Mustek Systems Inc.

Transpacific Optics LLC

Will Kao

A double side scanner module which consists of a U-shaped inversion device and two image information reading devices is provided for reading images on the two sides of an original in a single pass. The U-shaped inversion device has two ends for providing a paper feeding path and a paper output path respectively. The two ends are at the same side for the convenience of operation. At both of the two ends, there is a glass window. Beneath each of the glass windows, there is an image information reading device. When an original is fed into the paper feeding end and conveyed through the first glass window, the first image information reading device starts to read the image on the first side of the original. When the original is conveyed through the U-shaped inversion device, the scanned side will be inverted to the other side. Consequently, when the original is conveyed through the second glass window, the second image information reading device can read the image on the second side of the original and complete the double side scanning.

Double side scanner module

An apparatus for holding a contact image sensor of a scanning system includes a supporting shaft and an elastic element. The supporting shaft is set through a holder and contact the contact image sensor. The elastic element contains a spring. The spring is positioned outside the holder and provides a force to the supporting shaft for pushing the contact image sensor upwardly. In this case, the contact image sensor stays close to a document plate to conduct scanning processes. Since the spring is outside the holder, the variation of holder due to manufacturing would not affect the force from the spring. Thus balanced forces are generated by the springs, further avoiding the situation of the contact image sensor jammed during scanning processes.

Apparatus for holding a contact image sensor in a scanning system

A scanner module with a single image information reading device is provided to read both sides of an original. The scanner module mainly comprises: a paper feeding device, and a paper output device for providing an I/O path for the original. The paper feeding device is connected to a scan station. The scan station comprises a glass window and a pinch roller which locates against the glass window. Beneath the glass window, there is an image information reading device. Under the guidance of the pinch roller, an original will be conveyed progressively from the paper feeding device and through the glass window for the image information reading device to read the first side of the original. The original will be inverted while passing through an inversion device. At the mouth of the inversion device, there is a document sensor. When the original leaves the inversion device, the sensor will generate a control signal to the pinch roller and enable the pinch roller to rotate in an opposite direction. The inverted original will be guided through the glass window with the guidance of the pinch roller. Consequently, the image information reading device can read the other side of the original.

A modularized carriage having a plurality of shock absorber struts is provided to allow a contact type image sensor module (CIS module) to contact tightly with the bottom surface side of the sheet table. The carriage has a plurality of holes formed on its bottom side. The bottom ends of the shock absorber struts are fixed to the bottom of the carriage. The shock absorber struts pass through the holes for supporting the CIS module in a manner such that the CIS module can contact tightly with the bottom surface side of the sheet table. Thus, while the CIS module is driven along the sheet table, the inventive carriage can absorb the vertical vibration of the CIS module and allow a document to stay within the scene depth of the CIS module. Since the present invention is a modularized carriage which is adaptable for various types of CIS modules and transmission mechanisms, the present invention can simplify the assembly and readjustment procedures of a CIS scanner. Moreover, the modularized carriage also helps to simplify the inner structure of the CIS scanner and reduces the size of the CIS scanner.

Modularized carriage having shock absorber struts for a contact image sensor module

A contact image sensor module having a plurality of spring mountings is provided to allow the CIS module contact tightly with the bottom surface side of the sheet table. The spring mountings are made of spring steel so that they are soft and elastic enough to support the CIS module. The spring mountings are engaged to the CIS module in a manner that ear-shaped spring steel plates are formed to rest on the side walls of the carriage for absorbing the shock of the CIS module. When conveyed by a carriage, the present invention can be adapted to any flatbed scanner having either a single guiding device or a pair of guiding device.

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Hsinchu, Taiwan

Will Kao