Abstract: An operation assisting tool includes a gripper, and an engagement portion to engage with a handle of a drawer drawable from a housing of an image forming apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a flat head type image reading device configured to scan a standard size document including an A4 size, the image reading device including: a document pressing section pressing the standard size document and made of an elastic member, in which the document pressing section has fixing members, and the fixing members are arranged at positions corresponding to end portions of the standard size document.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-function printer, including a main body, a cover, and a hinge structure. The hinge structure includes a positioning component and a pivoting member. The positioning component is connected to the main body. The pivoting member is connected to the cover and is pivotally connected to the positioning component. The pivoting member is adapted to pivot to a first state so that the cover is closed on the main body and pivot to a second state so that the cover is opened from the main body. The pivoting member includes at least one positioning portion. When the pivoting member pivots to a third state between the first state and the second state, the pivoting member is positioned to the positioning component by the at least one positioning portion.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a document placing table, and a cover. The cover is rotatably attached to the document placing table, and includes a receptacle for a portable terminal with a camera, the receptacle being configured to hold the portable terminal so that the camera faces the document placing table.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: an opening/closing portion configured to be rotatable around a hinge shaft; a biasing portion configured to apply a force to the opening/closing portion such that moment of the hinge shaft rotation higher than moment of the hinge shaft rotation according to self-weight of the opening/closing member is generated in a state in which the opening/closing portion is placed in a range up to a predetermined rotation angle from a closed position with respect to the apparatus main body, and moment of the hinge shaft rotation that is balanced with the moment of the hinge shaft rotation according to the self-weight of the opening/closing portion is generated in a state in which the opening/closing portion is opened more than the predetermined rotation angle; and a holding portion configured to maintain the opening/closing portion at the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention prevents units from becoming unbalanced and falling over when an image-capturing unit is opened over an image-forming unit when an image-forming unit, image-capturing unit and document-feeding unit are stacked over each other in order. The image-capturing unit is rotatably linked to the top of the image-forming unit by a first hinge means, and the document-feeding unit having document-feeding means is rotatably linked to the top of the image-capturing unit by second hinge means. Locking means for checking rotation (opening operation of the document-feeding unit) of the second hinge means is disposed on an opposite side of the second hinge means sandwiching the document-feeding means. The locking means is composed to check the opening operation of the second hinge means when the first hinge means is opened.

Abstract: A fixing element, a cover device and a multifunction printer are provided. The multifunction printer includes a machine body, the cover device and the fixing element. The cover device is disposed on the machine body and includes a first cover, a second cover and a third cover, wherein the second cover is between the first cover and the third cover. The fixing element passes through and is fixed on the second cover. The first cover and the second cover open relative to the third cover when the fixing element locks the first cover and the second cover, and the first cover opens relative to the second cover and the third cover when the fixing element locks the second cover and the third cover.

Abstract: An image reader includes a discharge cover disposed on a side of the image reader, the discharge cover forming part of a side surface when closed and forming a discharge port when opened. Undesired illumination from light entering the image reader through the discharge port is suppressed from impinging on a contact image sensor.

Abstract: Automatic document feeder includes a transport path member having a transport path surface configuring a transport path in a device body, a latching member that is mounted on a rotating shaft provided in the other end side, is urged in a first rotation direction latched to a latched portion, and holds the transport path member in closed transport path, and an operating member that is rotated up to an operating position by own weight thereof or urging force in a second rotation direction when the device body moves to an exposed position of the transport path member, and is mounted with allowance so that the latching member is rotated in the second rotation direction according to a further rotating operation in the second rotation direction from the operating position and the latching member is detached from the latched portion.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a carriage, a carriage detector, and a control unit. The carriage detector outputs a detection signal of the carriage when the carriage is at the home position, and outputs a non-detection signal of the carriage when the carriage is located closer to a document size reading position than a predetermined position between the home position and the document size reading position. The control unit moves the carriage to the home position when the image reading apparatus enters a sleep mode, keeps the carriage detained while performing initialization after the sleep mode is cancelled, and moves the carriage, upon receipt of a scanning instruction after the initialization is completed, toward the document size reading position in the case where the carriage detector outputs the detection signal of the carriage.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus and an image forming apparatus having the same. The scanning apparatus includes: a main body having a scanning unit; a cover to open and close upon an upper surface of the main body; a hinge unit disposed on one of the main body and the cover so that the cover is rotatable with respect to the main body; a hinge accommodating unit disposed on the other of the main body and the cover to accommodate the hinge unit so that the cover is movable in an upward and downward direction with respect to the upper surface of the main body; and a movement restricting unit disposed on at least one of the hinge unit and the hinge accommodating unit to restrict a movement of the cover in the upward and downward direction.

Abstract: An imaging window cover and slotted hinge assembly includes a cover and first hinge members rotatably and slideably coupled to second hinge members. The cover and slotted hinge assembly enables the cover to be attached to a housing so that the cover may be located in any position between a fully covering position and a rotated and stowed position. When rotated and stowed, the cover and hinge assembly are fully located below a plane of the imaging window, and fully out of the way so that large objects may be placed over the imaging window. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring abstracts, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.

Abstract: This invention provides a looped item or device attached to a document cover of a xerographic copier so that a wheelchair occupant can pull the document cover down over the platen glass. Better copies are obtained when the cover is down and the automatic document feeder is not accessible until the document cover is down over the platen glass. This invention provides a simple but effective way for a wheelchair occupant to easily use the automatic document feeder even when a previous user of the copier leaves the document cover up away from the platen glass. The loop provided in the looped item (lanyard or handle) is important to this invention.

Abstract: A reading apparatus includes an auto document feeder configured to be openable and closable around a hinge with respect to a unit including an image sensor. The auto document feeder includes a roller configured to move a document relative to the image sensor, a motor, a gear train configured to transmit a rotation of a rotational shaft of the motor to the roller, and an encoder unit configured to detect rotation information of the motor, and including a sensor and a code wheel. An orientation of the rotational shaft is substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the hinge, and the gear train is arrayed in a direction of an extension of the rotational shaft. A gear that is a part of the gear train is attached to one end of the rotational shaft, and the code wheel is attached to the other end thereof.

Abstract: A method for reducing time in performing an imaging function by an imaging device. The method includes receiving at least one media sheet against an image capture window of the imaging device, detecting whether a lid for covering the image capture window is closed, capturing an image of the at least one media sheet in the image capture window in response to detecting a closed lid, receiving a start signal indicative of a user request to start an image capture operation after capturing the image, and sending a final image based upon the captured image to a destination.

Abstract: A method of reproducing an original document with a reproduction machine to produce a copied document, comprising the steps of: providing a marking member which contains a marking onto the reproduction machine; opening a cover unit of the reproduction machine; placing the original document on a glass surface of a glass unit of the reproduction machine; closing the cover unit so that the glass surface is covered by the cover unit; and pressing a start button of the reproduction machine to start a scanning process such that the marking and the original document are scanned together in the scanning process and are appeared in the copied document. The marking member is provided on the cover unit or the glass unit so as to make sure that the marking is well-positioned and copied in the copied document.

Abstract: An image processing device is provided with a first unit, a second unit attached to the first unit rotatably around a rotational axis, flat cables connecting elements in the first unit with elements in the second unit, and a guide member having wiring paths each defined between two of separations walls, the guide member guiding, from the first unit to the second unit, the flat cables laid through the wiring paths, respectively, in a state spaced apart from each other in a thickness direction thereof without contacting each other, at least one of the separation walls including a curving wall curving to surround the rotational axis, at least one of the flat cables guided to have a curving section along the curving wall, a first extension extending continuously from the curving section to the first unit, and a second extension extending continuously from the curving section to the second unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a main chassis, an image reader unit, a cover unit, a first movable assembly, which rotatably supports the cover unit to be rotatable with respect to the image reader unit, and a second movable assembly, which rotatably supports the image reader unit to be rotatable with respect to the main chassis. The first movable assembly includes a support member, which supports the cover unit to be vertically movable with respect to the image reader unit, and a frame, which is arranged on the image reader unit and accommodates the support member. The first movable assembly is arranged to have a lower end thereof to be in a lower position with respect to a lower end of the image reader unit. The second movable assembly is arranged in a lower position with respect to the first movable assembly.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus which uses plural motors to open and close an original conveying apparatus, the original conveying apparatus can smoothly be opened and closed. The image reading apparatus includes an original base plate on which an original is placed; an original conveying apparatus which can be opened and closed with respect to the original base plate, the original conveying apparatus pressing the original against the original base plate while closed; a reading portion which reads an image of the original pressed against the original base plate by the original pressing portion; plural motors which open and close the original conveying apparatus; plural rotary encoders which detect actuation states of the motors; and an opening and closing action controlling portion which controls the motors to match actuation speeds of the plural motors with each other based on the actuation states detected by the rotary encoders.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus configured to reduce a force required for moving a document cover to an open position is provided. The image reading apparatus includes a document table having a top surface and a reading area and a document cover that is configured to pivot, around an axis extending in a first direction, between a closed position and an open position. The document cover includes a sheet. The top surface has a marginal area which is located outside of a reading area on a side opposite to the axis. The marginal area includes a contact area and a non-contact area which are arranged in the first direction. When the document cover is in the closed position, the top surface in the contact area contacts the sheet, and the top surface in the non-contact area does not contact the sheet.

Abstract: A system for previewing and imaging a document includes an imaging unit having an imaging surface configured to carry the document thereon. The imaging unit also includes an image sensing member configured to capture an image corresponding to the document and an image processing member communicably coupled to the image sensing member to receive the captured image. The image processing member is further configured to convert the captured image to a digital data format. The system further includes a display unit communicably coupled to the image processing member. The display unit includes a user interface configured to exhibit a placement-guiding display object over converted captured image.

Abstract: In an automatically closing hinge, a first body and a second body are mounted on a fixed shaft, and axial and radial moving members are adjacently disposed inside the fixed shaft. The second body pivoting rearward in relation to the first body enables an inward radial movement of the radial moving member, and during the inward radial movement the radial moving member causes a forward axial movement of the axial moving member. An energy storing member in the fixed shaft is configured to store energy during the forward axial movement of the axial moving member and to release energy for driving the axial moving member to make a reverse axial movement. During the reverse axial movement the axial moving member pushes the radial moving member to make an outward radial movement. The radial moving member during such outward radial movement drives the second body to pivot forward.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a housing body, and an outer wall member. The housing body can displace and rotate to a housing body fully closed angle position, a housing body fully open angle position, and a housing body non-access angle position. The outer wall member is disposed between the apparatus main body and the housing body, and connected to the apparatus main body to displace and rotate in response to the displacement and rotation of the housing body, and positioned at an outer wall fully closed angle position, an outer wall fully open angle position, and an outer wall non-access angle position that has an angular position enabling exposure of exchangeable components inside the apparatus main body but not enabling exchange by a user.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus, including: a placement portion on which an original is to be placed; an openable and closable pressure portion which presses, the original, which is placed on the placement portion, against the placement portion; a reading unit which moves in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to a main scanning direction to read image information of the original, which is pressed against the placement portion by the openable and closable pressure portion, and a step portion, which is provided in a pressure surface of the openable and closable pressure portion which presses the original against the placement stand, and in a state in which the openable and closable pressure portion is closed, forms a space portion extending in the sub-scanning direction so as to communicate to at least one end in the sub-scanning direction.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus for a cover of an image forming apparatus has a hinge body with supporting brackets, movably inserted into a coupling hole positioned in a main body of the image forming apparatus, a hinge cam connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the supporting brackets, and a pressure device disposed at the hinge body to press the hinge cam. Accordingly, the hinge apparatus can be implemented with a simple and easy assembly operation, since it is not a complicated structural connection among the component parts of the hinge apparatus.

Abstract: A position adjustment mechanism (90) includes a rack (91) fixed onto an upper surface of a second hinge member (87), a worm gear 93 that meshes with the rack (91), a handle (95) that rotates the worm gear (93), and a lever (97) that presses the second hinge member (87) against the first hinge member (85) to fix the second hinge member (87) to the first hinge member (85). The lever (97) is operated to release the pressure on the second hinge member (87) so that the handle (95) is operated, to thereby adjust a tilt of the document conveying device (27) with respect to the image reading portion (6) without using a tool and the like. After the adjustment, the lever (97) is operated to press the second hinge member (87), to thereby position the document conveying device (27) precisely at a position after the adjustment.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus, including a main unit including a placement plane and an image reader, a document cover swingably supported by the main unit via a hinge to move between a closed position and an open position, and a conveyer unit to convey a document sheet, is provided. The hinge includes an in-main-unit joint section attached to an end of the main unit, an on-cover joint section attached to an end of the document cover, and an urging member arranged in between the in-main-unit joint section and the on-cover joint section. A coupling device to couple the end of the document cover and the end of the main unit together and to restrict the end of the document cover and the end of the main unit from being separated from each other is disposed in an intermediate position between the document cover and the conveyer unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a housing body in which a first end is rotatably connected with an apparatus main body, a link member in which the second end can reciprocate in a first direction, a suspended portion positioned at a restricted position when the housing body is positioned at the closed position or the intermediate open position, and positioned at a non-restricted position when the housing body is positioned at the fully open position, and a tension spring in which one end is connected to the link member and the second end is connected to the suspended portion, and when the housing body is positioned at the closed position, and the tension spring is in an extended state, when the housing body is positioned at the intermediate open position or the fully open position, and the tension spring is in a free-length state.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus for a cover of an image forming apparatus has a hinge body with supporting brackets, movably inserted into a coupling hole positioned in a main body of the image forming apparatus, a hinge cam connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the supporting brackets, and a pressure device disposed at the hinge body to press the hinge cam. Accordingly, the hinge apparatus can be implemented with a simple and easy assembly operation, since it is not a complicated structural connection among the component parts of the hinge apparatus.

Abstract: Transparency imaging systems and methods. One embodiment of the transparency imaging system comprises an imaging surface and a cover mounted adjacent the imaging surface. A media adapter is provided as part of the cover, and a chamber is formed in the media adapter. At least one template is receivable within the chamber formed in the media adapter, the at least one template loading the transparency media in the media adapter adjacent the imaging surface for an imaging operation.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus configured to reduce a force required for moving a document cover to an open position is provided. The image reading apparatus includes a document table having a top surface and a reading area and a document cover that is configured to pivot, around an axis extending in a first direction, between a closed position and an open position. The document cover includes a sheet. The top surface has a marginal area which is located outside of a reading area on a side opposite to the axis. The marginal area includes a contact area and a non-contact area which are arranged in the first direction. When the document cover is in the closed position, the top surface in the contact area contacts the sheet, and the top surface in the non-contact area does not contact the sheet.

Abstract: An office machine includes a pedestal having an image-handling unit disposed in a top thereof and a passage guider, and an automatic document feeder capable of rotating between an open position exposing the image-handling unit and a closed position covering the image-handling unit. The automatic document feeder defines a passage for transmitting a document from upstream to downstream therethrough. A substantial middle part of the passage is opened to cooperate with the image-handling unit. A magnetic component is mounted to the automatic document feeder. The passage guider is pivoted to the top of the pedestal and near to a downstream side of the image-handling unit. The passage guider will rotate upward by the magnetic component to make a free end thereof for guiding the document when the cover is at the closed position.

Abstract: An original reading device is provided with an original cover, an original reading device main body, and a cover attachment portion that attaches the original cover to the original reading device main body in an openable and closeable manner, and the cover attachment portion is constituted by a rod-shaped hinge portion that is attached to the original cover through an open-close mechanism portion, and a hinge guide portion that is provided in the original reading device main body and through which the rod-shaped hinge portion is inserted and supported, and a latch indentation is provided in the hinge guide portion such that a latch protrusion provided at a lower portion of the rod-shaped hinge portion is latched into the latch indentation to maintain a state in which the rod-shaped hinge portion is pulled out a predetermined distance from the hinge guide portion.

Abstract: A document cover covers a document platen of a housing. The document cover has a cover frame, a document pressing part, and a hinge. The hinge has a first member and a second member. The first member has a rotating shaft and a first fixed part that is mounted on one of the cover frame and the housing. The second member has a fitted part that is fitted rotatably to the rotating shaft, and a second fixed part, which is mounted on the other of the cover frame and the housing. The first member and the second member can change states thereof between a first state in which the first member and the second member can be attached to or detached from each other, and a second state in which the first member and the second member are prevented from being detached from each other.

Abstract: One end of the cover unit of a printer is supported freely rotatably on the device case, and a rotating shaft is disposed with both ends supported freely rotatably on the distal end. A right pressure lever and an operating lever are supported on the right end of the rotating shaft, and a left pressure lever is supported on the left end. When the operating lever rotates, the right and left pressure lever rotate in the same direction through an intervening rotation transfer member extending widthwise to the device. When the operating lever rotates when the cover is closed, the left pressure lever contacts the device case before the right pressure lever . The right and left pressure lever are set so that their rotational positions are the same when the cover starts to rise due to deformation of the rotation transfer member.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus for a cover of an image forming apparatus has a hinge body with supporting brackets, movably inserted into a coupling hole positioned in a main body of the image forming apparatus, a hinge cam connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the supporting brackets, and a pressure device disposed at the hinge body to press the hinge cam. Accordingly, the hinge apparatus can be implemented with a simple and easy assembly operation, since it is not a complicated structural connection among the component parts of the hinge apparatus.

Abstract: A document carrying apparatus comprises a main body, and a reading guide member which guides a document in such a manner that the document comes into contact with a platen glass. The reading guide member is supported on the main body by two support portions disposed on the front side and rear side. The rear-side support portion energizes the reading guide member with the aid of an energizing member in such a manner that the reading guide member can be displaced in the directions to come close and move away to and from the platen glass, while the front-side support portion supports the reading guide member in such a manner that the reading guide member can be displaced in the directions to come close and move away to and from the platen glass in a space smaller than that formed in the rear-side support portion.

Abstract: There is provided a cabling apparatus comprising, a cable connecting a first unit and a second unit which turns around a turning axial line of a hinge portion with respect to the first unit via the hinge portion, a cable guide portion, which guides the cable, in which the cable guide portion is turnably attached to the second unit on one end side of the cable guide portion and is connected to the first unit on the other end side of the cable guide portion, wherein a turning axial line of the guide portion with respect to the second unit and a turning axial line of the hinge portion accord with each other.

Abstract: A document pressing apparatus is provided with a document pressing cover including a first lateral part and a second lateral part facing the first lateral part and openable and closable with respect to a housing fitted with a contact glass, a supporting member for supporting the document pressing cover rotatably with respect to the housing at the side of the first lateral part, a plate member connected with the document pressing cover for pressing a document against the contact glass, a first resilient member arranged at the side of the first lateral part between the plate member and the document pressing cover for exerting a pressing force to the document, and a second resilient member provided at the side of the second lateral part between the plate member and the document pressing cover for exerting a pressing force smaller than that of the first resilient member to the document.

Abstract: An image scanner includes a transparent plate, a scanning device, a driving device, a positioning member, a light absorbing portion and a white reference portion. The transparent plate has an original placing surface. The scanning device irradiates an original with light by means of a light source and scans reflected light from the original. The driving device reciprocates the scanning device along the transparent plate. The positioning member positions the original placed on the original placing surface of the transparent plate. The light absorbing portion, which is disposed on the original placing surface side of the positioning member and at substantially a central portion of the positioning member in moving directions of the scanning device, absorbs ambient light entering to the original placing surface side of the positioning member through the transparent plate. The white reference portion is provided to the original placing surface side of the positioning member.

Abstract: An image scanning device includes a document table; a document pressing unit configured to press a document placed on the document table; a scanning unit including a light source for illuminating the document and configured to optically scan the document; an open/close detection unit configured to detect opening and closing of the document pressing unit; and a control unit configured to cause the scanning unit to move parallel to the document and thereby to detect a size of the document when the closing of the document pressing unit is detected by the open/close detection unit or when a scanning start signal is detected. The control unit detects the size of the document within a document size detection period that is changeable according to a speed of closing the document pressing unit, and turns on and off the light source based on the document size detection period.

Abstract: A cover closer having a drive unit for electrically opening and closing a cover of a copying machine or the like is described. The cover closer can ease the burden of manipulation of the cover and minimize the constraints on designing the main body of the copying machine and the like. The cover closer is provided with a compact drive unit having a high reduction ratio by the use of planetary gears which reduce the input torque necessary for opening and closing the cover, so as to downsize an electric motor used in the drive unit. The drive unit can therefore be installed within the hinge structure of the cover closer.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for holding a document sheet in place against a scanning surface of an image capture system. One such apparatus is a document cover comprising: a body that is oriented parallel to the scanning surface when the document cover is in the closed position; a compliant and elastic document backing that is partially attached to the body and configured to reflect light originating from the image capture system; and a backing constraint configured to secure a central region of the document backing to the body and further configured to constrain movement of the central region in a first direction that is normal to the scanning surface while allowing movement in the same direction of outer regions that are lateral to the central region. The document backing generates a downward spring force which biases the outer regions toward the platen.

Abstract: A system and method for application in single-sheet-feed copiers that automatically tends to the handling of original sheets after they are sequentially and individually placed into the single sheet-feed copier, including depositing the original sheets in a receptacle in a collated manner, without the requirement of direct handling of the original sheets by a user to achieve the collation.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a cover section, an image reading device including a document hold member and a document hold member cover, and a lock mechanism. When the document hold member cover is not in close contact with the document hold member, the lock mechanism prevents opening of the cover section or sliding of the image reading device.

Abstract: An image-capturing device including a body, an optical module and an upper cover is provided. The body has an upper surface and a first inclined plane, wherein the upper surface has an image-capturing area, and the first inclined plane is connected and located adjacent to the upper surface. The optical module is movably disposed in the body and is for capturing an image of a document inside the image-capturing area. The upper cover has a lower surface and a second inclined plane, wherein the second inclined plane is connected and located adjacent to the lower surface. When the upper cover is closed upon the body, the second inclined plane is placed atop the first inclined plane. The included angle between the second inclined plane and the lower surface is at least equal to the included angle between the first inclined plane and the upper surface and less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: In order to reduce a number of parts and required costs, and to improve operability during assembly and maintenance, the automatic original cover closer comprises hinge portions having a supporting member which supports the original cover to be opened and closed with regard to a main body of an office equipment and a driving portion automatically driving the supporting member of the hinge portions. The automatic original cover closer is characterized in that the supporting member is rotatably supported via a rotation shaft on a mounting member attached to the main body, that the driving portion comprises a driving motor and a driving force transmitting mechanism for transmitting a rotation drive force of the driving motor to the rotation shaft, and that the rotation shaft is adjusted so that its rotation drive force can be transmitted to the supporting member via a shaft engaging members fixedly attached thereto.

Abstract: A disclosed image scanning device includes a pressing unit for pressing a document; an operation detection unit for detecting an opening operation and a closing operation of the pressing unit; a movable scanning unit for scanning the document; and a control unit for moving the movable scanning unit from a standby position to a document-size detection start position when the opening operation is detected and moving the movable scanning unit from the document-size detection start position to the standby position to determine a size of the document when the closing operation is detected. The control unit is configured to continue moving the movable scanning unit from the standby position to the document-size detection start position until the arrival of the movable scanning unit at the document-size detection start position is detected even if the pressing unit is operated.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a first body with a scanner and an operation panel disposed on one side of the scanner. A top surface of the scanner and a top surface of the operation panel are in a same plane. A second body is disposed below the first body, to support the first body. The first body rotates between open and closed positions relative to the second body.

Abstract: An original size detecting apparatus is capable of carrying out accurate original size detection without erroneous detection of the size of an original due to the influence of external scattered light. A CCD reads reflected light of light irradiated from a light source onto an original placed on an original platen glass. Optical sensors detect two open states of the original presser plate, and a scanner controller performs predetermined control corresponding to each of the open states of the original presser plate detected by the optical sensors, to determine the size of the original based on the result of the reading by the CCD.