Patent ID: 7370801

Claim:
An optical symbol scanner assembly for detecting and decoding an optical symbol, the assembly comprising: a hand-held compact, fixed-mounted, or mobile scanner device including a distal face at which is positioned a first light-generating means adapted for producing illumination to fall on said symbol; focusing means for focusing an image of said symbol on an imager device positioned within said scanner device, said focusing means defining an optic axis; electrical power and control circuitry for activating and powering said first light-generating means when triggered; and means for triggering said imager device and said electrical power and control circuitry; a removable and interchangeable illumination module adapted to be removably installed upon the distal face of said scanner device by pushing the illumination module in place thereon, the module including a body; an optical return pathway for permitting the light from the optical symbol to pass therethrough along said optic axis; a second illumination generating means within the illumination module body and adapted for generating illumination at a predetermined wavelength; and light directing means for conducting illumination from said second illumination generating means and directing it towards said symbol; a socket member fitted upon the distal face of said scanner device and over said first illumination generating means, and including a body portion having recess therein centered upon said optic axis; and a plurality of contact electrodes disposed outside said recess, the contact electrodes being coupled to respective circuit points of said electrical power and control circuitry; and a plug-in male member disposed on a proximal side of said illumination module, and including a projection thereon adapted to mate with the recess on said socket member and being centered on said optical return pathway; and a plurality of pin electrode members disposed outside said projection, and adapted to releasably contact the respective contact electrodes of said socket member, and connecting to said second illumination generating means in said illumination module, such that electrical power is provided to the second illumination generating means from said electrical power and control circuitry.