with respect to a scanner window is accomplished in this exemplary embodiment by separate spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms. One such exemplary spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism310is shown inFIGS. 9A-9BandFIG. 10. As shown, this exemplary spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism310includes a scanner stop element315and a spring-loaded retention pin device340. The spring-loaded retention pin device340may be constructed and operate in the same or a similar manner as the spring-loaded retention pin device80shown in detail inFIG. 5Aor the spring-loaded retention pin device160ofFIGS. 7A-7B.

The scanner stop element315includes a base leg320and an upwardly extending scanner locating tab325. The base leg315is slidable over a top surface of the second rail255aand, in this embodiment, includes a pair of downwardly extending guide tabs330that are sized to pass through the slots335in the rails255a(complimentary rail not shown) of the modified second mounting rail set. The guide tabs330help to guide the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism310along the second mounting rails when the position of the scanner is adjusted. The scanner locating tab325extends upward from the base leg320of the scanner stop element315and functions to serve as a hard stop to scanner movement when spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism310is properly positioned on the rails of the second mounting rail set and secured thereto by the spring-loaded retention pin device340.

A scanner locating third axis adjustment mechanism250embodiment such as that shown inFIGS. 9A-9Bmay also employ a different spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism310. For example, and without limitation, a spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism such as the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism75depicted inFIGS. 2-4andFIG. 5Aand described above may also be used.

Referring now particularly toFIG. 9A, a lowermost position of the second rail255aof this particular exemplary embodiment of the third axis adjustment mechanism250may be observed. As shown, in this position, the third axis retention pin device300is at or near the top of the rail support component mounting and adjusting slot265and the indicator pin305is at or near the top of the position indicator slot270in the upwardly bent mounting end260of the second rail255aand aligned with the uppermost one of the graduated markings280. In this position, the scanner support surface345of the second rail255acan be observed to lie at a lower point than the upper surface of the first set of rails35a,35bto which the second rail is attached. It should be realized that the particular relationship of elements in the exemplary embodiment of the third axis adjustment mechanism250ofFIG. 9Ais shown and described only for purposes of illustration, and the exact relationship of the various elements may be different in other embodiments.

Referring now particularly toFIG. 9B, an uppermost position of the second rail255aof this particular exemplary embodiment of the third axis adjustment mechanism250may be observed. As shown, in this position, the third axis retention pin device300is at or near the bottom of the rail support component mounting and adjusting slot265and the indicator pin305is at or near the bottom of the position indicator slot270in the upwardly bent mounting end260of the second rail255aand aligned with the lowermost one of the graduated markings280. In this position, the scanner support surface345of the second rail255acan be observed to lie at a higher point than the upper surface of the first set of rails35a,35bto which the second rail is attached. It should be realized that the particular relationship of elements in the exemplary embodiment of the third axis adjustment mechanism250ofFIG. 9Bis shown and described only for purposes of illustration, and the exact relationship of the various elements may be different in other embodiments.

The third axis adjustment mechanisms250and the associated spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms310ofFIGS. 9A-9Bare depicted in a scanner supporting function inFIG. 10. As shown, second rails255a,255bare mounted between first rails35a,35bof a first mounting rail set35via the third axis adjustment mechanisms250. More particularly, the second rails255a,255bare slidably affixed to the first rails35a,35bby rail support components275attached to corresponding upwardly bent mounting ends260of the second rails255a,255band by associated spring-loaded rail support component retention devices295that pass through the slots40in the first rails35a,35b. Similarly, the position of the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms310along the length of the rails255a,255bhas been secured by the spring-loaded retention pin devices340thereof, as also previously described above. Consequently, the upwardly-extending tabs325of the spring-loaded scanner locating mechanism scanner stop elements315serve as a hard stop to lateral/horizontal (Y axis) movement of a scanner350along the length of the rails255a,255b. As would be understood from the previous description of exemplary embodiments, lateral movement of the scanner350in the opposite lateral (Y) direction is restricted by respective upstanding walls355a,355bof the second rails255a,255b.

As shown inFIG. 10, the second rails255a,255band the scanner350are set at a lowermost position. If it is desired to raise the scanner position, the third axis retention pin devices300are operated by a user to release the exerted clamping force and the respective second rail255a,255bis slid upward along the second rail mounting tab290of the rail support component275until the desired third axis position is reached. As with the positions of the exemplary spring-loaded scanner locating mechanisms75,155described herein, a proper third axis position for a given scanner may be indicated in a service manual, etc., by way of a graduated marking callout or a similar position indication callout. For example, a proper third axis position for the scanner350may coincide with a third axis position of the second rails255a,255bthat results in the indicator pin305being aligned with a graduated marking280designated by a given numeral, etc. The second rails255a,255bmay be set to the same third axis positions to achieve a substantially level scanner orientation, or different third axis positions may be employed to place the scanner on an angle with respect to the overlying scanner window25(seeFIG. 1).

While certain embodiments of the invention are described in detail above, the scope of the invention is not considered limited by such disclosure, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention as evidenced by the following claims: