US3888581A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Semi-automatic document handler
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1974-03-08
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Granted: 1975-06-10
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Expires: 1994-03-08
Abstract
Abstract Improved document handling for a xerographic copier with automatic ejection of documents from the copying platen by sheet drive wheels in a latchable self-lifting platen cover. The document flattening imaging surface of the platen cover is adjustably spaced slightly above the platen for low friction document removal but maintained copying focus, without unlatching the platen cover. The imaging surface is stationary, smooth and continuous so as not to affect copying on the platen.
Inventors
- 👤 John R Caldwell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 06:11
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B27/00; G03B27/32; G03B27/52; G03B27/62; G03B27/6207; G03B27/625; G03B27/6264
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
208 words
In a copying apparatus with a transparent document copying platen and scanning optical imaging means beneath said platen for imaging a stationary document on said platen, and a platen overlayable platen cover, said platen cover including uniform planar stationary document flattening surface means for holding documents of up to a predetermined maximum thickness substantially flatly against said platen for stationary copying, the improvement in automatically ejecting documents on said platen from said platen after copying comprising: document engaging sheet drive means in said platen cover for ejecting documents from said platen, said drive means extending through said stationary document flattening surface means for driving document engagement; means for selectively briefly driving said drive means in response to the completion of copying of a document on said platen to eject a document from said platen, retaining means for retaining said platen cover over said platen during both copying and ejecting of documents from said platen, and spacing means for holding said platen cover stationary document flattening surface means slightly uniformly spaced above said platen, while said platen cover is retained over said platen, by a pre-set spacing which is greater than said predetermined maximum thickness for facilitating said ejection of documents from said platen by said sheet drive means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
208 words
In a copying apparatus with a transparent document copying platen and scanning optical imaging means beneath said platen for imaging a stationary document on said platen, and a platen overlayable platen cover, said platen cover including uniform planar stationary document flattening surface means for holding documents of up to a predetermined maximum thickness substantially flatly against said platen for stationary copying, the improvement in automatically ejecting documents on said platen from said platen after copying comprising: document engaging sheet drive means in said platen cover for ejecting documents from said platen, said drive means extending through said stationary document flattening surface means for driving document engagement; means for selectively briefly driving said drive means in response to the completion of copying of a document on said platen to eject a document from said platen, retaining means for retaining said platen cover over said platen during both copying and ejecting of documents from said platen, and spacing means for holding said platen cover stationary document flattening surface means slightly uniformly spaced above said platen, while said platen cover is retained over said platen, by a pre-set spacing which is greater than said predetermined maximum thickness for facilitating said ejection of documents from said platen by said sheet drive means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The copying apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sheet drive means comprises frictional sheet drive wheels overlying only a small area of said platen relative to said stationary document flattening surface means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The copying apparatus of claim 1 wherein said spacing means comprises at least one mechanical spacer for said platen cover positioned off of said platen.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
The copying apparatus of claim 3 wherein said spacing means further includes adjustment means for pre-setting the spacing between said stationary document flattening surface means and said platen by adjusting the position of said stationary document flattening surface means on said platen cover independently of said mechanical spacer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
The copying apparatus of claim 4 wherein said optical imaging means has a pre-set limited optical depth of field above said platen, and wherein said spacing means holds said platen cover stationary document flattening surface means substantially uniformly spaced above said platen and within the depth of field.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The copying apparatus of claim 5 wherein said spacing means holds said platen cover stationary document flattening surface means spaced above said platen by a substantially uniform spacing which is not greater than approximately 0.04 inches.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
The copying apparatus of claim 1 wherein said optical imaging means has a pre-set limited optical depth of field above said platen, and wherein said spacing means holds said platen cover stationary document flattening surface means substantially uniformly spaced above said platen and within said depth of field.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The copying apparatus of claim 1 wherein said spacing means holds said platen cover stationary document flattening surface means spaced above said platen by a substantially uniform spacing which is not greater than approximately 0.04 inches.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
The copying apparatus of claim 1 wherein said platen cover is spring biased away from said platen, and further including releasable latching means providing said retaining means for holding said platen cover over said platen during both copying and ejecting of documents.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-06-09 | 1978-12-09 | 1979-06-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-06-09 | 1982-12-09 | 1983-06-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-06-09 | 1986-12-09 | 1987-06-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |