Replaceable emission-condensing unit for a bar code reader

A replaceable emission-condensing unit for a bar code reader including scan means having reflecting surfaces, the scan means for scanning a bar code with a laser beam according to a predetermined scanning pattern, the bar code reader also having a window for passing the laser beam from the scan means toward the bar code that is present or being moved in the vicinity of the window, said replaceable emission-condensing unit comprising:

• a laser source for emitting said laser beam;
• condensing means for condensing reflected light returned from the bar code which passes through the window and is reflected by the reflecting surfaces of said scan means along a route traced by the laser beam;
• and
• a photosensor for detecting the condensed light and providing an electric signal in proportion to an intensity of the detected light,
• wherein said replaceable emission-condensing unit integrally incorporates said laser source, said condensing means and said photosensor, configured to be mechanically correctly installed in the bar code reader, and wherein the scan means is separate from said replaceable emission-condensing unit.