Duplex documents scanner with alternating scan lines from dual imaging

Abstract

A system for concurrently imaging the first and second sides of different sequential duplex documents in alternating image lines alternating between the first and second imaging stations. This system is shown in a system for imaging both of the first and second opposing sides of duplex documents with higher productivity, with a generally 'V' shaped low profile document sheet feeding path with first and second arms merging at a base position having a document reversing system, for sequentially feeding documents from an input tray through the first arm to the base position, and then back through the second arm to an output tray. A first imaging station is in the first arm for imaging the first sides of the documents, and a second imaging station is in the second arm for imaging the second sides. Both imaging stations have a simple, partially shared fixed elements optical system mounted entirely inside the document path, which can share a single electro-optical digital imager. The duplex documents are not inverted, yet are returned to the output tray in the same orientation as the stack in the overlying input tray. Compatible simplex document copying can also be provided.