The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 03, 1992
Filed:
Sep. 22, 1989
Richard K Gerlach, Rolling Hills Estates, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A digitizing scanning apparatus for scanning and recording an image in digital form for ultimate reproduction. The image preferably adopts the form of or is included in a light transmissive document such as an X-ray film or the like. The document is moved in a first direction through the apparatus in a document feeding path and exposed to a source of light which extends transversely with respect to the direction of movement of the document and is located with respect to a scanning element, such as a charge coupled diode. As the document is moved into the housing past the charge coupled diode, light levels are calibrated for the dark and light areas of the document. The document is then moved in a second direction, opposite the first direction, and data is read from the document and digitized and stored in a central storage for ultimate reproduction. A unique drive system is provided for moving the document in both directions in the document feeding path. The drive mechanism comprises a plurality of floating idler rollers with drive rollers disposed therebeneath. The idler rollers are mounted for vertical shiftable movement so that a document having a thickness greater than the gap between the drive rollers and the idler rollers can bias the idler rollers in response to movement of the document. Adjustment screws are provided for adjusting the tension of the idler rolelrs. The apparatus also provides a unique scan calibrating system which calibrates the document being scanned and which also defuses the light so as to avoid creation of light streaks on the image.