Document Feed Patents (Class 358/498)
  • Patent number: 8395828
    Abstract: A stacking device includes a contact section with which top ends of the recording media in a conveying direction, conveyed into the storage space, make contact so stop the recording media at a storage position, a media move section which comprises a plurality of partition members, forms a plurality of spaces capable of storing the recording media between the partition members, stores the recording media stopped at the storage position into arbitrary one of the plurality of spaces, and moves the partition members thereby to move at least a part of the top ends of the recording media to a pushup position different from the storage position, and a lift section which pushes up, to the carry-out section, the recording media moved to the pushup position by the media move section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8395826
    Abstract: A scanning device comprising a first image sensor, a second image sensor module and a housing. The first image sensor module has a first image array sensor for scanning information from a first side of media. The second image sensor module is mounted opposite the first image sensor module so that the media can move to a scanning region between the first image sensor module and the second image sensor module. The second image sensor module has a second image array sensor for scanning information from a second side of the media. A housing is attached to the second image sensor module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Hin Leong Tan
  • Patent number: 8395827
    Abstract: A scanner includes a platen assembly, a sheet feeder and a scanning module. The platen assembly and the sheet feeder are combined together to form a non-linear paper path. The paper path has a scan region. The sheet feeder includes a feeding mechanism, a transporting mechanism and a discharging mechanism. The feeding mechanism feeds a document into the paper path. The transporting mechanism transports the document from the feeding mechanism to the scan region. The document is transported past the scan region in a direction substantially parallel to a scan plane in the scan region. The discharging mechanism transports the document out of the paper path from the scan region. The scanning module movably disposed in the platen assembly acquires an image of the document transported past the scan region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Avision Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Sheng, Chi-Yao Chen
  • Publication number: 20130057933
    Abstract: A scanner is provided with a main body, hinge, cover member, and plurality of sets of pins and pin holes. The main body includes a transparent plate on the top surface for placing a document. The hinge connects the main body and the cover member. The cover member rotates between an opened and closed state with respect to the main body. The cover member has a bottom surface, which contacts the top surface of the main body when closed. The pins are fanned on either the top surface of the main body or the bottom surface of the cover member, while the pin holes are formed on the opposing surface. The plurality of sets adjusts a positional relationship between the main body and the cover member in the closed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Yoshinori OSAKABE, Akihiro SAKAKIBARA
  • Publication number: 20130057932
    Abstract: An image reader is provided, which includes a feed tray that has a loading surface and is swingable around a first swing axis parallel to a width direction of a document sheet placed on the feed tray between a first position where the loading surface is directed downward above a housing and a second position where the loading surface is directed upward at an upstream side relative to the housing in the feeding direction, a first opening formed between the housing and the feed tray placed in the second position, the first opening being configured such that an inside of the housing communicates with an outside of the housing therethrough, a second opening formed in a position higher than a power supply unit and lower than the first opening inside the housing, and a communication path through which the first opening communicates with the second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takaaki MUKAI
  • Patent number: 8390899
    Abstract: An image scanner includes a scanning unit configured to scan images on document sheets, an image processing unit configured to perform image processing for the images scanned by the scanning unit under a predetermined condition, an identifying unit configured to identify one or more damaged sheets among the document sheets to be scanned, and a condition setting unit configured to set a specific condition under which the image processing is to be performed for images scanned from the damaged sheets identified by the identifying unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuhiko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8390904
    Abstract: A scanner device for scanning mailpieces, which scanner device comprises: a contact image sensor or “CIS” disposed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction in which the mailpieces are conveyed through a module of a franking system; a support to which said sensor is fastened, the support being mounted to pivot at one end of at least one first drive lever, the other end of which is itself mounted to pivot about a first common hinge pin secured to a stationary portion of the module and disposed upstream from a set of conveyor rollers, so as to make it possible for said contact image sensor to move vertically; and at least one second drive lever one end of which is mounted to pivot about a second common hinge pin secured to said stationary portion of said module and disposed downstream from said set of conveyor rollers, the other end of the second drive lever, by being moved synchronously with the vertical movement of said set of conveyor rollers, moving the contact image sensor via the first drive
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Neopost Technologies
    Inventors: David Audeon, Francis Coret
  • Publication number: 20130050774
    Abstract: An image reading device includes a document tray on which documents having different sizes are stacked; a document transport mechanism that sequentially feeds and transports the documents one-by-one; an image data generator extending in a width direction that intersects a document moving direction and having an image reading sensor that repeatedly reads, in the width direction, an image from each document, the image data generator generating image data expressing an image within a target reading region of a currently fed document by permitting the image reading sensor to perform a reading process to a region protruding from the target reading region so as to cause the image reading sensor to perform the reading process over a reading region that does not cause unread parts within the target reading region; an image memory storing the image data; and an image extractor extracting the image data from the stored image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kosuke SHIMIZU
  • Publication number: 20130050783
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus and an image reading method are provided by which a top face image and a back face image of a document can both have an improved reading accuracy while simplifying a circuit configuration and providing a higher processing speed. A period within which a reading operation is interrupted is set based on a relation with a free capacity of a buffer memory so as to avoid a period within which the top face image and the back face image of the document are both read.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kuniaki Sato
  • Patent number: 8384968
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism for switching output powers includes first to fourth transmission gears, first and second power-connecting members and a driving mechanism. The first power-connecting member coaxially disposed between the first and second transmission gears is moved axially, and connects the first and second transmission gears together to transmit power to the second transmission gear. The second power-connecting member coaxially disposed between the third and fourth transmission gears is moved axially and connects the third and fourth transmission gears together to transmit power to the fourth transmission gear. The driving mechanism synchronously drives the first and second power-connecting members to move axially to selectively connect the first transmission gear to the second transmission gear, or connect the third transmission gear to the fourth transmission gear. A scanning apparatus using the transmission mechanism is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Avision Inc.
    Inventor: Sung-Po Cheng
  • Patent number: 8384969
    Abstract: A transmission device for driving an automatic document feeder (ADF) and a scanner individually is provided. The transmission device includes a transmission shaft, an actuator, a first transmission module coupled to the scanner, a second transmission module coupled to the ADF, and a power switching module. The actuator is movably attached around the transmission shaft. The power switching module is assembled to the transmission shaft. When the power switching module is coupled to the first transmission module and the transmission shaft rotates in a first direction such that the scanner moves to a first position, the scanner drives the actuator to drive the power switching module to be coupled to the second transmission module. When the transmission shaft rotates in a second direction, the power transmission module is coupled to the first transmission module to drive the scanner to move away from the transmission device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: Cal-Comp Electronics & Communications Company Limited, Kinpo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Jen Lu
  • Patent number: 8384970
    Abstract: A document setting position on a document set tray 101 where a small-sized document is set is determined by positionally matching a near-side reference position (a position of or set in the vicinity of a user-side end of a document placement surface of the document set tray 101) and a user-side edge of the document. An output tray 114 has a window 115 made from a transparent material so as to allow a user to see a document setting position on the document set tray 101 where the user sets a small-sized document. This makes it possible to adjust a position on the document set tray 101 where a document is placed, in use of an image reading apparatus 100 in which the document set tray 101 for placing thereon a document to be read is provided below the output tray 114 for placing a read document thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 8379278
    Abstract: An multi-function apparatus includes a body, an openable image reading unit and an openable document cover. The image reading unit includes a locking member including a first engaging portion capable of engaging the body and a second engaging portion capable of engaging the document cover. The locking member is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position. When the locking member is moved to the first position, the first engaging portion engages the body and the image reading unit is locked to the closed position. When the locking member is moved to the second position, the second engaging portion engages the document cover, and the document cover is locked to the closed position. The multi-function apparatus further comprises a first urging member which urges the locking member at the second position when the image reading unit is in the opened position and a second urging member which urges the locking member at the first position when the document cover is in the opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takamitsu Kawai
  • Patent number: 8373911
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided. The image reading apparatus includes a main unit and a conveyer unit swingably coupled to the main unit via a hinge. The conveyer unit includes a lower cover with an opening, which extends orthogonally to a swing axis of the conveyer unit, and an attachable member. The attachable member includes a main part and an auxiliary part and is fixed to the lower cover by the main part and to a rotatable fixing section of the hinge by the auxiliary part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoyuki Iwata, Takeshi Takami
  • Patent number: 8373908
    Abstract: A document reading apparatus includes a housing that has conductive characteristics, a platen that is provided with the housing and that has translucency, and an image reading unit that is arranged so as to be movable in the housing and that reads a document placed on the platen. In particular, at least one opening is provided in a region of the housing that overlaps with the image reading unit as viewed in a direction orthogonal to the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tsunao Hombo
  • Patent number: 8373909
    Abstract: A mailpiece scanner device in a module of a franking system, said mailpiece scanner device comprising: a contact image sensor or “CIS” disposed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction in which the mailpieces are conveyed through the module; and a support to which said sensor is fastened and which is mounted firstly to move vertically under the action of at least one drive lever and secondly to pivot about a longitudinal hinge pin; the device further comprising guide means secured to a stationary portion of the module for the purpose of limiting firstly the vertical movement of the image sensor support and secondly pivoting of said support about the longitudinal hinge pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Neopost Technologies
    Inventors: David Audeon, Francis Coret
  • Patent number: 8368976
    Abstract: An automatic document feeding and scanning apparatus includes an automatic document feeder and a flatbed scanner mechanism. The flatbed scanner mechanism includes a casing, a scanning module and a scanning platform. The scanning platform has a first scanning window and a second scanning window for fixing a first transparent plate and a second transparent plate, respectively. In addition, an inner periphery of the second scanning window and an edge of the second transparent plate have complementary profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Hsun Hsu
  • Patent number: 8368970
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image reader. The image reader can include a reading unit receiving light reflected from a document to thereby read image of the document and an automatic document feeder configured to supply the document to the reading unit. The automatic document feeder can include a channel defined within the automatic document feeder along which the document is supplied to the reading unit such that the reading unit is able to read the image of the document as the document moves along the channel. The channel can include a component having a surface tension that is less than or equal to about 40 dyne-per-centimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheoul Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20130027756
    Abstract: An image reading device includes a feeding unit, a reading unit, and a processor. The feeding unit is configured to feed a plurality of sheets of original document one by one. The reading unit is configured to read an image on each of the plurality of sheets fed by the feeding unit and generate image data representing the image. The processor is configured to function as a selecting unit and a determining unit. The selecting unit is configured to select a criterion from among a plurality of criteria. The determining unit is configured to determine, according to the criterion selected by the selecting unit, whether or not a sheet of the original document is actually fed while being overlapped with another sheet of the original document based on image data corresponding to the sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazutaka YAMADA
  • Patent number: 8363290
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus that feeds a document over a reading glass and optically reads an image of the document at a reading position. A rotary brush type cleaner is located above the reading glass to face the reading position. The cleaner cleans the reading glass while rotating downstream in a document feeding direction. In accordance with a selected reading mode, the frequency of cleaning operations performed by the cleaner, and the rotation speed and the number of rotations of the cleaner are changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Shinno, Hiroshi Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8363288
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a scanning device including an image sensing module, a first carrier, a second carrier and a holder. The image sensing module includes an image sensor for reading the image of an original document. The first carrier is for carrying the original document in a dynamic scanning mode. The second carrier is for carrying the original document in a static scanning mode. The holder, used for fixing the first carrier and the second carrier, includes a transitional portion disposed between the first carrier and the second carrier. There are a first distance between the image sensor and the bottom surface of the first carrier and a second distance between the image sensor and the bottom surface of the second carrier, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance. The dual-mode design facilitates the assembly of carriers and avoids the dust entering the scanning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: QISDA (Suzhou) Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Liu-Zhi Yang, Zhi-Hai Zhang
  • Patent number: 8363289
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus for use in an office machine includes a first image sensor and a second image sensor. The first image sensor is disposed in an automatic document feeder of the office machine for sensing and reading a first side of a document. The first image sensor includes a first optical module, a first correction element and an elastic sustaining element. The first optical module includes a first light source, a first light-sensing element and a glass surface. The first correction element is arranged at an opposite side of the first optical module. The elastic sustaining element has a free end sustained against the glass surface of the first optical module, thereby facilitating a close contact between the document and the glass surface. The second image sensor is disposed in an office machine main body for sensing and reading a second side of the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Teco Image System Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Te Yeh
  • Patent number: 8358448
    Abstract: A scanning device includes a transparent platen, a scanning module, a document transporting mechanism and a flexible pressing member. The scanning module is located in a scan zone and acquires through the transparent platen an image of a document. The document transporting mechanism transports the document along a passageway and across the scan zone. The flexible pressing member is disposed in the passageway, upstream of the scan zone or within the scan zone and located apart from the transparent platen by a gap. The flexible pressing member is deformed in a direction away from the transparent platen due to a force applied by the document transported across the scan zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Avision Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Sheng
  • Patent number: 8358451
    Abstract: A conveying device, comprising: a linear conveyance route on which a sheet-like medium is linearly conveyable; a bent conveyance route that is branched from the linear conveyance route and on which the medium is conveyable in a bent manner; a switching member provided at the branched portion and movable into a bent conveyance position for guiding the medium to the bent conveyance route and into a linear conveyance position for guiding the medium to the linear conveyance route, according to a force acting from the medium at a time of coming in contact with the medium; and a variable pressurizing unit configured to make a force acting on the medium from the switching member in the linear conveyance position smaller than a force acting on the medium from the switching member in the bent conveyance position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: PFU Limited
    Inventor: Keisuke Kimura
  • Patent number: 8358446
    Abstract: The reading apparatus is provided with: an optical image forming unit that forms an optical image on a recording medium by irradiating, with light, the recording medium on which an image is formed and which is transported in a slow scan direction; a reading unit that reads a position in a fast scan direction of the image formed on the recording medium transported in the slow scan direction and a position in a fast scan direction of the optical image, by using a minification optical system; and a registration correction unit that corrects a registration error in the fast scan direction of the image read by the reading unit, by using the position in the fast scan direction of the optical image read by the reading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Tanaka, Akira Ishii, Masao Ito, Yoshiya Imoto, Kenji Hyoki, Yoshifumi Takebe
  • Publication number: 20130016384
    Abstract: A scanner device including: a scanning path on which a scanning member for scanning an image from a document is disposed; a supply path on which a document is supplied to the scanning path; a discharge path on which a document is discharged after scanning of the document on the scanning path has been completed; and a re-supply path that extended to the supply path from a intersection where the scanning path and the discharge path cross so that a document fed along the discharge path in a direction opposite to a document-feeding direction is re-supplied to the supply path after scanning of one side of the document has been completed, wherein one-side guide portions of the supply path, the discharge path, and the re-supply path are integrally formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yong-Kon JO
  • Publication number: 20130016407
    Abstract: A scanner is disclosed. The scanner has a flatbed glass and an ADF glass mounted to a top cover with a gap formed between the two glass pieces. The scanner has a scanner module that has an ADF scan position underneath the ADF glass and a flatbed scan position underneath the flatbed glass. When the scanner module is in the flatbed scan position the scanner module references the flatbed glass. The scanner module crosses the gap between the two glass pieces when the scanner module moves from the flatbed scan position to the ADF scan position. The scanner module is lowered away from the flatbed glass as the scanner module approaches and moves across the gap between the two glass pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Eric L. Andersen
  • Patent number: 8355188
    Abstract: A document guiding mechanism includes a document supporting tray, a gearwheel coupled to the document supporting tray, a right guiding unit, a left guiding unit and a single-way latch means. The right guiding unit includes a right guiding wall positioned on the document supporting tray and a right linear gear extended from the right guiding wall and engaged with the gearwheel. The left guiding unit includes a left guiding wall positioned on the document supporting tray and opposite to and parallel to the right guiding wall, and a left linear gear extended from the left guiding wall and engaged with the gearwheel. The single-way latch means interconnects the document supporting tray and at least one of the right guiding unit and the left guiding unit. The right guiding wall and the left guiding wall can be kept at a suitable position by the single-way latch means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Foxlink Image Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pei-Chun Lu, Yung-Kai Chen
  • Patent number: 8351093
    Abstract: The leading edge and the trailing edge of an original document are detected with a sheet detection sensor provided in an automatic document feeding device, reading out of the original document is started from a position a predetermined distance before the position where the leading edge of the original document passes a reading position in an image reading apparatus, and reading out thereof is terminated at a position a predetermined distance after the position where the trailing edge of the original document passes the reading position. It is determined whether the apices of a rectangular area extracted from an image area that is read out are included in the respective areas of a predetermined height from the leading end and the trailing end of the image area to determine whether the size of the document image area is the same as the sheet size of the original document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8351088
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus with a structure capable of reliably discharging a document, and a multi-functional machine having the same are disclosed. The image reading apparatus includes a document feed path having a document outlet, a reading unit which reads an image of a document fed through the document feed path, and a guide member which is disposed at the document outlet downstream of the reading unit to form a curl on the trailing end portion of the document. The curl formed on the document may make it possible for a subsequent document being discharged to push the curled document out of the document outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Choi, Yong Sok Yang
  • Publication number: 20130003145
    Abstract: An image reading device includes a conveyor unit that conveys a document along a conveying path for ADF-type image scanning including a curved path. The conveyor unit includes a conveyor roller that reverses a conveying direction of the document in the curved path. The device further includes a first contact surface that comes into contact with a first side of the document when the document is conveyed, a second contact surface that comes into contact with a second side of the document when the document is conveyed, a first reading unit that reads an image on the first side of the document, and a second reading unit disposed above the second contact surface and reading an image on the second side of the document. A part of the conveyor roller is disposed lower than the first and second contact surfaces in an up down direction of the image reading device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshinori Osakabe, Katsuro Miura, Takashi Ohama
  • Publication number: 20130003134
    Abstract: A sheet loading apparatus includes a loading member which loads the sheet discharged by the discharge member, a tip support member which abuts against the leading edge of the sheet discharged by the discharge member in the sheet discharge direction, a rotation member which abuts against an upper surface of the sheet discharged to the loading member, and is rotated to transport the sheet to the stopper side, and a control section which controls a transport amount of the sheet through the rotation member based on a loading amount of the sheet loaded on the loading member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicants: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroyuki HAZU, Ken IGUCHI, Yuichi SAITO, Isao YAHATA, Takahiro KAWAGUCHI, Yoshiaki SUGIZAKI, Kikuo MIZUTANI, Hiroyuki TAKI, Hiroyuki TSUCHIHASHI, Chiaki IIZUKA, Hidetoshi YOKOCHI, Toshiaki OSHIRO, Yoichi YAMAGUCHI, Hiroyuki SUGIYAMA, Jun ISHII
  • Patent number: 8345320
    Abstract: An image reading device and an image forming apparatus having the same, that can prevent unnecessary wear of components or damage of a document when a simplex scanning operation is carried out. The image reading device includes a first reading unit and a second reading unit. The first reading unit includes a first scan unit to scan a first surface of a document, a first press member mounted while opposing the first scan unit, and a first elastic member to bias the first scan unit or the first press member to closely contact the document with the first scan unit. The second reading unit includes a second scan unit to scan a second surface of the document, a second press member mounted while opposing the second scan unit, and a second elastic member to bias the second scan unit or the second press member to closely contact the document with the second scan unit. The second scan unit and the second press member are separated from each other by a lifting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sin Ae Kim
  • Patent number: 8345318
    Abstract: Disclosed is a scanner with a main body, hinge, cover member, and plurality of sets of pins and pin holes. The main body includes a transparent plate on the top surface for placing a document. The hinge connects the main body and the cover member. The cover member rotates between an opened and closed state with respect to the main body. The cover member has a bottom surface, which contacts the top surface of the main body when closed. The pins are fanned on either the top surface of the main body or the bottom surface of the cover member, while the pin holes are formed on the opposing surface. The plurality of sets adjusts a positional relationship between the main body and the cover member in the closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Osakabe, Akihiro Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 8345328
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a scanner with auto document feeder including a housing, an auto document feeder and a connecting mechanism for connecting the housing and the auto document feeder. The connecting mechanism includes a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure. The first connecting structure let the auto document feeder rotates with respect to the housing to a first angle and the second connecting structure let the auto document feeder rotates with respect to the housing to a second angle. The second connecting structure makes the auto document feeder stop at any angle within the second angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Hsun Hsu
  • Patent number: 8345313
    Abstract: There is described an image forming apparatus, which make it possible to appropriately print each of a valid print object and an invalid print object. The apparatus includes: a printing section to conduct a printing operation based on the print data, so as to create the print product; and a control section to determine whether the digital signature is valid or invalid so as to control the printing operation, based on the determined result. When the plurality of print objects includes both a valid print object for which the digital signature is determined as valid and an invalid print object for which the digital signature is determined as invalid, the control section controls the printing operation, so as to enable the valid print object to be printed, based on the print data, while disable the invalid print object to be printed, based on the print data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tanaka, Yoko Fujiwara, Masahiro Ozawa, Jun Kuroki, Hiroshi Nogawa, Fumihito Akiyama, Yasufumi Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20120327485
    Abstract: An image reading device and an image forming apparatus having the same that can increase a scan quality by mounting positions of units to read information recorded on a document and a mounting structure of a light shielding member. The image reading device may include a first reading unit to read image information recorded on a first surface of a document, a second reading unit disposed at a predetermined distance from the first reading unit along a document feeding direction to read image information recorded on a second surface of the document, and at least one light shielding member mounted between the first reading unit and the second reading unit along the document feeding direction. The light shielding member, which may include a document guide portion, may extend in a direction different from the document feeding direction such that one end portion is located in a document feeding path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Dong Hun HAN
  • Patent number: 8339687
    Abstract: Recording devices with adjustable and lockable recording medium width guides, and support mechanisms for adjustable and lockable recording medium width guides are disclosed. A recording device includes a pair of recording medium width guides that control the widthwise position of a recording medium upon discharge from the recording device. A support mechanism supports the width guides and can lock the position of the width guides. The support mechanism includes a pair of sliding members individually coupled with one of the width guides, and a pressure member that clamps the sliding members together at a position where the sliding members overlap. The pressure member is configurable to clamp the sliding members together, and to unclamp the sliding members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shinsuke Tomomatsu, Kenichi Hirabayashi
  • Patent number: 8339621
    Abstract: The multifunction device includes a first mode device, a second mode device, an operating unit, a detecting unit, and a switching unit. The first mode device provides a reading mode that reads image information with using a first type medium. The second mode device provides a writing mode that writes image information with using a second type medium. The operating unit provides each operating environment corresponding to each mode. The detecting unit detects either the first type medium or the second type medium used. The switching unit automatically switches the operating environment provided by the operating unit based on the type of the medium detected by the detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsunori Enomoto
  • Patent number: 8339688
    Abstract: Four mounting units are linearly disposed in a machine body of an image forming apparatus. First and second platen covers that differ from each other in weight also differ from each other in interval between support units. The first platen cover can be mounted on the machine body using the mounting units, and the second platen cover can be mounted on the machine body using the mounting units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidetada Nakahara
  • Patent number: 8340476
    Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus, device, method, and computer program product. In an embodiment, a device includes a handheld writing device that includes a writing element, and a writing detector module operable to generate information indicative of a handwriting movement of the writing element. The device also includes a context detector module operable to generate information indicative of a content portion of a document proximate to the handwriting movement of the writing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8339681
    Abstract: The first reading start point D of a front contact image sensor 21 and the second reading start point F of a back contact image sensor 22 are managed using a previously measured sensor-to-sensor distance L. As a result, even if there is a difference in the distance between the sensors, the first and second reading start points D and F will still be a first margin length L1 before the image reading positions A and B of the contact image sensors 21 and 22. Because the beginning of the front image information FD2 and the beginning of the back image information BD2 contained in the back-side image data BD1 in the images captured by the contact image sensors 21 and 22 match, the front image information FD2 can be extracted based on the coordinates of the back image information BD2 contained in the back-side image data BD1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Nishimura, Takashi Saikawa, Masanori Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8335021
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus including a shading correction mechanism that can be formed by fewer component parts than conventional ones, and is increased in the degree of freedom of design, thereby enabling reduction of the size and weight thereof. A contact glass guides an original to an image reading position. A glass holding member holds the glass. A line image sensor reads an image on the original conveyed to the image reading location, through the contact glass. A reference member is disposed at a location different from the image reading location on the contact glass. A moving mechanism relatively moves the line image sensor and the reference member so that the line image sensor can alternatively read the original conveyed to the image reading location and the reference member. A drive section externally drives the moving mechanism to move the line image sensor and/or the reference member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Denshi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Tanaka, Takashi Machida, Shinobu Kato, Keiji Tsutaoka, Taketo Ochiai, Masahiro Shirai, Shigeru Ikezaki, Hirotaka Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8335024
    Abstract: An image scanning method of an image scanning device, the method including: feeding multiply fed documents in a first path and scanning, by a scanning unit of the image scanning device, a first document of the multiply fed documents; outputting the first document through an exit unit; reversely driving the exit unit after the first document is output to reversely feed a second document of the multiply fed documents in a second path, and scanning the second document; and forming images of the first document and the second document, wherein the second path is used to reversely feed the second document to an upstream side of the scanning unit, in view of a feeding direction of the multiply fed documents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee-sang Kwon, Jae-In Lee
  • Publication number: 20120314266
    Abstract: A scanner assembly includes an automatic document feeder and a first scanner. The automatic document feeder defines a media pathway that includes an input portion and an output portion having an exit roller. The first scanner is positioned along the media pathway upstream from the exit roller. In a first assembled configuration, the assembly is configured to scan both a first side and a second side of the media via the first scanner. In a second assembled configuration, the assembly additionally includes a second scanner positioned along the output portion and interposed between the first scanner and the exit roller. In the second configuration, the assembly is configured to scan the first side of media via the first scanner and to scan the second side of media via the second scanner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Thaddie Natalaray, Kyi Thu Maung, U Kyaw Thu Ra, Tok Wee Hien, Yeo Meng Hui, Lam Siew Hong, Jeoffrey Goh Choon Kiat, Thong Wei Leong, Chiam Ter Wei, Long C. Doan, Jeffrey C. Madsen, Curtis J. Behrend, James C. Albritton-Mcdonald, Keng-Leong Ng
  • Publication number: 20120314267
    Abstract: A sheet conveyance device includes a loading section, a sheet feeding unit, a separation section disposed downstream in a sheet conveyance direction from the sheet feeding unit, a conveyance member to transport a sheet separated by the separation section, a trailing-edge detector disposed at a first conveyance distance (L1) downstream from a separation position (Ab) and including a rotary follower and a rotation detector, a first leading-edge detector disposed downstream from the trailing-edge detector, and a controller. The trailing-edge detector A detects a sheet length in the sheet conveyance direction. The controller causes the sheet feeding unit to start sheet feeding in response to detection of the leading edge of the sheet by the first leading-edge detector when the detected sheet length equals a predetermined reference length and in other cases in response to detection of the trailing edge of the sheet by the trailing-edge detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshito Suzuki, Hideki Tobinaga, Atsushi Kanaya, Shinya Kitaoka, Norio Kimura, Mamoru Kambayashi, Michitaka Suzuki, Kenichiro Morita
  • Patent number: 8330998
    Abstract: A scanner device includes a scanner body enclosed by a housing and an external cover covering an outer side of the housing. The external cover is comprised of a plurality of external members. By spacing the adjacent external members apart from each other at the side edge parts of the housing, recesses are formed between the adjacent external members so as to constitute parts of the external design of the scanner body. Preferably, the side edge parts of the housing are exposed between the adjacent external members at the side edge parts of the housing, and information providing devices providing information on the scanner device are provided at the side edge parts of the housing exposed between the adjacent external members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: PFU Limited
    Inventors: Shoji Yoshida, Hideaki Shibata, Yasuhiro Matsuda, Masaaki Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20120307314
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a first discharging unit and a second discharging unit discharge a sheet. A first conveying path extends from a scanning unit to the first discharging unit. A second conveying path branches off from the first conveying path at a branch point of the first conveying path and extends to the second discharging unit. A conveying member discharges the sheet to the first discharging unit when a discharging destination of the sheet is the first discharging unit, and the conveying member makes part of the sheet project from the first conveying path to the first discharging unit, locates an upstream tip end of the sheet in a sheet conveying direction, at a position downstream in the sheet conveying direction from the branch point, and conveys the sheet to switchback to the second conveying path, when the discharging destination of the sheet is the second discharging unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicants: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshiaki SUGIZAKI, Hiroyuki TAKI, Hidetoshi YOKOCHI, Isao YAHATA, Takahiro KAWAGUCHI, Ken IGUCHI, Kikuo MIZUTANI, Hiroyuki TSUCHIHASHI, Chiaki IIZUKA, Toshiaki OSHIRO, Hiroyuki HAZU, Yoichi YAMAGUCHI, Hiroyuki SUGIYAMA, Yuichi SAITO
  • Publication number: 20120307274
    Abstract: A sheet conveyer device, including a roller to convey a sheet by rotating in a normal direction and a holder rotatably arranged on a roller shaft, is provided. The holder includes a roller gear system arranged on the roller shaft and having a roller driving gear to drive the roller, a shutter rotatably arranged on a shutter shaft to restrict access of the sheet to the roller, a shutter gear system to connect a path between the roller gear system and the shutter, a one-way clutch to disconnect the path between the roller gear system and the shutter when the roller rotates in the normal direction, and a torque limiter to allow the roller to rotate in a reverse direction. The holder rotates about the roller shaft in the same reverse direction as the roller when the roller rotates in the reverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuo ITO, Kazutoshi KUSE, Masanori HAMAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20120307324
    Abstract: A compact multi-functional scanning apparatus includes a sheet-fed scanner, a casing and a flatbed scanner. The casing is attached to the sheet-fed scanner and has a recess. The flatbed scanner is movable between a retracted position within the recess and a deployed position outside the recess. In the deployed position the flatbed scanner is enabled to perform a flatbed-scanning task. An open end of the recess is located on a lateral side of the casing, and the flatbed scanner is movable into and out of the recess through the open end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Ching-Jung TU