Pfu Limited

Masayoshi Kawai

Norio Kanemitsu

Tamio Amagai

Yasuhiko Kitagawa

Norihiro Suzuki

This invention provides a bottom removal-type paper supply apparatus used in an image reading apparatus or the like which can always accurately supply paper into the image reading apparatus regardless of whether the amount of paper stacked on a paper support base is small or large. In order to transport paper stacked on the paper support base into the apparatus, a first pickup roller to which a pressing force can be applied by a pressing roller and a second pickup roller at a central portion of the paper support base which assists the first pickup roller are provided. The second pickup roller is provided with a shutter. By closing the shutter when the paper stacked on the paper support base is less than or equal to a prescribed number of sheets or weight, the pickup roller and the paper can be prevented from contacting.

Paper supply apparatus

The present invention provides a scanner apparatus provided with both a flatbed-type mechanism and an ADF-type mechanism. The ADF mechanism can be set at an arbitrary position with an arbitrary orientation for use, whereby convenience for the user is improved while ensuring freedom with regard to the setting place of the apparatus. Further, the scanner apparatus is made such that reading with the ADF unit and reading with the flatbed unit can be performed simultaneously. A movable coupling mechanism is provided at a joint portion between the ADF mechanism and the flatbed mechanism. The movable coupling mechanism does not fix the position and orientation of the ADF mechanism and enables the ADF mechanism to be freely moved and rotated. With this movable coupling mechanism, the ADF mechanism can be disposed at either of the left and right ends of the paper-pressing board of the flatbed unit or at an arbitrarily position in consideration of convenience for a user and the setting place of the apparatus. Further, the orientation of the shooter of the ADF mechanism can be freely changed.

Scanner apparatus with automatic document feeder swivelled to accommodate different users and installations

A MICR reading head is operable to read a MICR character printed on a medium fed in a first direction. A sensor is operable to detect an end portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the medium. The MICR reading head is movable to a predetermined position at a predetermined distance from the end portion detected by the sensor.

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Uchinada-machi, Japan

Masayoshi Kawai