Abstract: The present invention provides for an optical scanning apparatus having a scanner body and a self-propelled light bar assembly supported within the scanner body. In one example the scanning apparatus further includes a drive track supported within the scanner body, and the light bar assembly includes a drive wheel in contact with the drive track. This configuration allows the drive wheel to propel the light bar assembly with respect to the scanner body. In a second example the scanner has a scanner body and a magnet-track portion of a linear electric motor fixedly supported within the scanner body. The light bar assembly includes a slider portion of a linear electric motor, and the light bar assembly is supported in the scanner body to place the magnet-track portion in proximity to the slider portion to thereby allow the light bar assembly to be driven along the magnet-track portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing optical scanning functions, wherein the apparatus includes an exterior scan module to facilitate a compact size. That is, the scanning apparatus in accordance with the present invention is made smaller by way of a deployable guide track and an external scan module that is configured to be guided by, and to move relative to, the guide track while performing scanning functions. The guide track can be configured to be extendable and/or retractable from a base unit that can also be included in the apparatus. The guide track can thus be coiled when retracted, or alternatively, can be foldable, or telescopic.

Abstract: An optical interlink made from an optical transducer capable of optically exchanging information. Information to and from the optical transducer passes through a light pipe transducer end and an optical data port end. The optical light pipe consists of separate transmit and receive light pipes. To reduce losses as a result of the light pipe transmission, thereare lenses formed to collimate light between the transducer end of the light pipe and the optical transducer. The collimating lenses are formed in the light pipe. There are also provided additional lenses on the optical data port side of the light port. Transmitted light from the light pipe passes through a lens that increases the illumination angle of the light exiting from the optical data port. Received light passes through a lens that amplifies and collimates the light into the receiving light pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing optical scanning functions, wherein the apparatus includes an exterior scan module to facilitate a compact size. That is, the scanning apparatus in accordance with the present invention is made smaller by way of a deployable guide track and an external scan module that is configured to be guided by, and to move relative to, the guide track while performing scanning functions. The guide track can be configured to be extendable and/or retractable from a base unit that can also be included in the apparatus. The guide track can thus be coiled when retracted, or alternatively, can be foldable, or telescopic.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an optical scanning apparatus having a scanner body and a self-propelled light bar assembly supported within the scanner body. In one example the scanning apparatus further includes a drive track supported within the scanner body, and the light bar assembly includes a drive wheel in contact with the drive track. This configuration allows the drive wheel to propel the light bar assembly with respect to the scanner body. In a second example the scanner has a scanner body and a magnet-track portion of a linear electric motor fixedly supported within the scanner body. The light bar assembly includes a slider portion of a linear electric motor, and the light bar assembly is supported in the scanner body to place the magnet-track portion in proximity to the slider portion to thereby allow the light bar assembly to be driven along the magnet-track portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of an improved media output paper control system are described, the improved system including a mechanical linkage between a housing door of an image forming device, such as a printer, and a media diverter that changes direction of the media exiting the print engine. The mechanical linkage provides a sure method of switching the media path from a face-down output mode to a face-up output mode, by directing media to the housing door whenever it is open, thus, allowing, the housing door to become an output tray. The preferred mechanical linkage includes a member pivotally connected to, and extending between, the door and the diverter, in such a way that pivoting the door also pivots the diverter to a lesser degree.

Abstract: A combined printer/scanner is provided with a passive heat shield between the printer's fuser unit and the scanner's scanning cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments of an improved media output paper control system are described, the improved system including a mechanical linkage between a housing door of an image forming device, such as a printer, and a media diverter that changes direction of the media exiting the print engine. The mechanical linkage provides a sure method of switching the media path from a face-down output mode to a face-up output mode, by directing media to the housing door whenever it is open, thus, allowing, the housing door to become an output tray. The preferred mechanical linkage includes a member pivotally connected to, and extending between, the door and the diverter, in such a way that pivoting the door also pivots the diverter to a lesser degree.

Abstract: An optical interlink made from an optical transducer capable of optically exchanging information. Information to and from the optical transducer passes through a light pipe transducer end and an optical data port end. The optical light pipe consists of separate transmit and a receive light pipes.