Abstract: An optical scanning device comprises two transmission optical components each having approximately planar surfaces on both sides thereof. These transmission optical components are disposed so as to have at least one scanning and imaging component inserted therebetween. The first transmission optical component is disposed at a light exit of a cover covering a light deflector. The second transmission optical component is disposed at a light exit of the optical housing. The two transmission optical components are inclined in a sub-scanning section included in a same direction in a straight line perpendicular to the surface to be scanned. The first transmission optical component is inclined with respect to the surface to be scanned in a deflection scanning plane. The second transmission optical component lies approximately in parallel to the surface to be scanned in the deflection scanning plane.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a machine frame unit having a plurality of mounting locations and a pivot location, a printhead base having a first end and a second end, and a first resilient elongate member having a first proximal end and a first distal end. A mounting tab is coupled to the first distal end of the first resilient elongate member, and is coupled to a first mounting location of the plurality of mounting locations of the machine frame unit. A pivot post, having an axis of rotation, pivotally couples a mounting plate to the pivot location of the machine frame unit. An adjustment device is coupled to the machine frame unit, the adjustment device having an engagement member for engaging at least one of the printhead base and the first resilient elongate member to effect a deflection of the first resilient elongate member and a corresponding movement of the printhead base.

Abstract: A print engine chassis for supporting an imaging drum (14) and a printhead translation assembly (40) is fabricated by joining the interlocking rigid members using tab (36) and slot (38) junctions to form a sheet metal frame (12) and then coating the sheet metal frame with a plastic (39) to bond the rigid members in place. Additionally, a the rigid members may be predipped in plastic prior to joining.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a ventilating device that can effectively cool heated components and remove ozone produced in the apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a writing device. Upper and lower ducts are provided to the writing device having a housing of the writing device therebetween to form an outside-air flowing path on and beneath the writing device. Outside-air intaken by an air intake fan flows through the upper and lower ducts separately. In the writing device, scanning optical components, such as an f&thgr; lens, and a mirror formed of a plastic are disposed.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure is formed integral with a raster output scanning system housing. A constrained layer damper is bonded to the honeycomb structure and the raster output scanning system is mounted on the constrained layer damper. The honeycomb structure and constrained layer damper provide support and reduce vibrations to the raster output scanning system. The cells of the honeycomb structure can be irregular in height, thickness, density or shape to further support and damp vibrations.

Abstract: Embodiments of a printer cartridge with a moveable shutter for covering the organic photoconductor are shown and described. The cartridge and the cavity inside the printer, which receives the cartridge, cooperate to open the shutter, preferably when the cartridge is slid longitudinally into the printer. A protrusion and ramped recess system may be used to create the force to move the shutter, the cartridge translating the force of sliding the cartridge longitudinally into a transverse force on the shutter. In a preferred embodiment, the shutter has a protruding tab that is placed to fit into and slide along a diagonal elongated recess in the cavity wall of the printer. When the cartridge is inserted longitudinally into the printer, the force of the recess wall on the tab moves the tab and hence the shutter to open the shutter. Likewise, when the cartridge is removed from the printer, the tab movement in the recess either forces or allows the shutter to return to the closed position.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a substrate, photoelectric transfer elements arranged on the substrate, a semiconductor device located in association with the photoelectric transfer elements and a thermal device for discharging heat coming from the semiconductor device to the outside. The thermal device additionally contacts the substrate and acts to cool the photoelectric transfer elements.

Abstract: In an optical write head, a rod lens array, a substrate support member for supporting a substrate, and a driver circuit board are fixedly held by a support member. The support member and the substrate support member are formed from metallic material, and a frame of the rod lens array is formed from a glass plate. Further, distance between a light-emitting section of a light-emitting device array and a light-incident end face of the rod lens array is adjusted, by means of rotating eccentric pins. Further, light-emitting device array chips are die-bonded on the substrate bonded at predetermined positions on the substrate support member while the position of the substrate support member is taken as a reference plane.

Abstract: A scan-exposure device is provided wherein light beams becoming out of focus due to temperature changes is prevented and focus adjustment can be easily carried out, when a recording medium is subjected to scan-exposure by a plurality of light sources. A stage of an exposing head having a plurality of light source units provided thereon is supported by bases disposed at longitudinal direction opposite end portions thereof, and bases move in a sub-scanning direction which is the longitudinal direction of the stage when driven by a sub-scanning motor. The bases move relatively, in proportion to expansion or contraction of the stage, thereby preventing deformation of the stage due to temperature changes so that dislocation does not occur and light beams emitted from the light source units do not become out of focus due to deformation of the stage.

Abstract: A platform for precisely moving a stage and holding the stage at a position to which the stage has been moved, using an eccentric cam. The platform uses plate springs to support the stage at which an exposure head is formed. An outer circumferential portion and a central axis portion of the eccentric cam rotate relative to one another, and the plate springs urge legs of the stage toward the outer circumference. As a stepping motor drives the eccentric cam to rotate, the legs are urged to abut the outer circumference. Due to the rotation of the eccentric cam, the stage is moved in the direction the plate springs and the rotating drum approach/separate from one another, and held at a position where the eccentric cam has stopped.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting printhead skew in an electrophotographic machine. The electrophotographic machine includes a machine frame having a plurality of mounting locations, at least one printhead, and a plurality of resilient elongate beam members. Each of the plurality of resilient elongate beam members have a proximal end and a distal end, wherein each proximal end is attached to the printhead and each distal end is attached to a respective one of the mounting locations of the machine frame, thereby mounting the printhead to the machine frame. The printhead further includes a printhead base having a pivot axis defined, at least in part, by a location of attachment of said plurality of resilient elongate beam members. The apparatus further includes a skew adjustment mechanism for effecting a pivot of the printhead about the pivot axis.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to reproduce a faithful image irrespective of thermal expansion of a light-scanning unit and to reproduce a faithful image without enhancing the strength of the light-scanning unit excessively. A pair of supporting portions of a light-scanning unit, each having a flat face, are supported in linear contact with a right column-shaped supporting member provided with the apparatus body. The light-scanning unit is provided on the supporting member near to a starting position where writing image data on a photosensitive body with a scanning line is started in a main scanning direction so as not to be mutually displaced relative to the supporting member. Thereby, the light-scanning unit is allowed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the supporting member due to thermal expansion of the light-scanning unit.

Abstract: In a scanning optical system provided with a plurality of scanning optical devices, each scanning optical device including a light source to emit a light beam, a collimator lens into which the light beam emitted from the light source enters, a deflector to deflect the light beam passing through the collimator lens in a main scanning direction, an image forming lens to focus the light beam coming from the deflector onto a scanned surface, and a base plate on which the light source, the collimator lens, the deflector and the image forming lens are fixed, the plurality of scanning optical devices are piled up in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction in such a manner that each base plate is substantially parallel to other base plates; and the scanning optical system is further provide with a plurality of link members to connect two neighboring base plates independently of other base plates.

Abstract: In an optical scanning device for forming an electrostatic latent image on an image-bearing body with scanning beam released from a light source, a support body having a plurality of supporting faces and first and second optical means for directing the scanning beam from the light source onto the image-bearing body are installed. Moreover, in the support body, a light transmitting means for transmitting the scanning beam from the first optical means to the second optical means is installed in the vicinity of a ridge portion thereof that is the least susceptible to deformation and distortion and strongest in its strength. Thus, it becomes possible to improve a light image in its precision that is formed by the scanning beam directed onto the image-bearing body.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photoconductor, a light source that emits a light beam, and a scanning device that guides a light beam emitted from the light source onto a surface of the photoconductor so as to scan the surface of the photoconductor with the light beam to form a latent image thereupon. A housing, to which the light source and the scanning device are mounted, is mounted to a main body of the apparatus by a stay. The housing is supported by the stay such that an angle of a scanning direction of the light beam relative to a direction in which a surface of the photoconductor moves is adjustable so as to be at a substantially right angle and thereby an image is formed in a rectangular form by way of rotating the housing.

Abstract: A laser scanning apparatus including an optical source installed on a main frame, a scan disk which is rotatably installed on the main frame and has diffraction patterns formed thereon for deflecting a beam emitted from the optical source in a predetermined direction to achieve a normal light path, and a means for shielding an abnormal beam that is emitted from the optical source and diffracted or reflected off the normal light path by the scan disk.

Abstract: A process cartridge is detachably mountable on a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus a laser beam emitter, a laser shutter, and a mover. The process cartridge includes a cartridge frame; an electrophotographic photosensitive member; a process device acting to the electrophotographic photosensitive member; a first contact part provided on the cartridge frame to determine the position of the process cartridge relative to the main assembly of the apparatus by contacting a fixing member provided on the main assembly of the apparatus in mounting the process cartridge to the main assembly of the apparatus; and a second contact part provided on the cartridge frame adjacent to the first contact part and contacting with the mover to move the laser shutter from the shutting position to the opening position in mounting step of the process cartridge to the main assembly of the apparatus.

Abstract: An optical scanner can inhibit the quantity of thermal deformation and the variation of an optical path of an optical box attached to the frame of an image information device. In the scanner, a fixed part fixed to the frame of an image formation device is provided in a part of which the rigidity is relatively low apart from the corner in the vicinity of the vertex of the outside shape of the bottom of which the rigidity is relatively high in an optical box. Hereby, deformation of each part (in the vicinity of the corner and the side) by stress caused in the optical box due to a difference in the coefficient of linear expansion between the frame and the optical box as temperature in the image formation device varies can be uniformed, and warp like adrum that is apart to which an optical component is attached, that is, the bottom is tilted, which is the worst mode of deformation out of the variation of an optical path, can be reduced.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a laser recording apparatus wherein problems such as difficulty in maintenance and effects of shock owing to the laser recording unit of a vertically divided type laser recording apparatus being provided as a single unit, are solved. This laser recording apparatus comprises: a first main unit; a second main unit rotatably supported to the first main unit by a predetermined fulcrum, so as to enable opening and closing; wherein the first main unit is provided with a first unit having optical means, laser beam emitting means, and laser beam detecting means, and wherein the second main unit is provided with a second unit having laser scanning means.

Abstract: An optical printer is disclosed which detects photo speed, cartridge presence, pick location and door closure using only two sets of photo detectors. The disclosed optical printer uses a low-profile gear and switching mechanism which allows placement of the optical printer within a standard computer bay.

Abstract: A laser scanner tilt adjusting apparatus for a printer includes a guide rail formed at the internal surface of a frame on which a laser scanner is mounted, for forming an admittance path of the laser scanner, a plurality of guide rollers installed at either side of the laser scanner so as to slide along the guide rail, a plurality of elevating blocks elevatably installed on the guide rail, for supporting the bottom surfaces of the guide rollers when the laser scanner is completely inserted into the frame, and an elevating mechanism for raising and lowering the plurality of elevating blocks to adjust the tilt of the laser scanner.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a light source to generate a light beam, a first optical unit to give a specified optical characteristic to the light beam emitted from the light source, a scanning unit including a rotatable member to scan a scanning object by applying the light beam passed through the first optical unit while rotating the rotatable member in a specified direction and a second optical unit to lead the light beam to form an image on a specified position of the scanning object; and a housing having a bottom portion to house the optical system, an opening portion provided at the side opposite to the bottom portion, a first reference surface that is used as a reference when the bottom side is set to a first external equipment and a second reference surface that is used as a reference when the opening side is set to a second external equipment.

Abstract: A deflecting/scanning apparatus includes a deflector for deflecting/scanning a light beam from a light source unit, an optical system for focusing the light beam deflected/scanned by the deflector onto a surface, an optical box for accommodating the deflector and the optical system, and a cover for covering the optical box. An elastic member is disposed in the optical box so as to blocking flow of air entering therein. At least a portion of the elastic member is fitted in a recess portion formed on at least one of the optical box and the cover so that the elastic member is pressed by the cover.

Abstract: A device connects an optional tray of a laser beam printer simultaneously with the placement of the optional tray. The device has a alignment pin printer terminal projected from a lower surface of a printer body and connected to a CPU in the printer body, a pin hole formed at the position corresponding to the printer terminal on an upper surface of the optional tray, and a tray terminal formed to be applied with the elasticity in the pin hole and connected to a PCB in the optional tray. An elastic member closely connects the tray terminal to the printer terminal when combining the printer body to the optional tray, by elastically supporting the tray terminal.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printhead protective cover (50) which includes a shutter blade (60), an actuator (70) for moving the shutter blade (60), and a light trap (54) to prevent light from the printhead (12) from passing around the shutter blade (60). In one embodiment, a sensor detects a position of the shutter blade (60) and sends a signal to shutoff the actuator (70) when the shutter blade (60) is in an open position, or the shutter blade (60) is in a closed position. In yet another embodiment, the actuator (70) closes the shutter blade (60) in response to a tear in a web or failure of a dryer. In a further embodiment, the shutter blade (60) slides on a base plate coated with a low friction, non-volatile, non-liquid material, and the shutter blade (60) slides at an oblique angle on the base plate.

Abstract: A scanner head cartridge, which can be mounted exchangeably with an ink head cartridge on a carriage capable of moving the ink head cartridge of an information processing apparatus for recording on a recording medium, includes a lower case containing therein optical parts required for reading, an upper case structured to be coupled with the lower case for covering the open face of the lower case and guiding means arranged on the upper surface of the upper case for positioning when being inserted into the carriage. With the structure thus arranged, it is possible to mount the scanner head cartridge on the carriage by a simple mounting operation with a highly precise positioning simultaneously.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image forming body which is rotatable in a subsidiary scanning direction. A plurality of imagewise exposure devices for imagewise exposing the image forming body are arranged to face the image forming body and to be aligned in a straight line in a primary scanning direction perpendicular to the subsidiary scanning direction of the image forming body. A common supporting member is provided for supporting the plurality of exposure devices, and bearing members are provided on first and second ends of the common supporting member. The plurality of exposure devices are: (i) radially arranged on the common supporting member with respect to a rotation axis of the image forming body, and (ii) fixed on the supporting member with respect to the bearing members, and the image forming body is rotatable against the common supporting member through the bearing members.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining the positional relationship of a print head in a lathe bed scanner, the apparatus comprises a first bar for supporting the print head of the lathe bed scanner. A magnet is positioned adjacent the first bar for magnetically attracting the first bar which, in turn, maintains the positional relationship of the bar and, consequently, the print head.

Abstract: Disclosed is a slide-in formatter which can be installed in an image forming device such as a laser printer or a fax machine. The image forming device is fitted with a card cage on an interior side of the device housing. A formatter receiving slot is formed in the housing, adjacent to the card cage, extending from the exterior of the housing to its interior. The card cage includes a pair of opposing receiving rails positioned to receive and hold the side edges of formatter board. Suitable mating electrical connectors are attached to both the slide-in formatter board and the card cage which will complete an electrical connection between the slide-in formatter and the internal components of the image forming device.

Abstract: A laser recording apparatus with a laser recording unit which is movable while held horizontal at all times. The laser recording apparatus is constructed of a first frame including the bottom section of the apparatus and a second frame supported by the first frame in a manner which allows pivotable rotation of the second frame for opening the apparatus, wherein a laser recording unit including laser scanning means is supported by the second frame on the rotation fulcrum, and the laser scanning means is held horizontal to the bottom section of the apparatus before, during and after release of the second frame from the first frame.

Abstract: Servicing of an image forming device, such as a digital photocopier, is made convenient by providing an access opening exposing each of a number of prescribed serviceable components enclosed in a sealed casing. These serviceable components may include a light source scanner, lens group and beam detector. The casing bears removable cover units on the access openings. The serviceable components are located under the access openings, fixed in place by the cover units or elements attached to the cover units. Electrical switches coupled to the cover units may deactivate the components when the cover units are removed.

Abstract: A thermal processor includes an air flow preventing means that substantially prevents the flow of air from a processor exit into a thermal processing compartment. The prevention of air flow reduces processing defects that otherwise could occur in sheets of thermally processed material handled by the thermal processor. The reduction of processing defects enhances the quality of the sheet of thermally processed material. In particular, the reduction of processing defects can enhance image quality of a sheet of photothermographic imaging material. The prevention of air flow reduces processing defects by maintaining a substantially uniform temperature within a thermal processing compartment of the thermal processor, and by reducing the condensation of fatty acids on interior surfaces of the thermal processing compartment prior to filtration.

Abstract: An image forming portion is arranged below a photosignal scanning portion. An original reading portion is arranged in the horizontal direction of the photosignal scanning portion. A fixing portion is arranged between the photosignal scanning portion and the original reading portion. A radiation duct having a recording paper ejecting portion is arranged above the fixing portion. Thus, an influence by the heat of the fixing portion on the photosignal scanning portion and image reading portion is eliminated. A second recording paper ejecting portion is provided below the original reading portion. By the selection of the second recording paper ejecting portion and the recording paper ejecting portion, the face-up paper ejection and the face-down paper ejection can be selected.

Abstract: A Raster Output Scanner (ROS) assembly is mounted within a printing machine frame so as to maintain a very precise relationship with the photoreceptor being imaged. A ROS housing is mounted in relation to the photoreceptor so that, while the housing is fixed to a machine frame by isolators to damp out vibrations and transients, a mechanical latching to a photoreceptor backer bar provides a degree of rotational movement consistent with movement of the photoreceptor. Thus, errors created by photoreceptor motion are compensated for. The invention discloses a 3 or a 4 point mounting arrangement which affords a high degree of stability coupled with conformance with exacting registration tolerances.

Abstract: A thermal recording device records information on a heat-sensitive recording material which develops color in a density according to heat energy supplied thereto. The thermal recording device pre-heats the heat-sensitive recording material with heat energy less than energy necessary to develop color in the heat-sensitive recording material and scans the recording material with a laser beam modulated according to the information to be recorded. A region from the upper surface of the heat-sensitive recording material to a space above the upper surface of the heat-sensitive recording material through which the laser beam impinges upon the heat-sensitive recording material is isolated from the surrounding space at least at its sides and top by side isolating members and a top isolating member, and at least the top isolating member is transparent so that the laser beam impinges upon the heat-sensitive recording material through the top isolating member.

Abstract: A printer has a support shoe with an arcuate inner surface for receiving a light-sensitive recording media and a write head assembly to record onto media received on the inner surface of the support shoe. The printer includes a web cutting means at the exit end of the support shoe and means for applying vacuum sequentially (1) to a region of the arcuate inner surface furthest from the web cutting means, (2) to the center region of the arcuate inner surface, and (3) to a region of the arcuate inner surface closest to the web cutting means to thereby force media to wrap around the arcuate inner surface. The vacuum may be applied to a center region of the arcuate inner surface to remove slack in a media segment between the center region and the web cutting means.

Abstract: Raster output scanner assemblies, and systems which use such assemblies, having mirrors mounted on the outside of an outer frame. Slits in the outer frame enable light to reflect from the mirrors. Beneficially, the outside mirror or mirrors are protected from contamination by mounting the primary surface of the mirrors (the surface which reflects light) against the outer frame and by mounting a cover over the mirrors.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, an interlock switch is located on a first of two access doors of a printer. The second access door has an upwardly extending protuberance near its end. The switch is actuated for enabling the system by closing the second access door followed by closing the first access door. The protuberance on the second access door pushes upwardly on an arm of the switch as the first access door is closed, thus actuating the switch. This not only provides a reliable safety mechanism by insuring that the doors are properly closed, but eliminates the cost of a separate safety interlock switch for each access door.

Abstract: A movement guide for guiding the movement of a manually movable hand recording apparatus has a guide member for guiding the movement of the hand recording apparatus, and an engaging portion provided on the guide member and removably engageable with the hand recording apparatus when the movement of the hand recording apparatus is guided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical scanning unit used for exposing a photosensitive drum of an image forming apparatus to light, and an image forming apparatus using this optical scanning unit. This optical scanning unit comprises a light source; an optical scanning mechanism for scanning with light from the light source; a start detecting mechanism for detecting scan light of the optical scanning mechanism at an end portion of a scanning range of the scan light to detect beginning of light scanning; and a frame which has a higher rigidity than that of a frame of an image forming apparatus and to which the light source, the optical scanning mechanism and the start detecting mechanism are attached.

Abstract: A cooling arrangement for a laser beam printer apparatus which contains an optical box containing a laser beam deflector, a plastic lens which transmits a deflected laser beam, and an electronic package board. A cooling fan draws air in from the outside of the apparatus and passes the drawn-in air through the cooling fan directly to the optical box. To achieve more efficient cooling of the apparatus: (1) a portion of the electronic package board is projected from the optical box, and at least some heat-generating components of the electronic package board are provided on the projected portion; (2) the optical box and the electronic package board are arranged apart from each other, intervened by a recording sheet conveying unit; and/or (3) the optical box is provided with cooling fins. Specific cooling of the optical box is achieved by providing the cooling fan near to the optical box and electrically connected to the optical box.

Abstract: A laser scanning system in which a laser beam is emitted by a laser source and repeatedly deflected by a deflector, such as a polygon mirror. A photo sensor is provided to detect the position of the deflected laser beam. The photo sensor and the laser source are mounted on a common support member so that the laser beam, deflected by the polygon mirror, directly enters the light receiving portion of the photo sensor. Optionally, a reflection mirror is provided such that the deflected laser beam is reflected by the reflection mirror and further deflected to the photo sensor by the polygon mirror.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser beam scanning apparatus comprising a laser unit for emitting a laser beam, and a print circuit board having control means for controlling ON/OFF of the laser unit. The laser unit is provided directly on the print circuit board.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus has an apparatus sub-frame and a separate sub-frame which are adapted to rest upon a floor or like supporting surface independently of one another. The separate sub-frame includes a scanning station having means for scanning the thus-transported recording medium with a beam of radiation and the apparatus sub-frame has a conveyor for transporting an image recording medium towards and away from the scanning station. The apparatus sub-frame carries wheels which are adapted to be lowered into contact with the supporting surface in order to elevate the apparatus sub-frame above such surface. The apparatus and separate sub-frames have cooperating shoulders which are brought into abutment when the apparatus sub-frame is elevated and upon continued elevation of the apparatus sub-frame result in simultaneous elevation of the scanning station sub-frame above the supporting surface.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for exposing several different original images onto a light sensitive material like an offset plate or an intaglio plate by means of a laser exposure process, whereby the light sensitive plate(6), is exposed in several stages with a minor part of the light sensitive plate(6) at the time by an exposure method with three cooperating movements of the parts of the apparatus, namely a) a stepwise displacement of an exposure table (5) in a first direction (X-direction), b) a stepwise displacement of a laser unit (3) in a second direction (Y-direction) which is perpendicular to said first direction, and c) a successive displacement in said first or second direction (X or Y-direction) by a laser gun (13) while sweep exposing the light sensitive material by means of laser light beam whereby the exposure table (5) and the carrier of the laser unit (3) are in fixed positions.

Abstract: An imagesetter of the "internal drum" type for producing an image on a flexible section of photosensitive material. The section of material has a first end, an opposite second end and substantially parallel side edges extending between the first and second ends and delimiting between them the image area of the section. The imagesetter retains the section of material in a substantially cylindrical configuration in such a way as to provide physical contact with the section along the edges and on opposite sides of the line of scan. The scanning mechanism comprises a reflector, arranged to rotate about the central cylindrical axis, for deflecting an axial beam radially outward to the image area.