Abstract: The invention provides a toner for development of an electrostatic image, which has colored particles containing a crystalline polyester resin having a melting temperature Tm1 (° C.) of approximately 50 to approximately 100° C., a non-crystalline polyester resin, and a coloring agent, the temperature Tm2 (° C.) of an endothermic peak derived from the crystalline polyester resin in a first process of raising temperature and the temperature Tm3 (° C.

Abstract: A film holding apparatus for use with a scanner is provided. The film holding apparatus selectively holds a positive film and a negative film that are to be scanned. The positive film is thicker than the negative film. The film holding apparatus includes a base, a plate disposed above the base, and a pressing unit disposed above the plate. The plate has a surface for selectively receiving a positive film and a negative film. When the surface of the plate receives the positive film, the plate vertically moves for a distance toward the base. When the surface of the plate receives a negative film, the negative film is held between the surface of the plate and the pressing unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image supporting member; a belt; a belt drive unit for rotating the belt; an acceleration and deceleration information storage unit; and a belt speed control unit. The belt speed control unit determines a difference between a first moving amount corresponding to rotations of the image supporting member from a stationary state thereof to a specific speed and a second moving amount corresponding to rotations of the belt from a stationary state thereof to the specific speed. The belt speed control unit controls the belt drive unit, so that a third moving amount corresponding to rotations of the belt from the specific speed to the stationary state thereof becomes larger than a fourth moving amount corresponding to rotations of the image supporting member from the specific speed to the stationary state thereof according to the difference.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a cover member that is capable of being opened and closed, wherein the cover member includes a discharge tray that is capable of holding printed recording medium, and an automatic document reader that is provided above the discharge tray, wherein when the cover member is opened to a predetermined position, the automatic document reader supports the printed recording medium placed on the discharge tray so that the printed recording medium does not fall therefrom when the cover member is open.

Abstract: A sheet feeder that can occupy the smaller space is provided. The sheet feeder includes a housing having a cassette housing part recessed horizontally from the front surface toward the depth direction and a sheet feed cassette that can be housed within and drawn from the cassette housing part. The sheet feed cassette has a holding chamber having an open top for storing sheets of paper. Further, the sheet feeder includes a pressure plate provided pivotably about a first pivot so as to be inclined downwardly toward the depth direction of the sheet feed cassette and a pressure mechanism that presses the sheets of paper against a pick-up roller above by increasing an angle of inclination of the pressure plate when the sheet feed cassette is pushed into the cassette housing part.

Abstract: The invention provides an image holding member including at least a surface that has, after a predetermined discharge stress that is conditioned so that a sine-wave alternating-current bias of a peak-to-peak bias having 1.5 KV and a frequency 8 time S (Hz) is applied to the surface of the image holding member that is in a driving state where the movement speed of the surface is S (mm/s) is applied, a contact angle of water of at least about 70 degrees at a temperature of 22° C. and a relative humidity (RH) of 55%. The invention further provides an image forming apparatus including the image holding member, a charging device, a latent image forming device, a developing device, and a transfer device.

Abstract: The invention provides an office machine which includes a housing, a transparent platform, and an aligning device. The aligning device includes a casing, a dam member, and at least one resilient member. The dam member has a main body and an extension portion. A gap exists between the extension portion and the platform. If the thickness of an object is less than the gap, the object, placed on the platform, is inserted into the gap to make an edge of the object align with an aligning edge of the casing.

Abstract: A paper supply unit including a front cover mounted to a main body of the image forming apparatus to occupy and move between open and closed positions, and, when occupying the opened position, defining a paper receiving space in which printing paper is to be stacked, and a tray cover, disposed to cover the printing paper stacked on the front cover to prevent an inflow of dust or foreign substances, to be inserted into and drawn out of the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relative to a positioning device for the scanned object of a scanner may make a positioning function to a document or a book to be scanned. Through designing a positioning element on the shell body of a scanner, a book of many pages may be positioned or secured on the positioning element, which may be designed on the scanning window. According to the size, the form, or the thickness of the book, an appropriate positioning element may be used, and its number is selectively applied. The book is placed on the positioning element, wherein the middle recession part of the book is placed at the top end of the positioning element, by which a bulged-out part is formed and sandwiched into the middle recession part of the book to thereby secure the book in the positioning element.

Abstract: An original document reading apparatus includes a plurality of point light source elements (e.g. a LED array) in a main scanning direction beneath an original document table, a moving device that moves the point light source elements in a sub scanning direction, and a photo acceptance unit that accepts light reflected from the original document and determines a size of the original document based upon a reaction of a pixel to the light. The plurality of point light source elements are divided into a plurality of blocks to be turned on and off in successive turns per a block starting from a block corresponding to an original document minimum size to a block corresponding to an original document maximum size.

Abstract: A lid for an imaging device is disclosed. The lid comprises a cover having a first side and a second side. The first side of the cover is adapted to retain an object to be imaged proximate to an imaging plate of the imaging device. At least one storage compartment is disposed on the second side of the cover.

Abstract: A method and mechanism to set a platen glass of an image reader by demounting the platen glass after the platen glass has previously been position-adjusted and positioning means have been fixed to this adjusted position and then achieving the desired positioning by these positioning means before the platen glass is mounted again on the image reader. Upon completion of optical adjustment, the platen glass is temporarily fixed to a casing of the image reader and then the platen glass is position-adjusted until image data formed on a test chart sheet coincide with predetermined image data. After the adjustment, positioning blocks are secured to top-plates of the casing and a glass retaining plate is secured to these top-plates. Subsequently, the platen glass may be mounted on the image reader in operative association with these positioning blocks to set the platen glass to the adjusted position.

Abstract: An improvement in a skew adjustment system used in correcting skew between a document handler and a scan tub includes curved slots in a base portion of the document handler that are positioned for rotation over protruding members projecting from the surface of a movable portion of a hinge connecting the document handler to the scan tub. Rotation of the document handler generates a virtual pivot point what will increase the angular adjustment between the scan tub and the document handler while minimizing the misalignments.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for limiting movement of medium on an imaging apparatus comprising positioning the medium against an imaging surface, moving a moveable surface to sandwich the medium between the imaging surface and the moveable surface, and passing air through at least one opening disposed to reduce forces acting on the medium that are caused by air currents generated adjacent the imaging surface when the moveable surface is moved.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image-inputting device with an electrostatic generating device used to generate the electrostatic charge to inner surface of the top cover of the image-inputting device, such that the document sheet can be adsorbed by the electrostatic charge that over the inner surface of the top cover after scanning or photocopy process is finished. Thus, the document sheet would fall down to the transparent platen owing to the adsorbability between the document sheet and the inner surface of the top cover of the image-inputting device is disappeared.

Abstract: In accordance with one specific, exemplary embodiment of the invention, there is provided a scanner housing comprising a back wall and opposed side walls; a transparent platen mounted on the housing for receiving an object to be scanned; and a support carried by the housing, the support being movable relative to a wall of the housing between a stowed position and a deployed position, the support comprising a surface to support an overhanging portion of the object when the support is in a deployed position. In accordance with another specific, exemplary embodiment of the invention, there is provided a scanner comprising a housing comprising opposed side walls and a back wall and a transparent platen mounted on the housing for receiving a scannable object. The scannable object may comprise a portion that will overhang one of the walls of the housing during the scanning operation.

Abstract: Greeting card making apparatus for assisting in the production of a greeting card by duplication apparatus may comprise a layout template that defines a layout area. The layout area accommodates at least one object that is to be contained in the greeting card. The greeting card making apparatus is convertible between a layout mode and a duplication mode. During the layout mode, the layout area is observable by a user so that the user may observe an arrangement of the at least one object within the layout area. During the duplication mode, the layout template is reproducible by the duplication apparatus so that the duplication apparatus produces a copy of the arrangement of the at least one object within the layout area defined by the layout template.

Abstract: The invention provides a platen cover open/close mechanism for an image scanning device including platen glass, a platen cover for pressing an original against the platen glass and an optical scanning unit for scanning an image on the original. In one form of the invention, the platen cover is formed as a single piece and always held parallel to the platen glass. In another form of the invention, the platen cover is divided into at least two portions, of which one portion is always held parallel to the platen glass.

Abstract: An original document tray for a scanning and printing apparatus includes original document guides for guiding an original document in the original document tray into a scanning unit by determining or regulating a widthwise position of the original document, and manual-feed sheet guides provided with the original document tray for guiding a manual-feed sheet to be supplied to a printing unit by determining a widthwise position of the manual-feed sheet. The manual-feed sheet guides can be adjusted manually in the widthwise direction. The original document guides are disposed on an original document supporting surface of the original document tray on which the original document is placed, and the manual-feed sheet guides are disposed on a side opposite the original document supporting surface. The original document guides can also be moved manually in the widthwise direction and move in conjunction with the manual-feed sheet guides.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is an imaging device comprising an illuminated reference locator that comprises an illuminated surface that identifies an input location that receives an object to be imaged by the imaging device.

Abstract: A holder for variable-sized image recording mediums is provided. The holder includes a first outer frame member, a second outer frame member, a third outer frame member, a fourth outer frame member, at least one first rail and at least one second rail. The first outer frame member is symmetrical to the second outer frame member, and each of which has a groove formed in one side thereof along a longitudinal dimension and opposite to each other. The third outer frame member is symmetrical to the fourth outer frame member, and each of which has a groove formed in one side thereof along a longitudinal dimension and opposite to each other. The horizontal level of the groove of the first outer frame member is different from that of the groove of the third outer frame member. The first rail and second rail are positioned in the area enclosed by the outer frame members. The first rail is movably inserted in the grooves of the third and fourth outer frame members.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising a transparent, media support platen having a first surface portion and a second surface portion; a media clamp mounted in displaceable, overlying relationship with the first surface portion of the platen; and a lid mounted in displaceable overlying relationship with the second surface portion of the platen.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is an imaging device comprising an illuminated reference locator that comprises an illuminated surface that identifies an input location that receives an object to be imaged by the imaging device.

Abstract: A mechanism for retaining a platen glass of an image reader adapted to irradiate original in the course of being fed and thereby to pick up image information wherein the platen glass used to read the original in the course of being fed is supported by a guide plate comprising a combination of a relatively thin glass supporting plate and a relatively thick plate supported directly on a frame of the image reader so that the platen glass is not damaged even if a force is carelessly exerted thereon. A magnetic interconnection between the plates allows a gap to be selectively provided for smoothly feeding an original. Shock absorbing strips also allow different thickness originals to be fed through the gap.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus having an image reading portion for reading an image, an image forming portion for forming an image on a sheet, and a sheet delivery portion provided above the image reading portion, the image reading portion is provided with an original transporting portion for transporting an original, an original tray portion as an original pressing portion openable and closable upwardly relative to the original transporting portion and for pressing the original, and a delivery tray portion.

Abstract: A film scanner for scanning images formed on a film is provided with a film type identifying system that automatically identifies a type of a film to be scanned, and a scanning condition setting system that automatically sets a scanning condition in accordance with the type of the film identified by the film type identifying system.

Abstract: An intermediate platen cover is provided between a platen and a platen cover of a photocopying machine to prevent displacement of a document on the platen. The intermediate platen cover is transparent to allow the user to see placement of the document and to not interfere with the background lower surface of the platen cover during photocopying.

Abstract: A device and method for retaining media in a predetermined position for imaging. A platen for a flatbed imaging device includes an electrostatic charge that is imparted to the platen either passively or actively. The electrostatic charge is imparted by a movement of a charged object relative to the platen. In one embodiment of the invention, the electrostatic charge is imparted to the platen passively in the sense that the electrostatic charge is imparted by the placement of a platen cover having one triboelectric value in proximity to a platen having another triboelectric value. In an active embodiment of the invention, the electrostatic charge is imparted to the platen actively in the sense that the requisite electrostatic charge is imparted by movement of a charge emitting device, such as a corona wire, in close proximity to the platen.

Abstract: An automatic document feeding apparatus of the present invention is arranged such that a transportation unit 24 (enclosing a pre-feeding roller 25, a pair of paper feeding rollers 26, a pair of resist rollers 27, a reading section 28, a pair of discharging rollers 29, etc.) is attached to a framework member 65 (a stay 66, a front-end plate 7, a rear-end plate 68, etc.) not fixedly, but in such a manner that at least the rearward end of the transportation unit 24 is capable of displacements in a vertical direction with respect to the framework member 65. Consequently, when the framework member 65 causes deflection, such deflection caused on the framework member 65 will not adversely affect an attachment state of the transportation unit 24.

Abstract: A device and method for retaining media in a predetermined position for imaging. A platen for a flatbed imaging device includes an electrostatic charge that is imparted to the platen either passively or actively. The electrostatic charge is imparted by a movement of a charged object relative to the platen. In one embodiment of the invention, the electrostatic charge is imparted to the platen passively in the sense that the electrostatic charge is imparted by the placement of a platen cover having one triboelectric value in proximity to a platen having another triboelectric value. In an active embodiment of the invention, the electrostatic charge is imparted to the platen actively in the sense that the requisite electrostatic charge is imparted by movement of a charge emitting device, such as a corona wire, in close proximity to the platen.

Abstract: An image reading-out apparatus provided at least with a document table made of a transparent material that passes an image reading light beam and having a flat surface on which a document can be set and a cover that presses the document set on the document table and prevents the image reading light beam from leakage includes a display/edition unit. The display/edition unit has a display section having a large area for displaying an image that has been read-out via the image reading light beam and an edition-operation menu for the image, a command entering section for entering an edition operation command by a touch to the read-out image displayed on the display unit, and a control section that controls displaying of the read-out image and the edition operation command and entering of the edition operation command by a touch. The display/edition unit is provided at a position so as not to obstruct the cover from depressing the document and preventing the image reading light beam from leakage.

Abstract: An image scanner in which an original is scanned by a trilinear CCD array, i.e. the original is scanned line by line, three lines at the time, one line for each color. Thus, at a specific time “only” the area of the original that is scanned by the trilinear CCD array at that time has to be positioned in focus of the imaging means of the image scanner while the remaining part of the original may be positioned anywhere and may adopt any suitable form. Thus, there is no need for all parts of the original to be kept flat and planar as required in known flat bed scanners. The original is kept flat and straight along a line to be scanned by imparting a substantially cylindrical shape, such as a circular cylindrical shape, to at least part of the original. The original is scanned along lines that are substantially parallel to the generatrix of the cylindrical part of the original.

Abstract: According to a feature of the present invention, an imaging drum assembly is provided for use in an imaging apparatus for forming images on sheet material. The imaging drum assembly comprises a rotatable imaging drum having an outer surface adapted to attract sheet material to the imaging drum. A material clamp is mounted to the drum and has a retainer positioning a retaining surface radially outward of the outer surface and forming a space therebetween. A slide is movable positioned within the space between an outer radial position where outward radial movement of the slide is blocked by the retaining surface and an inner radial position distant from the retaining surface. A biasing member urges the slide toward the outer radial position.

Abstract: A scanner includes a body with an angled glass window and a movable optical module is connected in the body of the scanner. The optical module is moved in parallel with the gutter of the book to be scanned. The pages are matched on the angled glass window and the movable optical module moving in parallel with the gutter can scan images on the two consecutive pages of the book. The images at the gutter of the book can be clearly scanned.

Abstract: In order to eliminate the cam member, which is mounted to the mounting member side and to which grease is applied, to prevent, as much as possible, the portions to which grease has been applied from becoming exposed to the side of an original placed on the contact glass, an original cover closer is arranged from a mounting member, which has a mounting base and side plates, which are raised from both sides of the mounting base, and has the abovementioned mounting base mounted to the main device unit side, a supporting member, which supports an original cover, has a back plate as well as side plates and a top plate, which are bent from the back plate, and has one end of each of the side plates being rotatably mounted via a hinge pin to the corresponding side plate of the abovementioned mounting member, a cam slider, which is fitted inside the supporting member in a manner enabling sliding towards the side of the abovementioned mounting member, a pressure bearing pin, which is axially mounted between the respect

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus which has an original supporting surface on which a sheet original is placed, reading means for reading an image of the sheet original placed on the original supporting surface, and an abutting portion which is provided on the original supporting surface and against which an end portion of the sheet original abuts, and the autting portion has a positioning portion for positioning the end portion of the sheet original so that when the original supporting surface is brought into an inclined state with respect to a horizontal, the sheet original may not float up relative to the original supporting surface.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an original read-out station which is provided on an image forming apparatus body and on which an original is placed and read out in a predetermined read-out position, a digitizer for designating an area of the original, and an automatic document feeder for feeding an original to the read-out position. The automatic document feeder and the digitizer are mounted on the image forming apparatus body for rotation about respective axes between their respective operative positions where they are opposed to the original read-out station and their respective retracted positions where they are away from the original read-out station to open the original read-out station.

Abstract: A copy machine is provided with a supplemental illumination source preferably fixedly mounted beneath a transparent copying plate upon which a document to be copied is placed. The illumination source can be selectively activated to allow light to pass through the document such that subject matter on the document can be viewed prior to performing a copying operation. By viewing the subject matter, the portion of the document to be actually copied can be adjusted and aligned in a desired manner such that only the desired portions of the subject matter on the document can be copied. Provisions are made for assuring that the illumination source will be de-activated during the copying operation.

Abstract: An automatic manuscript document conveying apparatus which can freely set printing of a mark on a document, e.g. indicating completion of a reading or transmitting operation of the document, such that the mark is printed on the document based on a distance from a reading position in a first mode, and such that the mark is printed on the document based on a distance from a rear end of the document in a second mode. As a result, the apparatus can surely print the character on the document even in case that the document is short and the first mode is set, and even in a case that double or plural documents are conveyed and the second mode is set. When the second mode is set for the printing position, in a case that the read document is not shorter than the reading area, the mode is automatically changed over to the first mode. On the other hand, when the first mode is set, in a case that the read document is not longer than the reading area, the mode is automatically changed over to the second mode.

Abstract: A composite apparatus includes a business-machine main-body apparatus having at least a copying function and a printer function, and a display device, also operating as an original-pressing plate, having a flat display surface for displaying an operational function and other information. The display device is provided above an original-reading device of the main-body apparatus. By allowing an operation using the display device from a plurality of sides of the main-body apparatus, the range of selection of location of the composite apparatus is widened, and the operability of the composite apparatus is improved.

Abstract: A document copy system includes a preview sensor that is dedicated to document previewing and distinct from any other sensor that is involved in the document copying process. The preview sensor is preferably a two-dimensional sensor array that captures the outline of an entire document in parallel. The captured document outline is previewed on a display device relative to an actual print area that is defined by the copy system. In an enhanced embodiment of the copy system, the preview sensor captures an image that is printed on the document in addition to the outline of the document, so that the image of the document is also previewed relative to the print area. Providing a dedicated preview sensor that captures document position and image data in parallel enables real-time display of a document relative to the print area.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a sheet feeding device, an image forming device for forming an image on a sheet fed, a plurality of conveying paths for directing the sheet on which the image has been formed to discharging portions, a changeover device for selecting a desired conveying path from the plurality of conveying paths and a changeover controlling device for controlling the changeover device in conformity with whether a reading device for reading the image of an original has been set at a predetermined position in a body of the apparatus.

Abstract: A scan module for a document copying machine which is provided with its own document scanner. The scan module is provided with a housing suitable for releasable fixing to the document copying machine, the housing being provided with a light exit opening optically coupled to the document scanner of the document copier machine via the image platen. The scan module is also provided with a light source and reflector.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder mounted removably to a computer input device having a medium receiving and supporting surface includes a plurality of interconnectable modular assemblies for defining a medium path that extends from a medium input tray to a medium output tray via the medium receiving and supporting surface of the computer input device. One of the modular assemblies is a main chassis assembly includes an integrally formed main chassis shell having a substantially planar base. The input tray extends upwardly from the base and has a document receiving surface with a concave shape in both the vertical and horizontal planes to help facilitate proper sheet stiffening and alignment for sheet loading purposes onto the receiving and supporting surface of the computer input device. A paper pick and transport mechanism is housed in the main chassis and protrudes through a set of apertures in the output tray.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus features a document-reading unit mounted to an exterior cover of the apparatus to which at least part of an image-forming unit can be removed from the interior of the apparatus. The exterior cover can be operated without being disturbed by a document-reading unit. Accordingly, attaching and detaching at least part of the image-forming unit readily can be performed. Further, according to another aspect, an image forming apparatus features a common delivery tray, which can be used for both a recording paper and an original document. This saves space within the apparatus and therefore enables the image forming apparatus to be reduced in size. In addition, the recording paper and the original document are delivered to the tray with the image-printed or image-bearing surfaces thereon facing in different directions. Thus the user does not confuse the recording paper with the original document.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes, a first body including a reader for reading an information on a first workpiece, and a printer for printing an image on a second workpiece, and a second body swingable relative to the first body on a swing axis over the reader to cover and uncover the reader, wherein the printing apparatus further includes a workpiece transfer path for moving therein the second workpiece with the printed image from the printer to the second body.

Abstract: A terminal (1) for wirebound telecommunication according to the invention comprises a class D amplifier which is supplied with a rectified ringing voltage (V.sub.ring) coming from the line (2) in a ringing condition and, in an off-hook condition, is supplied with the line voltage (V.sub.ln) coming from the line (2). A class D amplifier (20) is advantageous in that it is suitable for use with supply voltages which may vary over a large range. As a result, both the rectified ringing voltage (V.sub.ring) and the line voltage (V.sub.ln) can plainly be used as a supply voltage for the amplifier (20) and no additional circuits are necessary for matching these voltages.

Abstract: A scanner includes a drawer, extendible outside the scanner, for loading the original into the scanner; and a drawer supporting arrangement for supporting the drawer for movement into and out of the scanner while scanning takes place during at least part of the movement. The scanner can either be a desktop unit coupled to a host computer or mounted in a drive bay of a computer, in which case the drawer is extendible outside the drive bay for loading the original into the scanner.

Abstract: A scanning mechanism which indicates to a user the manner of setting a page in order for the page to be properly scanned. When an automatic document feeder is not being used, a paper orientation indicator which is next to a transparent contact surface is illuminated, depending on the orientation of the input paper onto which an image is to be copied. The orientation indicator is located on a periphery of the paper support surface. The orientation indicator is located either at a corner of the transparent contact surface or centered at an edge of the transparent contact surface, depending on how the page to be scanned should be set on the transparent contact surface. Alternatively, an automatic document feeder is utilized with a copier and the automatic document feeder contains both an orientation indicator and paper position indicators which are illuminated to indicate where to place a stack of pages which are to be fed by the automatic document feeder.

Abstract: The current invention discloses photocopying methods and systems for substantially eliminating shadows caused by uneven surfaces of an original by the use of a light diffusing element or a carrier sheet which automatically triggers the associated photocopying parameters. The light diffusing element has a marker or an identification code which is detected by a sensor placed along a paper path, and the marker contains various type of information used for adjusting the photocopying conditions associated with the use of the light diffusing element. The light diffusing element is also designed to be used with an automatic document feeder.