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. 27, 2001
Filed:
Dec. 13, 1999
Takashi Awai, Chiba, JP;
Nobuo Matsuoka, Yokohama, JP;
Yasuhiro Matsumoto, Moriya-machi, JP;
Masahiko Yokota, Abiko, JP;
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
The present invention provides a space-saving and compact high-operability image forming apparatus. The apparatus includes an original reading unit, a sheet supporting unit, an image forming unit and a sheet discharging unit. The original reading unit is adapted to hold an original placed on an original mount by a cover member, for reading an original image. The sheet supporting unit is placed under the original image reading unit, and supports a sheet on which an image is formed. The image forming unit is placed at the rear of the housing containing the original reading unit and the sheet supporting unit and is used to form an image on a sheet held by the sheet supporting unit. The sheet discharging unit discharges a sheet, on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit, towards and above the original reading unit.