Patent ID: 6513716
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
An automatic apparatus for reading bar codes comprising a bar code reader for reading bar codes stuck to containers, a reflecting member for reflecting light irradiated from the bar code reader to the bar codes, a driving means for moving the reflecting member to and from in the direction of the light irradiated from the bar code reader and in the reverse direction thereof on a travel path parallel to the direction of the irradiated light and at least one abutment part provided on said travel path for regulating the range of travel of the reflecting member, wherein a first container setting part for setting first containers stuck with first bar codes and a second container setting part for setting second containers stuck with second bar codes are arranged on both sides, respectively, of said travel path; the reflecting member is provided in such a way that the reflecting member may rotate between a first position to allow said bar code reader to read the first bar codes of the first containers set at the first container setting part through the medium of the reflecting member and a second position to allow said bar code reader to read the second bar codes of the second containers set at the second container setting part through the medium of the reflecting member; and by moving the reflecting member to and from in said way with said driving means, the reflecting member contacts said abutment part to rotate from said first position to said second position or from said second position to said first position and thereby said bar code reader reads the first bar codes and the second bar codes.