US4678315A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Image forming apparatus
Assignee: Toshiba Corp
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Filing: 1985-10-25
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Granted: 1987-07-07
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Expires: 2005-10-25
Abstract
Abstract An image forming apparatus has a light-emitting element for designating, with a spotlight, a specific range on an original placed on an original table. Other light-emitting elements are used to charge a surface of a photosensitive body which corresponds to the specific range or to erase an electrostatic latent image, thereby forming an image that excludes that portion of the original designated as lying within the specific range.
Inventors
- 👤 Junji Watanabe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 11:55
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/60; G03G15/605; G03G15/36
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
An image forming apparatus, wherein an original is scanned, a photosensitive body which is uniformly pre-charged is exposed with light to form a charge pattern corresponding to an image of the original, and the charge pattern is developed to form a developed image, the apparatus comprising: an original table on which an original is placed; scanning means for scanning an original placed on said original table in a prescribed scanning direction; indicator means including a spotlight source for indicating a specific position or range on a surface of the original placed on said original table by moving a spotlight from said spotlight source along a surface of the original table; supporting means which is movable along said original table in the scanning direction for supporting said scanning means in a fixed manner in a direction normal to the scanning direction and for movably supporting said indicator means in the direction normal to the scanning direction; driving means for driving said supporting means and said indicator means; and erase means for erasing charges on the photosensitive body corresponding to the specific position or the range of said original indicated by said indicator means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
192 words
An image forming apparatus, wherein an original is scanned, a photosensitive body which is uniformly pre-charged is exposed with light to form a charge pattern corresponding to an image of the original, and the charge pattern is developed to form a developed image, the apparatus comprising: an original table on which an original is placed; scanning means for scanning an original placed on said original table in a prescribed scanning direction; indicator means including a spotlight source for indicating a specific position or range on a surface of the original placed on said original table by moving a spotlight from said spotlight source along a surface of the original table; supporting means which is movable along said original table in the scanning direction for supporting said scanning means in a fixed manner in a direction normal to the scanning direction and for movably supporting said indicator means in the direction normal to the scanning direction; driving means for driving said supporting means and said indicator means; and erase means for erasing charges on the photosensitive body corresponding to the specific position or the range of said original indicated by said indicator means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said erase means comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements which are aligned at a pitch substantially corresponding to a diameter of the spotlight source along a longitudinal direction of said photosensitive body, and which discharge the portion of said photosensitive drum which is designated by said indicator means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said indicator means comprises light-emitting elements and a lens which focus the spotlight onto the surface of the original and which are arranged in said scanning means, said indicator means being moved by said scanning means at a speed which is an integer multiple of the diameter of the spot light.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said erase means comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said plurality of light-emitting elements of said erase means are arranged between said charging means of said photosensitive body and said image exposure means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said plurality of light-emitting elements in said erase means are arranged between said image exposure means of said photosensitive body and said developing means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said indicator means is arranged in said scanning means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said indicator means comprises light-emitting elements and a lens which focus the spotlight onto the surface of the original.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said erase means comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements aligned in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of said photosensitive body.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said plurality of light-emitting elements of said erase means are arranged between said charging means of said photosensitive body and said image exposure means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said plurality of light-emitting elements in said erase means are arranged between said image exposure means of said photosensitive body and said developing means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said scanning means is driven by a pulse motor.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said driving means includes a first driving means for driving said supporting means in the scanning direction; and a second driving means for driving said indicator means supported on said supporting means in the direction normal to the scanning direction.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said second driving means is mounted on said supporting means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said supporting means includes a guide means for guiding said indicator means in the direction normal to the scanning direction.
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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) | 1990-07-06 | 1991-01-05 | 1991-07-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-07-06 | 1995-01-05 | 1995-07-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-07-06 | 1999-01-05 | 1999-07-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |