Abstract: A document feeder includes a frame to be disposed on a platen of a scanner; a sheet feeding stacker, a discharge stacker, and a transporting belt mounted on the frame; a lateral positioning member mounted on the frame for restricting the transporting belt laterally; and a vertical positioning member mounted on the frame for restricting the transportation belt vertically. The lateral positioning member is composed of a projection for abutting against a flange portion provided at a peripheral side of the platen to laterally restrict a position of the transporting belt. The vertical positioning member is composed of a projection for abutting against a surface of the platen to vertically restrict the position of the transporting belt.

Abstract: A driving apparatus for an office machine includes a driving motor rotating in first and second directions, a power transfer part transferring a power of the driving motor to a convey unit, a document discharge unit and a document supply unit, and a controller controlling the driving motor. A driving method for the office machine includes driving the driving motor in the first direction to operate the document supply unit and the convey unit in opposite directions with respect to a document-conveying direction till a front end of a document is arranged by the convey unit after the document is supplied by the document supply unit, determining whether the front end of the document is arranged, and driving the driving motor in the second direction to convey and discharge the document through the convey unit and the document discharge unit if the front end of the document is arranged.

Abstract: If a determination result obtained using software in a scanner CPU is not identical to a determination result obtained using hardware in a determination section, error processing is performed to prevent image forming of a particular document.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a main body and an openable cover. A sheet feed path is defined inside the cover. An intermediate portion of the sheet feed path is exposed to the top surface of the main body, thereby the top surface defines a part of the sheet feed path at the intermediate portion. The cover is provided with a sheet feed mechanism. Feeding of the sheet is terminated when the cover is opened. The image reading device further includes a sheet location detection system that detects a location of the sheet when the feeding of the sheet is terminated, and a controller determines whether the sheet is to be discharged from the sheet feed path, when the cover is closed, in accordance with a location of the sheet detected by the sheet location detection system.

Abstract: A switch unit applies a voltage to each of a plurality of unit electrodes arranged in a matrix in a base material of a high resistance of an electrode array. A control unit controls the switch unit, changes a pattern of the voltage to be applied to the plurality of unit electrodes arranged in the matrix, and thereby generates an electrostatic force in a sheet conveying direction and a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction, between a sheet and the electrode array.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a conveying unit for conveying a document, on which an image is recorded, along a predetermined conveying path, a scan unit that is disposed on the conveying path of the document for scanning the image recorded on the document, and a control unit for controlling the conveying unit and the scan unit. The control unit includes a main circuit board that controls operations of the scan unit and converts the scanned image into digital image information, and a sub-circuit board that controls operations of the conveying unit, and wherein the sub-circuit board includes a high voltage signal area on which a high voltage signal is routed, and a low voltage signal area on which a low voltage signal is routed.

Abstract: An automatic document transportation device includes a document tray, a document discharge tray, a transportation path, a document feed roller, a separating pad, transportation rollers, a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) scanning unit, a Contact Image Sensor (CIS) scanning unit and document discharge rollers. The document tray and the document discharge tray are provided vertically in two stages. The transportation path is formed in the sideways letter-U shape from the document tray to the document discharge tray. The document feed roller and the separating pad are provided in proximity to an inlet of the transportation path, and separate original documents by nipping the original documents in a thickness direction. The transportation rollers nip and transport the original document. The CCD scanning unit is provided directly downstream of a U-turn part of the transportation path and scans a first side of the transported original document.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a roller shaft, a paper-transporting which is coupled to the roller shaft and transports a document, a driving part to supply a rotational driving force to the paper-transporting roller, a driving wheel which is coupled to the roller shaft and rotates along with the roller shaft, and a clutch unit which includes a clutch shaft having an axial line deviated from an axial line of the roller shaft, a transmission wheel connected with the clutch shaft and which transmits the driving force to the driving wheel, and a rotation connecting part to selectively transmit the rotational driving force to the transmission wheel.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder for duplex scanning includes a scanning module, a pickup roller assembly, a first discharging roller assembly, a second discharging roller assembly, a first path, a second path, a third path, a sheet feeding tray, a first discharging tray and a second discharging tray. The first discharging tray is used as a reverse region. Since only the scanning module inside the automatic document feeder is used for scanning the document without the participation of the flatbed image scanning portion, the operative space for accommodating the scanning module in the flatbed image scanning portion is not required. As a result, the length and the overall volume thereof are reduced.

Abstract: In an image reading device of a multifunction device, a sheet transport device is provided with a resist roller and a resist roller in a sheet transport path extending from a document tray on which a document as a sheet is placed to an image reading region where reading of a document is performed. The resist roller and a roller correct skewing of the sheet and delivers the sheet to a transport path extending to the resist roller placed in front of the image reading region. After having been corrected once in the resist roller, the document is transported to the resist roller, so that it is possible to reliably correct skewing of the sheet with the resist roller and the roller.

Abstract: A duplex hinge device includes a hinge body having a first end and a second end, a first mounting plate hinged to the first end, and a second mounting plate hinged to the second end. A scanning unit for scanning a to-be-scanned document and generating a print signal is fixed to the hinge body. A printing unit for receiving the print signal and printing a to-be-printed document is fixed to the second mounting plate. A cover for pressing the to-be-scanned document placed on the scanning unit is fixed to the first mounting plate. The duplex hinge device also has a mechanism for locking itself at a plurality of positions.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder (ADF) with a feeding roller used to carry a paper sheet to a reading position is provided. The ADF comprises a feeding path, a paper cartridge, an exit roller set, and a first lever. The feeding path is arranged in the ADF for guiding the paper sheet reaching the reading position and leaving the reading position. The paper cartridge has a fixed front edge aligned with an inlet of the feeding path. The exit roller set is located by the feeding path and at a downstream position with respect to the reading position. The exit roller set includes two exit rollers leaning against each other for carrying the paper sheet leaving the ADF. The first lever is connected between the paper cartridge and one of the exit rollers. As the paper sheet is jammed at the exit roller set, the paper cartridge may be raised to drive the first lever to separate the two exit rollers for removing the jammed paper sheet.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder, for transferring a document through a scanning position three times, includes: a first transfer mechanism to reverse a given document via a reversing path, and transfer the same to a scanning position; a second transfer mechanism to transfer the given document from the scanning position to one of a switchback path and a document discharging part; a switchback mechanism to transfer the given document to a lay-by on the switchback path, and then transfer the given document towards the reversing path via a re-entry path; and a control unit to control the mechanisms so that a second original document passes through the scanning position a first time before a first original document passes through the scanning position a third time, and to pause travel of the second original document at the lay-by as the first original document is passed through the scanning position a third time.

Abstract: A multifunction device includes a scanning unit, an image-forming unit, and a joint holder for supporting the scanning unit on top of the image-forming unit. The joint holder is configured of a rear holder disposed on the upper rear side of the image-forming unit and two side holders disposed on top of the image-forming unit on the left and right sides for supporting the scanning unit on three sides. A network control unit is accommodated in an internal space in the rear holder, while a backup battery and a speaker are accommodated in internal spaces in the side holders. Accordingly, the multifunction device is downsized.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus has an image bearing member for bearing a toner, a transfer device which forms a transfer area in cooperation with the image bearing member for transferring the toner on the image bearing member onto a recording material, a charge elimination device which is opposed to the recording material at an upstream side of the transfer area in a conveying direction of the recording material thereby eliminating a charge on the recording material, and a control device which controls the recording material so as to form a loop in a position opposed to the charge elimination device, wherein the recording material forms a loop by the control device thereby approaching to the charge elimination device.

Abstract: A prop is extending from the printer unit upwards. A rear end portion of an upper casing is coupled with an upper portion of the prop pivotably in a vertical direction. A transparent platen is provided on a top face of the upper casing. An image capturer is provided in the upper casing and operable to capture an image on an original disposed on the platen and to output image data. A projection is provided on a bottom face of the upper casing and is extending in a front-rear direction of the upper casing. The projection has a rear end face adapted to be supported by the prop when the upper casing is placed in a first position causing the platen to extend horizontally. The rear end face extends obliquely in a forward-downward direction.

Abstract: A simplex and duplex continuous automatic document feeder includes a sheet input tray in which a sheet is placed before the sheet is fed, a first sheet output tray in which the sheet, after being fed, is placed, an image processing region in which the sheet is processed, a sheet input passageway communicating the sheet input tray with the image processing region, a turning passageway having a front end and a rear end both communicating with the image processing region, a sheet output passageway communicating the image processing region with the first sheet output tray, and a sheet-feeding mechanism for transporting the sheet from the sheet input tray to the first sheet output tray across the image processing region.

Abstract: An office automation apparatus with calibration and positioning device includes a body with an optical module, an automatic document feeder (ADF) arranged at the body and a home pattern having both positioning and calibrating functions and placed below the automatic document feeder and having a first marking for color calibration of the office automation apparatus and a second marking for positioning the optical module to a home location. The home pattern can provide both calibration and positioning functions for saving space and cost.

Abstract: One embodiment of a mechanism may include a member having a first axis and a surface non-concentric with said first axis, a first gear rotatably mounted on said member at a second axis different from said first axis, and a device coupled to either of said member or said first gear to rotate said member when said first gear rotates about said second axis.

Abstract: A representative embodiment provides for an automatic document feeder apparatus configured for use in conjunction with an imaging device, and includes a feed guide supported in spaced overlying relation to a scan window of the imaging device. The automatic document feeder further includes a first document guide and a second document guide. The first and second document guides are supported in spaced relation to each other and are configured to guide a sheet media between the feed guide and the scan window. In use, the sheet media is the only element present between the scan window and the feed guide. Another representative embodiment provides for a method of automatically feeding documents, including guiding a sheet media into a gap that is defined by a scan window and a feed guide, and guiding the sheet media out of the gap.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder includes a front feeding roller set, a rear feeding roller set, a document control roller and a movement-driving mechanism. The document control roller is disposed between the front feeding roller set and the rear feeding roller set and is located above a scan platen with a gap left therebetween. The front feeding roller set transports a document across the scan platen and then to the rear feeding roller set. The document control roller is rotated to assist in transporting the document and to press the document toward the scan platen. The movement-driving mechanism moves the document control roller such that the gap between the document control roller and the scan platen is adjusted. Thus, a scanning module below the scan platen can scan an image of the document.

Abstract: The image copying apparatus of the present invention comprises a document drawing-in port for drawing an original document before reading operation in and a document discharging port for discharging the original document after reading operation, and copies images of the original document on a medium. The image copying apparatus further comprises trays more than two which are movable upward and downward within a range covering a document feeding position to the document drawing-in port, a receiving position from the document discharging port, and a bottom region located further lower than the lower of these positions. At least one of the trays moves to a position within the bottom region, a tray on which an original document is placed moves to a document feeding position, and another tray moves to a document receiving position.

Abstract: A sheet post-treating apparatus is provided with a discharged sheet stacking tray displaceably provided in a casing portion for stacking thereon sheets discharged from the casing portion, and a holding portion for holding the discharged sheet stacking tray in a first position and a second position overlying the first position, and is designed such that the sheets are stacked on the discharged sheet stacking tray when in the first position, and therefore, when the sheet post-treating apparatus is incorporated into a printer and a cartridge in the printer is to be interchanged with a cartridge cover opened, a user can retract the discharged sheet stacking tray to the second position to thereby interchange the cartridge.

Abstract: An image-reading apparatus for reading an image formed on a document is provided which includes an automatic document feeder, a dynamic-document reading section, a static-document reading section, and a document-covering member. A light source mechanism irradiates an exposing light onto the document at either the dynamic-document reading section or the static-document reading section. A shutter member is provided which is movable between a shading position at which the shutter member blocks a portion of the emitted exposing light, and a non-shading position at which the shutter member does not block the exposing light. When the document is moved by the automatic document feeder at the dynamic-document reading section to read the image on the document, the shutter member is positioned at the non-shading position. When the document is stationarily placed on the static-document reading section to read the image, the shutter member is positioned at the shading position.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus having a first original reading device for reading one side of an original guided and fed by a guide, and a second original reading device disposed downstream of the first original reading device for reading the other side of the original, the guide is bent between the first original reading device and the second original reading device so as to shield the respective reading devices. The bending of the guide is done by bending an original feeding path so that direct rays and diffraction rays from each of two light sources may not enter respective photoelectric transfer elements associated with other light source, to thereby shield the photoelectric transfer elements from light of a light source not associated therewith.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is capable of preventing generation of a streaked image or the like while maintaining the requisite precision level for the original reading position. The image reading apparatus includes a lead roller for supplying an original, a platen glass plate receiving the original supplied from the lead roller, a charge-coupled device (CCD) for reading an image formed on the original supplied onto the platen glass plate, and a lead delivery roller for delivering the original after the reading of the image, in which there are provided between the lead roller and the lead delivery roller a plurality of platen rollers adapted to guide the original so as to keep it at a predetermined distance from the platen glass plate.

Abstract: In a sheet feeding apparatus, a contact-type sensor for detecting sheet-like documents stored in document tray is separated into upper document detector and a lower document detector arranged at upper and lower sides of the document tray, respectively. The sheet-like documents are detected separately with two actuators of the corresponding detectors. Accordingly, the requirement of a prior art for having a contact of the sensor increased in length in order to detect the sheets from a maximum to zero in the sheet storing unit can be eliminated.

Abstract: A multifunction device includes a scanner for scanning an image from an original document, and a printer body provided with an image-forming unit for forming an image on a paper based on image data read by the scanner. The scanner is provided on the front side of the main printer body, and a control panel is integrally provided with a scanner cover, which covers the scanner. This construction enables production of a compact device having a small footprint and enables the user to supply paper to the scanner, remove the discharged original document, and operate the control panel in the same vicinity, thereby improving operability.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus which enables the area occupied by the apparatus to be made small and can stably transport even a thick sheet having stiffness. A sheet P contained in an inclined sheet containing portion 3 is transported to image reading portions 8 and 9 by a vertically extending first sheet transporting path R1, and an image on the sheet P is read by the image reading portions 8 and 9, and the sheet P on which the image has been read is delivered to a substantially horizontal delivery stacking portion 14 by a substantially horizontally extending second sheet transporting path R2. The image reading portion 9 is provided between the vertically extending first sheet transporting path R1 and the substantially horizontally extending second sheet transporting path R2, and in the image reading portion 9, the transport direction of the sheet P passed along the first sheet transporting path R1 is changed to a direction toward the second sheet transporting path R2.

Abstract: A document transfer device for transferring a document to a document stop reference position includes a supply port disposed on an end of the contact glass; the first supply path for guiding the document supplying through the supply port to a downstream side along the contact glass; a contact glass cover forming the first supply path together with the contact glass and covering a part of the contact glass; and the second supply path joining the first supply path near a downstream side of the contact glass cover. The transfer device transfers the document from the first supply path or the second supply path to the document stop reference position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a scanning unit that scans a document, a recording unit including a transfer unit that forms an image on a recording sheet, and a fuser unit that affixes a toner image on the recording sheet transferred by the transfer unit. A sheet discharging unit discharges the recording sheet and a recording sheet discharging tray stacks recording sheets discharged from the sheet discharging unit in a space formed above the scanning unit. The sheet discharging unit includes a guide member curving the recording sheet in a convex shape in a width direction.

Abstract: A depth of field control device is provided. The depth of field control device is installed on an automatic document feeder having a scan glass surface. The depth of field control device comprises a plate member having at least one protrusion on its front side and a hook structure at its backside, wherein the hook structure at the backside of the plate member hooks the automatic document feeder and the protrusion is in contact with the scan glass surface; a reflection sheet attached to the plate member and fixed on the automatic document feeder; and a flexible device biasing the plate member at the backside of the plate member.

Abstract: An information reading apparatus reads information on a recording sheet. The apparatus includes a first information reading unit that reads information recorded on one side of an information sheet. A second information reading unit reads information recorded on the other side of the information sheet. An information sheet conveying unit conveys the information sheet to the second information reading unit via the first information reading unit. A control unit controls one of the first information reading unit and the second information reading unit to re-read the information sheet when the other information reading unit is unable to read the information.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding documents in a facsimile includes a pickup roller for picking up documents one by one, a white roller that faces a read module and rotates, the read module for reading data from the documents transferred by the pickup roller, a discharge roller for discharging the documents after the documents are passed through the white roller and the read module, a driving unit, a power transmission mechanism for selectively transmitting a power of the driving unit either only to the pickup roller, or to all of the pickup roller, the white roller and the discharge roller simultaneously, and a controller for controlling the power transmission mechanism to selectively transmit the power either one of the pickup roller, the white roller, and the discharge roller.

Abstract: Parallel printing systems and methods incorporate inverter assemblies for not only inverting media during transport through the system but also to register the media or provide a velocity buffer transports with different drive velocities. The inverter assemblies can include the capability to optionally deskew the media and provide lateral registration corrections. The inverter assembly nip rollers are sufficiently spaced from process drive nip rollers to decouple a document in the inverter assembly from the highway paths. The method comprises combining the inverting function selectively with either the registering or the velocity buffering functions.

Abstract: An original reading apparatus with an original feeding apparatus pivotally connected thereto, including a detecting device for detecting the opened state and the closed state of the original feeding apparatus, and a controller for rendering a part or the whole of the original feeding apparatus operable, on the basis of the result of the detection by the detecting device.

Abstract: A safety structure for a cover device includes a base assembly and a cover assembly. The base assembly has a concave portion. The cover assembly is hinged to the base assembly and may cover the base assembly. The cover assembly has a cover body and a projection, which may elastically protrude out of and retract into the cover body, and may be fit into the concave portion for positioning. The projection is configured such that it may retract into the cover body to prevent an object from being hurt when the cover assembly is placed down and touches the object.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder (ADF) including a platen cover which covers a copying region, a document tray which is provided on the platen cover and on which a document fed to the copying region is stacked, a pickup assembly which includes a pickup roller that picks up the document stacked on the document tray and transfers the document to a feed path, and a feeding roller that receives the document picked-up by the pickup roller and allows the document to enter the feed path and which pivots the pickup roller centering on a shaft of the feeding roller by a predetermined distance according to a rotating direction of the shaft of the feeding roller, and a pad holder which is installed in a pad holder groove formed at a region corresponding to the feeding roller in the tray and supports a frictional pad installed to contact the feeding roller.

Abstract: A tray and a method thereof that uses the tray including a surface with a first end and a second end opposite to the first end a projection extending away from the surface and from the second end of the surface and a recess formed below the surface and from the projection toward the first end.

Abstract: Recording medium feeding means includes a recording medium determination device, in which an arm biased by a spring toward recording medium loading means is rotatably attached to a lever rotated by a rotatably driven cam member, two holder segments are rockingly attached to the arm, and a recording medium detector held by one of the holder segments reads information, such as the type and properties, on the recording media. A cam element is provided between the cam member and the lever for gradually rotating the lever.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a driving device for a scanning module. An active gear wheel and a passive gear wheel are disposed respectively on two rigid frames. These two rigid frames are connected by a rigid component to avoid relative displacement between the two wheels due to external force or change of temperature. The rigid component of the present invention may also be adopted as a guiding track for the scanning module.

Abstract: In accordance with the state of a document tray upon powering on a power source, the elevation operation of a document tray is controlled. In the case that the document tray is located not at the highest position, not at the lowest position, but at a middle position upon powering on the power source, the document tray is allowed to remain at the middle position as it is without performing the elevation of the document tray. In the case that the document tray is located at the highest position, the document tray is moved down. By reducing the wasteful operation (the initial operation) after powering on the power source, it is possible to reduce the operation time and the efficient sheet processing can be realized.

Abstract: A device for use with a copier to make copies of both sides of a document or other objects in a single pass. The device is configured to rest on a copier platen without being attached to the platen and without deriving power from the copier. A document holder in the form of a pair of plates joined by a hinged connection is opened for insertion of a document to be copied. The holder is pivotally attached to a base member and spring-biased to rotate from a first to a second position above the copier platen. As a copier scanner moves beneath the holder temporarily latched in its first position, a first side of the document is scanned. A sensor then causes automatic release of the holder permitting it to swing to its second position for scanning its second side as the holder moves to its second position.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus having a document feeder for taking up a document from a document bundle placed on a document tray, a controller has a normal mode to perform a normal-size conveyance control by taking up each document from a bundle of documents having the same size, a multi-size mode to perform a multi-size conveyance control by taking up each document from a bundle of documents having various sizes. When the normal mode is carried out, the controller controls to stop the document after the first preset time passes after the trailing edge of the document has been detected, and when multi-size mode is carried out, the controller controls in place of using the first preset time by the second preset time which is set to be a longer time than the first preset time.

Abstract: When a document detector provided on a document tray is ON (S11: YES), a controller judges whether or not a document is of a standard size, on the basis of a document size table stored in a storing unit (S12). When the document is of a standard size (S12: YES), after a predetermined time has elapsed (S13: YES), the controller elevates/lowers the document tray on the basis of a detection output of a guide-in roller position detector and causes the document tray to wait in a state capable of supplying and conveying the topmost layer of documents immediately. An image forming apparatus thus constructed can make a judgment as to whether or not to execute supply and conveyance of documents, according to the mount state of the documents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a depth of field adjustment device and method for an automatic document feeder. The automatic document feeder has a guiding groove for placing an object to be scanned. The guiding groove has a scanning window for providing image picking-up for an optical chassis. An adjustable suppressing mechanism located at the guiding groove in corresponding to the scanning window may drive the object to be scanned to pass through an optimal depth of field height of the scanning window. First, at least a part of the pre-scanned object is fed in to be located between the adjustable suppressing mechanism and the scanning window. The depth of field height is then adjusted and changed by the adjustable suppressing mechanism. And, the image of the pre-scanned object is compared with a pre-stored image. After the pre-scanned objected has been judged to be located at the optimal depth of field height, the adjustable suppressing mechanism is fixed and the pre-scanned object is sent out.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus for imaging an original document or photographic film includes an original placement bed on which to place the original, and a reading device to form an image of the original. A transparent original adapter, detachably connected to the image reading apparatus, includes a delivery device that moves the original along an original placement plane of the original placement bed. The transparent original adapter also includes a lighting device that illuminates the original as the reading device forms the image of the original. A film position adjustment device adjusts the original away from the original placement plane when the original is moved, and against the original when the image of the original is read by the reading device.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus for reading indicia on the front and back surfaces of a document using two image sensors includes a document detection sensor to detect the document, a first image sensor for reading an image on one surface of the document, a second image sensor for reading an image on the other surface of the document, and a controller. The controller starts to read the image data from the first and second image sensors when prescribed amounts of time have passed after the document detection sensor detects the leading edge of the document, and stops the reading of the image data from the image sensors. The structure provides a lightweight and compact apparatus while reducing image noise caused by the mutual interferences of the light sources in reading the image data.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder is provided with the first transport device and the second transport device for feeding an original at a reading position to read the original, and a curved reading path disposed between the first transport device and second transport device. The automatic document feeder is also provided with a reading guide unit including the first guide member disposed at an upstream side of the reading position in an original feeding direction for guiding the original to the reading position, the second guide member disposed at a downstream side of the reading position in the original feeding direction for guiding the original from the reading position, a flexible transparent film member extending between the first guide member and the second guide member for forming the reading path. The reading guide unit is detachably and rotatably supported on an apparatus frame of the automatic document feeder.

Abstract: Parallel printing systems include first and second adjacent electronic printers and at least one sheet bypass section extending around the second electronic printer to provide a sheet transporting path overlying the second electronic printer and bypassing the second electronic printer. The sheet bypass section includes an output for merging printed sheets from the first electronic printer with printed sheets printed by the second electronic printer. The output preferably comprises a intermediate transport section having a first input aligned with the output of the bypass section and a second input aligned with the output of the second electronic printer.