International Business Machines Corporation

Rick O Jones

Michael H Ulrich

Walter F Price, Jr

David K Gibson

Glenn E Siemer

Tom K Chikuma

William H Nelson

Two carriages are roller mounted to allow relative motion between them while maintaining precise relative positioning. Rollers engage precision ground spaced surfaces of a C-shaped hangar configuration, and wear compensation is provided by a spring bias arrangement maintaining conformity between the rollers and guide grooves in the underside of the rails.

Scanning carriage system useful for optical scanners

An improved drive for a scanning optical system in a photocopier is disclosed. The drive incorporates an adjustable capstan and precision tapes as well as cables. The precision tapes are used between the two carriages which mount the optics because precise control of length in this portion of the system is critical. Cables are used in the remainder of the drive where flexibility in all directions is important. There is also a single drive embodiment. Also disclosed is a method for proper alignment of the carriages after field replacement of a broken cable.

Photocopier scanning apparatus and method for adjustment

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.

Continuously variable reduction copier optics systems

Method and apparatus for adjusting the position of a single-focus lens at two positions in a continuously variable reduction document copier machine. Adjustment is made at a 1:1 ratio by shifting the position of the lens on its carriage and adjusting the position of optical path mirrors until focus is obtained. Adjustment is made at a nominal 0.647 reduction ratio by adjusting the position of the lens carriage until focus is obtained. Apparatus is disclosed which provides the second adjustment without affecting the position of the lens at the first adjustment position.

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Longmont, CO, United States of America

Rick O Jones