US4580151A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical scanning apparatus
Assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
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Filing: 1984-10-22
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Granted: 1986-04-01
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Expires: 2004-10-22
Abstract
Abstract A hologram array is utilized having a plurality of adjacent holograms which are illuminated at an acute angle by laser diodes. Each laser diode output is modulated by an information source such as a computer output or the like. The outputs of the hologram array leave the hologram at an acute angle such that the focal points of the beams leaving the hologram array are focused on the object surface (a photoreceptor or the like). Closely controlled spacing of the outputs of the holograms is achieved by appropriate spacing of the holograms. In order to provide two-dimensional scanning, an appropriate combination of spherical and cylindrical lenses may be utilized together with a moving polygonal mirror to move the output beams from the hologram across the surface of the photoreceptor.
Inventors
- 👤 Nobuo Bamba
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 18:53
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K15/00; G06K15/02; G06K15/12; G06K15/1285; G02; G02B; G02B26/00; G02B26/08; G02B26/10; G02B26/106
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
A scanning apparatus for scanning a surface with a plural number of independently modulated beam spots at the same time, comprising a light source for providing a plurality of independently parallel, collimated beams of light, means for independently modulating each of said beams of light and, a hologram array inserted in the path of said beams of light at an angle to said beams, whereby said modulated beams independently converge at spaced points at a known distance from said holographic grating.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
81 words
A scanning apparatus for scanning a surface with a plural number of independently modulated beam spots at the same time, comprising a light source for providing a plurality of independently parallel, collimated beams of light, means for independently modulating each of said beams of light and, a hologram array inserted in the path of said beams of light at an angle to said beams, whereby said modulated beams independently converge at spaced points at a known distance from said holographic grating.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said light source comprises an array of laser diodes spaced apart at distances to fix said points of convergence.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hologram comprises an array of adjacent holograms having the same focal length.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said holograms are partially overlapping.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said distance between the centers of adjacent holograms defines the distance between adjacent lines defined by the points of convergence.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
91 words
In an electrophotographic copying apparatus including a photoresponsive drum, means for exposing the surface of said drum with a plural number of independently modulated beam spots at the same time, comprising a light source for providing a plurality of independent parallel, collimated beams of light, means for independently modulating each of said beams of light, and a hologram array inserted in the path of said beams of light at an angle to said beams, whereby said modulated beams independently converge at spaced points at a known distance from said hologram array.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
91 words
In an electrophotographic copying apparatus including a photoresponsive drum, means for exposing the surface of said drum with a plural number of independently modulated beam spots at the same time, comprising a light source for providing a plurality of independent parallel, collimated beams of light, means for independently modulating each of said beams of light, and a hologram array inserted in the path of said beams of light at an angle to said beams, whereby said modulated beams independently converge at spaced points at a known distance from said hologram array.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said light source comprises an array of laser diodes spaced apart at distances to fix said points of convergence.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said hologram array comprises an array of adjacent holograms having the same focal length.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 further including deflecting means for scanning said converged points of information across the surface of said drum.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said deflection means comprise a rotating polygonal mirror.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said holograms are partially overlapping.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the distance between the centers of adjacent holograms defines the distance between adjacent lines defined by the points of convergence.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
110 words
In an electrophotographic copying apparatus including a photoresponsive drum, a method for exposing the surface of said drum with a plural number of independently modulated beam spots at the same time, comprising a light source for providing a plurality of independent, parallel collimated beams of light, independently modulating said plurality of independent, collimated beams of light, with distinct data sources, converting each of said light beams at spaced common focal points having a common focal length, and a passing said beams of light through a holographic linear grating array inserted in the path of said beams of light, whereby said modulated beams independently converge at spaced points on said drum.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
110 words
In an electrophotographic copying apparatus including a photoresponsive drum, a method for exposing the surface of said drum with a plural number of independently modulated beam spots at the same time, comprising a light source for providing a plurality of independent, parallel collimated beams of light, independently modulating said plurality of independent, collimated beams of light, with distinct data sources, converting each of said light beams at spaced common focal points having a common focal length, and a passing said beams of light through a holographic linear grating array inserted in the path of said beams of light, whereby said modulated beams independently converge at spaced points on said drum.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as claimed in claim 13 further comprising scanning said converging modulated beams information across the surface of said drum.
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) | 1989-03-31 | 1989-09-30 | 1990-04-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-03-31 | 1993-09-30 | 1994-04-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-03-31 | 1997-09-30 | 1998-04-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |