Importance

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Abstract

A control circuit limits the power supplied to a bar code reader system only to the particular point in time that a bar code located on a record member is being read by an optical wand. Control signals are generated during the time the reader system is not in a reading mode, which reduces the amount of power supplied to the reader system. Upon entering a read mode as determined by signals generated by the optical wand, power is supplied for a predetermined time sufficient to read the bar code on the record member. A plurality of single-shot multivibrators generate control signals for cyclically interrupting the power supply when the reader system is in a non-read mode, thereby reducing the amount of power consumed by the reader system. Upon entering a read mode, another single-shot multivibrator outputs a plurality of pulses enabling the power to be supplied to the reader system allowing the optical wand to read the bar code on the record member and the reader system to transmit the data to a central processor.

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First Claim