US3858976A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical scanning system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-02-25
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Granted: 1975-01-07
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Expires: 1994-02-25
Abstract
Abstract A scanning system for a photocopying apparatus including at least three moving mirrors. A first moving mirror is provided which is inclined to the platen and moves at a first speed to scan an original. A second moving mirror is provided which receives the reflected light from the first moving mirror and moves at a second speed different from that of the first mirror. A third moving mirror is provided which receives the light reflected from the second mirror and moves at a speed which is different from that of the first mirror. The second and third moving mirrors move in different directions. The mirrors are movable in synchronism with one another and the speeds are selected to maintain the optical path constant. A lens is provided to receive the light reflected from the third mirror and project it to a moving photosensitive surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Edric Raymond Brooke
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 16:55
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B27/00; G03B27/32; G03B27/52; G03B27/522; G03B27/525; G03B27/526
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
230 words
In an apparatus wherein an original document is supported in a plane upon a platen and wherein means are provided along an optical path for progressively scanning the original and for projecting the light from successive scanned areas upon a moving photosensitive surface, the improvement wherein said scanning means comprises a compact optical scanning system including: a first moving mirror inclined to said platen, said first mirror moving at a first speed to scan said original, said first mirror receiving said light from said successively scanned areas of said original; a second moving mirror oriented normal to said platen and positioned to receive light reflected from said first moving mirror, said second mirror moving at a second speed different from said first speed; a third moving mirror oriented normal to said platen and positioned to receive light reflected from said second moving mirror, said third mirror moving at a third speed different from said first speed, said third mirror moving in a direction substantially opposed from that of said second mirror; said mirrors being positioned on one side of the plane of said platen and being movable in synchronism with one another, and the respective speeds of said mirrors being selected to maintain a constant length for the optical path between said platen and said moving photosensitive surface; and a lens positioned to receive light reflected from said third mirror.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
230 words
In an apparatus wherein an original document is supported in a plane upon a platen and wherein means are provided along an optical path for progressively scanning the original and for projecting the light from successive scanned areas upon a moving photosensitive surface, the improvement wherein said scanning means comprises a compact optical scanning system including: a first moving mirror inclined to said platen, said first mirror moving at a first speed to scan said original, said first mirror receiving said light from said successively scanned areas of said original; a second moving mirror oriented normal to said platen and positioned to receive light reflected from said first moving mirror, said second mirror moving at a second speed different from said first speed; a third moving mirror oriented normal to said platen and positioned to receive light reflected from said second moving mirror, said third mirror moving at a third speed different from said first speed, said third mirror moving in a direction substantially opposed from that of said second mirror; said mirrors being positioned on one side of the plane of said platen and being movable in synchronism with one another, and the respective speeds of said mirrors being selected to maintain a constant length for the optical path between said platen and said moving photosensitive surface; and a lens positioned to receive light reflected from said third mirror.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said first mirror scans parallel to said platen.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said second and third mirrors move at the same speed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said speed of each of said second and third moving mirrors comprises one-quarter of the speed of said first moving mirror.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as in claim 4 wherein all of said mirrors move parallel to said plane of said original.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said first speed is the same as the surface speed of said moving photosensitive surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus as in claim 6 wherein said lens comprises a stationary half-lens, said half-lens comprising a lens means and a mirror positioned to reflect light received by the lens means through the lens means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as in claim 7 wherein said second mirror scans in the same direction as said first mirror.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3649126A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-01-06 | 1978-07-08 | 1979-01-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-01-06 | 1982-07-08 | 1983-01-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-01-06 | 1986-07-08 | 1987-01-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |