Abstract: An image processing device connected to a scanner unit for generating a first image signal has a first bidirectional interface for receiving a second image signal from an external computer and a second bidirectional interface for transmitting the first or second image signal to a printer unit. The second bidirectional interface receives a first status signal related to the printer unit and the first bidirectional interface transmits the first status signal and a second status signal related to the scanner unit to the external computer. Therefore, the external computer, which is able to process image data to be printed by the printer unit, can be advised of the status of the printer unit without being directly connected thereto. Therefore, in a first copy mode, the computer can process the image data, while in a second copy mode, the device itself can process the image data.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, in order to integrate a recording device for obtaining a hard copy and an image reading device for reading a desired image, the image reading device is disposed above the recording device, and the apparatus has a housing for housing a first control circuit unit for the recording unit and a second control circuit unit for the image reading device, a storage unit for temporarily storing an image processed between the apparatus and the host computer side and an image to be output to the recording device, and a power supply unit, so as to minimize the area required for the apparatus. The apparatus takes a countermeasure against noise. The apparatus can be connected to the host computer via only one Bicentronics-standard interface cable, and can obtain hard copies of different sizes.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device has a frame adapted for mounting on the image-forming apparatus, a slide sliding on the frame between a closed position in which the sheets are presented to the rollers of the apparatus and an open position for loading the sheets, a tray receiving the sheets disposed in the said slide and having an opening for distributing the sheets to the said rollers and also a loading opening, the tray being able to adopt an inclined position in which the distribution opening presents the sheets to the rollers in the closed position of the slide, and an inclined position in which the loading opening is presented to the user, in the open position of the slide, and a unit pivotally biasing the tray suitable for cooperating with the tray so as to make it pivot from one position to another in the course of the movement of the slide from the closed position to the open position, and vice versa.

Abstract: A device for collating sheets, in which the sheets are offered at an input of the device, which comprises conveyor member which convey the sheets in a circuit arranged between the input and an output of the device, the conveyor member comprising at least a first pair of helical ramps with a predetermined winding direction and each comprising a free end. The ramps are arranged on rotating member which rotate them about their helix axis in the opposite direction to the winding direction. The device also comprises guide and placement member, the rotation of the ramps having the effect of conveying the sheet positioned, by the guide and placement member, on a predetermined portion of each of the two ramps, along a portion at least of the circuit and toward the free end of the ramps, a first of the two ramps of the pair having an opposite winding direction in relation to the second.

Abstract: An original illuminating device includes a light source, and a condensor lens for condensing light emitted from the light source to illuminate an original with light issued from a condensing surface of the condensor lens. Surfaces of the condensor lens, which are different from condensing surfaces, are light diffusion surfaces.

Abstract: In the apparatus described in the present invention, a control circuit substrate is arranged on the bottom portion of the apparatus body, a bottom cover capable of opening and closing the bottom portion of the apparatus serves as a support member, input/output terminals for lines to be connected to the control circuit substrate are positioned at the side of the apparatus body, and retaining frames for the input/output terminals are integrally formed with the bottom cover so as to constitute a part of the side wall of the apparatus body.

Abstract: An original illuminating device includes LED (light-emitting diode) chips and a lens for condensing light emitted from the LED chips on an original-reading position, on the same substrate. The device is configured so as to prevent randomly-reflected light in the device from being specularly reflected by an original-mount glass toward a reading device. Since the specularly-reflected light is not incident upon the reading device, only light corresponding to an image on an original is incident upon the reading device. It is therefore possible to correctly read the original.

Abstract: In the apparatus in accordance with the present invention, a control circuit substrate is arranged in the bottom portion of the apparatus body, a metallic bottom cover capable of opening and closing the bottom portion of the apparatus serves as a support member, a metallic plate for noise shielding is disposed on the body frame between the control circuit substrate and the body frame, and the gap formed between the metallic plate and the body frame is a space for arranging the bundled wires derived from the control circuit substrate.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image ssensor unit comprising: illumination unit for illuminating light on an original; an image sensor for reading out image information on the original by reflection light of said illuminated light; holding for holding the illumination unit; and a mounting unit for causing the holding unit to hold the illumination unit so that the relative displacement between the illumination unit and said holding unit in a direction along a surface of the holding unit on which the illumination unit is held by the holding unit.

Abstract: A conveying mechanism for conveying an original with the image bearing surface thereof facing upward while nipping the original is divided into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is provided in a lower box member and the second portion is provided in an upper box member. The upper box member is capable of being opened and closed relative to the lower box member. A solid state image sensor and an optical system for projecting the image of an original onto the solid state image sensor are provided in the upper box member.

Abstract: An image of original is projected on an image reading element such as CCD selectively at a first magnification or at a second magnification. The first optical system for projecting the original image at the first magnification and the second optical system for projecting the original at the second magnification are separate systems and both of the optical systems are fixed. The magnification at which the original image is projected on the image reading element is changed from one to another by closing the optical path of the first optical system or that of the second optical system.