Optical scanning arrangement for bar codes of any orientation

摘要

The scanner employs a beam (4) of visible, ultraviolet or infrared radiation. It is emitted with a horizontal sweep (6a) which is directed at a diameter (5a) of the entry face (2) of a rotary cylinder (10). The rotation causes multiple reflection or refraction of the beam. The beam emerges from the exit face (13) in a plane (6b) undergoing continuous or stepwise rotation. The plane intersects that of the bar code (32) in a line (5b) which rotates across it four times during each revolution of the cylinder. The cylinder may be integrated into a hollow-axis motor.