US4209248A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Continuously variable reduction copier optics systems
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
•
Filing: 1978-05-10
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Granted: 1980-06-24
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Expires: 1998-05-10
Abstract
Abstract A continuously variable reduction optical system for document copiers including various embodiments. A scanning optical system embodiment is disclosed for corner referenced documents. Full-exposure optical system embodiments are disclosed for both single-edge referenced and corner referenced documents. The systems can make use of single focus lens or variable focus lens. Specific mechanisms are disclosed for continuously variable adjustments to magnification, to total conjugate length, to image position, to scan speed and scan length and to leading edge registration. All adjustments are tied together under the control of the machine operator.
Inventors
- 👤 David K. Gibson
- 👤 Rick O. Jones
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 08:36
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/04; G03G15/041
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 116
Claim 1
Independent Claim
255 words
A continuously variable reduction imaging system for an electrophotographic copying machine wherein documents to be copied are typically of various rectangular sizes, comprising: a glass platen mounted on said machine for supporting said documents of various sizes in a document plane, said documents located on said document plane along at least one common reference edge; a photoconductive surface mounted in said machine; main motive means operatively connected to said photoconductive surface for moving said surface in said machine; a source of illumination for illuminating said document plane; an optics system for directing light from the illuminated document plane to an image plane on said photoconductive surface, said optics system including a lens in a lens barrel and means for adjusting said lens to obtain continuously variable magnification; a lens supporting member mounted in said machine for continuous movement along a path to a first position to produce a first image sized approximately the same as a first document area and to a second position to produce a second image from a second document area larger than said first document area; lens guide means mounted in said machine for supporting said lens supporting member, to provide a guideway for lens movement; and an optics positioning system for positioning said lens supporting member along said guideway to continuously variable positions including lens positioning means for shifting said lens supporting member to continuously variable positions in a direction perpendicular to the magnification axis, whereby said documents of various rectangular sizes are copied onto a common size copy paper.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
255 words
A continuously variable reduction imaging system for an electrophotographic copying machine wherein documents to be copied are typically of various rectangular sizes, comprising: a glass platen mounted on said machine for supporting said documents of various sizes in a document plane, said documents located on said document plane along at least one common reference edge; a photoconductive surface mounted in said machine; main motive means operatively connected to said photoconductive surface for moving said surface in said machine; a source of illumination for illuminating said document plane; an optics system for directing light from the illuminated document plane to an image plane on said photoconductive surface, said optics system including a lens in a lens barrel and means for adjusting said lens to obtain continuously variable magnification; a lens supporting member mounted in said machine for continuous movement along a path to a first position to produce a first image sized approximately the same as a first document area and to a second position to produce a second image from a second document area larger than said first document area; lens guide means mounted in said machine for supporting said lens supporting member, to provide a guideway for lens movement; and an optics positioning system for positioning said lens supporting member along said guideway to continuously variable positions including lens positioning means for shifting said lens supporting member to continuously variable positions in a direction perpendicular to the magnification axis, whereby said documents of various rectangular sizes are copied onto a common size copy paper.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The imaging system of claim 1 wherein said lens supporting member provides a mount for maintaining the orientation of the center line of said lens barrel parallel to the magnification axis regardless of the position at which the continuous lens movement is halted.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
The imaging system of claim 1 wherein said optics positioning system further includes means for shifting said lens supporting member to continuously variable positions in a direction parallel to the magnification axis which combined with motion perpendicular to the magnification axis causes said lens to follow a curvilinear path along which the lens is positioned at any point.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The imaging system of claim 3 wherein said lens supporting member provides a mount for maintaining the orientation of the center line of the lens barrel parallel to the magnification axis regardless of the position at which the continuous movement is halted.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The imaging system of claim 1 wherein said optics system includes a document scanning system comprised of a scanning carriage for directing illumination from said source to said document.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The imaging system of claim 2 wherein said optics system includes a document scanning system comprised of a scanning carriage for directing illumination from said source to said document.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The imaging system of claim 3 wherein said optics system includes a document scanning system comprised of a scanning carriage for directing illumination from said source to said document.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The imaging system of claim 4 wherein said optics system includes a document scanning system comprised of a scanning carriage for directing illumination from said source to said document.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The imaging system of claim 8 further including means for adjusting the focal sharpness of said optics system in a continuous manner so that whatever the magnification ratio selected, the image remains sharp.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
47 words
The imaging system of claim 9 wherein said lens supporting member comprises first and second lens carriages, said first lens carriage movable to continuously variable positions along the magnification axis, said second lens carriage movable to continuously variable positions in a direction perpendicular to said magnification axis.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The imaging system of claim 9 wherein said means for adjusting focal sharpness include movable reflective surfaces arranged to fold the optical path of said illumination.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
73 words
The imaging system of claim 11 wherein said lens is a single focus lens, wherein said glass platen is located in a stationary document plane, wherein said image is produced on said photoconductive surface in a stationary image plane, and wherein said movable reflective surfaces adjust the length of the optical path in a continuous manner so that the image remains sharp on said stationary image plane despite changes in the magnification ratio.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
The imaging system of claim 12 including magnification cam means for adjusting the position of said lens, according to a command from said optics positioning system.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
51 words
The imaging system of claim 13 wherein said document scanning system is further comprised of two scanning carriages, one of which carries two mirrors, in directing the illumination from said document to said photoconductive surface, one of said scanning carriages driven during scan at half the speed of the other carriage.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
38 words
The imaging system of claim 14 further including means for driving said scanning carriages directly connected to the slower moving of the two scanning carriages, and wherein the faster carriage is driven by connection to the slower carriage.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
57 words
The imaging system of claim 15 wherein the focal sharpness adjustment comprises means for adjusting the optical path distance between the two scanning carriages prior to scan start, said means including a focal sharpness cam through which a cam follower is positioned according to a command from said optics positioning system according to the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
32 words
The imaging system of claim 16 further including locating means for maintaining the reference edge of the document at a constant position on the image plane regardless of the selected magnification ratio.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
40 words
The imaging system of claim 17 wherein said locating means comprises a locating cam for adjusting the start position of said two carriages, said locating cam being positioned by said optics positioning system in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
34 words
The imaging system of claim 18 wherein said driven scanning carriage is driven at a constant speed, said constant speed being variably adjustable in a continuous manner in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
48 words
The imaging system of claim 19 wherein said scanning carriage for directing illumination to said document is moved a distance to start and complete the scan of said document in a fixed time interval, and wherein said distance is continuously adjustable in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
86 words
The imaging system of claim 20 further including a reciprocating drive arm, a drive carriage located for movement with said arm, a drive cable connected to said drive carriage and said driven scanning carriage, a truck in which said drive carriage is mounted, and means for positioning said truck such that said drive carriage is positioned in a continuously variable manner along said drive arm by said optics positioning system, whereby the speed and length of scan is set in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
42 words
The imaging system of claim 21 wherein said lens supporting member provides a mount for maintaining the orientation of the center line of the lens barrel parallel to the magnification axis regardless of the position at which the continuous movement is halted.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
82 words
The imaging system of claim 22 wherein said lens supporting member includes first and second lens carriages, said first lens carriage moved under the influence of said magnification cam, said imaging system including a corner cam for maintaining an image corner reference regardless of magnification ratio, said second lens carriage carried by said first carriage but movable in one dimension relative to said first lens carriage, said second lens carriage moved in said one dimension under the influence of said corner cam.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
33 words
The imaging system of claim 9 wherein said scanning carriage is driven at a constant speed, said constant speed being variably adjustable in a continuous manner in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
48 words
The imaging system of claim 24 wherein said scanning carriage for directing illumination to said document is moved a distance to start and complete the scan of said document in a fixed time interval, and wherein said distance is continuously adjustable in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
32 words
The imaging system of claim 24 further including locating means for maintaining the reference edge of the document at a constant position on the image plane regardless of the selected magnification ratio.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
65 words
The imaging system of claim 26 wherein said glass platen is located in a stationary document plane, wherein said image is produced on said photoconductive surface in a stationary image plane, and wherein said movable reflective surfaces adjust the length of the optical path in a continuous manner so that the image remains sharp on said stationary image plane despite changes in the magnification ratio.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
51 words
The imaging system of claim 27 wherein said document scanning system is further comprised of two scanning carriages, one of said carries two mirrors, in directing the illumination from said document to said photoconductive surface, one of said scanning carriages drive during scan at half the speed of the other carriage.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
86 words
The imaging system of claim 28 further including a reciprocating drive arm, a drive carriage located for movement with said arm, a drive cable connected to said drive carriage and said driven scanning carriage, a truck in which said drive carriage is mounted, and means for positioning said truck such that said drive carriage is positioned in a continuously variable manner along said drive arm by said optics positioning system, whereby the speed and length of scan is set in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
31 words
The imaging system of claim 2 wherein said optics system includes flash exposure means for producing illumination at said document plane, and mirrors for directing said illumination to said photoconductive surface.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
58 words
The imaging system of claim 30 wherein said optics positioning system further includes means for shifting said lens supporting member to continuously variable positions in a direction parallel to the magnification axis which combined with motion perpendicular to the magnification axis causes said lens to follow a curvilinear path along which the lens is positioned at any point.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
33 words
The imaging system of claim 30 wherein said optics positioning system includes means for shifting said lens supporting member to continuously variable positions in a second direction perpendicular to the magnification on axis.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
58 words
The imaging system of claim 32 wherein said optics positioning system further includes means for shifting said lens supporting member to continuously variable positions in a direction parallel to the magnification axis which combined with motion perpendicular to the magnification axis causes said lens to follow a curvilinear path along which the lens is positioned at any point.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
33 words
The imaging system of claim 30 further including means for adjusting the focal sharpness of said optics system in a continuous manner so that whatever the magnification ratio selected, the image remains sharp.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
48 words
The imaging system of claim 31 wherein said lens supporting member comprises first and second lens carriages, said first lens carriage movable to continuously variable positions along the magnification axis, and said second lens carriage movable to continuously variable positions in a direction perpendicular to said magnification axis.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
25 words
The imaging system of claim 35 wherein said second carriage is movable to continuously variable positions in a second direction perpendicular to said magnification axis.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
65 words
A continuously variable magnification optics system comprising: a lens; first means for adjusting the position of said lens along the magnification axis in a continuously settable manner between magnification ratio boundaries; second means for positioning said lens along a direction perpendicular to the magnification axis in a continuously settable manner between said boundaries; and drive means for moving said first means and said second means.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
65 words
A continuously variable magnification optics system comprising: a lens; first means for adjusting the position of said lens along the magnification axis in a continuously settable manner between magnification ratio boundaries; second means for positioning said lens along a direction perpendicular to the magnification axis in a continuously settable manner between said boundaries; and drive means for moving said first means and said second means.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 37 in which the orientation of the centerline of said lens remains parallel to the magnification axis regardless of the position at which the continuous lens movement is halted.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system of claim 38 further including a lens supporting member comprised of first and second lens carriages, said first lens carriage movable to continuously variable positions along the magnification axis, said second lens carriage movable to continuously variable positions in a direction perpendicular to said magnification axis.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 39 further including means for adjusting the focal sharpness of said optics system in a continuous manner so that whatever the magnification ratio selected, the image remains sharp.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 40 wherein said means for adjusting focal sharpness includes movable reflective surfaces arranged to fold the optical path between the object and image planes.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 41 wherein said lens is a single-focus lens and wherein the object and image planes are stationary.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 42 including magnification cam means for adjusting the position of said lens according to the desired magnification ratio.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 43 further including scanning means carrying a source of illumination for directing illumination from said source across the object plane.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
59 words
The system of claim 44 wherein said scanning means is further comprised of two scanning carriages and wherein the focal sharpness adjustment comprises means for adjusting the optical path length between the two scanning carriages prior to scan start, said means including a focal sharpness cam through which a cam follower is positioned according to the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 45 further including locating means for maintaining a reference edge of the object plane on the image plane at a constant position regardless of the selected magnification ratio.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said locating means comprises a locating cam for adjusting the start position of said two carriages, said locating cam being positioned in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 47 wherein said scanning carriages are driven at constant speeds, said constant speeds being variably adjustable in a continuous manner in accordance with a selection made prior to scan start of a magnification ratio.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system of claim 48 wherein said scanning means for directing illumination from said source to said object plant is moved a distance to start and complete the scan of said object plane in a fixed time interval, and wherein said distance is continuously adjustable in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
83 words
The system of claim 49 further including a reciprocating drive arm, a drive carriage located for movement with said arm, a drive cable connected to one of said drive carriages and one of said scanning carriages, a truck in which said drive carriage is mounted, and means for positioning said truck such that said drive carriage is positioned in a continuously variable manner along said drive arm, whereby the speed and length of scan is set in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
81 words
The system of claim 50 wherein said lens supporting member includes first and second lens carriages, said first lens carriage moved under the influence of said magnification cam, said imaging system including a corner cam for maintaining an image corner reference regardless of magnification ratio, said second lens carriage carried by said first carriage but movable in one dimension relative to said first lens carriage, said second lens carriage moved in said one dimension under the influence of said corner cam.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 45 wherein said scanning carriages are driven at constant speeds, said constant speeds being variable adjustable in a continuous manner in accordance with a selection made prior to scan start of a magnification ratio.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
83 words
The system of claim 54 further including a reciprocating drive arm, a drive carriage located for movement with said arm, a drive cable connected to one of said drive carriages and one of said scanning carriages, a truck in which said drive carriage is mounted, and means for positioning said truck such that said drive carriage is positioned in a continuously variable manner along said drive arm, whereby the speed and length of scan is set in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
175 words
A continuously variable magnification system comprising: a glass platen mounted for supporting documents of various sizes in an object plane, said documents located along at least one common reference edge; a source of illumination for illuminating said object plane; an optics system for directing light from the illuminated object plane to an image plane, said optics system including a lens and means for adjusting said lens to obtain continuously variable magnification; a lens supporting member mounted for continuous movement along a path to a first position to produce a first image sized approximately the same as a first document area and to a second position to produce a second image from a second document area larger than said first document area; lens guide means for supporting said lens supporting member to provide a guideway for lens movement; and an optics positioning system for positioning said lens supporting member along said guideway to continuously variable settings including means for shifting said lens supporting member to continuously variable positions in a direction perpendicular to the magnification axis.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
175 words
A continuously variable magnification system comprising: a glass platen mounted for supporting documents of various sizes in an object plane, said documents located along at least one common reference edge; a source of illumination for illuminating said object plane; an optics system for directing light from the illuminated object plane to an image plane, said optics system including a lens and means for adjusting said lens to obtain continuously variable magnification; a lens supporting member mounted for continuous movement along a path to a first position to produce a first image sized approximately the same as a first document area and to a second position to produce a second image from a second document area larger than said first document area; lens guide means for supporting said lens supporting member to provide a guideway for lens movement; and an optics positioning system for positioning said lens supporting member along said guideway to continuously variable settings including means for shifting said lens supporting member to continuously variable positions in a direction perpendicular to the magnification axis.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 54 wherein said lens supporting member provides a mount for maintaining the orientation of the centerline of said lens barrel parallel to the magnification axis regardless of the position at which the continuous lens movement is halted.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 55 further including means for adjusting the focal sharpness of said optics system in a continuous manner so that whatever the magnification ratio selected, the image remains sharp.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 56 further including locating means for maintaining a reference edge of the object plane on the image plane at a constant position regardless of the selected magnification ratio.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 57 wherein said lens is a single-focus lens and wherein the object and image planes are stationary.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 58 further including scanning means carrying a source of illumination for directing illumination from said source across the object plane.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
59 words
The system of claim 59 wherein said scanning means is further comprised of two scanning carriages and wherein the focal sharpness adjustment comprises means for adjusting the optical path length between the two scanning carriages prior to scan start, said means including a focal sharpness cam through which a cam follower is positioned according to the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 60 wherein said scanning carriages are driven at constant speeds, said constant speeds being variably adjustable in a continuous manner in accordance with a selected magnification ratio, said ratio selected prior to scan start.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 61 wherein said means for adjusting focal sharpness includes movable reflective surfaces arranged to fold the optical path of said illumination.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system of claim 62 wherein said lens supporting member comprises first and second lens carriages, said first lens carriage movable to continuously variable positions along the magnification axis, said second lens carriage movable to continuously variable positions in a direction perpendicular to said magnification axis.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 63 including magnification cam means for adjusting the position of said lens, according to a command from said optics positioning system.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 64 wherein said locating means comprises a locating cam for adjusting the start position of said two scanning carriages, said locating cam being positioned by said optics positioning system in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system of claim 65 wherein said scanning means for directing illumination from said source to said object plane is moved a scan distance to start and complete the scan of said object plane in a fixed time interval, and wherein said scan distance is continuously adjustable in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
83 words
The system of claim 66 further including a reciprocating drive arm, a drive carriage located for movement with said arm, a drive cable connected to one of said drive carriages and one of said scanning carriages, a truck in which said drive carriage is mounted, and means for positioning said truck such that said drive carriage is positioned in a continuously variable manner along said drive arm, whereby the speed and length of scan is set in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
81 words
The system of claim 67 wherein said lens supporting member includes first and second lens carriages, said first lens carriage moved under the influence of said magnification cam, said imaging system including a corner cam for maintaining an image corner reference regardless of magnification ratio, said second lens carriage carried by said first carriage but movable in one dimension relative to said first lens carriage, said second lens carriage moved in said one dimension under the influence of said corner cam.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
278 words
A continuously variable reduction imaging system for an electrophotographic copying machine wherein documents to be copied are typically of various rectangular sizes, comprising: a glass platen mounted on said machine for supporting said documents of various sizes in a document plane, said documents located on said document plane along at least one common reference edge; a photoconductive surface mounted in said machine; main motive means operatively connected to said photoconductive surface for moving said surface in said machine; a source of illumination for illuminating said document plane; an optics system for directing light from the illuminated document plane to an image plane on said photoconductive surface, said optics system including a lens in a lens barrel and means for adjusting said lens to obtain continuously variable magnification; a lens supporting member mounted in said machine for continuous movement along a path to a first position to produce a first image sized approximately the same as a first document area and to a second document area larger than said first document area; lens guide means mounted in said machine for supporting said lens supporting member, to provide a guideway for lens movement; an optics positioning system for positioning said lens supporting member along said guideway to continuously variable positions including lens positioning means for shifting said lens supporting member to continuously variable positions in a direction perpendicular to the magnification axis; and focal sharpness means whose position is continuously adjustable in a single axis for adjusting the focal sharpness of said optical system so that whatever the magnification ratio selected, the image remains sharp, whereby said documents of various rectangular sizes are copied onto a common size copy paper.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
278 words
A continuously variable reduction imaging system for an electrophotographic copying machine wherein documents to be copied are typically of various rectangular sizes, comprising: a glass platen mounted on said machine for supporting said documents of various sizes in a document plane, said documents located on said document plane along at least one common reference edge; a photoconductive surface mounted in said machine; main motive means operatively connected to said photoconductive surface for moving said surface in said machine; a source of illumination for illuminating said document plane; an optics system for directing light from the illuminated document plane to an image plane on said photoconductive surface, said optics system including a lens in a lens barrel and means for adjusting said lens to obtain continuously variable magnification; a lens supporting member mounted in said machine for continuous movement along a path to a first position to produce a first image sized approximately the same as a first document area and to a second document area larger than said first document area; lens guide means mounted in said machine for supporting said lens supporting member, to provide a guideway for lens movement; an optics positioning system for positioning said lens supporting member along said guideway to continuously variable positions including lens positioning means for shifting said lens supporting member to continuously variable positions in a direction perpendicular to the magnification axis; and focal sharpness means whose position is continuously adjustable in a single axis for adjusting the focal sharpness of said optical system so that whatever the magnification ratio selected, the image remains sharp, whereby said documents of various rectangular sizes are copied onto a common size copy paper.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
43 words
The imaging system of claim 69 wherein said lens supporting member provides a mount for maintaining the orientation of the center line of said lens barrel parallel to the magnification axis regardless of the position at which the continuous lens movement is halted.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
58 words
The imaging system of claim 69 wherein said optics positioning system further includes means for shifting said lens supporting member to continuously variable positions in a direction parallel to the magnification axis which combined with motion perpendicular to the magnification axis causes said lens to follow a curvilinear path along which the lens is positioned at any point.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
42 words
The imaging system of claim 71 wherein said lens supporting member provides a mount for maintaining the orientation of the center line of the lens barrel parallel to the magnification axis regardless of the position at which the continuous movement is halted.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
29 words
The imaging system of claim 69 wherein said optics system includes a document scanning system comprised of a scanning carriage for directing illumination from said source to said document.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
29 words
The imaging system of claim 70 wherein said optics system includes a document scanning system comprises of a scanning carriage for directing illumination from said source to said document.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
24 words
The imaging system of claim 71 wherein said optics system includes a document scanning carriage for directing illumination from said source to said document.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
29 words
The imaging system of claim 72 wherein said optics system includes a document scanning system comprised of a scanning carriage for directing illumination from said source to said document.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
47 words
The imaging system of claim 76 wherein said lens supporting member comprises first and second lens carriages, said first lens carriage movable to continuously variable positions along the magnification axis, said second lens carriage movable to continuously variable positions in a direction perpendicular to said magnification axis.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
23 words
The imaging system of claim 77 wherein said focal sharpness means includes movable reflective surfaces to fold the optical path of said illumination.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
73 words
The imaging system of claim 78 wherein said lens is a single focus lens, wherein said glass platen is located in a stationary document plane, wherein said image is produced on said photoreceptive material in a stationary image plane, and wherein said movable reflective surfaces adjust the length of the optical path in a continuous manner so that the image remains sharp on said stationary image plane despite changes in the magnification ratio.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
31 words
The imaging system of claim 79 wherein said single axis of movement of the position of said focal sharpness means is parallel to the axis of movement of said scanning carriage.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
26 words
The imaging system of claim 80 including magnification cam means for adjusting the position of said lens, according to a command from said optics positioning system.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
51 words
The imaging system of claim 81 wherein said document scanning system is further comprised of two scanning carriages, one of which carries two mirrors, in directing the illumination from said document to said photoreceptive material, one of said scanning carriages driven during scan at half the speed of the other carriage.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
57 words
The imaging system of claim 82 wherein the focal sharpness adjustment comprises means for adjusting the optical path distance between the two scanning carriages prior to scan start, said means including a focal sharpness cam through which a cam follower is positioned according to a command from said optics positioning system according to the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
32 words
The imaging system of claim 83 further including locating means for maintaining the reference edge of the document at a constant position on the image plane regardless of the selected magnification ratio.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
40 words
The imaging system of claim 84 wherein said locating means comprises a locating cam for adjusting the start position of said two carriages, said locating cam being positioned by said optics positioning system in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
34 words
The imaging system of claim 85 wherein said driven scanning carriage is driven at a constant speed, said constant speed being variable adjustable in a continuous manner in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
48 words
The imaging system of claim 86 wherein said sanning carriage for directing illumination to said document is moved a distance to start and complete the scan of said document in a fixed time interval, and wherein said distance is continuously adjustable in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
42 words
The imaging system of claim 87 wherein said lens supporting member provides a mount for maintaining the orientation of the center line of the lens barrel parallel to the magnification axis regardless of the position at which the continuous movement is halted.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
82 words
The imaging system of claim 88 wherein said lens supporting member includes first and second lens carriages, said first lens carriage moved under the influence of said magnification cam, said imaging system including a corner cam for maintaining an image corner reference regardless of magnification ratio, said second lens carriage carried by said first carriage but movable in one dimension relative to said first lens carriage said second lens carriage moved in said one dimension under the influence of said corner cam.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
31 words
The imaging system of claim 70 wherein said optics system includes flash exposure means for producing illumination at said document plane, and mirrors for directing said illumination to said photoconductive surface.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
58 words
The imaging system of claim 90 wherein said optics positioning system further includes means for shifting said lens supporting member to continuously variable positions in a direction parallel to the magnification axis which combined with motion perpendicular to the magnification axis causes said lens to follow a curvilinear path along which the lens is positioned at any point.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
32 words
The imaging system of claim 90 wherein said optics positioning system includes means for shifting said lens supporting member to continuously variable positions in a second direction perpendicular to the magnification axis.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
58 words
The imaging system of claim 92 wherein said optics positioning system further includes means for shifting said lens supporting member to continuously variable positions in a direction parallel to the magnification axis which combined with motion perpendicular to the magnification axis causes said lens to follow a curvilinear path along which the lens is positioned at any point.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
48 words
The imaging system of claim 91 wherein said lens supporting member comprises first and second lens carriages, said first lens carriage movable to continuously variable positions along the magnification axis, and said second lens carriage movable to continuously variable positions in a direction perpendicular to said magnification axis.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
25 words
The imaging system of claim 94 wherein said second carriage is movable to continuously variable positions in a second direction perpendicular to said magnification axis.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
282 words
A continuously variable reduction imaging system for an electrophotographic copying machine wherein documents to be copied are typically of various rectangular sizes, comprising: a glass platen mounted on said machine for supporting said documents on various sizes in a document plane, said documents located on said document plane along at least one common reference edge; a photoconductive surface mounted in said machine; main motive means operatively connected to said photoconductive surface for moving said surface in said machine; a source of illumination for illuminating said document plane; an optics system for directing light from the illuminated document plane to an image plane on said photoconductive surface, said optics system including a lens in a lens barrel and means for adjusting said lens to obtain continuously variable magnification; a lens supporting member mounted in said machine for continuous movement along a path to a first position to produce a first image sized approximately the same as a first document area and to a second position to produce a secod image from a second document area larger than said first document area; lens guide means mounted in said machine for supporting said lens supporting member, to provide a guideway for lens movement; an optics positioning system for positioning said lens supporting member along said guideway to continuously variable positions including lens positioning means for shifting said lens supporting member to continuously variable positions in a direction perpendicular to the magnification axis; and said optics system including two document scanning carriages for directing illumination from said document to said photoreceptive surface, said two carriages movable in a single scanning axis, whereby said documents of various rectangular sizes are copied onto a common size copy paper.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
282 words
A continuously variable reduction imaging system for an electrophotographic copying machine wherein documents to be copied are typically of various rectangular sizes, comprising: a glass platen mounted on said machine for supporting said documents on various sizes in a document plane, said documents located on said document plane along at least one common reference edge; a photoconductive surface mounted in said machine; main motive means operatively connected to said photoconductive surface for moving said surface in said machine; a source of illumination for illuminating said document plane; an optics system for directing light from the illuminated document plane to an image plane on said photoconductive surface, said optics system including a lens in a lens barrel and means for adjusting said lens to obtain continuously variable magnification; a lens supporting member mounted in said machine for continuous movement along a path to a first position to produce a first image sized approximately the same as a first document area and to a second position to produce a secod image from a second document area larger than said first document area; lens guide means mounted in said machine for supporting said lens supporting member, to provide a guideway for lens movement; an optics positioning system for positioning said lens supporting member along said guideway to continuously variable positions including lens positioning means for shifting said lens supporting member to continuously variable positions in a direction perpendicular to the magnification axis; and said optics system including two document scanning carriages for directing illumination from said document to said photoreceptive surface, said two carriages movable in a single scanning axis, whereby said documents of various rectangular sizes are copied onto a common size copy paper.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
43 words
The imaging system of claim 96 wherein said lens supporting member provides a mount for maintaining the orientation of the center line of said lens barrel parallel to the magnification axis regardless of the position at which the continuous lens movement is halted.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
58 words
The imaging system of claim 96 wherein said optics positioning system further includes means for shifting said lens supporting member to continuously variable positions in a direction parallel to the magnification axis which combined with motion perpendicular to the magnification axis causes said lens to follow a curvilinear path along which the lens is positioned at any point.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
42 words
The imaging system of claim 98 wherein said lens supporting member provides a mount for maintaining the orientation of the center line of the lens barrel parallel to the magnification axis regardless of the position at which the continuous movement is halted.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
33 words
The imaging system of claim 99 further including means for adjusting the focal sharpness of said optics system in a continuous manner so that whatever the magnification ratio selected, the image remains sharp.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
47 words
The imaging system of claim 100 wherein said lens supporting member comprises first and second lens carriages, said first lens carriage movable to continuously variable positioned along the magnification axis, said second lens carriage movable to continuously variable positions in a direction perpendicular to said magnification axis.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
26 words
The imaging system of claim 101 wherein said means for adjusting focal sharpness include movable reflective surfaces arranged to fold the optical path of said illumination.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
73 words
The imaging system of claim 102 wherein said lens is a single focus lens, wherein the glass platen is located in a stationary document plane, wherein said image is produced on said photoreceptive material in a stationary image plane, and wherein said movable reflective surfaces adjust the length of the optical path in a continuous manner so that the image remains sharp on said stationary image plane despite changes in the magnification ratio.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
57 words
The imaging system of claim 103 wherein the focal sharpness adjustment comprises means for adjusting the optical path distance between the two scanning carriages prior to scan start, said means including a focal sharpness cam through which a cam follower is positioned according to a command from said optics positioning system according to the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
26 words
The imaging system of claim 104 including magnification cam means for adjusting the position of said lens, according to a command from said optics positioning system.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
32 words
The imaging system of claim 105 further including locating means for maintaining the reference edge of the document at a constant position on the image plane regardless of the selected magnification ratio.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
40 words
The imaging system of claim 106 wherein said locating means comprises a locating cam for adjusting the start position of said two carriages, said locating cam being positioned by said optics positioning system in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
34 words
The imaging system of claim 107 wherein said document scanning carriages are driven at a constant speed, said constant speed being variable adjustable in a continuous manner in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
48 words
The imaging system of claim 108 wherein said scanning carriage for directing illumination to said document is moved a distance to start and complete the scan of said document in a fixed time interval, and wherein said distance is continuously adjustable in accordance with the magnification ratio selected.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
42 words
The imaging system of claim 109 wherein said lens supporting member provides a mount for maintaining the orientation of the center line of the lens barrel parallel to the magnification axis regardless of the position at which the continuous movement is halted.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
82 words
The imaging system of claim 110 wherein said lens supporting member includes first and second lens carriages, said first lens carriage moved under the influence of said magnification cam, said imaging system including a corner cam for maintaining an image corner reference regardless of magnification ratio, said second lens carriage carried by said first carriage but movable in one dimension relative to said first lens carriage, said second lens carriage moved in said one dimension under the influence of said corner cam.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-06-24 | 1983-12-24 | 1984-06-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-06-24 | 1987-12-24 | 1988-06-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-06-24 | 1991-12-24 | 1992-06-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |