Abstract: A low parallax imaging device includes a plurality of imaging lens elements arranged to capture adjacent fields of view. In some examples, adjacent imaging lens elements may contact at datum features to maintain a desired spacing. The spacing may allow for partial overlapping of low-parallax volumes associated with the respective imaging lens elements.

Abstract: A low parallax imaging device includes a plurality of imaging lens elements arranged to capture adjacent fields of view. In some examples, adjacent imaging lens elements may contact at datum features to maintain a desired spacing. The spacing may allow for partial overlapping of low-parallax volumes associated with the respective imaging lens elements.

Abstract: A low parallax imaging device includes a plurality of imaging lens elements arranged to capture adjacent fields of view. In some examples, adjacent imaging lens elements may contact at datum features to maintain a desired spacing. The spacing may allow for partial overlapping of low-parallax volumes associated with the respective imaging lens elements.

Abstract: A modular scanning system (10) consisting of a first scanning unit (11) and a plurality of tethered scanning (13) and digital capture elements (150, 160) providing both sheet-fed, platen, and digitally captured documents and photographs. The first scanning unit (11) includes all the mechanisms necessary to permit sheet-fed scanning of documents. The platen scanner (13) provides a second scanning unit which performs platen scanning of documents on a glass top (26) of the platen scanner (13). Since the platen scanner (13) is detachable, the user has the option to select the platen scanning functionality but with the additional flexibility of selectively mounting or storing the platen element.

Abstract: A method to be used within a document image capture device, such as a document scanner (10) of detecting and measuring the document skew (25) while the document is still entering the imaging area and then effecting a rotation of the camera to accommodate the document skew so that the resulting image taken is not skewed. This can be accomplished by one of several methods, such as rotating the entire camera, rotating only the sensor element, or rotating another element in the optical path such as a prism. Use of the methods incorporated in this invention does not require the document motion to be stopped to measure and accommodate skew or to take the image.

Abstract: A combination platen and sheet fed scanner has a retractable lamp which comprises a sheet fed scanning unit (1). A sheet feeding mechanism is in the sheet fed scanning unit (1). A first camera images a first side of a document fed through the sheet feeding mechanism. A second camera images a side of the document. A platen (2) is detachably mounted to the sheet fed scanning unit (1). A mechanism moves the second camera from the sheet fed scanning unit (1) to the platen (2). A lamp is associated with the second camera, the lamp is retractably mounted to the second camera.

Abstract: A method to be used within a document image capture device, such as a document scanner (10) of detecting and measuring the document skew (25) while the document is still entering the imaging area and then effecting a rotation of the camera to accommodate the document skew so that the resulting image taken is not skewed. This can be accomplished by one of several methods, such as rotating the entire camera, rotating only the sensor element, or rotating another element in the optical path such as a prism. Use of the methods incorporated in this invention does not require the document motion to be stopped to measure and accommodate skew or to take the image.

Abstract: A combination platen and sheet fed scanner has a retractable lamp which comprises a sheet fed scanning unit (1). A sheet feeding mechanism is in the sheet fed scanning unit (1). A first camera images a first side of a document fed through the sheet feeding mechanism. A second camera images a side of the document. A platen (2) is detachably mounted to the sheet fed scanning unit (1). A mechanism moves the second camera from the sheet fed scanning unit (1) to the platen (2). A lamp is associated with the second camera, the lamp is retractably mounted to the second camera.

Abstract: An intelligent feeding and separating device for consistently separating an outermost sheet of media from a stack and feeding it to an imaging rendering apparatus, includes: a) a sheet transport mechanism; b) a feed device for feeding sheets to the sheet transport mechanism; c) a separation mechanism adjacent to the feed mechanism; d) at least one drive mechanism in operable association with the feed or separation mechanisms, and comprising a feed or separation roller reversal mechanism; e) a plurality of different types of sensor devices adjacent to the feed mechanism for measuring characteristics of the sheets being fed; and f) a microprocessor in communication with the sensor devices and the feed or separation roller direction reversal mechanism; wherein, depending upon input from the sensor devices, the microprocessor outputs to the feed or separation roller direction reversal mechanism to address feed-related problems encountered during operation.

Abstract: A modular scanning system (10) consisting of a first scanning unit (11) and a plurality of tethered scanning (13) and digital capture elements (150, 160) providing both sheet-fed, platen, and digitally captured documents and photographs. The first scanning unit (11) includes all the mechanisms necessary to permit sheet-fed scanning of documents. The platen scanner (13) provides a second scanning unit which performs platen scanning of documents on a glass top (26) of the platen scanner (13). Since the platen scanner (13) is detachable, the user has the option to select the platen scanning functionality but with the additional flexibility of selectively mounting or storing the platen element.

Abstract: An intelligent feeding and separating device for consistently separating an outermost sheet of media from a stack and feeding it to an imaging rendering apparatus, includes:

Abstract: A media supply receptacle (10) includes: a) a horizontally inclined base plate (18); b) a movable, slotted input tray (14) generally parallel to and above the base plate (18), with a generally flat upper surface for supporting a stack of sheet media; c) evenly spaced, parallel control rod slots (15) in the input tray; and d) at least one media adjustment guide member (11), which includes identical, evenly spaced control rods (12). The control rods are vertically positioned with respect to the horizontally aligned input tray (14), and at least one passes through a corresponding control rod slot (15). Each control rod (12) has a lower end affixed to the base plate, and an opposite, upper end affixed to a guide cap. Each guide cap (13) extends across the upper ends of the control rods (12) in the guide member (11) and over the input tray. The receptacle (10) is adapted for feeding the stack of sheet media to the adjacent image forming or rendering apparatus, a sheet at a time.

Abstract: A translational, bias-field device for a magneto-optical system having a magneto-optical recording clement moving through a magnetic field created by the bias-field device so that information can be selectively recorded on or erased from the recording element, the device comprises a housing and a first rail for enabling translational movement attached to the housing. A permanent magnet is positioned adjacent the recording element for providing the magnetic field to the recording element, and is attached to the first rail which enables translational movement of the magnet. A mechanical driver is attached to the magnet which driver imparts movement the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A bias-field device for a magneto-optical system having a magneto-optical recording element which includes a conductive substrate and which moves through a magnetic field created by the bias-field device so that information is selectively recorded on or erased from the recording element, the device comprises: a rotatable magnet that rotates so that when the recording element rotates the conductive substrate creates a magnetic coupling with the magnet for causing the magnet to rotate; and an escapement mechanism that releases and latches the magnet for permitting the magnet to be selectively rotated.

Abstract: A translational, bias-field device for a magneto-optical system having a magneto-optical recording element moving through a first magnetic field created by the bias-field device so that information can be selectively recorded on or erased from the recording element, the device comprises a housing. Two bars are positioned in a spaced apart relationship, disposed substantially parallel to each other and supported by the housing. A permanent magnet is positioned adjacent the recording element for providing the first magnetic field to the recording element, and is attached to the bars which induce translational movement to the magnet when the magnet is induced with a second magnetic field. A coil is positioned adjacent to the magnet which, when energized, imparts the second magnetic field to the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A disc-shaped object storage and retrieval mechanism uses storage grooves corresponding to the radius of a disc-shaped object, such as an audio or photo compact disc or video disc, and a curvilinear track with a curve determined by the diameter of the disc-shaped object, to move the disc-shaped object from a storage position to a transport position by a single roller. The mechanism has a disc-shaped object storage structure in the form of a magazine and a movable picker assembly having a picker arm with a curvilinear track that receives an edge of a disc-shaped object and supports the disc-shaped object along this edge. The movable picker assembly has a picker wheel that is movable into engagement with an edge of the disc-shaped object. Accordingly, when the picker wheel turns the disc-shaped object, it drives the disc-shaped object into or out of the disc-shaped object storage magazine.