A compact laser scanner for use at a counter, such as a checkout counter, to produce a scanning pattern thereabove and into which a bar code can be inserted to enable the reading of the code. A scanner is of compact height and preferably comprises a housing of a height no greater than approximately six...http://www.google.co.uk/patents/US4960985?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US4960985 - Compact omnidirectional laser scanner
