Abstract: A document illuminator comprising a light-transmissive element having an embedded side emitting LED fitted in a cavity formed therein. The light-transmissive element is formed with one or more optical notches and is totally encased in a white surround to yield total internal reflection of the light rays emanating from the LED. The reflected light rays are collected at an aperture which in turn transmits high power and highly uniform illumination profile to illuminate a document.

Abstract: A scanner includes an illuminator and a platen adapted to support a document to be scanned. A light source directs light into the platen and the light is reflected internally within the platen. A movable light sensor is positioned adjacent the platen. Liquid crystal sections between the document and the light sensor cause a zone of light to pass from the platen to the document, thereby illuminating only a portion of the document.

Abstract: Image sensor module architecture provides flexible mounting of illuminators in an imaging apparatus with flexible fasteners. The architecture involves one or more LED-based illuminators that may be mounted adjustably to provide high intensity and uniform profile luminescence. The supporting imaging and electronic circuit components are quickly assembled and disassembled from the image sensor module by using a flexible multi-function clip having multiple segments for holding multiple objects together.

Abstract: A multi-function, multi-segment ac plasma erase lamp is provided to selectively erase previously charged areas of a photoconductive member. The lamp performs the conventional erase function of fixed edge erase, edge shift and patch generation, while adding the functions of variable edge erase along an edge to accommodate reduction images and changes in page size. Another feature of this erase lamp is a "dark" segment which is energized but is not light emitting. Its function is to enhance the turn on time for the light emitting segments. A still further improvement is the application of a voltage to a photoresist coating applied the the lamp surface to create a field which will repel toner and dust particles from that surface of the lamp.

Abstract: A lamp system which erases selected portions of an electrically charged photoconductive member. The lamp has a transparent housing defining a chamber filled with a gaseous medium. A charge is induced across a selected region of the gaseous medium. This causes the gaseous medium to ionize in the selected region so as to emit light rays thereat. The light rays illuminate the electrically charged photoconductive member in the selected region to discharge the charge thereat.

Abstract: Neon lamps are disclosed which are used to modify previously formed charge levels on the surface of a photoconductive member. The lamps have cold cathode electrodes sealed into its opposite ends and are filled with neon at a pressure range of from 18 to 25 torr.

Abstract: The invention discloses a document illumination assembly which combines the functions of enhanced document illumination and illumination level control. A reflector assembly is modified by introducing a light collecting mechanism within the reflector interior, the light collector being in association with a photosensing means. The reflector performs the normal function of reflecting a portion of the incident light toward the document to enhance illumination efficiency. The reflector also enables the additional function of monitoring the axial illumination of the illumination source by permitting an axial-located radiation band of illumination to enter the reflector body and propagate along the light collecting mechanism where it is sensed by the detector. The detector generates an output signal which can be used to control the output of the illumination source.