Scanning Carriage Parallel To Original Patents (Class 399/211)
  • Patent number: 10542168
    Abstract: An image reading device includes a turning unit and a reading unit having a reader and a reading glass. The reader reads, through the reading glass, an image on a sheet placed on the reading glass. The turning unit can turn with respect to the reading unit. The turning unit includes a pressing plate, a communication unit, and an attachment part. The pressing plate presses a sheet on the reading glass against the reading glass when the turning unit is at a position closing the reading glass. The communication unit receives data from outside the image reading device by wireless communication. The communication unit is detachably mounted within the turning unit. The attachment part attaches the communication unit and has a weight mounting portion capable of mounting a weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akio Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 9692921
    Abstract: An image reading device includes a housing, a first support member, a reading unit, a movable member, and a flat cable. The housing defines an accommodating space between a bottom surface and a frame member facing the bottom surface. The first support member is supported by the housing and covers the accommodating space. The movable member holds the reading unit disposed in the accommodating space. The flat cable is connected to the reading unit at one end and an electrical part outside the accommodating space at the other end. The housing further includes a support wall protruding from the bottom surface toward the first support member and a cable receiving portion receiving a middle portion of the flat cable. The cable receiving portion is formed at a higher height level than a particular area of the bottom surface located between the support wall and the cable receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9628652
    Abstract: An image reading device which reads an image to obtain an image signal includes: a scanning unit; a chassis member; a control unit provided in a position which does not move together with the scanning unit; and a flexible flat cable which connects the scanning unit to the control unit, includes one end attached to a side of the chassis member and a position other than the one end fixed to a position which does not move with the scanning unit, includes a range closer to the one end than the fixed position parallel to a moving direction of the scanning unit, and is arranged to extend from the one end to one side, be bent into a U-shape, enter between the scanning unit and the chassis member, and reach the fixed position, and the flexible flat cable includes a transmitting layer, a shielding layer, and a stress adjusting layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Kiyohito Tsujihara, Shiro Umeda, Yuki Higuchi
  • Patent number: 9547275
    Abstract: An imaging device, including a locking assembly connected to the frame of the imaging device and selectively engaged with the fuser assembly thereof when the fuser assembly is mounted to the frame. The locking assembly includes a lock member slidingly coupled to the frame between a first position in which the lock member engages with the fuser assembly for locking the fuser assembly to the frame and a second position in which the lock member is disengaged from the fuser assembly to allow the fuser assembly to be disconnected and removed from the frame. A lever mechanism is movably coupled to the frame and coupled to the lock member, wherein actuation of the lever mechanism moves the lock member between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Allen Blair, Richard Gordon Boyatt, III, Darin Michael Gettelfinger, Alexander Johannes Geyling, Edward Lawrence Kiely
  • Patent number: 9506536
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes an endless belt wound around a driving pulley and a driven pulley, a driven pulley holder which holds the driven pulley and is movably provided in the wound direction of the endless belt, a frame on which the driven pulley holder is provided, a first biasing portion for biasing the driven pulley holder to a direction away from the driving pulley, and a regulating portion for regulating a movement of a predetermined distance or longer of the driven pulley holder toward the driving pulley side, in which the regulating portion is movably provided in the wound direction of the endless belt with respect to the frame and is biased to the driven pulley holder side by a second biasing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Sato, Noriyuki Koyanagi
  • Patent number: 9402007
    Abstract: To downsize a housing and reduce a possibility that different parts of a cable contact with each other, an image forming apparatus includes a first reading unit configured to move between a movement start position and a movement end position; a second reading unit configured to move at a speed half of a moving speed of the first reading unit in conjunction with movement of the first reading unit; a control portion disposed below the first reading unit and more on the movement end position side than a movement range of the second reading unit; a cable connected from the first reading unit to the control portion via the second reading unit; and a guide member that is formed to project from the second reading unit toward the first reading unit and supports part or all of the cable between the first reading unit and the second reading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Yuichi Ninomiya
  • Patent number: 9282213
    Abstract: A driving device is used in an image reading apparatus, and reciprocates a scanning unit for reading an image on an original. The driving device comprises a pull member, a driving pulley which transmits driving force to the pull member, a following pulley which applies tension to the pull member and a pulley holder having a pulley axis which holds the following pulley rotatably. Then, the pulley axis has a lock pawl capable of locking an upper end portion of the following pulley and canceling engagement with the following pulley by being tilted toward a side of an axial center by elastic deformation. Furthermore, the lock pawl is arranged at a side of a tension acting direction from the pull member to the following pulley except the farthest position from the driving pulley among positions in a circumferential direction of the pulley axis. It is possible to attach and detach the following pulley easily at a time of maintenance or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Imoto, Yasuhiro Suto, Shohichi Fukutome, Kenji Nakanishi, Kazuhiro Iguchi
  • Patent number: 8774681
    Abstract: An apparatus in an example comprises a guide, a driven member, and a carriage. Tension in the driven member generates a moment that biases the carriage against the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ryan Smith, Rob Mueller, Kevin Bokelman
  • Patent number: 8743428
    Abstract: An image scanning unit an image forming apparatus having the same to scan an image recorded on a document. The image scanning unit includes: a transparent window on which a document to be scanned is laid; an image sensor running straightly under the transparent window for capturing an image recorded on the document, a unit for driving the image sensor; a guide shaft for guiding the straight movement of the image sensor; and an image sensor carrier connected to the driving unit and the guide shaft for straightly moving the image sensor along the guide shaft when the driving unit operates. The image sensor carrier has an image sensor mounting surface on which the image sensor is mounted, and a guide shaft holder integrally formed with the image sensor mounting surface and mounted on the guide shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-ha Choi
  • Patent number: 8488219
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a light source to illuminate an original; a color sensor and a monochrome sensor to receive light reflected from the original illuminated by the light source to output an image signal; an amplifier to amplify the image signal from the color and monochrome sensors; a reflective reference member; and a control circuit to adjust a gain of the amplifier amplifying the image signal from the color sensor that receives light reflected from the reflective member illuminated by the light source, and holds the adjusted gain as a gain setting value for the color sensor, and the control circuit obtains a gain setting value for the monochrome sensor by calculation based on the gain setting value for the color sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryo Mikami
  • Patent number: 8482814
    Abstract: Provided is a traveling unit driving apparatus where a driving belt of the traveling unit is manufactured with ease, and concurrently therewith, can be coupled reliably to the unit in a state with high durability. A driving belt extended between a pair of pulleys is formed using a belt with ends and teeth, and a belt fixing means is comprised of a first and second engagement portions provided in the traveling unit, a concave recess portion disposed between the portions, and a lock fixing member that is fitted into the concave recess portion. Then, the first and second engagement portions and the concave recess portion are provided with a first and second mount surfaces for bending and supporting the belt opposite end portions, the lock fixing member is fitted into the concave recess portion, and the belt opposite end portions are thereby sandwiched and held in a bent state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hirokawa, Shinnosuke Enomoto, Mamoru Dohi
  • Patent number: 8373910
    Abstract: An image scanning device includes a base part; and multiple image sensors each including a substrate, a line sensor including scanning elements arranged on the substrate, and a holder for holding the substrate. The base part holds the image sensors such that the scanning elements of an image sensor partly overlap the scanning elements of an adjacent image sensor in the main-scanning direction. The coefficients of linear expansion of the substrate and the base part are substantially the same; the holder and the base part are fixed together at a first fixing point; the holder and the substrate are fixed together at a second fixing point; and the distance in the main-scanning direction between the first fixing point and the second fixing point and the direction of the second fixing point with respect to the first fixing point are the same for all the image sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Iwasaki, Hiroshi Takahashi, Kazushi Takei, Norikazu Taki, Hideaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8279496
    Abstract: A method of optimal focusing for a document scanner is disclosed. The scanner includes an optic module movable in a given scanning direction to perform scanning operation over an area of a document in a scan line by scan line manner by being driven by an optic module moving mechanism under control of a control unit. The control unit includes a best focus value memory for storage of the best focus value for each scan line. The method includes the steps of moving the optic module to one of scan lines of the document and retrieving the best focus value corresponding to the selected scan line. A focus adjusting mechanism is controlled by the control unit to move the optic module in a second direction to adjust the focus position of the optic module in accordance with the best focus value of the scan line. Once the optic module reaches the scan line, the operation of the optic module is temporarily suspended in order to have the vibration of the optic module damped out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Transpacific Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Rong-Ji Liu
  • Patent number: 8274712
    Abstract: A scanning apparatus for scanning a bound document includes a scanning flatbed, a lighting device, and a scanning head assembly. The scanning flatbed includes a platen and an inclined plane, wherein the platen is adjoined with the inclined plane, and the platen supports a document to be scanned. The lighting device, facing the scanning flatbed, projects light onto the document, wherein the lighting device includes a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion and the second portion respectively comprise a plurality of LEDs arranged in an array. The scanning head assembly, coupled to the lighting device, scans the document. The first portion is located closer to the inclined plane than the second portion, and intervals between the LEDs of the first portion are smaller than intervals between the LEDs of the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Avision Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Sheng, Su-Wei Ho, Shang-Hsien Tsai
  • Patent number: 8218202
    Abstract: Multiple images are combined where the images exhibit variations in illumination between one another. The images are of the same portion of an object, and each image is represented by a set of image data. A comparative data transform is applied to each set of image data, such that the transformed comparative image data isolates and preserves first variations in the illumination between the images but suppresses second differences in illumination between the images. At least one normalization transform is determined from the transformed comparative image data sets. When applied to at least one of the image data sets, the at least one normalization transform minimizes the variation in illumination between the image data sets. Each determined normalization transform is applied to the at least one of the image data sets. The normalized sets of image data are transformed to a single image of the portion of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Andrew Hunter, Stephen Pollard
  • Patent number: 8208171
    Abstract: The present invention aims to prevent a problem that an image on a document sheet is erased due to misdetection of a line-shaped noise. A copy machine 1 compares RGB values of a target pixel with averaged RGB values (Step S103). If only one of the RGB values has a difference that is greater than a prescribed value Ref2 (Step S103: YES), the copy machine 1 extracts the target pixel as a line-shaped noise pixel, and moves to a line-shaped noise correction (Step S108) while holding the address of the target pixel in a line-shaped noise address storing area 49b. If two of the RGB values have differences (Step S103: NO, Step S104: YES) and a difference between these two of the RGB values is no greater than a prescribed value Ref3 (Step S105: YES), the copy machine 1 extracts the target pixel as a line-shaped noise pixel, and moves to the line-shaped noise correction (Step S108) while holding the address of the target pixel in the line-shaped noise address storing area 49b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kubo, Nobuhiro Mishima
  • Patent number: 8154775
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a book scanner using a digital camera, including a main body including a housing opened at a top thereof and having an inner space and a table covering the opened top of the housing, illuminating units disposed in the main body and configured to irradiate light to the table so that left and right images of a book are projected from the table, a digital camera having a lens disposed from the inside bottom of the housing toward the center of the table and configured to capture images of the left and right pages of the book, fixed mirrors disposed on the left and right sides of the digital camera at the bottom of the housing and configured to primarily reflect images of the left and right pages of the book toward the digital camera, and a rotating mirror disposed over the digital camera and configured to secondarily reflect images of the left and right pages of the book toward the digital camera selectively while rotating left and right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: Seung-Tae Jeong, Myung-Soo Choi
  • Patent number: 8149471
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus in which cross-talk noise occurring between plural reading units is reduced, an image reading method and an image reading program are provided. There are included plural reading units that respectively operate at different timings, a noise calculation unit that acquires first read data as a result of reading of a first read object as the read object by the plural reading units, acquires an operation state of the plural reading units during the reading of the first read object, and calculates, based on the operation state and the first read data obtained in the operation state, noise information based on the operation state, and a noise removal unit that acquires second read data as a result of reading of a second read object as the read object different from the first read object by the plural reading units, and removes noise from the second read data based on the noise information calculated by the noise calculation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Kawai
  • Patent number: 8145099
    Abstract: A pair of carriage rails are provided in parallel to each other in a casing. A carriage moves along the carriage rails. Both ends in a longitudinal direction of each of the carriage rails are fixed to the casing. A cross member functioning as a lens base is suspended between the carriage rails. Both ends of the cross member are fixed to a section between both the ends of the carriage rails. Intermediate sections in the longitudinal direction of the carriage rails are coupled to sidewalls of the casing via a coupling section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuya Sato
  • Patent number: 8027069
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided that, is capable of physically preventing taking-out of the set document, even when a thick copy-prohibited document is set on a document reading device. The image forming apparatus is configured to place a document on a document table, and at least the document is read by closing a pivotally supported document cover portion to cover the document and the image forming apparatus comprises a read-out document determining portion and when the document is determined to be a copy-prohibited document, and prevents the document from being taken out from the document table by locking the rotation of the pivotally supported portion of the document cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Norihide Momose
  • Patent number: 7969621
    Abstract: A scanning device may include a first structural member and a second structural member, a movable body that is configured to reciprocate between the first structural member and the second structural member, and a cable of which a first end is fixed to one of the first and second structural members and a second end fixed to the movable body. The cable may have a curved portion between the first end and the second end thereof. The scanning device may further include an elastic member of which a first end portion is fixed to one of the first and second structural members to which the first end of the cable is fixed, and a second end portion is engaged to the curved portion. The elastic member may be configured to elastically urge the cable in a direction opposite to the curving direction of the curved portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Murai Shunji
  • Patent number: 7961363
    Abstract: In order to provide an image reading apparatus of which a contact glass sheet can be replaced and recycled with ease without damaging the contact glass sheet when removing the same, and further intrusion of particles of dust into the apparatus when operating the apparatus can be prevented, an image reading apparatus having an image reading unit mounted to be able to be reciprocated in a frame body of the apparatus and a contact glass sheet is composed such that; the frame body comprises an upward-open lower frame in which the image reading unit is accommodated to be able to be reciprocated and an upper frame having an opening on the upper face thereof to be covered with the contact glass sheet, the upper and lower frames are assembled detachably by means of fitting portions provided to both frames, the contact glass sheet is attached to said upper frame by means of a strip-shaped adhesive member glued onto the undersurface of the upper frame along the brim part of the opening to be covered with the contact gl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventors: Koichiro Tsujimoto, Tomohide Hozono, Shinichi Kotera
  • Patent number: 7944591
    Abstract: Various methods and apparatus relating to a media interaction device drive system having at least one reduced dimension are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Bokelman, Glenn W. Gaarder, Ryan M. Smith
  • Patent number: 7840164
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image forming unit to form an image on a print medium, the image forming apparatus including a guide shaft, first and second shaft insertion members into which the guide shaft is inserted, a unit main body including first and second insertion holes provided along the guide shaft and whose diameters larger than external diameters of the first and second shaft insertion members, respectively, and an adhesive to adhere the first and second shaft insertion members inserted into the first and second insertion holes, to the unit main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeong-seop Hong
  • Patent number: 7758460
    Abstract: A carriage driving apparatus includes: a biaser which biases a pulley holder in a tensioning direction to tension a timing belt; and a biaser holder which holds the biaser such that the pulley holder is allowed to move to the slackening position when the biaser is not held by the biaser holder, and the pulley holder is biased by the biaser in the tensioning direction when the biaser is held by the biaser holder, the biaser holder limiting movement of the pulley holder in a slackening direction to slacken the timing belt, to a disengagement inhibit position between the slackening position and the tensioning position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Osakabe, Takashi Ohama
  • Patent number: 7734224
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a first running device that moves to scan a document at a predetermined speed, which includes an illumination unit and a first mirror; a second running device that moves in the scanning direction parallel to the first running device with half the predetermined speed of the first running device, which includes second and third mirrors; an imaging lens to produce an reduced image; and a line sensor to convert the reduced image to an electrical signal. At least one of the second and third mirrors is comprised of a spherical surface and a curvature radius of the spherical surface of such mirror is such that a distance deviation between the imaging lens and an imaging surface remains within usable range for actual operation regardless of movements of the first and second running devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiichiro Nishina
  • Patent number: 7729640
    Abstract: A carriage for an image scanning unit which scans an image on an object is provided with a light source, a reflecting member placed to face the light source and configured to reflect a light emitted from the light source toward the object to illuminate the image, a housing that contains the light source and the reflecting member, the housing having an opening which allows the light reflected by the reflecting member to pass through and proceed toward the object, and a radiation plate connected to the reflecting member so that heat is conducted from the reflecting member to the radiation plate, at least part of the radiation plate being exposed to outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoya Ito, Yuki Nakajima, Yoichi Horaguchi, Satoshi Mizutani
  • Patent number: 7643184
    Abstract: A driving device for a scanner includes an elongate guiding unit mounted in a base and disposed under an image sensor carriage that extends in a first direction, extending along a second direction transverse to the first direction, and having first and second side rail surfaces transverse to a top rail surface. A roller unit is mounted rotatably on a bottom side of the image sensor carriage, and includes a first roller rotatable about a first axis parallel to the first direction and disposed to roll along the top rail surface, and a second roller rotatable about a second axis transverse to the first and second directions and disposed to roll along the first side rail surface. A spring-loaded retaining unit is mounted on the image sensor carriage, and is disposed to contact rotatablely the second side rail surface. A driving unit drives the image sensor carriage to move in the second direction in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Aisa Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ping Duan
  • Patent number: 7623813
    Abstract: A drive shaft, which is driven by a drive motor, is held firmly at two points by bearing structures. The bearing structure has a hole in which a bearing member is fit. The bearing member has hole, which is concentric with respect to the hole in which the bearing member is fit. A crimp, which is made of elastic material, having interfering portions that interfere with the bearing member is provided between the bearing member and the hole in the bearing structure in which the bearing member is fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuji Takahashi, Yoshiaki Nagao, Sachiko Nishikino
  • Publication number: 20090232553
    Abstract: A copy machine is provided which includes: a fluorescent lamp; a mirror group having a plurality of mirrors that forms a light path by reflecting luminous flux from an original once on each of the plurality of mirrors, and is configured so that an imaging-side mirror, which is disposed most to an imaging side on the light path, has a shortest length in a main scanning direction; an imaging lens that forms an image from luminous flux reflected by the mirror group; a reading portion that reads an image on the original based on image formation by the imaging lens, disposed in an imaging position of the imaging lens; and a casing body that houses the fluorescent lamp, the mirror group, the imaging lens, and the reading portion, to be movable in a sub-scanning direction that is orthogonal to the main scanning direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: KYOCERA MITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomohide Hozono
  • Patent number: 7567365
    Abstract: In order to provide an image reading apparatus of which a contact glass sheet can be replaced and recycled with ease without damaging the contact glass sheet when removing the same, and further intrusion of particles of dust into the apparatus when operating the apparatus can be prevented, an image reading apparatus having an image reading unit mounted to be able to be reciprocated in a frame body of the apparatus and a contact glass sheet is composed such that; the frame body comprises an upward-open lower frame in which the image reading unit is accommodated to be able to be reciprocated and an upper frame having an opening on the upper face thereof to be covered with the contact glass sheet, the upper and lower frames are assembled detachably by means of fitting portions provided to both frames, the contact glass sheet is attached to said upper frame by means of a strip-shaped adhesive member glued onto the undersurface of the upper frame along the brim part of the opening to be covered with the contact gl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventors: Koichiro Tsujimoto, Tomohide Hozono, Shinichi Kotera
  • Publication number: 20090154959
    Abstract: A pair of carriage rails are provided in parallel to each other in a casing. A carriage moves along the carriage rails. Both ends in a longitudinal direction of each of the carriage rails are fixed to the casing. A cross member functioning as a lens base is suspended between the carriage rails. Both ends of the cross member are fixed to a section between both the ends of the carriage rails. Intermediate sections in the longitudinal direction of the carriage rails are coupled to sidewalls of the casing via a coupling section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tetsuya SATO
  • Patent number: 7532371
    Abstract: An improved structure of carriage module has a datum board with a very flat surface, a linear light-source, a pair of side boards and a light-transforming module. The datum board has a flat-rigid connecting surface formed with a plurality of screw holes therein. The linear light-source is fixed at a front edge of the datum board for providing light. The side boards are respectively disposed on two sides of the connecting surface and assembled with a plurality of reflecting mirrors therebetween for reflecting light. The light-transforming module is assembled on a middle portion of the connecting surface for receiving an image and transforming the image into an electric signal. The datum board has an axle sleeve mounted on one side thereof for the carriage module to slide thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Wen-Bin Peng
  • Patent number: 7483653
    Abstract: An image scanner is provided and includes a case having a document placement surface, two carriages which are mounted with optical components and move by running on rails, a wire drive mechanism for reciprocating the two carriages which are coupled to wires, and a movement restricting member for restricting a maximum movement distance of the first carriage in a stationary position mode to about 1.6 d or less, d being a groove depth of pulleys in mm and the maximum movement distance being a distance by which the first carriage is allowed to move in the read scanning direction in the stationary position mode in which the first carriage is kept stopped and fixed via the wires by moving the second carriage by causing the wire drive mechanism to operate so that the second carriage hits the fixedly disposed member to be stopped and fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Maruno
  • Patent number: 7477425
    Abstract: A method for scanning an image of media comprises biasing a scanner carriage for movement relative to a platen and releasing the carriage to move relative to the platen, the carriage scanning an image with a scanner head disposed therein. An image scanner comprises a housing, a platen disposed on the housing, a carriage disposed in the housing, the carriage comprising a scanner head adapted for scanning an image, a biasable drive moving the carriage relative to the platen for high-speed scans, and a drive mechanism loading the biasable drive for the high-speed scans and moving the carriage relative to the platen for low-speed scans. An encoder for sensing position of a scanner carriage comprises a grating disposed in a scanner housing, and an optical sensor for sensing the grating during biased movement of a scanner carriage, the sensor providing carriage position information for rastering an image of scanned media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: William Robert Haas, Kirk Steven Tecu
  • Patent number: 7447465
    Abstract: A multi-function peripheral includes an image forming unit having an image forming device, and an image reading unit having an image reading device and located above the image forming unit. The image forming device forms an image on a recording sheet with moving a carriage reciprocally in a predetermined horizontal direction. The image reading device reads an image of an object by moving an image capturing element in the predetermined horizontal direction when the image forming unit operates. Spring elements are provided between the image forming unit and the image reading unit to apply an urging force therebetween in a direction parallel to the predetermined horizontal direction. The spring elements satisfy the following condition: f f n > 2 , where, f and fn are characteristic frequencies of the image forming unit and the image reading unit, respectively, in the predetermined horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kan Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7389925
    Abstract: A scanner includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a photoelectric sensor for scanning a medium to produce an image, a movable carriage positioned on the first shaft for carrying the photoelectric sensor, a movable light source module positioned on the second shaft for generating a light beam for the medium, a driving module coupled to the carriage for driving the carriage to move a first offset along the first shaft, and a locking module coupled to the light source module and the carriage. As the carriage moves with the first offset, the carriage ensures the light source module moves a second offset along the second shaft through the locking module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Chih-Hsien Wei
  • Publication number: 20080118276
    Abstract: A carriage for an image scanning unit which scans an image on an object is provided with a light source, a reflecting member placed to face the light source and configured to reflect a light emitted from the light source toward the object to illuminate the image, a housing that contains the light source and the reflecting member, the housing having an opening which allows the light reflected by the reflecting member to pass through and proceed toward the object, and a radiation plate connected to the reflecting member so that heat is conducted from the reflecting member to the radiation plate, at least part of the radiation plate being exposed to outside the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomoya ITO, Yuki NAKAJIMA, Yoichi HORAGUCHI, Satoshi MIZUTANI
  • Publication number: 20080101820
    Abstract: A conveying device for adjusting scanning resolution includes a planetary gear transmission a belt and a scanning device. The planetary gear transmission has a base, a first stepping motor and a second stepping motor. A first motor gear drives a sun gear. A second motor gear drives a purl gear. Four planetary gears are received in a hole of the purl gear. The planetary gears are driven by the inner gear and the upper gear at the same time, so the planetary gears rotate around a positioning axle of the sun gear at a speed of half the speed difference of the inner gear and the upper gear. Then a planetary frame rotates along with the planetary gears. A belt wheel mounted on the planetary frame drives the belt with a scanning device to move.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: FOXLINK IMAGE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yi-Chuan Hung
  • Publication number: 20070297831
    Abstract: An image-reading apparatus, including a housing, a document table placed on the housing for receiving document, a movable optical unit placed on the document table for reading the image information on the document, the movable optical unit being placed reciprocally movably in the housing in directions parallel to the document table; a locking member placed movably on the housing external face for locking the movable optical unit; and a holding mechanism for holding the locking member variable in posture between a first posture of locking the movable optical unit and a second posture of unlocking the movable optical unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Koyanagi
  • Patent number: 7292809
    Abstract: A drive unit including a drive shaft, a drive pulley attached to the drive shaft, and a drive wire driven by the drive pulley so as to move a movable body. The drive pulley is formed by press working or rolling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sachiko Nishikino, Takuji Takahashi, Yoshiaki Nagao
  • Patent number: 7215447
    Abstract: A method of optimal focusing for a document scanner is disclosed. The scanner includes an optical module movable in a given scanning direction to perform scanning operation over an area of a document in a scan line by scan line manner by being driven by an optical module moving mechanism under control of a control unit. The control unit includes a best focus value memory for storage of the best focus value for each scan line. The method includes the steps of moving the optical module to one of the scan lines of the document and retrieving the best focus value corresponding to the selected scan line. A focus adjusting mechanism is controlled by the control unit to move the optical module in a second direction to adjust the focus position of the optical module in accordance with the best focus value of the scan line. Once the optical module reaches the scan line, the operation of the optical module is temporarily suspended in order to have the vibration of the optical module damped out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Rong-Ji Liu
  • Patent number: 7161717
    Abstract: The present invention provides a self-propelled image read module, which comprises a sensor, a guide rod, a motor, a gear set, and a belt. The guide rod is fixed on a base of a scanner. The sensor is slidably matched on the guide rod. The motor is disposed at one side of the sensor. The gear set is connected to the motor. The belt is fixed on the base. The belt passes through between and contacts a transmission wheel and an idle wheel of the gear set. Thereby, a scanner's image read module of simple assembly, low cost, and small size is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Teco Image Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pen-Jung Lee
  • Patent number: 7158737
    Abstract: A carriage structure is disclosed for an image-reading device that acquires image data from a document while an optical unit is moved along the document. The carriage structure is formed of molded plastic with reinforcing sheet metal members incorporated therein, and the optical unit, including a light source, photoelectric conversion device and optical elements, are positioned at predetermined positions on the carriage and are supported by, and incorporated within, the carriage structure. The reinforcing sheet metal members are bent into at least one of an L-shape, a V-shape, a crank shape, or a tilted V-shape in order to achieve a desired rigidity for the carriage structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Eiichi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7154639
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism of an image scanner with adjustable resolution is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Chuwn-Jen Chien
  • Patent number: 7119933
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a movable image-capturing printed circuit board including an image device, and a controlling printed circuit board which is fixed to the image reading apparatus and which controls the driving of the image device. Both printed circuit boards include connectors. When electric connection is established between the connectors, signal transmission and reception is performed. The connectors are connected only in a predetermined position. This can eliminate the need for using cable wires. Thus, a simplified structure can reduce emission generated by using cable wires to transmit a driving signal for the image device and a read image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 7072082
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an original resting glass sheet for resting allowing an original thereon, a support device for supporting an end portion of the original resting glass sheet, and a movable image reading unit for reading image information of the original, wherein the support device is provided with a cutout for preventing the support device from coming into contact with the image reading unit when the image reading unit moves outwardly beyond the end portion of the original resting glass sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiko Yokota
  • Patent number: 7058351
    Abstract: A scanning device comprises a scanning body, a hinge and a cover. The scanning body has a first slot horizontally extended and formed at one side of the scanning body. The hinge has an upper portion and a lower portion engaged to each other and relatively movable for changing a length of the hinge. The lower portion of the hinge is disposed in the first slot and rotatably coupled to the scanning body. The cover is rotatably coupled to the upper portion of the hinge. When the cover is in a closed position, the hinge is received in the first slot. When an original medium to be scanned with a thickness is placed on the scanning body and positioned by the cover, the hinge is correspondingly rotated to a first position and extended to a first length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: BenQ Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Kuan Qian, Kun-Yee Yang
  • Patent number: 7054580
    Abstract: An image reader apparatus for lighting a manuscript surface of a manuscriptin a line state, and for image-forming a reflection light from a reading part of the manuscript surface lighted in the line state, to an image sensor, by an image forming lens which forms a part of a scaled down optical system so that an image of the manuscript is read, includes an irradiation opening part and an optical element. The irradiation opening part is for irradiating a lighting light to an outside part, which is formed at the light source. The optical element for attenuating a light amount so as to be permeated, which is provided between the irradiation opening part and the manuscript stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumihiro Nakashige
  • Patent number: RE40974
    Abstract: The present invention provides a scanning device. The scanning device comprises a document plate for placing a document, at least a sliding guide placed at one side of the document plate, a scanning module which is in front of the document plate for scanning the document along the direction of the sliding guide, a first light source assembled in the scanning module for providing light to scan documents, and a driving module electrically connected to the scanning module for driving the scanning module to perform scanning procedure to the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventors: Jenn-Tsair Tsai, Albert Lu, Emmet Chen