Abstract: A method for reading a graphic pattern by illuminating the graphic pattern with at least two groups of light sources, each of the at least two groups of light sources having at least one light source operating according to an illumination cycle that comprises an illumination cycle-portion and a non-illumination cycle-portion. The light sources of one of the at least two groups of light sources are activated according to equal illumination cycles. The illumination cycles of the light sources belong to different ones of the at least two groups of light sources having a reciprocally different timing. Light is gathered from the light sources having been diffused by the graphic pattern on a sensor having a plurality of sensitive points. Light impinging on the plurality of sensitive points is converted, through a conversion cycle of the sensor, point by point into electric signals representative of single points of the graphic pattern, at a same time for all of the plurality of sensitive points.

Abstract: A method for reading a graphic pattern by illuminating the graphic pattern with at least two groups of light sources, each of the at least two groups of light sources having at least one light source operating according to an illumination cycle that comprises an illumination cycle-portion and a non-illumination cycle-portion. The light sources of one of the at least two groups of light sources are activated according to equal illumination cycles. The illumination cycles of the light sources belong to different ones of the at least two groups of light sources having a reciprocally different timing. Light is gathered from the light sources having been diffused by the graphic pattern on a sensor having a plurality of sensitive points. Light impinging on the plurality of sensitive points is converted, through a conversion cycle of the sensor, point by point into electric signals representative of single points of the graphic pattern, at a same time for all of the plurality of sensitive points.

Abstract: A method for reading a graphic pattern by illuminating the graphic pattern with at least two groups of light sources, each of the at least two groups of light sources having at least one light source operating according to an illumination cycle that comprises an illumination cycle-portion and a non-illumination cycle-portion. The light sources of one of the at least two groups of light sources are activated according to equal illumination cycles. The illumination cycles of the light sources belong to different ones of the at least two groups of light sources having a reciprocally different timing. Light is gathered from the light sources having been diffused by the graphic pattern on a sensor having a plurality of sensitive points. Light impinging on the plurality of sensitive points is converted, through a conversion cycle of the sensor, point by point into electric signals representative of single points of the graphic pattern, at a same time for all of the plurality of sensitive points.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the preparation of a plurality of drinks from cartridges that are provided with an optical code on one of its faces identifying the cartridge itself and the corresponding drink, the reading of the optical code is made more certain and reliable thanks to a stretching member that extends the portion of the face of the cartridge containing the optical code, so as to deform it into a predetermined position, facing the reading window.

Abstract: A method for reading a graphic pattern by illuminating the graphic pattern with at least two groups of light sources, each of the at least two groups of light sources having at least one light source operating according to an illumination cycle that comprises an illumination cycle-portion and a non-illumination cycle-portion. The light sources of one of the at least two groups of light sources are activated according to equal illumination cycles. The illumination cycles of the light sources belong to different ones of the at least two groups of light sources having a reciprocally different timing. Light is gathered from the light sources having been diffused by the graphic pattern on a sensor having a plurality of sensitive points. Light impinging on the plurality of sensitive points is converted, through a conversion cycle of the sensor, point by point into electric signals representative of single points of the graphic pattern, at a same time for all of the plurality of sensitive points.

Abstract: For reading bar and stacked codes, transitions between code elements are determined by crossing points between a sampled video signal, representative of the intensity of light diffused by a code along a scan line thereof, and a low-pass filtered version thereof, or between two low-pass filtered versions thereof. The method is suitable to be implemented through analog or digital hardware, and via software.

Abstract: A device for covering and protecting machinery has at least one covering and protective surface and a plurality of modular elements positioned side by side. Each modular element has a central body, on opposite sides of which there extend first and second lateral protrusions, respectively. The ends of the first and second protrusions of two adjacent modular elements overlap in such a way as to form a T shape, and are connected to each other by a cylindrical hinge positioned between them. Each central body, together with at least the first or the second lateral protrusion forms a corresponding portion of the covering and protecting surface, and the surface portions formed by the modular elements are placed side by side in contact with each other so as to make a substantially uninterrupted covering and protecting surface.

Abstract: For reading bar and stacked codes, it is proposed to determine the transitions between the code elements as the crossing points between a sampled video signal, representative of the intensity of light diffused by a code along a scan line thereof, and a low-pass filtered version thereof, or between two low-pass filtered versions thereof. The method is suitable to be implemented through analog or digital hardware, and via software.

Abstract: A device for covering and protecting machinery has at least one covering and protecting surface and a plurality of modular elements positioned side by side. Each modular element has a central body, on opposite sides of which there extend a first and second lateral protrusion. The ends of the first and second protrusions of two adjacent modular elements overlap in such a way as to form a T shape, and are connected to each other by a cylindrical hinge positioned between them. Each central body, together with at least the first or the second lateral protrusion forms a corresponding portion of the covering and protecting surface, and the surface portions formed by the modular elements are placed side by side in contact with each other so as to make a substantially uninterrupted covering and protecting surface.