US4666293A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible document platen
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1986-01-17
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Granted: 1987-05-19
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Expires: 2006-01-17
Abstract
Abstract The present invention is directed toward a flexible plastic platen used as a document support surface in a copying/printing machine. The platen, in a preferred embodiment, is an optically clear polycarbonate sheet, inexpensive and easy to handle. The platen is mounted in a machine frame so as to be slightly flexed upward along a width area corresponding to the area to be scan-illuminated to ensure accurate focusing of the document image through an underlying linear lens array. The platen is easily replaced by releasing the tension and lifting the platen out of a seated position.
Inventors
- 👤 David O. Kingsland
- 👤 Edward A. Schwartz
- 👤 Joseph G. Mestnik
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 21:11
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B27/00; G03B27/32; G03B27/52; G03B27/62; G03B27/6207; G03B27/6221
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
A document imaging system comprising, in combination: a flexible transparent platen fixedly positioned in an object plane for supporting a document to be reproduced; means for incrementally scanning a document transported across said platen, said means including an optical illumination and imaging assembly for illuminating an incremental strip extending across the platen and for projecting a document image along an optical path onto a photosensitive image member; and means for moving said document across said platen.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
A document imaging system comprising, in combination: a flexible transparent platen fixedly positioned in an object plane for supporting a document to be reproduced; means for incrementally scanning a document transported across said platen, said means including an optical illumination and imaging assembly for illuminating an incremental strip extending across the platen and for projecting a document image along an optical path onto a photosensitive image member; and means for moving said document across said platen.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
70 words
The imaging system of claim 1 wherein said optical illumination and imaging system further includes a fixed elongated support bar having one end in contact with the bottom surface of said platen, the contacting end extending slightly and uniformly above the object plane along the platen width so as to flex the platen surface slightly upward along the contacting portion creating a bowed configuration along a portion of the platen.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
In a document imaging system, a flexible, transparent platen fixedly positioned in an object plane for supporting a document to be reproduced; means for moving said document across an exposure zone formed along an incremental strip of said platen; and means for flexing the platen upward along at least one area transverse to the document motion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
56 words
In a document imaging system, a flexible, transparent platen fixedly positioned in an object plane for supporting a document to be reproduced; means for moving said document across an exposure zone formed along an incremental strip of said platen; and means for flexing the platen upward along at least one area transverse to the document motion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The imaging system of claim 3 wherein said flexing means is a support bar extending the width of the platen, the top edge of the bar extending slightly above the object plane.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The imaging system of claim 1 wherein said platen has a recessed surface coincident with said incremental strip.
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) | 1990-05-18 | 1990-11-17 | 1991-05-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-05-18 | 1994-11-17 | 1995-05-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-05-18 | 1998-11-17 | 1999-05-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |