Abstract: A reading apparatus comprising a plate on which a transparent original is placed, and a guide unit for setting the transparent original at a predetermined position on the original plate. A light source unit is settable at plural positions in contact with the guide unit for illuminating the transparent original which is urged against the original plate by the light source unit. A portion of the light source unit which is contacted with the transparent original is chamfered (R-worked) not to damage the transparent original. Further, a portion of the light source unit which is contacted with the transparent original is designed to urge the transparent original at an out of an image area of the original.

Abstract: A document scanner with a light focusing device downward formed on a document support panel is disclosed. The document scanner is provided with a chassis including a light source and an image sensing device. A scanning window made of light-transmitting material is formed in an area of the document support panel. A driving roller is arranged in a document feeder for driving a document to be scanned through the scanning window. Light emitted from the light source transmits through the scanning window toward the document and is reflected by the document toward the image sensing device, The document support panel forms a convex projection on a bottom surface thereof. The projection confronts the light source for focusing the light onto the document. Preferably, the projection includes an extended section from the bottom surface of the document support panel and forming a convex end surface confronting the light source.

Abstract: A document reading device includes a movable member and a flexible document holder. The document holder is fixed at a first end to a free end of the movable member. The document holder is also fixed at a second end to the vicinity of a right-side end of a bottom surface of the document reading device. A portion of the document holder positioned immediately below a pivot axis of the movable member is not fixed to the bottom surface. When the movable member is pivoted to expose a portion of a document transport path, the document holder, except for the first and second ends as fixed to the bottom surface, hangs down without being folded.

Abstract: A hinge assembly capable of retaining a cable includes a hollow hub disposed on a first body, a bracket holder disposed on a second body, and an integrating member rotatably disposed on the hollow hub for integrating the hollow hub to the bracket holder and having a through hole and an external mounting part. The hollow hub inserts into the through hole. The external mounting part formed around an outer circumference of the through hole mounts the hollow hub on the bracket holder and abuts on the bracket holder. The integrating member is rotated to fix the hollow hub firmly to the bracket holder. The cable for electrically connecting the first body to the second body passes through the hollow hub.

Abstract: A document reading apparatus has a slit along one side of a document support platen of a glass plate to insert one part of an opened book as a document to be read. An insertion pocket forming a recessed space contiguous with the slit and inclined diagonally is provided in the apparatus. A lid is operable between open and closed positions exposing and covering the slit. In the open position, one part of a book can be inserted into the slit with a page in the other part of the book being in intimate contact with the platen, while in the closed position, a sheet as a document can be placed at a proper position on the platen by contacting one side of the sheet to a rim of the lid. This apparatus prevents a problem of image deformation and black image in print output when reading the book.

Abstract: A book scanner comprises a transparent platen, a carriage and a housing. The carriage is disposed in the housing, and the transparent platen with an angular structure is disposed on the housing for an original placed to be scanned. The carriage has a strip-shaped light tube disposed corresponding to the transparent platen. The part of the light source that has the highest luminance is disposed in the position farthest away from the transparent platen, while the part of the light source that has the lower luminance is disposed in the position closer to the transparent platen to assure a uniform and stable luminous intensity of light on each scan line when the light source illuminates the original.

Abstract: A print system capable of printing more quickly, printing and observing images more in the order of completion of transfer of the image data, and also reducing the generation of waste of recording sheets even in a case that printing of the image is canceled in the middle of the image printing, compared with the conventional method. In the system including at least two image data outputting apparatuses and one printer for printing images based on the image data transferred from the at least two image data outputting apparatuses, when the image data is transferred from each image data outputting apparatuses, the printing preparation of the recording sheet is started at a timing so that it is completed upon completion of the image data transfer, based on the time required for transfer of the image data and printing preparation time required for the printing preparation of the recording sheet.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus which can read a transparent original and reflection original, a white background is formed like a sheet. The image reading apparatus is arranged to be movable by a pair of rollers which rotate using, e.g., the driving source of an original feeder. To read a transparent original, the white sheet is moved by the pair of rollers to a position where a transparent original reading illumination unit is exposed. This makes it possible to eliminate trouble in detaching the white background mounted on the back of an original platen in accordance with the type of an original to be read.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a platen glass face provided in an apparatus body and having a reading area for reading a document set under a stationary condition thereof and an automatic reading area for reading the document while the document is guided past over this automatic reading area by an automatic document feeding mechanism, a cover means mounting said automatic document feeding mechanism and attached to the apparatus body via a pivot shaft to be pivoted for selectively opening/closing the platen glass face and a reading guide attached to the cover means and configured for guiding the document in opposition to the automatic reading area when the cover means is closed.

Abstract: A vertically oriented image scanning device includes a chassis with a vertically oriented scanning window and a flap cover pivoted to the chassis. A document support flange is formed along a lower edge of the scanning window for aligning a document with respect to the scanning window. A thin metal plate has opposite edges attached to an inner face of the flap cover and forms a convex configuration for elastic deformation and thus applies a force to retain the document against the scanning window. The convex configuration also helps guide the document into position. Alternatively, a resilient pad replaces the thin metal plate for applying a force to the document.

Abstract: A document holding fixture for a vertical optical scanner. The fixture has a main body, a transparent panel, four linking bars, a document cover panel, and a document backing plate. The document holding fixture uses a simple four linking bar system to maintain a constant parallelism between the document cover panel and the surface of the transparent panel. Weight of the document cover panel provides necessary pressure to press a scan document firmly onto the glass surface of the transparent panel. To facilitate single hand document insertion, a stationing device is used to freeze the document cover panel when the panel reaches a horizontal position.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided with a document glass stand on which a document is placed, and a document feeding portion having a platen roller for feeding out the document fed into the reading position of the document glass stand from the reading position and a pressure plate having elasticity and capable of pressing the document placed on the document glass stand against the document glass stand with the platen roller, and openable and closable relative to the document glass stand. A document reading sensor reads the document placed on the document glass stand while being moved below the document glass stand, and reads the document fed into the reading position while being stopped at the reading position. Design is made such that after the document feeding portion is closed and the document has been pressed against the document glass stand by the pressure plate, the platen roller presses the document against the document glass stand.

Abstract: A feeding device to be incorporated in an image reading apparatus, including: (a) a feed-path definer defining a feed path along which an original is fed from a supply portion to an exit portion via a reading position, such that the fed original is brought into contact with an original supporting surface of an image reader in the reading position, whereby the image is read by the image reader; (b) a presser biased toward the original supporting surface and having a contact surface which is to be held in contact with the original or the original supporting surface; (c) a downstream-side feeder disposed on a downstream side of the presser and distant from a plane containing the original supporting surface, so that the original takes an inclined posture while bridging between the presser and the downstream-side feeder; and (d) a presser-displacement preventer disposed between the presser and the downstream-side feeder, for preventing displacement of the presser in a direction away from the original supporting su

Abstract: A shock-absorber structure is mounted in a scanning apparatus including a housing comprised of an upper case and a lower case, and a window transparent board clamped into the lower case. The shock-absorber structure is placed within a slot of the lower case where is clamped a side portion of the window transparent board, and comprises a plurality of resilient elements. The resilient elements are oppositely placed in abutment manner between an inner surface of the slot and the side portion of the window transparent board. The resilient elements respectively have different length so that a multi-stage shock absorption is achieved when the window transparent board successively presses on the resilient elements of different lengths. Collision damages are of the window transparent board thereby prevented.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus, of which mounting plate is dust-proof, includes a casing, a mounting plate and a reading means. The mounting plate is disposed on the casing and composed of at least a nano-material. The reading means is disposed in the casing and located under the mounting plate.

Abstract: A transport apparatus includes a transport unit that includes a transport path through which a transported material is transported; and a positioning-and-holding unit that includes a positioning-and-holding member that positions constituents of the transport apparatus to each other and supports the constituents, and a plate-shaped member that works as a part of the transport path and is detachably connected with the positioning-and-holding member.

Abstract: This is a system to provide real time ways of aligning a paper original with a skewed image so that a right imaged reproduction is produced on subsequent copies.

Abstract: An original comprises a first page and a second page as disposed face-down on the platen surface of an image-processing device. The platen is scanned to form a platen image. The positions of two diagonally-opposite corners of the original are determined based on a fixed platen reference point. An original image is formed by cropping the platen image based on the positions of the two original corners. The size and position of either one selected page or both pages are determined based on the two original corner positions. When the image of only one selected page is desired, the image of the selected page is formed by cropping the original image based on the size and position of the selected page. When the images of both pages are desired, the images of both pages are formed by cropping the original image based on the sizes and positions of both pages.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism of an image forming apparatus supporting a platen cover for holding an original at a fixed position on a platen glass includes a hinge unit for supporting the platen cover in such a manner that the platen cover can be opened and closed by swinging it up and down, a compression coil spring for biasing the platen cover in its opening direction, and a hinge holder attached to a housing of the apparatus for accommodating the compression coil spring. The hinge unit is provided with a hinge torque keeping mechanism which causes the compression coil spring to produce a specific amount of hinge torque to bias the platen cover in its opening direction even when the platen cover is closed.

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: 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 document scanner with a light focusing device downward formed on a document support panel is disclosed. The document scanner is provided with a chassis including a light source and an image sensing device. A scanning window made of light-transmitting material is formed in an area of the document support panel. A driving roller is arranged in a document feeder for driving a document to be scanned through the scanning window. Light emitted from the light source transmits through the scanning window toward the document and is reflected by the document toward the image sensing device. The document support panel forms a convex projection on a bottom surface thereof. The projection confronts the light source for focusing the light onto the document. Preferably, the projection includes an extended section from the bottom surface of the document support panel and forming a convex end surface confronting the light source.

Abstract: A scanner comprises a housing including a top wall defining an opening, the top wall of the housing further comprising an upper surface framing the opening. The upper surface of the top wall further comprises a horizontal planar portion and an object removal guide surface between the horizontal planar portion and the opening. A transparent platen supported by the top wall of the housing comprises an upper surface for supporting an object to be scanned, a lower surface parallel with the upper surface of the platen, and a peripheral edge, the horizontal planar portion of the upper surface of the top wall of the housing lying above the upper surface of the platen.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus of a contact image sensor type includes an area light source. The image reading apparatus is used for reading a light transmitting original placed on an original base by irradiating light thereto from the area light source and receiving transmission light. The original base has an uneven portion on a front surface on the side on which the light transmitting original is placed so that the adhesion of the light transmitting original to the original base is prevented upon placing the light transmitting original on the original base. The uneven portion does not effect optical characteristics for reading the light transmitting original.

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.

Abstract: A document capture arm connected to an imaging device and positionable over a platen for retaining a document on the platen for imaging. The document capture arm holds one or more documents against the platen in a selected position or arrangement. The document capture arm may be configured as an arm that may insert into a receiver. The document capture arm may be easily installed for use and may be easily removed for storage when not needed. Alternately, the document capture arm may include an actuator that is attached to and extends from the arm, projecting beyond the axis of rotation of the platen cover at the hinge. When the platen cover is lifted to an open position, the capture arm actuator is acted upon by the platen cover, lifting the document capture arm to an open position.

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 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: 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. When the automatic document feeder is opened with regard to the dynamic-document reading section and a stationary document is placed on the static-document reading section to read the image formed on the document, a controller controls the light source mechanism so that substantially none of the exposing light emitted from the light source mechanism leaks outside through the dynamic-document reading section.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus includes a console that has a display consisting of a liquid crystal display, a start key, and ten keys. The console is integrated on the front side of a platen that is mounted on a main body of the image formation apparatus. The upper surface of the console is inclined.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for scanning a bounded scan area within a scanable surface of a scanning device are provided. The present invention includes a plurality of members constructed and arranged to define a scan area on a scanable surface of the scanner, a link for communicating with the control interface of the scanner, and a switch for generating a signal to the control interface to initiate and complete a scan of the bounded scan area defined by the plurality of members. The scanning apparatus and system further provide a method for scanning a bounded scan area, which includes the steps of determining whether the scan area is contained entirely within the enclosed scanable surface, scanning the scanable portion of the scan area if the enclosed scan area is not contained entirely within the scanable surface, and scanning the entire scan area if the scan area is contained entirely within the scanable surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for viewing originals in a flatbed scanner includes a fixed copy holder and a movable scanning unit with a light source for illuminating the original to be scanned, an optoelectronic transducer, and a scanning lens for projecting a scanned line of the original onto the optoelectronic transducer. Fitted below the copy holder is a light source, and fastened on the scanning unit is a dispersion foil drawn under the copy holder by the scanning unit when the scanning unit is brought into a parking position and drawn away by the scanning unit when the scanning unit is moved over the copy holder during scanning. The dispersion foil is stretched tight by a suitable stretching apparatus when the scanning unit is in the parking position.

Abstract: In a copier or input scanner wherein original documents are manually placed on a platen for scanning, when a platen cover is lowered over the document and approaches a closed position, a control system initiates a scanning operation while locking the platen cover in the closed position. After the scanning operation is completed, the platen cover is automatically pushed into an open position as a visual cue to the user that a new document may be scanned. The system facilitates manual scanning of odd-shaped documents, such as successive pages of bound books.

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: 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: A urethane composition for making a sheet transport roll, the composition comprising: (A) a polyether polyol blend containing polytetramethyleneether glycol (PTMG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG) in a weight ratio of PTMG/PPG=99/1 to 50/50; (B) a polyisocyanate; and (C) a chain lengthening agent; the urethane composition in a cured state having a hardness of not smaller than 40, and a crosslinking density of 0.15 to 0.8 mmol/cm3 or an allophanate bond concentration of 0.03 to 0.07 mmol/g.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus capable of automatically powering on is disclosed. The scanning apparatus includes a main body, a lid, a carriage inside the main body, and a scanner board. The lid is hinged to the main body. The scanner board includes a scanner frame and a glass plate mounted in the scanner frame and extending under the scanner frame. The scanner board further includes an opening on the scanner frame. The opening exposes the glass plate thereunder and the opening is substantially above the start point of the carriage. Therefore, the auto power on scanning apparatus has the advantage of preventing dust from dropping into the interior of the main body. Also, extra care and cost paid to the fragile projected pattern can be eliminated.

Abstract: The surface of the glass window of a scanner is coplanar with flanges on top of the scanner frame. The light path between the scan window and the light sensor mounted on the frame is prevented from varying regardless of any interface tolerance in mechanical dimension of the optical components in the light path between the scan window and the light sensor.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus includes a console that has a display consisting of a liquid crystal display, a start key, and ten keys. The console is integrated on the front side of a platen that is mounted on a main body of the image formation apparatus. The upper surface of the console is inclined.

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 input scanner for scanning three-dimensional objects, such as books, on a platen. The input scanner includes a light source for illuminating a three-dimensional object, an elongated sensor array for producing a digital representation of the image on the three-dimensional object, a lens array, a moving mirror, and a mirror positioning system, which beneficially includes a mirror motor. The mirror positioning system positions the mirror such that the input scanner's object plane tracks the contour of the three-dimensional object on the platen. Object plane adjustments are performed in response to contour information from a mechanical track guide, from a profile memory, or from a height sensor. Additionally, the input scanner might use a movable lens array, which is beneficially a gradient-index lens array.

Abstract: Original cover closer with mounting base and supporting member has bent side plates rotatably mounted to each other. A lifting member with document pressure plate has side plates mounted to the supporting member side plated enabling the lifting member side plates to rotate in a different direction. A pressure bearing pin is mounted between the mounting member side plates and a cam slider is in the supporting member with a cam part in contact with the pin. A spring between the slider and the lifting member urges the supporting member to open the original cover while urging the lifting member in a direction overlapping the supporting member.

Abstract: An input scanner for scanning three-dimensional objects, such as books, on a platen. An elongated raster scanner produces a digital representation of a line image in an object plane that is a fixed distance in front of the raster scanner's input optics. When scanning the three-dimensional object the raster scanner travels along a track guide that is contoured in the Z-direction. That contour is designed to mimic the contour of the three-dimensional object being scanned. When traveling along the track guide the distance between the three-dimensional object and the object plane remains substantially constant.

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 forming machine provided with an image recording unit, a reading unit on the image recording unit, and a platen cover. The reading unit and the platen cover can be opened and closed. The image forming machine includes a first lock unit for enabling the platen cover to be locked to the reading unit, with the platen cover closed, and a second lock unit for interlocking with the first lock unit and releasing connection between the reading unit and the image recording unit. When the reading unit is opened upwards relative to the image recording unit to exchange a process unit of the image recording unit or eliminate jam in the image recording unit, only in the state where the platen cover is locked to the reading unit, the reading unit can be opened upwards.

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: An image forming machine provided with an image recording unit, a reading unit on the image recording unit, and a platen cover. The reading unit and the platen cover can be opened and closed. The image forming machine includes a first lock unit for enabling the platen cover to be locked to the reading unit, with the platen cover closed, and a second lock unit for interlocking with the first lock unit and releasing connection between the reading unit and the image recording unit. When the reading unit is opened upwards relative to the image recording unit to exchange a process unit of the image recording unit or eliminate jam in the image recording unit, only in the state where the platen cover is locked to the reading unit, the reading unit can be opened upwards.

Abstract: An opening-closing device is capable of automatically positioning an opened pressing mechanism horizontally in relation to a supporting table. A base member is provided for fixation to a body of an apparatus on which the pressing mechanism is to be used. A supporting member is secured pivotably to the base member and a lifting member is provided to which a rear portion of the pressing mechanism is fixed to a free end of the supporting member with a supporting pin reversibly in a direction in which the lifting member will overlap the supporting member. An elastic member forces the supporting member along with the lifting member in the opening direction of the pressing mechanism while forcing the lifting member in a direction in which the lifting member will overlap the supporting member.

Abstract: A reflective surface behind an image to be scanned on an optical image scanner, copier, facsimile machine or similar device. This reflective surface is dynamically adaptive to the item being scanned, copied or faxed to provide improvements such as reducing image bleed-through while maintaining a desirable level of dynamic range. Preferably, the reflective surface has a reflectance that is dynamically variable and controlled to be either all white, all black, all grey or some other color. The scanning or copying reflective background may also be varied in different regions, such that different regions of the reflective background may simultaneously be white, black, grey, or some other color. The background reflective surface of the scanner, facsimile or copier may be controlled directly by an operator or end user or by software or firmware of the scanner, copier or facsimile. The dynamically variable reflective surface of the scanner, facsimile or copier may be an LCD.