Patent ID: 6014229
Filing Date: 2000-01-11
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A device for detecting a width of a document used in an image reading and forming apparatus, comprising:a first paper guide and a second paper guide opposingly positioned and each in contact with one of two opposite sides of said document to guide said document into said image reading and forming apparatus, said first paper guide mounted on a first beam, said second paper guide mounted on a second beam that is oriented parallel to said first beam, said first beam having a first plurality of gear-mating teeth on a side facing said second beam and said second beam having a second plurality of gear-mating teeth on a side facing said first beam;a first gear interposed between both said first beam and said second beam and forcing said first paper guide and said second paper guide to move symmetrically along a direction of said width of said document, said first gear engaged with both said first plurality of gear-mating teeth on said first beam and said second plurality of gear-mating teeth on said second beam,a second gear driving a document size sensor and engaged with said first gear;said document size sensor having a rotary knob coaxially coupled to said second gear; andsaid rotary knob rotating when both said first guide and said second guide are adjusted, said document size sensor outputting a signal depending on a rotational position of said knob corresponding to a distance between said first paper guide and said second paper guide to determine said width of said document.