Abstract: Embodiments are directed at a systems, methods, and apparatuses for automatically aligning the lead edges of a document stack loaded in a scanner system. An automated jogger system includes feeder gate elements which are driven forward and backwards in an oscillating motion. This motion causes the documents in the stack to slide between each other, causing the documents to move and rotate towards the feeder gate elements, aligning the lead edges of the stack prior to being fed into the document scanner.

Abstract: An image scanner system and method with document sorting capability that includes the ability to sort based on image content is described. A processor instructs drive motors and rollers of the transport system moving the document along a transport path within the scanner to stop movement, such that document is stopped at a position after it is imaged to provide time for the processor to analyze the image content and make a sorting decision. The transport system is then restarted and the document is delivered to a paper path switching mechanism to provide the physical sort. Based on the processing, the switching mechanism is positioned such that the document will follow a transport path into a desired output tray. The system may reverse the transport system to back up the document before being restarted in order to allow for paper path switching of longer documents.

Abstract: An image scanner system and method with document sorting capability that includes the ability to sort based on image content is described. A processor instructs drive motors and rollers of the transport system moving the document along a transport path within the scanner to stop movement, such that document is stopped at a position after it is imaged to provide time for the processor to analyze the image content and make a sorting decision. The transport system is then restarted and the document is delivered to a paper path switching mechanism to provide the physical sort. Based on the processing, the switching mechanism is positioned such that the document will follow a transport path into a desired output tray. The system may reverse the transport system to back up the document before being restarted in order to allow for paper path switching of longer documents.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus comprising a sheet fed scanner and a flatbed scanner. An input tray and an output tray for the sheet fed scanner as well as the platen for the flatbed scanner all face one side of the scanning apparatus resulting in a compact ergonomic scanning system.

Abstract: An ergonomic, compact scanner operation is achieved by providing a flatbed scanner and a sheet fed scanner in a space efficient arrangement with optimal access features for users. Documents traverse the sheet fed scanner along a path that allows inclusion of an easily accessible flat bed scanner.

Abstract: A method of scanning documents and moving such documents along a path such that after scanning sorting such documents is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of documents in an input tray and transporting each document along the path from the input tray at a transport velocity past the scanner to obtain scanned image data. The method further includes providing at least two movable members including two rotatable exit rollers, movable belts, or a movable belt and a rotatable exit roller along the path to provide a nip for the documents; and selectively driving the movable members to provide selectable exit velocities so that such documents are sorted in accordance with their selected exit velocity.

Abstract: A method of scanning documents and moving such documents along a path such that after scanning sorting such documents is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of documents in an input tray and transporting each document along the path from the input tray at a transport velocity past the scanner to obtain scanned image data. The method further includes providing at least two movable members including two rotatable exit rollers, movable belts, or a movable belt and a rotatable exit roller along the path to provide a nip for the documents; and selectively driving the movable members to provide selectable exit velocities so that such documents are sorted in accordance with their selected exit velocity.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus comprising a sheet fed scanner and a flatbed scanner. An input tray and output tray for the sheet fed scanner as well as the platen for the flatbed scanner all face one side of the scanning apparatus resulting in a compact ergonomic scanning system.

Abstract: An ergonomic, compact scanner operation is achieved by providing a flatbed scanner and a sheet fed scanner in a space efficient arrangement with optimal access features for users. Documents traverse the sheet fed scanner along a path that allows inclusion of an easily accessible flat bed scanner.

Abstract: A method of determining document characteristics prior to processing the document in a document scanner (10) includes capturing an input image of documents in an input tray (20); transmitting the images to a processor (65); determining characteristics of the documents; and processing the document based on the characteristics.

Abstract: A document scanner (10) includes an input tray (20) for holding documents (11); an input image capture device (30) for capturing images of documents in the input tray; an image processor for determining characteristics of documents; and the documents are processed based on the characteristics.

Abstract: A document scanner with automatic dust avoidance includes an automated document feeder; a transparent plate; an illumination source for illuminating the document through the transparent plate; at least one mirror for reflecting light reflected from the document; at least one sensor for imaging light from the at least one mirror; a microprocessor for determining the presence of dust on the transparent plate; and a motor for tilting the at least one mirror when dust is detected on the transparent plate.

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 scanning system which supports platen and sheet fed scanning of documents comprises a first scanning unit with a first enclosure housing a first set of mechanisms enables full sheet fed scanning functions. A second set of mechanisms enables partial scanning functions. The first scanning unit also comprises a docking interface defining an opening of the first enclosure. A second scanning unit with a second enclosure is capable of attachment to the first scanning unit through the docking interface and includes a third set of mechanisms which enables complete platen scanning of documents in operable combination with the second set of mechanisms.

Abstract: A scanning system which supports platen and sheet fed scanning of documents comprises a first scanning unit with a first enclosure housing a first set of mechanisms enables full sheet fed scanning functions. A second set of mechanisms enables partial scanning functions. The first scanning unit also comprises a docking interface defining an opening of the first enclosure. A second scanning unit with a second enclosure is capable of attachment to the first scanning unit through the docking interface and includes a third set of mechanisms which enables complete platen scanning of documents in operable combination with the second set of mechanisms.

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 modular scanning system (5) consisting of a first scanning unit (32) and a detachable platen element (10) provides for both sheet fed and platen scanning of documents. The first scanning unit (32) includes all the mechanisms necessary to permit sheet fed scanning of documents using a stationary image forming subsystem (40). The platen element (10) provides a second scanning unit (110) which is capable of accepting a second image forming subsystem (70) from the first scanning unit (32) via a docking interface (16). The second image forming subsystem (70) can perform platen scanning of documents placed on a glass piece (26) of the platen element (10). Since the platen element (10) 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 (10).

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 capacity control system for a paper supply elevator comprises a paper support (16) and a paper sensor (52) for detecting the presence of paper on the paper support. A home position sensor (14) detects a home position of the paper support. A stack up sensor (36) detects a topmost sheet of paper in a stack of papers located on the paper support (16). An intermittent drive (22) raises and lowering the paper support (16). A control panel (32) inputs an expected paper stack size. A control circuit for the intermittent drive (22) causes the intermittent drive to move the paper support (16) to a position corresponding to the expected paper stack size.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device (2) for separating an outermost sheet (4) from a stack (6). The sheet feeding device (2) comprises a stack support means (8) positioned in a first portion (10) of a housing (12), and a feed module (14) detachably mounted to a second portion (16) of the housing (12) and adapted to be positioned in contact with the stack (6). The feed module (14) includes an urging means (18) mounted on the feed module (14) by an infeed shaft (20) and a feed means (22) mounted on the feed module (14) by a feed roller shaft (24). A separation means (26) is detachably and pivotally mounted to the second portion (16) of the housing (12) by a support means (28). The separation means (26) is positioned adjacent to the feed means (22) so as to define a nip therebetween. A drive means (32) for driving the feed module (14) is mounted to the second portion of the housing (12). A clutch means (90) attached to the drive means (32) transmits an intermittent drive force to the feed module (14).