PORTABLE SCANNER, PRINTER, FACSIMILE AND COPIER

Abstract: A portable scanner, printer, facsimile and copier is provided which is lightweight, slim in design, and has low power consumption. The device has portable practical applications as a facsimile and copy machine, with the added feature of interfacing with a host computer to scan information to and print information from the host computer. The device has a cam mechanism (6) which enables either the scanning or printing functions to be disengaged. The device also has rotating arm mechanisms (50) to lend it stability in operation, yet remain relatively unseen and unobstrusive when the device is not in use.

Description: PORTABLE SCANNER. PRINTER. FACSIMILE AND COPIER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a portable scanner, printer, facsimile machine and copier, and more particularly, to such a device having only a single drive roller to move paper to be scanned, printed, faxed and/or copied through the machine. The device has a slender shape which is unstable in its upright operating mode without the aid of rotating arms that pivot at both ends, and act as legs to support the device during operation. These arms lock into an open position to provide necessary stability during operation and also lock into a closed position to minimize occupied space during transportation and storage. In the closed position, the arms follow the profile and contours of the ends of the device, forming an extension of the main body's shape without any noticeable projections. Conventional facsimile components and communication methods are utilized by the invention in conjunction with new interfacing and facsimile methods as introduced in this device. Part of what is unique about the invention is the fact that a single drive roller is utilized for scanning, printing, faxing and copying, as is disclosed in the prior art of the inventor, Raja S. Tuli, in U.S. Patent No. 5,420,697. Multiple driver rollers and motors, or reversal of the main driver roller, for scanning and printing operations are not required as found in conventional methods, since the scanned original and the printed media move in parallel planes in opposite directions on opposite sides of the single drive roller, in the present invention. The thermal sensitive print media, either sheet or roll form, is externally stored, enabling compact lightweight design and portability. An object of the present invention is to provide a portable means of scanning originals into a host computer, and also a portable thermal means of recording outputs from a host computer, where the computer and the invented device both have the capacity to send and receive facsimile transmissions. Another object of the present invention is to provide portable means of faxing and copying documents with external media feed and storage. The external surface of the main body is fitted with contoured projections to correctly position and guide an external thermal sensitive paper roll, which by the nature of the design and direction of travel of the paper, rotate the paper roll snugly against the body of the device without the need for additional fixation means. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Generally speaking, in accordance with the present invention, a portable scanner, SUBSTITUTE SHEST (RULE 26) printer, facsimile and copier is constructed which is lightweight, slim in design, and has low power consumption. The device has portable practical applications as a facsimile and copy machine, with the added feature of interfacing with a host computer to scan information to and print information from the host computer. The device has a cam mechanism which enables either the scanning or printing functions to be disengaged. The device also has rotating arm mechanisms to lend it stability in operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS This invention may be better understood and its numerous objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying drawings, as follows: Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing the basic layout of main components found in the present invention; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of Fig. 1, showing the device capable of scanning and printing simultaneously; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 1, showing the device capable of only printing; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 1 , showing the device capable of only scanning; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 1 , showing the device in ''printing" mode and receiving a fax transmission: Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 1. illustrating the device scanning and transmitting a facsimile; Fig. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the interfacing of the device with a host computer system enabling scanning of originals and transferring to the host computer, in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 8 is a schematic view illustrating the device as a facsimile machine scanning originals and transmitting through telephone lines via its own electronic circuitry, in accordance with the present invention: Fig. 9 is a schematic view illustrating the interfacing of the device with a host computer system enabling printing of files, in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 10 is a schematic view illustrating the device as a facsimile machine receiving SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 25) facsimiles via telephone lines and simultaneously printing, in accordance with the present invention; Figs. 1 1. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views taken along line A-A of Fig. 1, showing alternate embodiments of the cam mechanism and its interaction with the scan and printer heads; Fig. 14 is a top plan view illustrating the position of the arms locked in their closed position and also the print media guides as disclosed in the present invention; Fig. 15 is a top plan view of the device of Fig. 14. with the arms locked in the open position and also a print media roll positioned between the guides, in accordance with the present invention: Fig. 16 is a right-side elevational view taken along line A-A of Fig. 14. showing the arms closed to facilitate storage and transportation, in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of Fig. 16, illustrating the arm locking device in its closed state, in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 18 is a right-side elevational view taken along line C-C of Fig. 15, illustrating the device with the arms locked in the opened position to provide stability when placed on a flat surface, and also the feed path of print media and the scanned document with the locating of printing and scanning components shown, in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of Fig. 18. illustrating the arm locking device in its opened state, in accordance with the present invention: Fig. 20 is a right-side elevational view with the arm removed to illustrate the end plate of the device, in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 21 is an illustration of the arm removed from the device, in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E of Fig. 21. illustrating the projections of the arm's locking mechanism, in accordance with the present invention: and Fig. 23 is a view along line F-F of Fig. 21. illustrating the arm's pivoting means, in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference is made to Fig. 1. which illustrates the primary components layout in the portable scanner, printer, facsimile and copier of the invention. There exists a single drive roller 1, on one side of which is located a thermal print head 2. and a scan head 3 on the opposite side. The drive roller is powered by a stepping motor 4 through a gear system 5 as a moving means for the print media and the scanned original, either simultaneously or individually at separate times, as determined by the position of cam mechanism 6. The print media and scanned original have prescribed directions of travel which are opposite to each other. Pushing or spring devices 7 are distributed to apply a force on the print head and scan head against the drive roller. Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which illustrates scan head 3, and thermal print head 2, applying pressure on opposite sides of fixed drive roller 1 via pushing devices 7, with cam 6 disengaged. Print media 8. sandwiched between the roller and print head, traverses in a plane parallel to the scanned original 9, which is sandwiched between the roller and scan head, but in an opposite direction on an opposite side of the drive roller as it rotates. This simplified drive system greatly reduces the torque and power demands on the device and more importantly, reduces the space consumed. In this mode, the device functions efficiently as a copier; scanning and printing simultaneously. The print head prints a single line of dots parallel to the roller at a time, and the scan head in a similar fashion senses a linear array of dots at a time parallel to the roller. In referring to Fig. 3, cam 6 is illustrated in the first of its two rotated positions, such that scan head 3 is pushed away from fixed drive roller 1 allowing print head 2 to sandwich print media 8 against the roller. Scan head 3 sits along a first flat surface of the cam with no moment created about the cam ' s pivot 15, making it stable in this position. In this "print only" mode, the scan head offers no friction resistance against the roller, reducing torque requirements considerably. This mode provides a release for the scanned original previously sandwiched between the scan head and the roller, as the scan head is retracted. Pushing devices 7 are employed to push both the print head and scan head towards the roller on opposite sides of the roller. In referring now to Fig. 4. cam 6 is illustrated in its second rotated position opposite to the first position, such that the print head 2 is pushed away from fixed drive roller 1 allowing scan head 3 to sandwich scanned original 9 against the roller. The print head sits along a second flat surface of the cam with no moment created about the cam ' s pivot 15, making it stable in this position. In this "scan only" mode, the print head offers no friction resistance against the roller, reducing torque requirements considerably. This mode allows paper previously sandwiched between the roller and print head to be easily removed as the print head is retracted from the roller. Pushing devices 7 are employed to push both the print head and scan head towards the roller on opposite sides of the roller. Referring now to Fig. 5. which is the "'print only " mode, cam 6 is engaged, thus applying a force against scan head 3 compressing its pushing device 7. This creates a small gap between scan head 3 and fixed drive roller 1. enabling print media 8, sandwiched between the drive roller and print head 2. to be driven without any friction resistance imposed by scan head 3 against the roller. A pushing device 7 applies a uniform pressure on the print head against the drive roller for consistent density of printed characters, and to avoid wrinkling of the thermal sensitive print media. The print media moves in a set direction which is the same when printing in the copy or facsimile reception mode, and is opposite in direction to that of the scanned original. With the device in this mode it is possible to print a facsimile reception or print files directly from an interfaced host computer system 10. utilizing the device ' s electronic hardware and software. Referring to Fig. 6. which is the '"scan only " mode, cam 6 is engaged, applying a force against print head 2 compressing its pushing device 7 and creating a small gap between the print head and fixed drive roller 1. Scanned original 9, sandwiched between scan head 3 and drive roller 1, can move without any friction resistance imposed by the print head against the roller. A pushing device 7 applies a uniform pressure on the scan head against the drive roller for consistent scanning, and to avoid wrinkling of the scanned original. The scanned original moves in a set direction, which is the same when scanning in the copy or facsimile transmission mode, and is opposite in direction to that of the print media. With the device in this mode, it is possible to scan and transmit a facsimile simultaneously or scan directly to a host computer system 10. utilizing the device ' s electronic hardware and software. Referring now to Fig. 7. which is the "scan only " mode, cam 6 is engaged applying a force against print head 2. thereby compressing pushing device 7 and creating a small gap between the print head and fixed drive roller 1. Scanned original 9. sandwiched between scan head 3 and drive roller 1. can move without any friction resistance imposed by the print head against the roller, as a pushing device 7 applies a uniform pressure on the scan head against the drive roller. In this particular application, the scanned original ' s data is processed through the device ' s motherboard 11 and transferred directly to a host computer 12. Referring to Fig. 8, which is the same "scan only " mode and configuration as in Fig. 7, the device can be used as a facsimile device for transmitting documents by scanning an original 9 and simultaneously transmitting through a telephone line 13. processed by an onboard motherboard 11. Referring now to Fig. 9, which is the '"print only " mode, cam 6 is engaged, thus applying a force against scan head 3 compressing its pushing device 7. This creates a small gap between the scan head and fixed drive roller 1. enabling print media 8, sandwiched between the drive roller and the print head 2. to be driven without any friction resistance imposed by the scan head against the roller. A pushing device 7 applies a uniform pressure on the print head against the drive roller for consistent density of printed characters and to avoid wrinkling of the thermal sensitive print media. The print media moves in a set direction, which is the same when printing in the copy or facsimile reception mode, and is opposite in direction to that of the scanned original. With the device in this mode it is possible to print a facsimile reception or print files directly from an interfaced host computer system 10, utilizing the device's electronic hardware and software 11. Referring to Fig. 10, which is the same "print only " mode and configuration as in Fig. 9, the device can be used as a facsimile device for receiving and printing transmitted documents simultaneously from a telephone line 13, processed through an onboard motherboard 11. Reference is now made to Fig. 11. which illustrates scan head 3, and thermal print head 2, applying pressure on opposite sides of fixed drive roller 1 via pushing devices 7 with cam 14 disengaged. Print media 8. sandwiched between the roller and print head, traverses in a plane parallel to scanned original 9, which is sandwiched between the roller and scan head, but in an opposite direction on an opposite side of the drive roller as it rotates. The cam mechanism illustrated has a single flat surface which is used to push the scan head and print head away from the drive roller at separate times, and can be implemented in the various functions of the device as previously described in Figs. 2 to 10. In referring to Fig. 12. cam 14 is illustrated in the first of its two rotated positions such that print head 2 is pushed away from fixed roller 1 allowing scan head 3 to sandwich scanned original 9 against the roller. The print head sits along the single flat surface of the cam with no moment created about the cam ' s pivot 16. making it stable in this position. In this "scan only" mode, the print head offers no friction resistance against the roller, thereby reducing torque requirements considerably. This mode allows paper previously sandwiched between the roller and print head to be easily removed as the print head is retracted from the roller. Pushing devices 7 are employed to push both the print head and scan head towards the roller on opposite sides of the roller. In referring to Fig. 13, cam 14 is illustrated in its second rotated position opposite to the first position, such that scan head 3 is pushed away from fixed roller 1 allowing print head 2 to sandwich print media 8 against the roller. The scan head sits along the single flat surface of the cam with no moment created about the cam ' s pivot 16. making it stable in this position. In this "print only" mode, the scan head offers no friction resistance against the roller, thereby reducing torque requirements considerably. This mode allows a document previously sandwiched between the roller and scan head to be easily removed as the scan head is retracted from the roller. Pushing devices 7 are employed to push both the print head and scan head towards the roller on opposite sides of the roller. Reference is made to Fig. 14, which is a top plan view of the general layout of the device illustrating arms 50 in their closed position with respect to the main body 20. When locked in their closed position, the arms follow the contours of the body to form an unnoticeable extension of the body. The location of the center of gravity of the device renders it unstable when the arms are in this closed position, as it can easily topple over while it is in its upright operating position. The entry keys 30 and function indicators 40 are invisible from the top. with the print media guides 55 projecting beyond the main body. The arms are fitted with a hinge 60 about which they pivot on the ends of main body. Reference is now made to Fig. 15, which is the device of Fig. 14, illustrating arms 50 in their opened position. When locked in their opened position, the arms provide the necessary stability for the device seated on a flat surface so that it does not topple over during operation. With the arms opened, the device is reclined at an angle and is no longer vertically upright, but facilitates feeding of the print media and the scanned document without obstruction. The print media guides 55 are shown to provide a positioning means for media roll 70. and also prevent the roll from sliding parallel to longitudinal axis X-X of the device, as the media travels perpendicular to this axis through the device. Referring to Fig. 16. which represents a right-side elevational view of the invention, arm 50 in its closed position follows the shape of main body 20 and locks into position via locking means 80, which also acts as a limit stop for the arm in closing. Hinge 60 is an integral part of the arm and is pivoted about a hole in the body. The locking device 90a and 90b for the opened position of the arms are illustrated and also act as a limit stop for the arm in opening. Fig. 17 represents an enlarged cross-section along line B-B and across the locking means for arm 50 to body 20. A small protrusion 100 fits into a mating cavity 110 to provide a locking means which can snap into and snap out of its locked position without excessive force. The angle at which the arm and body contact each other in the closed position is substantially identical, and forms a limit stop for the arm in closing. Reference is now made to Fig. 18, which is a right-side elevational view of the invention illustrating arm 50 in the opened and locked position of Fig. 15. When placed on a moderately level surface 120, the device becomes stable to perform all operating functions as the center of gravity is shifted along a wider base support. Arm 50 rotates about hinge 60 to provide sufficient space under main body 20 and level surface 120 to store a thermal sensitive print media roll 70. Guides 55 correctly position the print media with print head 2 which prints a line of dots at a time, parallel to drive roller 1, which also functions as the print roller. Scanned document 9 traverses parallel to print media 8 on opposite sides of drive roller 1, in opposite directions, across scan head 3 which reads the document one linear array of dots at a time. The locking devices 90a/90b fix arms 50 in open positions and also stops the arms from opening further. The force of drive roller 1 pulls the roll of print media 70 from the top causing the roll to always rotate and move in a direction towards the main body 20, keeping it snugly against the body at all times during printing without the need for additional fixation devices, thus allowing the guides 55 to function in restraining the roll from sliding perpendicular to the direction of travel of the print media and correctly positioning the media with the print head. Fig. 19 represents an enlarged sectional view across the limit stop projection 80 located at the bottom corners of main body 20. Stops 80 prevent the arms from rotating past the closed position where they essentially conform to the shape of the end view of the main body. Mating cavity 110 exists in the main body at the stop location as part of the locking device into which a mating protrusion, located on each arm. fits. Referring to Fig. 20. which represents a right-side elevational view of main body 20 of the invention with the arms removed, pivot hole 170 for hinge 60 is illustrated into which hinge SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 25) 60. located on each arm as an integral part, is inserted and snaps into position by nature of the design of the hinge. The limit stop projection 80 and locking cavities 110 are both integral parts of the main body 20. Fig. 21 represents an arm 50 of the invention removed from the main body. Hinge 60 is comprised of curved segments separated by narrow gaps in a circular arrangement. These gaps are present to allow the hinge to bend inward when inserting into pivot hole 170. The protrusions 100 which form part of the locking device are an integral part of the arms and fit into the mating cavities of the limit stops on the main body. The angle of the surface 180 on the arm. mates exactly with the corresponding limit stop on the main body providing continuity between parts, yielding an aesthetic, close fit of the arms to the limit stops on the main body in both the opened and closed positions. Fig. 22 represents an enlarged view of the arm ' s protrusion 100 which forms part of the locking device as an integral part of the arm 50. These protrusions mate with locking cavities 110 in the main body to lock the arms into position without excessive force, and can just as easily unlock. Referring to Fig. 23. which represents a top plan view of hinge 60 located on arm 50, there is a segmented shaft 190 which mates with pivot hole 170 in the main body, as shown in Fig. 20. A flat surface 200 projecting beyond the periphery of the segmented shaft is present to secure the arm into position yet allow rotation about the pivot hole after the arm's hinge is inserted into the hole. To facilitate a forced entry of the hinge into the hole, as the outer diameter of surface 200 is larger than the diameter of pivot hole 170. a tapered surface 210 is introduced which bends the hinge segments inward upon inserting into the hole. The hinge segments return to their straight rest position as surface 200 passes the inside wall of the main body, locking the arm onto the main body free to rotate about the hinge. It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 25)

Claims: CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A portable device for scanning, printing, faxing and coping, comprising: a substantially cylindrically shaped roller having a longitudinal axis running therethrough; a thermal print head located on one side of said roller in substantially continuous contact with said roller, capable of printing multiple, single lines of dots oriented substantially parallel to said axis of said roller, onto paper passing through said device between said roller and said thermal print head in a first direction; a scan head in substantially continuous contact with a substantially opposite side of said roller, for sensing linear arrays of dots arranged substantially parallel to said axis of said roller and located on paper passing through said device between said roller and said scan head in a second direction substantially opposite to said first direction; and a release mechanism comprising a rotatable cam mechanism located at an end of said roller, said cam mechanism selectively rotatable around said axis of said roller so that when said cam mechanism is selectively rotated it pushes against either (a) a portion of said thermal print head, causing said thermal print head to separate from said roller so that said thermal print head is no longer in said substantially continuous contact with said roller or (b) a portion of said scan head, causing said scan head to separate from said roller so that said scan head is no longer in said substantially continuous contact with said roller. 2. A portable device for scanning, printing, faxing and coping as recited in claim 1. further comprising a housing partially surrounding portions of said roller, thermal print head and scan head. 3. A portable device for scanning, printing, faxing and coping as recited in claim 2, further comprising a first pressure exerting mechanism located between said housing and said thermal print head, for exerting pressure against a back portion of said thermal print head thereby causing said substantially continuous contact between said thermal print head and said roller. 4. A portable device for scanning, printing, faxing and coping as recited in claim 3. said first pressure exerting mechanism comprising at least one spring. 5. A portable device for scanning, printing, faxing and coping as recited in claim 3. further comprising a second pressure exerting mechanism located between said housing and said scan head, for exerting pressure against a back portion of said scan head thereby causing said substantially continuous contact between said scan head and said roller. 6. A portable device for scanning, printing, faxing and coping as recited in claim 5, said second pressure exerting mechanism comprising at least one spring. 7. A portable device for scanning, printing, faxing and coping as recited in claim 1. further comprising a motor to drive rotation of said roller. 8. A portable device for scanning, printing, faxing and coping as recited in claim 1. further comprising an input/output fax port, to enable said device to interface with standard telephone wires in order to receive/send facsimiles. 9. A portable device for scanning, printing, faxing and coping as recited in claim 8, further comprising a fax circuit board for processing and storage of fax information. 10. A portable device for scanning, printing, faxing and coping as recited in claim 1. further comprising an input/output computer port, to enable said device to interface with a computer in order to receive information from said computer for printing, or to send scanned information to said computer. 11. A portable device for scanning, printing, faxing and coping as recited in claim 10, further comprising a circuit board for processing and storage of said received and scanned information. 12. A portable device for scanning, printing, faxing and coping, comprising: a substantially cylindrically shaped roller having a longitudinal axis running therethrough; athermal print head located on one side of said roller in substantially continuous contact with said roller, capable of printing multiple, single lines of dots oriented substantially parallel to said axis of said roller, onto paper passing through said device between said roller and said thermal print head in a first direction; a scan head in substantially continuous contact with a substantially opposite side of said roller, for sensing linear arrays of dots arranged substantially parallel to said axis of said roller and located on paper passing through said device between said roller and said scan head in a second direction substantially opposite to said first direction; a housing partially surrounding portions of said roller, thermal print head and scan head; and two selectively pivotal support arms, one located at a first end of said device on said housing, and one located at a second, opposite end of said device on said housing. 13. A portable device for scanning, printing, faxing and coping as recited in claim 12, wherein said support arms are selectively pivotal about an axis through said housing, said housing axis being substantially parallel to said axis of said roller, and off-set therefrom in a transverse direction. 14. A portable device for scanning, printing, faxing and coping as recited in claim 13, each of said support arms having a first locking mechanism to lock said arm in an open position, to support said device during operation. 15. A portable device for scanning, printing, faxing and coping as recited in claim 14, each of said support arms having a second locking mechanism to lock said arm in a closed position, to provide a sleek transportable/storagable construction for said device.

Inventors: TULI RAJA S, TULI, RAJA, S.
Applicants: DOCUPORT INC, TULI RAJA S, DOCUPORT, INC., TULI, RAJA, S.
Application year: 1999
Main classification: H04N1
IPC codes: B41J3, B41J25, B41J29, H04N1