Abstract: Optical scanning system to scan a code on an object comprising a laser source (1), a laser beam shaper (2) receiving a laser beam from the laser source and focussing the laser beam on the object, a mirror polygon (4) having facets (6-9), of which at least one is reflective, and being rotated by a motor (5), a mirror array (10) surrounding the polygon arranged in such a way that the laser beam will generate a scanning pattern (3) on the code to be detected, and a detector (24) receiving the light scatterred by the object, in which system the mirror array (10) is substantially entirely surrounding the polygon (4); the polygon (4) is designed to perform an optical chopper function, in such a way that during one rotation cycle of the polygon (4) each mirror (11-22; 61-75) of the mirror array (10) will at least once receive the laser beam and generate its own scanning line.

Abstract: A method of recording holograms for use in optical scanners comprises the steps of generating a reference beam by means of a reference source, generating an object beam by means of an object source, and illuminating a photosensitive surface with both said object beam and said reference beam, wherein said object beam is divergent in a first direction and non-divergent in a second direction.

Abstract: Scanning device for optically scanning symbol codes, such as bar codes, the device comprising a laser source for producing a scanning beam, a first lens for focussing the scanning beam, a detector for detecting light backscattered by the scanned symbol codes, a second lens for focussing the backscattered light onto the detector, first and second rotatable deflection means for both transmitting and deflecting the scanning beam so as to generate a scanning pattern, and drive means for rotating the deflection means, wherein both the first and the second deflection means comprise triangular prisms.

Abstract: Joint for mechanically connecting, on the one hand, a scanner for symbol codes and, on the other, a processing device for processing the signals produced by the scanner, for varying through a first angle the relative position of the scanner and the processing device at least provided with an at least partially conical axle for providing a first rotational axis, which axle is movable disposed in an at least partially conical recess in a supporting block, and further provided with at least one resilient element for pressing the axle in the recess. For varying the relative position of the scanner and the processing device about a second rotational axis, the joint is provided with a disc-shaped element which is connected to the axle through an arm. At least the disc-shaped element and the arm are preferably made hollow for passing a cable through the inside of the joint.