Abstract: A multi-function printer comprises a printing module having a channel and an accommodation portion with a lateral wall, a scanning module rotatably disposed on the printing module, a guiding element disposed in the accommodation portion and adjacent to the lateral wall and moving between a first position and a second position, and a supporter with one end disposed on the scanning module and the other end slidably disposed in the channel through the guiding element. When the scanning module is opened to a predetermined angle, the supporter slides from the channel to be positioned between the guiding element and the lateral wall. When the scanning module is closed, the scanning module is further opened to move the guiding element to the second position. The scanning module descends and the supporter is guided by the guiding element into the channel.

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 pressing apparatus applicable to, e.g., an original reading apparatus having: an original pressing plate; a hinge unit having a first end supported rotatably with respect to the original pressing plate and a second end rotatably supported by an external device; and a press-fixing unit adapted to prevent rotation between said hinge unit and said original pressing plate by pressing the original pressing plate and the hinge unit into contact in a rotation axial direction, wherein the press-fixing unit is capable of releasing a press-contact state.

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

Abstract: An improved multi-function office machine having a paper-discharging space cover at an opening of a paper-discharging space, to prevent inflow of foreign substances into the multi-function office machine though the paper-discharging space. The multi-function office machine comprises a main body, a flat bed disposed at an upper portion of the main body to set a document, a flat bed cover with one end hinged to the main body to open and close the upper surface of the flat bed, a paper-discharging space disposed at a rear side of the main body to receive a printed paper, and having an opening at a top, and a paper-discharging space cover hinged to the rear side of the main body to open and close the opening.

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: An optical image scanning device includes a casing having a document supporting plate and a top cover. The top cover has an underside surface coated with a fluorescent material thereon. An optic module includes a light source for projecting an exciting light onto the fluorescent layer whereby the fluorescent material is excited by the exciting light to emit a scanning light. The scanning light transmits through a light-transmittable document and projects an image of the document onto reflective mirrors for guiding the scanning light through a focusing lens. The focusing lens focuses the light onto a image sensing device. A reflective type light source is selectively arranged in the optic module for selectively projecting a light onto a document formed on a non-transmissive medium that is positioned on the document supporting plate.

Abstract: A scanning device comprises a scanning body, a hinge and a cover. The scanning body has a first slot horizontally extended and formed at one side of the scanning body. The hinge has an upper portion and a lower portion engaged to each other and relatively movable for changing a length of the hinge. The lower portion of the hinge is disposed in the first slot and rotatably coupled to the scanning body. The cover is rotatably coupled to the upper portion of the hinge. When the cover is in a closed position, the hinge is received in the first slot. When an original medium to be scanned with a thickness is placed on the scanning body and positioned by the cover, the hinge is correspondingly rotated to a first position and extended to a first length.

Abstract: A platen cover for an imaging device such as a copier or scanner includes a substrate and at least of portion of the surface of the substrate is coated with a fluorescent coating. Preferably, the substrate has a dark or black color. The dark color of the substrate substantially reduces or eliminates show through of an image on the backside of an original document when the platen cover is not exposed to a light source for imaging. At the same time, when holes or uneven borders are present in the original document, the fluorescent coating fluoresces upon exposure to the light source at these regions of the original document, making these portions appear white in the replicated image and thereby substantially reducing or eliminating the unsightly appearance of these portions as black portions in the replicated image.

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: A bracing apparatus adopted for bracing an upper casing, pivotally engaged with a lower casing with electronic elements inside, of hatch-top electronic devices facilitate repairs and maintenance of the electronic elements in the lower casing. The bracing apparatus includes a first and a second linkage bar and an elastic element. The first linkage bar is remote from the pivotal joint of the upper and the lower casing, connects to the upper casing and pivotally connects to the second linkage bar. The second linkage bar connects to the lower casing. The pivotal connection end of the first and the second linkage bars is directing outwards from the neighboring sides of the upper casing and the lower casing. The elastic element connects to the upper casing abutting the pivotal joint of the upper casing and the lower casing, and the pivotal connection end of the first and the second linkage bars.

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: An image forming apparatus which is superior in operability and does not uselessly read image data is provided. When image data is once read and then a copy start key is pressed again, a determination is made as to whether an automatic document feeder has not been opened and a new original has not been set in the automatic document feeder from the end of a previous read operation to the next pressing of the start key. If the condition is satisfied, image data which is stored in a memory by the previous read operation is read out and printed. If the condition is not satisfied, an original image is read again.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scanner including a housing defining two mounting holes. An elastic rib is located beside each of the two mounting holes to provide a retaining action. A paper cover is pivotally mounted on the housing and has two locking hooks. Each locking hook is mounted in a respective mounting hole of the housing. Thus, the height of the paper cover can be adjusted according to the variation of depth of the locking hook in the mounting hole. In addition, the locking hook is retained by the elastic rib and the catch plate of the mounting hole, such that the paper cover cannot be removed easily, thereby preventing the paper cover from being lost.

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: 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: This present invention provides an image reading apparatus aiming at improving its operability while saving the cost and an image forming apparatus provided with the same. Sponges for pressing a pressing plate against a platen glass are constituted of nine sponges. Then, restoration forces Fa to Fc generated when sponges on a front side of a document feeding apparatus far from a fulcrum shaft of a hinge unit are crushed are set smaller than restoration forces Fg to Fi generated when sponges on a deep side of the document feeding apparatus near the fulcrum shaft 45 of the hinge unit are crushed.

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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 modified control panel used in office machines, which is disposed on an unfoldable upper cover or an automatic document feeder attached on the upper cover without the need of an extra projective portion for disposition of the control panel. Therefore, the machine volume can be effectively shrunk to meet the requirement of miniaturization without affecting operational convenience, thereby reducing material cost and packaging and transportation cost to enhance the competitive capacity of product. The office machine includes a main body, an unfoldable upper cover connected at the main body, and a control panel disposed at the upper cover.

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: A light lid with a previewing window is disclosed. The light lid provides a lightsome window to preview a transparent original. The light lid comprises a housing that has an opening, and a light conductive plate, which is positioned under the housing to conduct light upwards and downwards evenly so that the light illuminates evenly on the opening and a scanner. Therefore, a user can place a transparent original, such as negatives, above the opening to preview the image of the negatives clearly by the light which is conducted by the light conductive plate and past through the opening.

Abstract: A cover plate for a document scanning device or an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a frame connected to the body the image scanning device or that of the image forming apparatus. The frame is openable away from a glass platen and divided in a direction perpendicular to the opening/closing direction. A pressing portion presses the document laid on the glass platen. Mounting/dismounting members allow the pressing portion to be selectively mounted to or dismounted from the frame. An elastic member is included in the pressing portion and includes a sheet member mounted thereon and divided into a plurality of parts and configured to contact the document.

Abstract: A multi-direction opening lid structure for scanner includes a lid which has a plurality of novel hooks located at the side rims under the bottom surface thereof. The scanner body has a plurality of troughs formed therein to engage with the hooks for the lid to lay horizontally on the scanner body. Any one side of any two parallel sides of the lid may be lifted and opened for the hooks at the opposite side to turn and engage with the body. From the horizontal position laid on the body, the lid may be lifted and opened at any side desired.

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: 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 automatic document feeder (ADF) used in a facsimile machine, photocopier or the like. A sheet path from a sheet inlet to outlet is defined by lower, intermediate and upper frames of the ADF. The sheet path is generally shaped like “C” when viewed laterally. The intermediate frame has a pivotable member that can be opened and closed, and a guide member for guiding a sheet passing over a platen glass. An elastic member is provided for biasing the guide member on the platen surface from a turning portion of the C-shaped sheet path. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a clearance between the platen surface and guide member and prevent the sheet from flapping. A retard roller is removably supported by the pivotable member so that replacing and maintenance of the retard roller is simplified. Further, the pivotable member is a one-piece element and made from resin.

Abstract: An automatic original feeding apparatus mounted on the main body of an image forming apparatus has an automatic original feeding apparatus main body, and rotary supporting device for openably and closably mounting the automatic original feeding apparatus main body and an opening and closing mechanism interposed between the main body of the image forming apparatus and the automatic original feeding apparatus main body and permitting the rotating operation of the automatic original feeding apparatus main body relative to the main body of the image forming apparatus. A plurality of biasing members biases the automatic original feeding apparatus main body to offset the rotational force by gravity, and at least one of the biasing members has an adjusting mechanism for adjusting a biasing force.

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: An intermediate platen cover is provided between the platen and the 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: 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 feeder (ADF) used in a facsimile machine, photocopier or the like. A sheet path from a sheet inlet to outlet is defined by lower, intermediate and upper frames of the ADF. The sheet path is generally shaped like “C” when viewed laterally. The intermediate frame has a pivotable member that can be opened and closed, and a guide member for guiding a sheet passing over a platen glass. An elastic member is provided for biasing the guide member on the platen surface from a turning portion of the C-shaped sheet path. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a clearance between the platen surface and guide member and prevent the sheet from flapping. A retard roller is removably supported by the pivotable member so that replacing and maintenance of the retard roller is simplified. Further, the pivotable member is a one-piece element and made from resin.

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 automatic document feeder (ADF) used in a facsimile machine, photocopier or the like. A sheet path from a sheet inlet to outlet is defined by lower, intermediate and upper frames of the ADF. The sheet path is generally shaped like “C” when viewed laterally. The intermediate frame has a pivotable member that can be opened and closed, and a guide member for guiding a sheet passing over a platen glass. An elastic member is provided for biasing the guide member on the platen surface from a turning portion of the C-shaped sheet path. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a clearance between the platen surface and guide member and prevent the sheet from flapping. A retard roller is removably supported by the pivotable member so that replacing and maintenance of the retard roller is simplified. Further, the pivotable member is a one-piece element and made from resin.

Abstract: A cover plate for a document scanning device or an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a frame connected to the body the image scanning device or that of the image forming apparatus. The frame is openable away from a glass platen and divided in a direction perpendicular to the opening/closing direction. A pressing portion presses the document laid on the glass platen. Mounting/dismounting members allow the pressing portion to be selectively mounted to or dismounted from the frame. An elastic member is included in the pressing portion and includes a sheet member mounted thereon and divided into a plurality of parts and configured to contact the document.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a light source module for optical scanner, which may mainly receive the light source provided by at least one lamp. The light source module for optical scanner includes: at least one light-guiding element and a light-gathering element. The light-guiding element has a first surface and a second surface. The sectional area of the first surface is larger than that of the second surface. The first surface may receive the light of the lamp and transmit it to the second surface by the light-guiding element. The light-gathering element has a light-gathering front surface that is adjacent to the second surface. The light-gathering element is connected with the second surface. The second surface gathers the light transmitted by the light-guiding element and scatters the light uniformly by the light-gathering front surface.

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: An image reader includes a main unit having a plate-like document holder on which an original document is to be placed, and an image reading section for reading an image carried by the original document. The image reader further has a cover secured to the main unit. The cover can be turned to open and close a space on the document holder. The cover is turnable about a first axis defined by a straight line extending in a first direction substantially on the plane of the document holder. At least part of the cover is turnable about a second axis defined by a straight line extending in a second direction which is substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The image reader can be placed on, for example, a desk top selectively either in a horizontal posture in which the document holder extends substantially parallel to the desk top plane or a vertical posture in which the document holder extends substantially vertically to the desk top plane.

Abstract: The elastic cover of a scanner has an elastic convex bottom plate to press against the paper to be scanned. The convex bottom plate has windows for air trapped in the duct of the convex bottom plate to flow out and press against the paper so that the paper does not fly when the cover is lifted.

Abstract: An original document holding apparatus for closely contacting an original document with a contact glass surface includes an original document pressing plate, a pressing-contacting sheet member and an elastic member placed between the original document pressing plate and the pressing-contacting sheet member for attaching the original document pressing plate and the pressing-contacting sheet member together. The elastic member is only placed in a vicinity of a lowest surface of a warping shape of the original document pressing plate within a placement range of the pressing-contacting sheet member and the pressing-contacting sheet member is attached to the original document pressing plate only through the elastic member or members.

Abstract: The document pressing device according to the present invention includes a document table which is mounted on a main body and supports a document, a document cover which covers the document table and presses the document against the document table, an adjusting hinge which supports an opening and closing fulcrum of the document cover and is slidable in the thickness direction of the document according to the thickness of the document supported on the document table, a holding member which can hold an opening and closing side of the document cover and slides in the thickness direction of the document in synchronization with the sliding movement of the adjusting hinge, a hook which is fitted to an opening and closing side of the document cover and engages with the holding member to give the document cover a pressing force to press the document against the document table, and a release member for releasing the engagement of the hook from the holding member.

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.