Patent Publication Number: US-2005129440-A1

Title: Information processing apparatus and transportation path opening/closing mechanism

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus for reading information recorded on a transported medium such as a check while conveying the transported medium along a transportation path. The invention also relates to a transportation path opening/closing mechanism for opening a portion of the transportation path to access.  
      2. Description of Related Art  
      In order to improve the efficiency of check processing, some banks and financial institutions have begun to electronically scan and read the checks for on-line processing and settlement. This has led to the development of information processing apparatuses such as taught in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application 2000-344428. While conveying a transported medium such as a check or other pliable medium, this information processing apparatus reads information from the transported medium using a scanner, MICR, or other information reading unit, and prints information to the transported medium using a printer or other data recording unit.  
      A U-shaped transportation path renders the entrance and exit portions of the transportation path in proximity on the same side of the information processing apparatus, and thus enables the operator to easily insert and remove the transported medium to and from the transportation path.  
      A U-shaped transportation path also provides a long transportation path within a short span, thereby allowing a plurality of information processing means such as data readers and data recorders to be disposed along the transportation path. A compact, hybrid information processing apparatus can therefore be provided.  
       FIG. 32  is an oblique view of an image reading apparatus (information reading apparatus)  401  having a U-shaped transportation path  403 . A scanner or other image reader is disposed to an image scanning area  404  of the transportation path  403 .  
      When a check or other transported medium  402  is conveyed through the transportation path  403  and passes the image scanning area  404 , the image reader captures an image of one side (the front in this example) of the transported medium  402 . A plurality of transportation rollers (not shown) for conveying the transported medium  402  are disposed along the transportation path  403  at intervals appropriate to the length of the transported medium  402 .  
      The image reader used in the image reading apparatus  401  must be capable of reading an area at least covering the entire height K of the tallest transported medium  402  that will be conveyed through the transportation path. The height (effective reading area) of the image reader is therefore greater than the height K of the transported medium  402 .  
      A means for pressing the transported medium  402  to the scanning surface of the image reader must also be provided at a position opposite the scanning surface of the image reader. The height of this pressure means must also be greater than the height K of the transported medium  402 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 32 , the image scanning area  404  is therefore a structure that is taller than the height K of the transported medium  402 , and has the scanning surface of the image reader and the pressure means on opposing faces of a pair of guide walls  404   a ,  404   b  located on opposite sides of the transportation path  403 .  
      As a result, when a transported medium  402  becomes jammed inside the image scanning area  404 , the jammed transported medium  402  is hidden between the pair of guide walls  404   a ,  404   b , and cannot be easily grasped from outside the transportation path  403 . Removing the jammed transported medium  402  from the image scanning area  404  is therefore quite difficult, and may require calling a trained repair technician that can disassemble and repair the image reading apparatus  401 .  
      Disassembly is also required to clean the scanning surface of the image reader when the scanning surface of the image reader becomes soiled, and cleaning is thus difficult.  
      A plurality of transportation roller pairs each having a rotationally driven transportation roller and a pressure roller for pressing the transported medium  402  to the transportation roller is also disposed to the transportation path. When the transportation roller pairs hold the transported medium with too much force and a jammed transported medium  402  is forcibly removed from between the transportation roller pair, the transported medium  402  may be torn. When the transported medium  402  is a check or other negotiable instrument, preventing such damage to the transported medium becomes very important.  
      A particular problem with a U-shaped transportation path  403  is that paper jams occur easily in the curved portion of the transportation path. In addition, multiple transportation rollers are disposed in proximity to each other in this curved portion. As a result, when a paper jam occurs in the curved portion, the conveyed medium is held by a plurality of transportation rollers, making recovery from a paper jam more difficult.  
      Paper clips and other foreign objects can also fall into the transportation path  403  from the top opening  404   c  to the image scanning area  404 , and removing such foreign objects from the image scanning area  404  is difficult. In addition, if a foreign object has fallen into the transportation path  403  and a check or other transported medium  402  is then conveyed through the transportation path  403 , the foreign object could cause a paper jam or damage to the scanning surface of the image reader.  
      To assure that the gap between the top and bottom portions of the pair of guide walls  404   a ,  404   b , that is, the width of the transportation path  403 , is held within a specified dimensional range and tolerance, the material used for the guide walls  404   a ,  404   b  must have a certain rigidity. Using such materials tends to increase the overall weight and cost of the apparatus. More particularly, when the transportation path is constructed so that these guide walls  404   a ,  404   b  can be opened and closed in order to facilitate removing the transported medium when a paper jam occurs or to clean the scanning surface of the image reader, maintaining the width of the transportation path within the specified tolerance range is particularly important.  
      In accordance with the present invention the information processing apparatus is provided with a transportation path opening/closing mechanism enabling easy access to a jammed transported medium without disassembling the image reading apparatus, thus enabling easily removing a transported medium without damaging the medium, and easily cleaning inside the transportation path.  
      The information processing apparatus further includes a transportation path opening/closing mechanism that prevent foreign objects from accidentally entering a specific portion of the transportation path from outside, and maintain the dimensional tolerance at the top and bottom portions of the transportation path within a specified range.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a U-shaped transportation path for conveying a first transported medium; a data reader for reading information recorded to the first transported medium conveyed on the U-shaped transportation path; and a transportation path opening/closing mechanism for opening a portion of the U-shaped transportation path in the area where the data reader is disposed to the U-shaped transportation path.  
      If the transported medium jams in the part of the transportation path where the data reader is located, the transportation path opening/closing mechanism may be opened to expose the transportation path at such location to provide access to the transported medium. The transported medium that jammed in the transportation path can thus be easily removed because the inside of the transportation path is exposed and accessible.  
      This information processing apparatus preferably also has a straight transportation path for conveying a second transported medium for reading information recorded on the second transported medium by means of the data reader. This straight transportation path includes the straight portion of the U-shaped transportation path containing the area where the data reader and transportation path opening/closing mechanism are disposed, and a linear transportation path connected in line with said straight portion.  
      This aspect of the invention enables reading not only pliable first transported media such as checks and other slips, but also stiff second transported media such as driver licenses and other cards that do not bend so easily.  
      Yet further preferably, the U-shaped transportation path has an outside guide wall and an inside guide wall for guiding the first or second transported medium on both sides of the transported medium, and the transportation path opening/closing mechanism has an opening/closing wall that can open and close to at least one of the outside and inside guide walls.  
      Further preferably, the opening/closing wall is attached by a pivot joint within the information processing apparatus, to enable it to open and close by rotating on this pivot joint.  
      By thus enabling the opening/closing wall to swing open and closed on a pivot joint, the transportation path can be exposed at a desired location to provide access to a transportation medium by means of a simple mechanism.  
      Yet further preferably, the data reader or a pressure mechanism for pressing the first or second transported medium to the scanning surface of the data reader is incorporated within the opening/closing wall.  
      Yet further preferably, at least one transportation roller pair for conveying the first or second transported medium holds the first or second transported medium even when the U-shaped transportation path is exposed.  
      The transported medium can thus be prevented from dropping and being damaged when the transportation path is exposed because at least one transportation roller pair holds the transported medium that jammed in the transportation path even when the transportation path is exposed for access.  
      Yet further preferably, the information processing apparatus also has a first data reader disposed on the outside guide wall side of the transportation path for reading information on one side of the first or second transported medium; a first pressure mechanism disposed on the inside guide wall side opposite the first data reader for pressing the first or second transported medium to the scanning surface of the first data reader; a second data reader disposed on the inside guide wall side of the transportation path for reading information on the other side of the first or second transported medium; and a second pressure mechanism disposed on the outside guide wall side opposite the second data reader for pressing the first or second transported medium to the scanning surface of the second data reader. In addition, the first data reader and the second pressure mechanism are also preferably incorporated within the opening/closing wall.  
      Both sides of the transported medium can thus be read using two data readers while the transportation path can also be opened for access by means of a simple mechanism.  
      An information processing apparatus according to another aspect of the invention has a transportation path for conveying a transported medium standing lengthwise on edge along a horizontal surface with the top portion of the transportation path open to the outside; a data reader disposed to the transportation path for reading information on the transported medium conveyed through the transportation path; and a cover member for covering at least part of said top opening to the transportation path in the area where the data reader is disposed to the transportation path.  
      Foreign objects are thus prevented from falling into the transportation path in the neighborhood of the data reader. This eliminates the need to remove such foreign objects from the transportation path, and prevents damage to the data reader by such foreign objects.  
      Preferably, the transportation path in this information reading apparatus has a portion wherein the transported medium is conveyed with a part of the transported medium exposed from the transportation path, and a portion wherein the entire transported medium is covered; and the cover member covers at least a portion of said top opening to the transportation path in the area where the transported medium is completely covered.  
      By thus conveying the transported medium with part of the medium exposed from the transportation path, this aspect of the invention reduces device size and weight, and improves operability and cost efficiency. In this case the part of the transportation path where the transported medium is exposed above the transportation path is not covered by the cover member.  
      Further preferably, the transportation path is formed in a U-shape resulting in the transported medium being conveyed in substantially opposite directions at the insertion opening and discharge opening.  
      This configuration affords a long transportation path within a small area, and reduces the size and weight of the device even when multiple functional components are disposed along the transportation path.  
      Yet further preferably, the cover member is fastened to the inside guide wall and outside guide wall of the transportation path, and holds a gap between said guide walls to a specific width.  
      By thus fastening the cover member to both guide walls of the transportation path, the rigidity of the cover member maintains a specific gap inside the transportation path, that is, between the guide walls. The rigidity of the cover member only needs to be sufficient to hold this transportation path gap to within a specified range. The cover member is therefore not limited to metal, and can be made of plastic or other lightweight material. Furthermore, because a necessary specific dimensional tolerance can be maintained by the cover member even if the rigidity of the guide walls is low, plastic materials can be used for the guide walls even when the guide walls are tall.  
      Further preferably, the cover member engages engagement pins disposed to one of the guide walls, and is fastened by screw to the other guide wall.  
      By thus securing one side of the cover member with pins, disassembly and maintenance are simplified while maintaining the necessary precision.  
      Yet further preferably, the information processing apparatus also has a transportation path opening/closing mechanism disposed to the area where the data reader is disposed to the transportation path for opening/closing a portion of the transportation path, and the cover member covers at least the top opening in the transportation path opening/closing mechanism.  
      Yet further preferably, the cover member has a positioning groove controlling the closed position of the transportation path opening/closing mechanism; and the transportation path opening/closing mechanism engages the positioning groove in the closed position to control the closed position of the transportation path opening/closing mechanism.  
      By thus providing a positioning groove in the cover member to engage the transportation path opening/closing mechanism, the necessary dimensional tolerance of the transportation path can be maintained within a specified range even when a transportation path opening/closing mechanism is rendered to the transportation path for opening and accessing the transportation path.  
      Yet further preferably, the data reader includes one or both of an image scanner for imaging the transported medium, and a magnetic ink character reader for reading magnetic ink characters on the transported medium.  
      Further preferably, a data recording unit is disposed to a portion of the transportation path for recording information to the transported medium.  
      When such data readers and data recorders are thus also provided, multiple processes can be executed in a single pass of the transported medium through the transportation path. If the transported medium is a check, for example, the check can be imaged and read, and a transaction record can be printed to the front or back of the check. Data processing apparatuses of this type are also usually located at a check-out counter or teller window, for example, where the likelihood of foreign objects falling into the transportation path is high. However, by covering the tall part of the transportation path guide walls where the image scanner is located with a cover member to prevent foreign objects from entering, the operating rate of the information reading apparatus can be improved.  
      The invention also provides a transportation path opening/closing mechanism having a data reader disposed to a U-shaped transportation path for conveying a transported medium for reading information recorded to the transported medium; a transportation path opening/closing block for opening/closing a portion of the U-shaped transportation path in the area where the data reader is disposed to the U-shaped transportation path; transportation rollers disposed to the U-shaped transportation path at a position other than where the data reader is disposed for conveying the transported medium by means of a feed roller and pressure roller that rotate holding the transported medium; and a roller pressure block for reducing the pressure load on the pressure roller when the transportation path opening/closing block is open, and applying a specific elastic load to the pressure roller when the transportation path opening/closing block is in the closed position, in conjunction with opening/closing the transportation path opening/closing block.  
      When a paper jam occurs in the part of the transportation path that is taller than the transported medium, this transportation path opening/closing mechanism of the invention enables opening the transportation path opening/closing block to expose and access the transportation path to easily remove the paper jam. Furthermore, because the holding force of the transportation rollers is relieved by reducing the pressure load on the pressure roller in conjunction with opening the transportation path opening/closing block, the paper jam can be easily corrected without damaging the transported medium. Note that as used herein reducing the pressure load on the pressure roller refers to both weakening the elastic load on the pressure roller and completely removing this elastic load so that no pressure is exerted by the pressure roller on the drive or feed roller.  
      Yet further preferably, the transportation path opening/closing block is attached at one end thereof to the main frame by means of a pivot joint enabling the transportation path opening/closing block to rotate open and closed on the pivot joint.  
      This arrangement allows the transportation path opening/closing block to open and closed on the pivot joint similarly to a door swinging on a hinge, and thus enables the operator to open and access part of the transportation path easily without particular training.  
      Yet further preferably, the transportation path opening/closing block comprises a pressure engaging portion that engages the roller pressure block and applies pressure to the pressure roller by means of an intervening elastic member disposed to the roller pressure block when the transportation path opening/closing block is in the closed position, and disengages the roller pressure block when the transportation path opening/closing block is opened.  
      The pressure engaging portion of the transportation path opening/closing block in this aspect of the invention moves according to the opening/closing operation of the transportation path opening/closing block. When the transportation path opening/closing block is closed, this pressure engaging portion engages the roller pressure block, and thus exerts an elastic load on the pressure roller by means of the intervening elastic member disposed to the roller pressure block. When the transportation path opening/closing block opens, this pressure engaging portion separates from the roller pressure block, and the pressure urging force of this pressure engaging portion is removed. The elastic load applied to the pressure roller thus decreases.  
      Yet further preferably, the roller pressure block has a roller holding member that holds the pressure roller and can slide in the feed roller direction, and a pressure frame for urging and pressing the roller holding member in the feed roller direction by means of the intervening elastic member. The pressure engaging portion engages the pressure frame when the transportation path opening/closing block is closed, and pushes and urges the roller holding member in the feed roller direction by means of the intervening elastic member.  
      As the transportation path opening/closing block is closed, the pressure engaging portion first contacts the pressure frame. As the transportation path opening/closing block continues to the closed position, the pressure engaging portion moves while continuing to press against the pressure frame. As a result, the pressure frame exerts pressure on and pushes the roller holding member by means of the intervening elastic member. When the pressure roller held by the roller holding member contacts the feed roller and can move no further, the elastic member contracts according to the movement of the pressure frame by the pressure engaging member. Because pressure determined by the compression of the elastic member is exerted on the roller holding member, a constant pressure is always applied to the roller holding member as a result of the transportation path opening/closing block moving to the closed position. The pressure roller therefore contacts the feed roller with constant pressure, and a specific holding force is thus maintained between the transportation rollers.  
      When the transportation path opening/closing block opens, the pressure engaging member moves in the direction separating from the pressure frame. The pressure of the elastic member exerted on the roller holding member is thus gradually relieved, and the holding force of the transportation rollers weakens. When the pressure engaging member separates completely from the pressure frame, the urging force of the elastic member is completely lost, and the holding force of the transportation rollers is eliminated.  
      In the transportation path opening/closing mechanism thus comprised, a single pressure frame preferably pushes and urges a plurality of roller holding members.  
      By thus using a single common pressure frame to apply pressure on a plurality of roller holding members, the pressure frame exerts the same pressure on all roller holding members, and uniform pressure can thus be applied to a plurality of pressure rollers.  
      Yet further preferably, the pressure frame is held slidably to the main frame, and the roller holding member is held slidably to the pressure frame.  
      Alternatively, the roller holding member is held slidably to the main frame, and the pressure frame is held slidably to the roller holding member.  
      Further alternatively, the roller holding member and pressure frame are both held independently slidably to the main frame.  
      A further embodiment of the invention includes a transportation path opening/closing mechanism having a data reader disposed to a U-shaped transportation path for conveying a transported medium for reading information recorded to the transported medium; a transportation path opening/closing block for opening/closing a portion of the U-shaped transportation path in the area where the data reader is disposed to the U-shaped transportation path; first transportation rollers disposed to the U-shaped transportation path at a position other than where the data reader is disposed for conveying the transported medium by means of a feed roller and pressure roller that rotate holding the transported medium; and a roller opening/closing block comprising a pivot arm that pivots in conjunction with opening/closing of the transportation path opening/closing block, and a roller pressure arm of which one end is linked to the pivot arm by means of an elastic member and the other end holds the pressure roller. The roller opening/closing block adjusts the pressure load of the pressure roller on the feed roller by increasing or decreasing the elastic load of the roller pressure arm by means of the elastic member according to the pivoting motion of the pivot arm.  
      If a paper jam occurs in a part of the transportation path that is difficult to access, such as where the guide walls of the transportation path are high or in a curved portion of the transportation path, the transportation path opening/closing block of this transportation path opening/closing mechanism can be opened to easily access the area where the paper jam occurred.  
      Furthermore, by decreasing the pressure load of the pressure roller and thus reducing the holding force of the transportation rollers in conjunction with opening the transportation path opening/closing block, a paper jam can be removed easily without damaging the transported medium. More particularly, because the pivot arm and roller pressure arm are linked by an elastic member, and the pressure exerted by the pressure roller is changed by the pivoting action of the pivot arm, this aspect of the invention is suited as a transportation roller opening mechanism when the transportation path opening/closing block and transportation rollers are located with a curved portion of the U-shaped transportation path located therebetween.  
      More specifically, this aspect of a transportation path opening/closing mechanism according to the present invention can increase or decrease the pressure applied to a pressure roller that is separated from the transportation path opening/closing block and applies pressure in a direction substantially  90  degrees to the opening/closing direction of the transportation path opening/closing block as a result of pivoting the pivot arm linked to the opening/closing action of the transportation path opening/closing block.  
      Note that as used herein reducing the pressure load of the pressure roller is not limited to simply weakening the elastic load applied to the pressure roller, and also refers to completely removing the elastic load.  
      Preferably, the transportation path opening/closing block is attached at one end thereof to the main frame by means of a pivot joint enabling the transportation path opening/closing block to rotate open and closed on the pivot joint.  
      This arrangement allows the transportation path opening/closing block to open and closed on the pivot joint similarly to a door swinging on a hinge, and thus enables the operator to open and access part of the transportation path easily without particular training.  
      Further preferably, the transportation path opening/closing block comprises a pivoting engagement part that engages one end of the pivot arm when closed and disengages the pivot arm when opened.  
      The pivoting engagement part disposed to the transportation path opening/closing block thus moves in an arc following the circular movement of the transportation path opening/closing block. The load pressing on the pressure roller can thus be adjusted by pivoting the pivot arm according to the movement of this pivoting engagement part.  
      Further preferably, the elastic member is an elastic member of which one end engages the roller pressure arm and the other end engages the pivot arm; and the pivoting engagement part causes the pivot arm to rotate in the direction causing the elastic load of the elastic member to increase the pressure load of the pressure roller when the transportation path opening/closing block closes.  
      The elastic member could be a coil compression or extension spring, flat spring, or torsion spring, and the elastic force of the elastic member causes the roller pressure arm to pivot or slide so as to push the pressure roller to the feed roller.  
      Further preferably, the roller pressure arm can move circularly around a rotary shaft; and the elastic member is an extension spring of which one end is attached to the roller pressure arm and the other end is attached to the pivot arm.  
      Accordingly, closing the opening/closing block causes the pivot arm to move circularly, pulling the extension spring. The resulting tension from the extension spring thus causes the roller pressure arm to pivot in the direction pressing the pressure roller to the feed roller.  
      Yet further preferably, the first transportation rollers are disposed adjacent to the transportation path opening/closing block with a curved portion of the U-shaped transportation path between the first transportation rollers and the transportation path opening/closing block.  
      Yet further preferably, to reduce the holding force of second transportation rollers located on the opposite side of the transportation path opening/closing block as the first transportation rollers, the transportation path opening/closing mechanism also has a roller pressure block for applying an elastic load of specific strength to the pressure roller of the second transportation rollers when the transportation path opening/closing block is in the closed position, and reducing the pressure load of said pressure roller when the transportation path opening/closing block is opened, in conjunction with opening/closing the transportation path opening/closing block.  
      The pressure load (holding force) of the transportation rollers located adjacent to opposite sides of the transportation path opening/closing block on the U-shaped transportation path can thus be reduced by opening the transportation path opening/closing block. As a result, a paper jam can be easily removed without damaging the transported medium regardless of where the paper jam occurs.  
      Yet further preferably, the transportation path opening/closing block comprises a pressure engaging portion that engages the roller pressure block and applies pressure to the pressure roller of the second transportation rollers by means of an intervening elastic member disposed to the roller pressure block when the transportation path opening/closing block is in the closed position, and disengages the roller pressure block of the second transportation rollers when the transportation path opening/closing block is opened.  
      The pressure engaging portion of the transportation path opening/closing block thus moves according to the opening/closing operation of the transportation path opening/closing block. When the transportation path opening/closing block is closed, the pressure engaging portion and roller pressure block engage, and apply an elastic load on the pressure roller of the second transportation roller pair by way of the intervening elastic member disposed to the roller pressure block. When the transportation path opening/closing block opens, the pressure engaging portion separates from the roller pressure block, and the force of the pressure engaging portion acting on the elastic member is removed. The elastic load applied to the pressure roller of the second transportation roller pair thus decreases.  
      Further preferably, the roller pressure block has a roller holding member that holds the pressure roller of the second transportation rollers and can slide said pressure roller in the direction of the feed roller of the second transportation rollers, and a pressure frame for urging and pressing the roller holding member in the direction of the feed roller of the second transportation rollers by means of the intervening elastic member. The pressure engaging portion engages the pressure frame when the transportation path opening/closing block is closed, and pushes and urges the roller holding member in the direction of the feed roller of the second transportation rollers by means of the intervening elastic member.  
      As the transportation path opening/closing block is closed, the pressure engaging portion first contacts the pressure frame. As the transportation path opening/closing block continues to the closed position, the pressure engaging portion moves while continuing to press against the pressure frame. As a result, the pressure frame exerts pressure on and pushes the roller holding member by means of the intervening elastic member. When the pressure roller held by the roller holding member contacts the feed roller and can move no further, the elastic member contracts according to the movement of the pressure frame by the pressure engaging member. Because pressure determined by the compression of the elastic member is exerted on the roller holding member, a constant pressure is always applied to the roller holding member as a result of the transportation path opening/closing block moving to the closed position. The pressure roller therefore contacts the feed roller with constant pressure, and a specific holding force is thus maintained between the second transportation rollers.  
      When the transportation path opening/closing block opens, the pressure engaging member moves in the direction separating from the pressure frame. The pressure of the elastic member exerted on the roller holding member is thus gradually relieved, and the holding force of the second transportation rollers weakens. When the pressure engaging member separates completely from the pressure frame, the urging force of the elastic member is completely lost, and the holding force of the transportation rollers is eliminated.  
      Yet further preferably, the data reader includes one or both of an image scanner for imaging the transported medium, and a magnetic ink character reader for reading magnetic ink characters on the transported medium.  
      Yet further preferably, a data recording unit is disposed to a portion of the transportation path for recording information to the transported medium.  
      A further embodiment of the present invention includes a transportation path opening/closing mechanism having first and second transportation roller pairs disposed to a transportation path for conveying a transported medium and each having a rotationally driven feed roller and a pressure roller for pressing the transported medium to the feed roller, a transportation path opening/closing block for opening/closing a portion of the transportation path, and a roller opening/closing mechanism for advancing and retracting the pressure rollers of the first and second transportation roller pairs in the direction separating from the corresponding feed rollers in conjunction with opening/closing the transportation path opening/closing block. The roller opening/closing mechanism has a first pivot frame that moves circularly in conjunction with opening/closing the transportation path opening/closing block; a first roller holding member disposed slidably to one pivoting end of the first pivot frame, and holding the pressure roller to advance to and retract from the feed roller of the first transportation roller pair; a first roller urging spring mounted between the first pivot frame and first roller holding member for elastically urging the pressure roller held by the first roller holding member toward the feed roller of the first transportation roller pair; a second roller holding member for holding a pressure roller opposite the feed roller of the second transportation roller pair; a second pivot frame to which the second roller holding member is disposed on one end thereof; and a second roller urging spring mounted between the other pivoting end of the first pivot frame and the other pivoting end of the second pivot frame, and causing the second pivot frame to move circularly and elastically urging the pressure roller held by the second roller holding member in the direction of the feed roller of the second transportation roller pair in conjunction with the circular movement of the first pivot frame.  
      Opening the transportation path opening/closing block of this transportation path opening/closing mechanism exposes all or part of a jammed transported medium for external access and easy removal.  
      Furthermore, if part of the jammed transported medium is held by either or both of the first and second transportation roller pairs near the transportation path opening/closing block, the roller opening/closing mechanism opens in conjunction with opening the transportation path opening/closing block when the transportation path opening/closing block is opened to expose the paper jam. As a result, the pressure rollers of the first and second transportation roller pairs retract and separate from the corresponding feed rollers, and the holding force of the transportation roller pairs is reduced or eliminated.  
      As a result, when the transportation path opening/closing block is opened to expose the jammed transported medium, the transported medium is also released from the holding force of the first and second transportation rollers, and the jammed transported medium can be easily removed from the transportation path and the paper jam can be corrected with minimal force. The transported medium will therefore not be held with excess force when it is removed, and the transported medium can therefore be removed without being damaged.  
      Furthermore, when the transportation path opening/closing block is returned to the closed position after removing the paper jam, the roller opening/closing mechanism elastically urges the pressure rollers of the first and second transportation rollers to the corresponding feed rollers linked to the closing action of the transportation path opening/closing block, and thus restores the first and second transportation rollers to the positions enabling the transported medium to be held and conveyed between the feed rollers and pressure rollers.  
      Restoring the transportation path to the normal operating condition after removing a paper jam is thus simple, and less time is required to recover from a paper jam.  
      Retracting the pressure roller from the feed roller in the first and second transportation roller pairs in order to relieve the holding force on the transported medium when a paper jam occurs is achieved by the circular movement of the first and second pivot frames to which the pressure rollers are attached.  
      Therefore, compared with retracting the pressure rollers by means of a linearly moving mechanism, the positioning precision of the pressure rollers can be maintained with high precision using a simple mechanical construction, and the force of the first and second roller urging springs for elastically urging the pressure rollers to the feed rollers can be easily adjusted.  
      Furthermore, this aspect of the invention is suited to arrangements in which the first and second transportation rollers are located on different sides of a curved portion of the U-shaped transportation path because a second roller urging spring is mounted between the other pivoting end of the first pivot frame and the other pivoting end of the second pivot frame, the second pivot frame moves circularly linked to the circular movement of the first pivot frame, and the pressure roller held by the second roller holding member is elastically urged to the feed roller of the second transportation roller pair by the second roller urging spring.  
      More specifically, because the first pivot frame, which moves circularly in conjunction with the opening/closing operation of the transportation path opening/closing block, causes the second pivot frame to pivot, the pressure roller of the second transportation roller pair retracts from the feed roller, and the holding force of the transportation rollers can be reduced or eliminated even though the rollers are separated from the transportation path opening/closing block and are urged in a direction offset from the opening/closing direction of the transportation path opening/closing block.  
      Further preferably, the transportation path opening/closing block is assembled to the main frame with one end thereof functioning as a pivot axis that is parallel to the rotational axis of the first pivot frame to permit the transportation path opening/closing block to open and close relative to the frame, and with the transportation path opening/closing block comprising an engaging part that engages one pivoting end of the first pivot frame when closed and separates from the first pivot frame when opened.  
      This arrangement allows the transportation path opening/closing block to open and close on the pivot joint similarly to a door swinging on a hinge, and thus enables the operator to open and access part of the transportation path easily without particular training.  
      Further preferably, the rotational axis of the second pivot frame intersects the rotational axis of the first pivot frame.  
      This configuration enables the pressure rollers to apply an appropriate elastic force on the corresponding feed rollers even when the pressure roller of the first transportation roller pair and the pressure roller of the second transportation roller pair apply pressure in different directions and different positions.  
      Yet further preferably, the transportation path is substantially U-shaped with two curved portions, the first and second transportation roller pairs are disposed with the curved portion on the downstream side of the transportation path between the first and second transportation roller pairs, and the transportation path opening/closing block is disposed adjacent to the upstream side of the first transportation roller pair.  
      When transported medium is jammed near the second transportation roller pair, which is not exposed when the transportation path opening/closing block is open, the trailing end of the jammed transported medium is still exposed near the first transportation roller pair and can be accessed from the outside. As a result, the jammed transported medium can be easily removed.  
      Yet further preferably, at least one of a data reader for reading information on the transported medium, and a data recorder for recording information on the transported medium, is disposed in a portion of the transportation path.  
      Thus comprised, if the transported medium jams in the transportation path, the jammed transported medium can be removed easily without damage to the medium, less time is required to recover from a paper jam, and data processing can proceed efficiently.  
      A “data reader” as used herein refers to any device that can read information recorded on the transported medium, including image scanners and other image readers, MICR devices, and IC card readers.  
      Furthermore, a “data recorder” as used herein refers to any device that can record information to the transported medium, including printers, magnetic recording devices, and IC card writers.  
      The information processing apparatus and transportation path opening/closing mechanism of the present invention permits the transportation path to be exposed and accessed when the transported medium jams in the part of the transportation path where the image reader is disposed, and the holding pressure of the transportation rollers is reduced in conjunction with this opening action of the transportation path opening/closing mechanism. A transported medium that is jammed in the transportation path can therefore be easily removed without damaging the transported medium.  
      In addition, if the image reader becomes soiled and needs cleaning, the transportation path can be opened by means of the transportation path opening/closing mechanism disposed to the transportation path, and the image reader can therefore be easily cleaned.  
      Foreign objects are also prevented from entering the transportation path by closing the top opening to the transportation path by means of a cover member. Furthermore, this cover member can accurately fix the gap at the top portion of the transportation path walls even when a transportation path opening/closing mechanism for opening and closing a portion of the transportation path is provided. As a result, a specified dimensional tolerance can be maintained even when the walls of the transportation path are made of plastic, for example, thus contributing to a reduced size, weight, and cost.  
      Other objects and attainments together with a fuller understanding of the invention will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1A  is a schematic plan view of the transportation path and various parts disposed neighboring the transportation path in an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 1B  is a section view through F-F in  FIG. 1A ;  
       FIG. 2  is an oblique view seen from arrow J in  FIG. 1A  showing the transportation path opening/closing mechanism when closed;  
       FIG. 3  is an oblique view seen from arrow J in  FIG. 1A  showing the transportation path opening/closing mechanism when open;  
       FIG. 4  is an exploded oblique view showing the parts of the transportation path opening/closing mechanism;  
       FIG. 5  is an oblique external view of an image reading apparatus having a transportation path opening/closing mechanism according to a second embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 6A  is a schematic plan view of the transportation path and various parts disposed neighboring the transportation path in the image reading apparatus shown in  FIG. 5 ;  
       FIG. 6B  is a section view through I-I in  FIG. 6A ;  
       FIG. 7  is an exploded oblique view seen from the direction of arrow N in  FIG. 5  with the transportation path opening/closing mechanism open;  
       FIG. 8  is an exploded oblique view seen from the direction of arrow O in  FIG. 5  with the transportation path opening/closing mechanism open;  
       FIG. 9  is an oblique view of the roller pressure block when assembled to the main frame;  
       FIG. 10  is an exploded oblique view of the roller pressure block;  
       FIG. 11  is an oblique view showing the assembly of the roller holding members and pressure frame from the back of the pressure frame;  
       FIG. 12  is a section view showing the relationship between the roller pressure block and the pressure engaging portion when the transportation path opening/closing block is closed;  
       FIG. 13  is a section view showing the relationship between the roller pressure block and the pressure engaging portion when the transportation path opening/closing block is open;  
       FIG. 14  is an oblique view of the roller opening/closing block showing the second transportation roller release mechanism;  
       FIG. 15  is a partial section view of the roller opening/closing block when the transportation path opening/closing block is closed;  
       FIG. 16  is a partial section view of the roller opening/closing block just after the transportation path opening/closing block is opened;  
       FIG. 17  is an oblique external view of the image reading apparatus having a transportation path opening/closing mechanism according to a third embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 18A  is a schematic plan view of the transportation path and various parts disposed neighboring the transportation path in the image reading apparatus shown in  FIG. 17 ;  
       FIG. 18B  is a section view through R-R in  FIG. 18A ;  
       FIG. 19  is an oblique view from the direction of arrow T in  FIG. 17  when the transportation path opening/closing block is closed;  
       FIG. 20  is an oblique view from the direction of arrow T in  FIG. 17  when the transportation path opening/closing block is open;  
       FIG. 21  is an oblique view from the direction of arrow U in  FIG. 1  when the transportation path opening/closing block is open;  
       FIG. 22  is an exploded oblique view of the transportation path opening/closing block;  
       FIG. 23  is an exploded oblique view of the cover member installation assembly;  
       FIG. 24  is an oblique external view of the image reading apparatus having a transportation path opening/closing mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 25A  is a schematic plan view of the transportation path and various parts disposed neighboring the transportation path in the image reading apparatus shown in  FIG. 17 ;  
       FIG. 25B  is a section view through V-V in  FIG. 25A ;  
       FIG. 26  is an oblique view from the back of the image reading apparatus seen from arrow W in  FIG. 24  when the opening/closing mechanism is closed;  
       FIG. 27  is an oblique view from the back of the image reading apparatus seen from arrow W in  FIG. 24  when the opening/closing mechanism is open;  
       FIG. 28  is a partial exploded oblique view of the roller opening/closing mechanism shown in  FIG. 27 ;  
       FIG. 29  is an oblique view of the major parts of the complete roller opening/closing mechanism shown in  FIG. 27 ;  
       FIG. 30  describes when the first pivot frame shown in  FIG. 28  is moved circularly in the direction releasing the pressure of the pressure rollers;  
       FIG. 31  describes when the first pivot frame shown in  FIG. 28  is returned to the closed position; and  
       FIG. 32  is an oblique view of a conventional image reading apparatus having a U-shaped transportation path for conveying a transported medium. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      An information processing apparatus and transportation path opening/closing mechanism according to preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying figures.  
     Embodiment 1  
      An image reading apparatus (information processing apparatus)  1  as is shown in  FIG. 1  has a U-shaped transportation path  3  for conveying a first transported medium  2 . A first scanner (image reading unit)  5  and a second scanner  7  for imaging opposite sides of the first transported medium  2  are disposed to the straight portion (middle transportation path D) connecting the two curved parts of the transportation path  3 .  
      A straight transportation path  4  is also connected in a straight line with the middle transportation path D. A second transported medium  15  is conveyed through the straight transportation path  4  and middle transportation path D, and can thus be scanned on one or both sides by first and second scanners  5  and  7 .  
      The first transported medium  2  conveyed through the U-shaped transportation path  3  is a check or other pliable medium. The second transported medium  15  conveyed through the straight transportation path including the straight transportation path  4  and middle transportation path D is a driver license, credit card, or other relatively stiff medium that is not easily bent. The first transported medium  2  can, of course, also be conveyed through the straight transportation path.  
      The transportation path  3  has an outside guide wall  3   a  and an inside guide wall  3   b  for guiding the transported medium on both sides. Transportation roller pairs  9  to  12  for conveying the first and/or second transported medium are disposed to the transportation path  3  and straight transportation path  4  at specific intervals determined by the length of the transported medium.  
      Each transportation roller pair  9  to  12  includes a drive roller  9   a  to  12   a  to which drive power is transferred from a drive motor not shown, and a pressure roller  9   b  to  12   b  for pressing the transported medium to the opposing drive roller  9   a  to  12   a.    
      In addition to the first scanner  5  and second scanner  7 , a MICR (magnetic ink character reader)  16  for reading magnetic ink characters printed on the first transported medium  2  is disposed to the middle transportation path D, which is shared by the U-shaped transportation path  3  and the straight transportation path  4 .  
      The U-shaped transportation path  3  is described in further detail below.  
      As shown in  FIG. 1B , the transportation path  3  has an outside guide wall  3   a  and an inside guide wall  3   b , and the first transported medium  2  is conveyed through the transportation space  3   c  between these two walls  3   a  and  3   b.    
      As shown in  FIG. 1A , the first transported medium  2  is inserted in the direction of arrow A to the straight transportation path C on the entrance side of the transportation path  3 . The height of the outside guide wall  3   a  and inside guide wall  3   b  in this straight transportation path C is less than the height of the first transported medium  2  (see  FIG. 1B ). As a result, the first transported medium  2  can be easily removed if a paper jam occurs.  
      When a first detector  13  located along the straight transportation path C detects the leading end part of an inserted first transported medium  2 , the transportation roller pairs  9  to  12  begin to turn, and the first transported medium  2  is thus nipped by the first transportation roller pair  9  and advanced. The first transportation roller pair  9  thus conveys the first transported medium  2  from the straight transportation path C through the curved transportation path and into the middle transportation path D.  
      When a second detector  14  located in the curved transportation path detects the leading end of the first transported medium  2 , the first scanner  5 , second scanner  7 , and MICR  16  are enabled. Both sides of the first transported medium  2  are thus imaged by the first scanner  5  and second scanner  7 , and magnetic ink character information is read by MICR  16  from the first transported medium  2 , as the processed medium is conveyed through the middle transportation path D.  
      The first transported medium  2  is then nipped by the second transportation roller pair  10  located on the middle transportation path D, and the second transportation roller pair  10  conveys the first transported medium  2  from the middle transportation path D through the curved transportation path and into the straight transportation path E on the discharge side.  
      The transportation direction of the first transported medium  2  is thus changed  180  degrees as a result of the first transported medium  2  passing through the two curved parts of the transportation path  3 , and the first transported medium  2  is nipped by the discharge rollers  11  located on straight transportation path E and discharged in the direction of arrow B.  
      The image scanning process is described in detail next.  
      The first scanner  5  is located on the outside guide wall  3   a  side of the transportation path  3 , and a first pressure mechanism  6  is disposed on the inside guide wall  3   b  side opposite the first scanner  5 . A pressure roller  6   a  in the first pressure mechanism  6  presses the first transported medium  2  to the scanning surface of the first scanner  5 , and the first scanner  5  images one side of the first transported medium  2  as the medium  2  is conveyed over the first scanner  5 .  
      The second scanner  7  is located downstream from the first pressure mechanism  6 , and a second pressure mechanism  8  is located opposite the second scanner  7  on the outside guide wall  3   a  side of the transportation path  3 . A pressure roller  8   a  in the second pressure mechanism  8  similarly presses the first transported medium  2  to the scanning surface of the second scanner  7 , and when the first transported medium  2  passes over the second scanner  7 , the second scanner  7  images the other side of the first transported medium  2 .  
      The first scanner  5  and second scanner  7  can image the entire area of the tallest first transported medium  2  that is processed, and the information processing apparatus is therefore taller than the height of these scanners. The first pressure mechanism  6  and second pressure mechanism  8  are also taller than the tallest transported medium that is handled. The outside guide wall  3   a  to which the first scanner  5  and second pressure mechanism  8  are disposed, and the inside guide wall  3   b  to which the second scanner  7  and first pressure mechanism  6  are disposed, are therefore both taller than the first transported medium  2 . See  FIG. 2 .  
      A first transported medium  2  passing through the middle transportation path D to which the first scanner  5  and second scanner  7  are disposed is thus covered on both sides by the outside guide wall  3   a  and inside guide wall  3   b.    
      If the first transported medium  2  jams in this area, recovering the jammed medium from the paper jam will be difficult because the inside of the middle transportation path D cannot be accessed.  
      To provide the access necessary to solve this problem, this embodiment of the invention has a transportation path opening/closing mechanism for exposing the jammed part of the transportation path. This transportation path opening/closing mechanism is described in detail further below.  
      The MICR  16  for reading magnetic ink characters printed on the first transported medium  2  is disposed below the second transportation roller pair  10 , and the magnetic ink characters are read by the MICR  16  when the first transported medium  2  passes over the MICR  16 . A magnet  17  for magnetizing the magnetic ink characters on the first transported medium  2  is also disposed adjacent to the first pressure mechanism  6 .  
      As a first transported medium  2  inserted from the direction of arrow A into the U-shaped transportation path  3  is conveyed by the first and second transportation roller pairs  9  and  10 , the first scanner  5  and second scanner  7  image opposite sides of the first transported medium  2 , magnetic ink character information is read by the MICR  16 , and the first transported medium  2  is then discharged by the discharge rollers  11  in the direction of arrow B.  
      The straight transportation path for imaging the second transported medium  15  is described next.  
      As noted above, this transportation path includes the middle transportation path D and the straight transportation path  4  formed in line with and connected to the middle transportation path D. The straight transportation path  4  conveys a second transported medium  15  through a transportation space  4   c  rendered between an outside guide wall  4   a  and an inside guide wall  4   b.  The middle transportation path D is used for imaging both first and second transported media  2  and  15 . The height of the second transported medium  15  is less than the height of the first transported medium  2 , and only the top half of the middle transportation path D is therefore used to convey second transported media  15 . As with the first transported medium  2 , however, second transported media  15  passing through the middle transportation path D are covered by the outside guide wall  3   a  and inside guide wall  3   b.    
      Second transported media  15  are inserted from the direction of arrow G to the straight transportation path  4 . When a third detector  18  detects the leading end of the inserted second transported medium  15 , the straight transportation path rollers  12  and other transportation path rollers start turning. As with the other transportation path roller pairs, the straight transportation path roller pair  12  includes a drive roller  12   a  to which drive power is transferred from a drive motor, and a pressure roller  12   b.    
      The second transported medium  15  is thus conveyed by the straight transportation path rollers  12  to the middle transportation path D. The second transported medium  15  is then nipped and conveyed by the second transportation roller pair  10  until the trailing end of the second transported medium  15  is conveyed to a position beyond the second scanner  7 . The second transported medium  15  then stops.  
      The second transported medium  15  is then conveyed in the reverse direction and both sides are imaged as the second transported medium  15  passes the second scanner  7  and first scanner  5 . The second transported medium  15  is then discharged in the direction of arrow H from the same position where the medium was inserted.  
      A preferred embodiment of a transportation path opening/closing mechanism  20  according to the present invention is described next below with reference to  FIG. 2  to  FIG. 4 .  
       FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  are internal oblique views of the image reading apparatus  1  as seen from arrow J in  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 2  shows the transportation path opening/closing mechanism  20  closed, and  FIG. 3  shows the transportation path opening/closing mechanism  20  open.  FIG. 4  is an exploded oblique view of the transportation path opening/closing mechanism  20 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 2 , the guide walls of the transportation path where the first scanner  5  and second scanner  7  are disposed are taller than the height at which the top of the first and second transported media  2 ,  15  are located during transportation. It is therefore difficult to access the inside of the transportation path to remove media jammed inside the transportation path.  
      The transportation path opening/closing mechanism  20  according to this embodiment of the invention therefore has an opening/closing wall  21  that opens and closes on the outside guide wall  3   a  side of the U-shaped transportation path  3  as shown in  FIG. 3  to expose the guide wall  3   a.  When this opening/closing wall  21  on the outside guide wall  3   a  side is open, the transportation path through the guide wall  3   a  is and accessible, and a jammed first or second transported medium  2 ,  15  between the guide walls can be easily removed.  
      This transportation path opening/closing mechanism  20  includes parts as shown in  FIG. 4 . The first scanner  5  and second pressure mechanism  8  are assembled within the opening/closing mechanism  20  to form an integral part of the opening/closing wall  21 , which is a part of the outside guide wall  3   a.  A pivot shaft holder (hole)  21   b  is disposed at the bottom part of the opening/closing wall  21 , and the opening/closing wall  21  is pivotably assembled to the housing of the image processing apparatus  1  by means of a pivot shaft  21   a.  The pivot joint thus formed enables the opening/closing wall  21  to swing on the pivot shaft  21   a  and thus open and close similarly to a door. When the opening/closing wall  21  is closed, the first scanner  5  is disposed opposite the first pressure mechanism  6 , and the second pressure mechanism  8  is disposed opposite the second scanner  7 .  
      A lever bearing (hole)  21   c  is also rendered in the top part of the opening/closing wall  21 , a corresponding bearing (hole)  22   b  is also formed in the lever  22 , and this lever  22  is assembled to the opening/closing wall  21  by means of a pivot shaft  22   a  passing through lever bearing  21  c and bearing  22   b.    
      The lever  22  can thus rotate on the pivot shaft  22   a  so that when the opening/closing wall  21  is closed, the lever  22  rotates up and hooks  22   c  on the distal end of the lever  22  catch pins (not shown) disposed on the image reading apparatus side, thereby locking the opening/closing wall  21  closed. To open the opening/closing wall  21 , the lever  22  is rotated down to disengage the hooks  22   c  from the pins and unlock the opening/closing wall  21 . The opening/closing wall  21  can then be swung down and open. Note that the pivot shaft  22   a  is secured to the lever bearing  21   c  by a snap ring  22   d  or other means.  
      The first scanner element  5   a  is attached to the opening/closing wall  21  through intervening sheet member  5   c , and the scanner cover  5   b  is then placed over the first scanner element  5   a  and affixed to the opening/closing wall  21  by a plurality of pins  5   d.  The first scanner  5  is thus assembled to the opening/closing wall  21 .  
      Movable brackets  8   c  are mounted by a shaft  8   e  to the two mounting brackets  8   d  disposed above and below adjacent to the first scanner  5 . Pressure roller  8   a  is rotatably assembled to the movable bracket  8   c  mounted to the top mounting bracket  8   d.  Pressure roller  8   b  is similarly rotatably assembled to the movable bracket  8   c  mounted to the bottom mounting bracket  8   d.    
      The second pressure mechanism  8  is thus assembled to the opening/closing wall  21 . Both movable brackets  8   c  are urged by springs not shown to press the first or second transported medium  2 ,  15  to the scanning surface of the second scanner  7 . When the opening/closing wall  21  is closed, pressure rollers  8   a,    8   b  thus press the first or second transported medium  2 ,  15  to the scanning surface of the second scanner  7 . Note that the pivot shaft  8   e  is secured to the pair of mounting brackets  8   d  by a snap ring  8   f  or other means.  
      Because the second transported medium  15  is conveyed using only the top half of the transportation path as described above, the second transported medium  15  contacts only the upper pressure roller  8   a  in the second pressure mechanism  8 . Depending on the height of the first transported medium  2 , however, the first transported medium  2  may contact only the lower pressure roller  8   b  or both the upper and lower pressure rollers  8   a  and  8   b.    
      The first pressure mechanism  6  and second scanner  7  disposed on the inside guide wall  3   b  side have the same basic construction as the first scanner  5  and second pressure mechanism  8  described above.  
      As a result, when the opening/closing wall  21  is closed, the first pressure mechanism  6  works to press the first or second transported medium  2 ,  15  to the scanning surface of the first scanner  5 , and the second pressure mechanism  8  works to press the first or second transported medium  2 ,  15  to the scanning surface of the second scanner  7 . As a result, both sides of the first and second transported media  2 ,  15  can be imaged.  
      Note that transportation roller pairs for holding and conveying first and second transported media  2 ,  15  are not located in the area where the transportation path opening/closing mechanism  20  of the invention is rendered. The distance between the first transportation roller pair  9 , second transportation roller pair  10 , and straight transportation path rollers  12  is determined so that the first or second transported medium  2 ,  15  is always held and conveyed by at least one of the transportation roller pairs.  
      Because the first or second transported medium  2 ,  15  is thus always held by one of the transportation roller pairs, there is no danger of the first or second transported medium  2 ,  15  being damaged as a result of being dropped even if the opening/closing wall  21  is opened.  
      More specifically, because of the magnet  17  located beside the first pressure mechanism  6 , a second transported medium  15  containing magnetic information, such as a credit card, is susceptible to damage to the magnetically encoded information if the second transported medium  15  drops down into the transportation path. However, because the first or second transported medium  2 ,  15  is always held by one of the transportation roller pairs, there is no danger of the second transported medium  15  falling down beside the magnet  17  and damage to the magnetically encoded information is prevented.  
      The image processing or reading apparatus having a transportation path opening/closing mechanism according to the foregoing first embodiment of the invention is described as having two scanners for imaging both sides of the transported medium. It will be obvious, however, that this transportation path opening/closing mechanism can also be adapted for implementations having only one scanner for imaging one side of the transported medium, and implementations having three or more scanners.  
      This first embodiment of the invention is also described using by way of example an implementation having an MICR, but the invention can obviously be applied to implementations not having an MICR, and to implementations having a printer (information recording unit) for printing to the first transported medium  2 .  
      This first embodiment is also described having a straight transportation path in addition to the U-shaped transportation path  3 , but could obviously have only a U-shaped transportation path.  
      Yet further, the scanners are disposed to the straight part of the transportation path located between the two curved parts of the U-shaped transportation path  3  in the foregoing embodiment, but the invention can obviously also be used when the scanners are located in a different part of the transportation path.  
     Second Embodiment  
      An image processing or reading apparatus  110  having a transportation path opening/closing mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described in detail next.  
       FIG. 5  is an oblique external view of the image reading apparatus  110  according to this second embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 6A  is a schematic plan view of the transportation path and various parts disposed along the transportation path in the image reading apparatus  110  shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 6B  is a section view through I-I in  FIG. 6A .  
      This image reading apparatus  110  has a loading unit  111  to which checks, slips, or other first transported medium  2  are inserted, a U-shaped transportation path  112  for conveying the inserted first transported medium  2 , and an exit  114  for discharging the first transported medium  2  after reading or other processing is completed. A transportation path opening/closing block  130  for opening part of the transportation path  112  is also disposed to the transportation path  112 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 6A , an image reading apparatus  110  according to this second embodiment of the invention has a U-shaped transportation path  112  for conveying a first transported medium  2  that bends easily, such as a check, and a straight transportation path  113  shown on the right side in  FIG. 6A . The straight transportation path  113  conveys a second transported medium  15  that does not bend easily, such as ID cards and driver licenses. This straight transportation path  113  shares part of the U-shaped transportation path  112 .  
      Disposed along the transportation path  112  in this image reading apparatus  110  are a detector  121  near the loading unit  111 , transportation roller pair  115 , magnet  123 , two contact image scanners (CIS) or other type of image reader (information reading units)  124  and  126 , pressure rollers  125  and pressure mechanism  127  for pressing the transported medium to the image readers  124 ,  126 , transportation roller pairs  116 , MICR (magnetic ink character reader) head  128  disposed below the transportation roller pairs  116 , and transportation roller pairs  117  and  118  for guiding the first transported medium  2  to the exit  114 . The image readers  124 ,  126  respectively image the first side (the front, for example) and the second side (the back, for example) of the first transported medium  2 . Note that only four transportation roller pairs  115  to  118  are shown in  FIG. 6A  to simplify the description, but feed rollers could also obviously be disposed near the loading unit  111  to feed the inserted first transported medium  2  into the transportation path  112 .  
      A printer (information recording unit) could also be disposed to the U-shaped transportation path  112  between the MICR head  128  and exit  114  for printing to the front or back of the first transported medium  2 .  
      The transportation path  112  is described next.  
      As shown in  FIG. 6B , the transportation path  112  has an inside guide wall  112   a  and an outside guide wall  1   12   b  for guiding the first transported medium  2  on both sides, and conveys the first transported medium  2  through the space between these two guide walls.  
      The height of the inside guide wall  112   a  and outside guide wall  112   b  in the transportation path  112  near the loading unit  111  and exit  114  is shorter than the first transported medium  2 , and the top part of the first transported medium  2  is thus exposed above the U-shaped transportation path  112 . If a paper jam occurs in this area, it is therefore relatively easy to remove the first transported medium  2  from the U-shaped transportation path  112 .  
      When the first transported medium  2  inserted from the loading unit  111  is detected by the detector  121 , the first transported medium  2  is fed into the transportation path  112  by feed rollers not shown, and is then transported by the transportation roller pairs  115  to  118 .  
      These transportation roller pairs  115  to  118  each include a drive roller (feed roller)  115   a  to  118   a  and a pressure roller  115   b  to  118   b.  The relationship between the drive roller and pressure roller in each transportation roller pair is described below using transportation roller pair  115  by way of example.  
      The drive roller  115   a  is rotationally driven by a transportation motor not shown. The pressure roller  115   b  is urged to press against the drive roller  115   a.  When the first transported medium  2  is held between the drive roller  115   a  and pressure roller  115   b , the first transported medium  2  is transported through the transportation path  112  in the direction of drive roller  115   a  rotation. Transportation roller pairs  115  to  118  are all similarly configured.  
      The first transported medium  2  is read by the first and second image readers  124 ,  126  as it is conveyed through the transportation path  112 . A magnet  123  for magnetizing the magnetic ink characters is disposed downstream from the transportation roller pair  115  so that the magnetic ink characters printed along the bottom of a check, for example, can be read. The magnetized magnetic ink characters are then read by the MICR head  128  located downstream of the first and second image readers  124 , 126 .  
      When a first transported medium  2  travelling through the transportation path  112  is detected by the detector  122  disposed upstream of the first image reader  124 , the output detection signal triggers the reading processes timed to the first transported medium  2  passing the first image reader  124 , second image reader  126 , and MICR head  128 .  
      When processing ends, the first transported medium  2  is discharged from the exit  114 .  
      The image reading processes are described next.  
      The first image reader  124  is located on the outside guide wall  112   b  side, and pressure rollers  125  are located opposite the first image reader  124  on the inside guide wall  112   a  side. The first transported medium  2  is pressed by the pressure rollers  125  to the scanning surface of the first image reader  124 , and when the first transported medium  2  passes the first image reader  124 , the first image reader  124  images the one side of the first transported medium  2 .  
      The second image reader  126  is located on the inside guide wall  112   a  side downstream from the first image reader  124 . The pressure mechanism  127  is located at a position opposite the second image reader  126  on the other side of the U-shaped transportation path  112  (on the outside guide wall  112   b  side). Pressure rollers  127   a  are located on the distal end of the pressure mechanism  127 , and the first transported medium  2  travelling through the transportation path  112  is pressed to the scanning surface of the second image reader  126  by the pressure rollers  127   a.  As a result, the other side of the first transported medium  2  is imaged by the second image reader  126  as the first transported medium  2  passes the second image reader  126 .  
      Because the first image reader  124  and second image reader  126  scan a full image of the first transported medium  2 , the height of the scanning surface of the first image reader  124 , the scanning surface of the second image reader  126 , the inside guide wall  112   a,  and the outside guide wall  112   b  forming the U-shaped transportation path  112  in this area is greater than the height K of the first transported medium  2 . See  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 7 .  
      Both sides of the first transported medium  2  are therefore covered by the inside guide wall  112   a  and outside guide wall  112   b  in the area where the first image reader  124  and second image reader  126  are located. It is therefore difficult to recover from a paper jam if the first transported medium  2  jams in the U-shaped transportation path  112  in this area because the inside of the U-shaped transportation path  112  cannot be accessed.  
      To provide the access necessary to solve this problem, an image reading apparatus  110  according to this embodiment of the invention has a transportation path opening/closing mechanism for opening part of the U-shaped transportation path  112  in the area where the first image reader  124  and second image reader  126  are located, and a transportation roller release mechanism for releasing the holding pressure of the transportation roller pairs adjacent to the transportation path opening/closing mechanism in conjunction with the opening/closing operation of the transportation path opening/closing mechanism so that a jammed first transported medium  2  can be easily removed. This transportation path opening/closing mechanism is described in detail further below.  
      The straight transportation path  113  is described next.  
      A straight transportation path  113  for feeding second transported medium  15  is disposed where the first and second image readers  124 ,  126  are located so that the first and second image readers  124 ,  126  can be used to image and read a driver license, ID card, or other second transported medium  15  that is not pliable, i.e., cannot be conveyed through the U-shaped transportation path.  
      A second transported medium  15  is inserted from a card insertion opening  113   a  (see  FIG. 7 ) to the straight transportation path  113 . When a detector not shown detects insertion of a second transported medium  15 , transportation roller pairs  119 ,  116  start to turn. Transportation roller pair  119  includes a drive roller  11   9   a  and pressure roller  119   b  similarly to the other transportation roller pairs.  
      The second transported medium  15  is thus conveyed by transportation roller pairs  119 ,  116  until the trailing end of the second transported medium  15  reaches a position passed the second image reader  126 , and then stops. The second transported medium  15  is then conveyed in the reverse direction and imaged on both sides as it passes the second image reader  126  and first image reader  124 , and is then discharged from the card insertion opening  113   a.    
      This embodiment of the invention improves efficiency by sharing the first and second image readers  124 ,  126  and the straight part of the U-shaped transportation path  112  for imaging and reading the first and second transported media  2 ,  15 . Note that because the cards that are second transported media  15  are shorter than the checks, slips, and other first transported media  2 , second transported media  15  are conveyed and imaged using only the upper part of the transportation path  112 . It will also be obvious that the lower part of the transportation path  112  could be used for processing second transported media  15 .  
      The transportation path opening/closing mechanism and transportation roller opening mechanism for facilitating removing paper jams in conjunction with operation of the transportation path opening/closing mechanism are described next with reference to  FIG. 7  to  FIG. 13  according to a second embodiment of the invention.  
      As shown in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , a transportation path opening/closing mechanism according to this embodiment of the invention has a transportation path opening/closing block  130  on the outside guide wall  112   b  side of the U-shaped transportation path  112 . If a paper jam occurs, the transportation path opening/closing block  130  can be opened to the outside of the image reading apparatus, that is, in the direction of arrow M, to open and access the inside of part of the transportation path  112 .  
       FIG. 7  shows the transportation path opening/closing block  130  swung approximately 90 degrees to the outside, thus opening and exposing part of the U-shaped transportation path  112 . An opening/closing wall  131 , the first image reader  124 , and pressure mechanism  127  that are part of the outside guide wall  112   b  are disposed to the transportation path opening/closing block  130 . A pivot shaft holder  132  is rendered at the bottom of the opening/closing wall  131 . This pivot shaft holder  132  is rotatably assembled to the pivot shaft  141  that is fixed to the main frame  140  of the image reading apparatus  110 . This pivot shaft  141  and pivot shaft holder  132  thus form a pivot joint.  
      This pivot joint allows the transportation path opening/closing block  130  to swing open and closed on the pivot shaft  141 . When the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is closed, the first image reader  124  is positioned opposite the pressure rollers  125 , and the pressure rollers  127   a  of the pressure mechanism  127  are positioned opposite the second image reader  126 .  
      Hooks  136   a,    136   b  disposed to the distal end of the opening/closing wall  131  are urged upward (when the opening/closing wall  131  is vertical) by a torsion spring (not shown), for example. When the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is closed, these hooks  136   a ,  136   b  thus engage corresponding catch pins  147   a ,  147   b  (see  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 8 ) and thus lock the opening/closing wall  131  closed. To open the opening/closing wall  131 , a lever  138  is lifted up, thus causing the hooks  136   a ,  136   b  to rotate down and disengage the catch pins  147   a ,  147   b.  The transportation path opening/closing block  130  can then pivot to the outside on the pivot shaft  141 , thus opening the transportation path  112 .  
      The transportation path opening/closing block  130  is rendered at the location of the first image reader  124  and second image reader  126  on the U-shaped transportation path  112 . As a result, by opening the transportation path opening/closing block  130  when a paper jam occurs, the paper jam can be removed without exerting undue force on the scanning surface, thus preventing soiling or marring the scanning surface.  
      An interlock can be provided to prevent current from flowing to the various parts of the image reading apparatus  110  when the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is opened.  
      This image reading apparatus  110  also has a transportation roller release mechanism for releasing the holding force of the transportation roller pairs in conjunction with opening the transportation path opening/closing block  130 .  
      Note that “releasing the holding force” as used herein refers both to removing the holding force completely, and reducing the holding force. The holding force of the transportation roller pairs  115  and  116  is released in this embodiment of the invention by reducing the pressure of the pressure roller  115   b  or  116   b  against the opposing drive roller  115   a  or  116   a.    
      The release mechanism for transportation roller pairs  116  (referred to below as the first transportation roller release mechanism) is described first. This first transportation roller release mechanism linearly slides the pressure rollers  116   b  to increase or decrease the elastic load on the pressure rollers  116   b  and thereby adjust the holding force of the transportation roller pairs  116 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 8 , the opening/closing wall  131  of the transportation path opening/closing block  130  has a pressure engaging portion  135  that engages a roller pressure block  145 . The roller pressure block  145  releases the holding force of the transportation roller pairs  116 .  
      When the opening/closing wall  131  of the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is closed, the pressure engaging portion  135  engages the pressure frame  150  of the roller pressure block  145 , thus pushing and moving the pressure frame  150  in the direction of the transportation path  112  to a specific position.  
      The pressure frame  150  applies pressure to the pressure rollers  116   b  through an intervening elastic member  165  (see  FIG. 9  to  FIG. 13 ). Therefore, when the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is closed, the pressure rollers  116   b  are urged with specific force against the feed rollers  116   a , and the transportation roller pairs  116  hold the first or second transported medium  2 ,  15  with a specific holding force.  
      When the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is opened, the pressure engaging portion  135  separates from the pressure frame  150 . The pressure pushing the pressure frame  150  in the direction of the transportation path  112  is thus released, the pressure on the pressure rollers  11   6   b  is released, and the holding force of the transportation roller pairs  116  is released.  
       FIG. 9  is an oblique view of the roller pressure block  145  assembled to the main frame  140 .  FIG. 10  is an exploded oblique view showing the structure for assembling the pressure frame  150  and roller holding members  160  of the roller pressure block  145  to the main frame  140 .  FIG. 11  is an oblique view showing the assembly of the roller holding members  160  and pressure frame  150  from the opposite side shown in  FIG. 9 . Arrow P in  FIG. 9  to  FIG. 13  shows the direction in which the pressure frame  150  is pushed and moved by the pressure engaging portion  135  when the transportation path opening/closing block  130  closes.  
      As shown in  FIG. 10 , support studs  142  each having a pin  143  on the exposed end are disposed to the main frame  140 . Slide holes  151  in the pressure frame  150  are fit onto these pins  143 , and the pressure frame  150  is then secured by means of clips  144  (see  FIG. 9 ). The pressure frame  150  is thus supported on support studs  142  fixed to the main frame  140 , and can slide on the support studs  142  along the slide holes  151 .  
      The roller holding members  160  are attached to the pressure frame  150 . The pressure rollers  116   b  are rotatably axially supported by roller shafts  116   c  on the distal ends of the roller holding members  160 . A roller holding member  160  is provided for each pressure roller  116   b.  In this embodiment of the invention three pressure rollers  116   b  are assembled to the pressure frame  150  through three corresponding roller holding members  160 .  
      Each roller holding member  160  has first engaging tabs  161   a,    161   b,  and second engaging tab  162 . The first engaging tabs  161   a,    161   b  pass through holes  152  in the pressure frame  150  and engage the top of the first sliding surface  153 . The second engaging tab  162  passes through through-hole  154  and engages the second sliding surface  155 . A compression spring (elastic member)  165  is fit between the pressure frame  150  and the roller holding members  160  inside opening  164 . See  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 .  
       FIG. 11  is an oblique view from the back side of the pressure frame  150  when the pressure frame  150  and roller holding members  160  are assembled. The compression spring  165  is installed with one end  165   a  (the “front end” below) in contact with the roller holding members  160  and the other end  165   b  (the “back end” below) against a spring pressure base  156  protruding from the pressure frame  150  to the back.  
      When the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is closed, the pressure engaging portion  135  and pressure frame  150  engage, and the pressure frame  150  is pressed by the pressure engaging portion  135  and moves to a specific position. See  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 12 , and  FIG. 13 .  
      When the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is closed, the pressure engaging portion  135  pushes and slides the pressure frame  150  in the direction of the transportation path  112 . The spring pressure base  156  thus moves in the direction of the pressure rollers  116   b , and pushes against the back end  165   b  of the spring  165 . When pressure is thus applied to the back end  165   b  of the spring  165 , the front end  165   a  pushes against the roller holding members  160 .  
      Because the roller holding members  160  cannot move when the pressure rollers  116   b  contact the feed rollers  116   a , the spring  165  is compressed by the spring pressure base  156  in conjunction with the pressure frame  150  sliding.  
      When the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is closed and the pressure engaging portion  135  moves to a specific closed position, the spring  165  is compressed a predetermined amount. The pressure rollers  116   b  are thus urged with a specific pressure load to the feed rollers  116   a , and the transportation roller pairs  116  thus exert a specific holding force.  
      In other words, closing the transportation path opening/closing block  130  causes the pressure frame  150  to slide. This causes the spring  165  to compress, and the resulting force of the compressed spring exerts a specific pressure load on the corresponding pressure roller.  
       FIG. 12  is a section view of when the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is closed. In this position the pressure engaging portion  135  of the transportation path opening/closing block  130  engages the pressure frame  150  of the roller pressure block  145 . Because the spring  165  is compressed by the spring pressure base  156 , the pressure frame  150  is urged by the spring  165  to the right as seen in  FIG. 12 .  
      However, because the pressure engaging portion  135  limits movement to the right, the pressure frame  150  cannot move to the right. In reaction, therefore, the force of the spring  165  is applied to the roller holding member  160  by way of the front end  165   a  of the spring  165  in contact with the roller holding member  160 . Furthermore, because the roller holding members  160  can slide relative to the pressure frame  150 , the roller holding members  160  is urged and moves to the left. The pressure roller  116   b  axially supported via roller shaft  116   c  on the distal end of the roller holding member  160  is thus pressed to the opposing feed roller (drive roller)  116   a.    
      As a result, a holding force determined by the spring constant of coil spring  165  is produced between the feed roller  116   a  and pressure roller  116   b.  Note that because the pressure engaging portion  135  is always positioned to the same position when the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is closed, the transportation roller pairs  116  always maintain the same holding force.  
       FIG. 13  is a section view of the roller pressure block  145  when the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is opened slightly.  
      When the transportation path opening/closing block  130  opens, the pressure engaging portion  135  moves to the right as seen in  FIG. 13 . As described with reference to  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 , the pressure frame  150  can slide laterally as seen in the figure. Therefore, when the pressure engaging portion  135  moves to the right, the pressure frame  150  also moves to the right due to the elastic force of the spring  165 . The spring  165  thus expands and exerts less force.  
      In reaction to the expansion of the spring  165 , the pressure of the pressure rollers  116   b  on the feed rollers  116   a  weakens, and the holding force of the transportation roller pairs  116  is reduced. How much the holding force of the transportation roller pairs  116  is reduced as a result of opening the transportation path opening/closing block  130  can be determined by controlling the sliding range of the pressure frame  150 . More specifically, the farther the pressure frame  150  can move to the right (the longer the spring  165  can expand) when the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is completely separated from the pressure frame  150 , the weaker the holding force becomes. The sliding range of the pressure frame  150  is controlled by the length of the slide holes  151 . Therefore, the holding force can be completely removed by enabling the pressure frame  150  to slide a distance greater than the free length of the spring  165 .  
      When the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is thus released, the pressure engaging portion  135  moves to the right, and the force of the springs  165  causes the pressure frame  150  to move to the right. As a result, the springs  165  expand, the pressure applied to the pressure rollers  116   b  weakens, and the holding force of the transportation roller pairs  116  is relieved. If a paper jam occurs and the first transported medium  2  is held by the transportation roller pairs  116 , the holding force of the transportation roller pairs  116  can thus be released by opening the transportation path opening/closing block  130 , and the paper jam can be easily removed.  
      While a coil spring  165  is used as the elastic member pressing the pressure rollers  116   b  to the feed rollers  116   a  in the foregoing embodiment, a torsion spring, flat spring, or other type of spring or other elastic member could be used instead.  
      The release mechanism for transportation roller pair  115 , referred to as the second transportation roller release mechanism below, is described next.  
      The second transportation roller release mechanism in this embodiment of the invention has a rotating arm  181  that is pivoted by the opening/closing operation of the transportation path opening/closing block  130 , increases or decreases the elastic load applied to the pressure roller  115   b  by means of the rotating action of the rotating arm  181 , and thus adjusts the holding force of the transportation roller pair  115 . This second transportation roller release mechanism is well suited to arrangements in which the transportation roller pair  115  and transportation path opening/closing block  130  are disposed with a curved portion of the U-shaped transportation path  112  therebetween.  FIG. 14  is an oblique view of the roller opening/closing block  170  according to a preferred embodiment of this second transportation roller release mechanism. This roller opening/closing block  170  includes an opening/closing block frame  171  fixed to the main frame, a rotating arm  181  rotatably supported on the opening/closing block frame  171 , and a roller support arm  183  supporting the pressure roller  115   b.    
      The rotating arm  181  is rotatably supported by a pivot pin  175  fixed to the axial support portion  172  of the opening/closing block frame  171 . The rotating arm  181  has an engagement end portion  181   b  and a catch end portion  181   c.  The engagement end portion  181   b  has an engaging surface  181   a  that contacts the pivoting engagement portion  137  of the transportation path opening/closing block  130 , and one end of an extension spring  182  is caught on the distal end  181   d  of the catch end portion  181   c.    
      The roller support arm  183  is rotatably supported by a pivot pin  176  fixed to the pin support portion  173  of the opening/closing block frame  171 . The pressure roller  115   b  axially supported by a rotary shaft  115   c  is supported on the roller support end  183   c  of the roller support arm  183 , and the other end of the extension spring  182  is attached to the distal end  183   b  of the catch end portion  183   a  at the opposite end from the roller support end  183   c.    
      When the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is closed, the pivoting engagement portion  137  (see  FIG. 7 ) of the transportation path opening/closing block  130  moves from the direction of arrow Q shown in  FIG. 15 , and engages and applies pressure to the engaging surface  181   a,  causing the rotating arm  181  to rotate clockwise. The rotating arm  181  thus rotates clockwise. When the rotating arm  181  rotates clockwise, the roller support arm  183  is urged to rotate counterclockwise by means of the intervening extension spring  182 , one end of which is attached to the distal end  183   b  of the catch end portion  183   a.  The pressure roller  115   b  is thus urged with specific force to the drive roller  115   a.    
       FIG. 15  is a partial section view of the roller opening/closing block  170  when the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is closed. The opening/closing block frame  171  is omitted for a better view.  
      When the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is closed, the pivoting engagement portion  137  of the transportation path opening/closing block  130  presses against the engaging surface  181   a  and causes the rotating arm  181  to rotate clockwise.  
      However, the pressure roller  115   b  supported on the roller support end  183   c  of the roller support arm  183  cannot rotate counterclockwise because the pressure roller  115   b  is pressed against the drive roller  115   a.  The rotating arm  181  and roller support arm  183  are also linked by the extension spring  182 . More specifically, the extension spring  182  is mounted between the distal end  181   d  of the catch end portion  181   c  of the rotating arm  181 , and the distal end  183   b  of the catch end portion  183   a  of the roller support arm  183 .  
      If the rotating arm  181  rotates clockwise from this position, a counterclockwise torque is applied to the roller support arm  183  by the intervening extension spring  182 . However, counterclockwise rotation is limited by the drive roller  115   a , and the roller support arm  183  therefore cannot rotate. As a result, the extension spring  182  is stretched in conjunction with counterclockwise rotation of the rotating arm  181 , and the resulting spring tension is transferred by the roller support arm  183  to the pressure roller  115   b.    
      The pivoting engagement portion  137  always stops at a constant position when the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is closed. The tension of the extension spring  182  is therefore also constant, and the holding force of the transportation roller pair  115  can therefore also be kept constant.  
      Operation when the transportation path opening/closing block  130  opens is described next.  FIG. 16  is a partial section view showing the roller opening/closing block  170  when the transportation path opening/closing block  130  is opened.  
      When the transportation path opening/closing block  130  opens, the transportation path opening/closing block  130  and pivoting engagement portion  137  move in the direction of arrow Q. The pivoting engagement portion  137  thus separates from the engaging surface  181   a  of the rotating arm  181 .  
      When the pivoting engagement portion  137  separates from this engaging surface  181   a , the rotating arm  181  rotates counterclockwise due to the tension of the extension spring  182 . The tension of the extension spring  182  thus decreases, and the pressure of the pressure roller  115   b  also decreases.  
      The holding force of the transportation roller pair  115  thus also decreases, and a first transported medium  2  held between the transportation roller pair  115  when a paper jam occurs can be easily removed without damaging the first transported medium  2 .  
      The foregoing roller opening/closing block  170  is described with reference to a transportation roller set  115  having one drive roller  115   a  and one pressure roller  115   b , but the second transportation roller release mechanism of the present invention can obviously be applied to transportation roller sets having multiple feed (drive) rollers and pressure rollers.  
      In this case the roller opening/closing block could have multiple rotating arms  181 , extension springs  182  or other elastic means, and roller support arms  183  determined according to the number of pressure rollers, or it could have one rotating arm  181  and one roller support arm  183  supporting the multiple pressure rollers. In the latter case the number and location of the elastic members connecting the rotating arm  181  and roller support arm  183  can be suitably determined to apply the desired elastic load on the pressure rollers and balance the load on each pressure roller.  
      Furthermore, the roller support arm  183  is a pivoting arm in this embodiment of the invention, but could be configured so that the rotary action of the rotating arm  181  causes the roller pressure arm to slide linearly by way of an intervening elastic member. For example, when the rotating arm  181  pivots, one end thereof could apply pressure to the elastic member, producing an elastic load causing the roller pressure arm to slide so that the pressure produced by the elastic member is applied to the pressure roller.  
      The transportation path opening/closing mechanism according to the foregoing second embodiment of the invention is described with reference to a transportation path opening/closing mechanism for an image reading apparatus  110  having two scanners for imaging both sides of the first or second transported medium  2 ,  15 . It will be obvious, however, that this transportation path opening/closing mechanism can also be adapted for implementations having only one scanner for imaging one side of the transported medium, and implementations having three or more scanners.  
      This embodiment of the invention is also described using by way of example an implementation having an MICR, but the invention can obviously be applied to implementations not having an MICR, and to implementations having a printer (information recording unit) for printing to the transported medium.  
      This embodiment is also described having a straight transportation path in addition to the U-shaped transportation path, but could obviously have only a U-shaped transportation path.  
      Yet further, the scanners are disposed to the straight part of the transportation path located between the two curved parts of the U-shaped transportation path in this embodiment of the invention, but the invention can obviously also be used when the scanners are located in a different part of the transportation path.  
      The transportation path opening/closing mechanism of the present invention shall obviously not be limited to the foregoing embodiment, and various implementations that release the holding force of transportation rollers adjacent to the open portion of the transportation path in conjunction with the action of a transportation path opening/closing mechanism that opens part of a U-shaped transportation path are possible.  
      Furthermore, the transportation path opening/closing mechanism according to the foregoing embodiment of the invention has both first and second transportation roller release mechanisms, but could alternatively have only one of these transportation roller release mechanisms.  
     Third Embodiment  
      An image reading apparatus  210  having a transportation path opening/closing mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention is described in detail next.  
       FIG. 17  is an oblique external view of the image reading apparatus  210  according to this third embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 18A  is a schematic plan view of the transportation path and various parts disposed neighboring the transportation path in the image reading apparatus  210  shown in  FIG. 17 .  FIG. 18B  is a section view through R-R in  FIG. 18A .  
      The image reading apparatus  210  according to this third embodiment of the invention is substantially the same as the image reading apparatus  110  according to the foregoing second embodiment, differing therefrom in the configuration of the transportation path opening/closing mechanism. Like parts are therefore identified by the same reference numerals, and further description thereof is omitted below.  
      The transportation path opening/closing mechanism according to this third embodiment has a transportation path opening/closing block  230  for opening/closing a portion of the U-shaped transportation path  112 . This transportation path opening/closing block  230  opens in the direction indicated by arrow S in  FIG. 17 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 19  to  FIG. 21 , the transportation path opening/closing block  230  is disposed to the outside guide wall  112   b  side of the U-shaped transportation path  112  in this third embodiment. When a paper jam occurs or to clean the first and second image readers  124 ,  126 , the transportation path opening/closing block  230  can be opened to the outside to expose a part of the transportation path  112 .  
      The top of the transportation path  112  and straight transportation path  113  is covered by a cover member  240 . This cover member  240  functions to maintain the gap between the inside guide wall  112   a  and outside guide wall  112   b  within a specified dimensional tolerance by means of engagement pins  251   a,    251   b  disposed to the inside guide wall  112   a,  and screws  252   a ,  252   b  fixed to the outside guide wall  112   b.    
      Pulling lever  233   a  of the transportation path opening/closing block  230  forward disengages the hooks  233   b  and thereby releases and allows the transportation path opening/closing block  230  to open as shown in  FIG. 20 .  
       FIG. 20  and  FIG. 21  show the transportation path opening/closing block  230  swung approximately 90 degrees to the outside so that part of the transportation path  112  is open. Thus opening the transportation path opening/closing block  230  exposes part of the transportation path  112  and the first and second image readers  124 ,  126 .  
      As a result, a paper jam can be easily removed and the first and second image readers  124 ,  126  can be easily cleaned.  
      The transportation path opening/closing block  230  has an opening/closing lever member  233 , and an opening/closing wall  231  that is also part of the outside guide wall  112   b.  The bottom part of the opening/closing wall  231  is pivotably attached to the main frame  140 .  
       FIG. 22  is an exploded oblique view of the transportation path opening/closing block  230 . The first image reader  124 , pressure mechanism  127 , and pressure rollers  129  are assembled to the opening/closing wall  231 , which is part of the outside guide wall  112   b.    
      Holes  232   a  are formed in the pivot shaft holder  232  and attached to the main frame  140  of the image reading apparatus  210  by pivot pins  232   b.  The pivot joint thus formed allows the opening/closing wall  231  to open and close by swinging on these pivot pins  232   b  similarly to a door.  
      When the opening/closing wall  231  closes, the first image reader  124  is opposite the pressure rollers  125 , and the pressure mechanism  127  for pressing the second transported medium  15  to the scanning surface of the second image reader  126  when imaging the second transported medium  15  is opposite the second image reader  126 .  
      Lever bearing holes  234  are rendered in the top part of the opening/closing wall  231 , and bearing holes  233   d  are also formed in the opening/closing lever member  233 . A pivot shaft  233   c  is inserted through these holes  234 ,  233   d , and is secured by clips  233   e.  The opening/closing lever member  233  is thus attached to the opening/closing wall  231  so that the opening/closing lever member  233  can move rotationally on the pivot shaft  233   c.  The opening/closing lever member  233  is further urged clockwise as seen in  FIG. 21  by an elastic member not shown.  
      When the transportation path opening/closing block  230  closes, the inclined surfaces of the hooks  233   b  contact support pins  257 , and the opening/closing lever member  233  thus rotates counterclockwise against the elastic force of the elastic member. When the transportation path opening/closing block  230  closes to a specific position, the support pins  257  slip into the recessed part of the hooks  233   b , and the opening/closing lever member  233  rotates clockwise due to the tension of the elastic member not shown. As a result, the hooks  233   b  are held by the support pins  257 . The transportation path opening/closing block  230  is thus locked in a specific position.  
      To open the transportation path opening/closing block  230 , the lever  233   a  is pulled forward, thereby rotating the opening/closing lever member  233  in the opposite (counterclockwise) direction. The lock is thus disengaged, the transportation path opening/closing block  230  opens, and part of the U-shaped transportation path  112  can be exposed.  
      The first image reader  124  is attached by a hinge or screws  124   d  to the opening/closing wall  231  with the first scanner element  124   a  disposed between the sheet member  124   c  and scanner cover  124   b.  A pair of mounting brackets  127   d  is formed on the opening/closing wall  231  adjacent to the top of the first image reader  124 . The pressure mechanism  127  is attached to these mounting brackets  127   d  by a pivot shaft  127   b.  The pressure mechanism  127  has a movable bracket  127   c , and pressure rollers  127   a  rotatably assembled to the movable bracket  127   c.    
      The pressure mechanism  127  is rotatably mounted to the mounting brackets  127   d  by the pivot shaft  127   b , which is set into bearing holes  127   e  formed in the movable bracket  127   c.  The pressure mechanism  127  is urged counterclockwise as seen in  FIG. 21  by an elastic member not shown so that the pressure rollers  127   a  are pressed to the second image reader  126 .  
      Pressure rollers  129  are rotatably mounted by rotary shaft  129   a  to the bottom right portion of the scanner cover  124   b  in order to smoothly transport the first transported medium  2 . The rotary shaft  129   a  is secured by clips  129   b.    
      The cover member  240  of the image reading apparatus  210  according to this third embodiment of the present invention is described next with reference to  FIG. 23 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 23 , the cover member  240  of an image reading apparatus  210  according to this third embodiment of the invention is shaped to cover the top opening  112   c  of the U-shaped transportation path  112  where the first and second image readers  124 ,  126  are located.  
      The cover member  240  is fixed by means of the engagement pins  251   a ,  251   b  in the inside guide wall  112   a , and screws  252   a ,  252   b.  The engagement pins  251   a ,  251   b  are inserted into the pin-receiving holes  242   a ,  242   b  in the cover member  240 .  
      The screws  252   a ,  252   b  pass through through-holes  243   a ,  243   b  in the cover member  240 , and are screwed into screw holes  253   a ,  253   b  in the outside guide wall  112   b.  The cover member  240  is thus fixed to the U-shaped transportation path  112  and closes the top opening  112   c  in this portion of the U-shaped transportation path  112 .  
      The cover member  240  joins the inside guide wall  112   a  and outside guide wall  112   b  with a specific gap therebetween, and by making the cover member  240  from a relatively strong, rigid material (which could be as rigid as plastic), the cover member  240  functions to maintain this gap between the inside guide wall  112   a  and outside guide wall  112   b  within a specific dimensional tolerance.  
      The cover member  240  also has a positioning groove  241 . When the transportation path opening/closing block  230  is closed, a positioning bar  235  disposed to the transportation path opening/closing block  230  engages this positioning groove  241  and thus stops the transportation path opening/closing block  230  in the correct position. The correct dimensional tolerance can thus be maintained in the transportation path in the area where the transportation path opening/closing block  230  is located.  
      The image reading apparatus having a transportation path opening/closing mechanism according to the foregoing third embodiment of the invention is described as having two scanners for imaging both sides of the transported medium. It will be obvious, however, that this transportation path opening/closing mechanism can also be adapted for implementations having only one scanner for imaging one side of the transported medium, and implementations having three or more scanners.  
      This embodiment of the invention is also described using by way of example an implementation having an MICR, but the invention can obviously be applied to implementations not having an MICR, and to implementations having a printer (information recording unit) for printing to the transported medium.  
      This embodiment is also described having a straight transportation path in addition to the U-shaped transportation path, but could obviously have only a U-shaped transportation path.  
      Yet further, the scanners are disposed to the straight part of the transportation path located between the two curved parts of the U-shaped transportation path in this embodiment of the invention, but the invention can obviously also be used when the scanners are located in a different part of the transportation path.  
     Fourth Embodiment  
      An image reading apparatus  310  having a transportation path opening/closing mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is described in detail next.  
       FIG. 24  is an oblique external view of the image reading apparatus  310  having a transportation path opening/closing mechanism according to this fourth embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 25A  is a schematic plan view of the transportation path and various parts disposed neighboring the transportation path in the image reading apparatus  310  shown in  FIG. 24 .  FIG. 25B  is a section view through V-V in  FIG. 25A .  
      This image reading apparatus  310  has a loading unit  311  to which checks, slips, or other first transported medium  2  are inserted, a U-shaped transportation path  312  for conveying the inserted first transported medium  2 , and an exit  314  for discharging the first transported medium  2  after reading or other processing is completed. A transportation path opening/closing block  330  for opening part of the transportation path  312  is also disposed to the transportation path  312 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 25A , an image reading apparatus  310  according to this fourth embodiment of the invention has a U-shaped transportation path  312  for conveying a first transported media  2  such as checks, and a straight transportation path  313  for conveying second transported media  15  such as ID cards and driver licenses.  
      This straight transportation path  313  shares the straight part between the two curved parts of the U-shaped transportation path  312 . This straight transportation path  313  is rendered at a higher elevation than the transportation path  312 , and second transported media  15  are thus conveyed at a higher elevation than first transported media  2 .  
      Disposed along the transportation path  312  in this image reading apparatus  310  in sequence from the loading unit  311  are a paper detector  321 , transportation roller pair  315 , magnet  323 , two contact image scanners (CIS) or other type of image reader (information reading units)  324  and  326 , pressure rollers  325  and pressure mechanism  327  for pressing the first transported medium  2  to the image readers  324 ,  326 , transportation roller pair  316 , MICR (magnetic ink character reader) head  328  disposed below the transportation roller pair  316 , and transportation roller pair  317 , and transportation roller pair  318  for conveying the first transported medium  2  to the exit  314 .  
      The two image readers  324 ,  326  are located on opposite sides of the transportation path  312  so that one images the front side of the first or second transported medium  2 ,  15  and the other images the back side of the first or second transported medium  2 ,  15 .  
      Note that only four transportation roller pairs  315 ,  316 ,  317 , and  318  are shown in  FIG. 25A  to simplify the description, but feed rollers could also obviously be disposed near the loading unit  311  to feed the inserted first transported medium  2  into the transportation path  312 .  
      A printer could also be disposed to the U-shaped transportation path  312  between the MICR head  328  and exit  314  for printing to the front and back of the first transported medium  2 .  
      The transportation path  312  is described next.  
      As shown in  FIG. 25B , the transportation path  312  has an inside guide wall  312   a  and an outside guide wall  312   b  for guiding the first transported medium  2  on both sides. The space between these walls  312   a  and  312   b  is the U-shaped transportation path  312 , and the first transported medium  2  is conveyed through this space.  
      In the straight part of the U-shaped transportation path  312  from the loading unit  311  to the transportation roller pair  315  on the upstream side of the first curved part of the transportation path, and in the straight part from transportation roller pair  317  to the exit  314 , the height of the inside guide wall  312   a  and outside guide wall  312   b  as measured from the bottom of the transportation path  312  is less than the height K of the first transported medium  2  as shown in  FIG. 25B .  
      The first transported medium  2  is thus conveyed through the U-shaped transportation path  312  with the top part of the medium  2  exposed above the top of the U-shaped transportation path  312  near the loading unit  311  and the exit  314 . As a result, the first transported medium  2  can be relatively easily removed if a paper jam occurs in these areas.  
      When the paper detector  321  detects a first transported medium  2  inserted from the loading unit  311 , the first transported medium  2  is conveyed into the transportation path  312  by transportation rollers or feed rollers not shown, and is sequentially conveyed through the U-shaped transportation path  312  at a specific speed by the transportation roller pairs  315  to  318 .  
      These transportation roller pairs  315  to  318  each include a drive roller (feed roller)  315   a  to  318   a  and a pressure roller  315   a  to  318   b.  The feed rollers  315   a  to  318   a  are located on the inside circumference side of the U-shaped transportation path  312  and are rotationally driven by a drive source (motor) not shown. The pressure rollers  315   b  to  318   b  are located on the outside circumference side of the U-shaped transportation path  312 , and press the first transported medium  2  to the feed rollers  315   a  to  318   a.  The transportation roller pairs  315  to  318  thus convey a first transported medium  2  held between the feed rollers  315   a  to  318   a  and pressure rollers  315   b  to  318   b  in the direction in which the feed rollers  315   a  to  318   a  rotate.  
      When a first transported medium  2  travelling through the U-shaped transportation path  312  is detected by the paper detector  322  disposed upstream of the first image reader  324 , the output detection signal triggers the reading processes timed to the first transported medium  2  passing the first image reader  324 , second image reader  326 , and MICR head  328 .  
      If the first transported medium  2  is a check or other medium having information recorded using magnetic ink characters, the magnetic ink characters are magnetized by the magnet  323  located downstream of the transportation roller pair  315  as the first transported medium  2  passes thereby, and the magnetic ink character information can thus be read by the MICR head  328 .  
      A first transported medium  2  inserted from the loading unit  311  to the U-shaped transportation path  312  is thus imaged on both sides by the first image reader  324  and second image reader  326  as the first transported medium  2  passes thereby. In addition, if the first transported medium  2  has magnetic ink characters printed thereon, the information recorded by the magnetic ink characters is read by the MICR head  328 . The first transported medium  2  is then discharged from the exit  314  with the direction of travel changed  180  degrees as the first transported medium  2  traverses the transportation path.  
      The imaging process of the first and second image readers  324 ,  326  is described in detail next.  
      The first image reader  324  is disposed on the outside guide wall  312   b  side with the scanning surface facing the U-shaped transportation path  312 . The pressure rollers  325  are disposed on the inside guide wall  312   a  side at a position opposite the first image reader  324  with the U-shaped transportation path  312  therebetween. The conveyed first transported medium  2  is pressed by the pressure rollers  325  to the scanning surface of the first image reader  324 . As a result, the one side of the first transported medium  2  facing the scanning surface is imaged as the first transported medium  2  passes pressed to the scanning surface of the first image reader  324 .  
      The second image reader  326  is located on the inside guide wall  312   a  side downstream from the first image reader  324  with the scanning surface of the second image reader  326  facing the U-shaped transportation path  312 . The pressure mechanism  327  is located on the outside guide wall  312   b  side at a position opposite the second image reader  326  with the transportation path  312  therebetween. Pressure rollers  327   a  are disposed to the distal end of the pressure mechanism  327 , and these pressure rollers  327   a  press a first transported medium  2  travelling through the U-shaped transportation path  312  to the scanning surface of the second image reader  326 . As a result, the other side of the first transported medium  2  is imaged by the second image reader  326  as the first transported medium  2  passes thereby pressed to the scanning surface.  
      In order to capture a complete image of the entire first transported medium  2 , the height of the scanning surface of the first and second image readers  324 ,  326  forming part of the U-shaped transportation path  312 , and the height of the inside guide wall  312   a  and outside guide wall  312   b  in the image scanning area where the first and second image readers  324 ,  326  are located and image the transported medium, are greater than the height K of the first transported medium  2  as shown in  FIG. 24 .  
      A first transported medium  2  travelling through this image scanning area is thus completely covered on both sides by the inside guide wall  312   a  and outside guide wall  312   b,  and the first transported medium  2  is thus hidden inside the transportation path  312 .  
      If a paper jam occurs in this image scanning area, the jammed first transported medium  2  cannot be touched because the inside of the transportation path cannot be accessed, and the paper jam therefore cannot be removed.  
      To provide the access necessary to solve this problem, the image reading apparatus  310  according to this fourth embodiment of the invention provides a transportation path opening/closing mechanism  370  as further described below enabling a jammed first transported medium  2  to be easily removed.  
      The operation whereby the straight transportation path  313  conveys a second transported medium  15  is described next.  
      A card insertion opening  313   a  for inserting a second transported medium  15  to the straight transportation path  313  is provided on the right side of the image reading apparatus  310  as seen in  FIG. 24 .  
      A detector (not shown) for detecting insertion of a second transported medium  15  is disposed near the inside of the card insertion opening  313   a.  When a second transported medium  15  is inserted to the card insertion opening  313   a  and sensed by this detector, the detection signal triggers driving the transportation roller pair  316  and linear transportation roller pair  319 . Similarly to the other transportation roller pairs, this linear transportation roller pair  319  has a feed roller  319   a  rotationally driven by a drive source (motor) not shown, and a pressure roller  319   b  (see  FIG. 25A ).  
      The second transported medium  15  is conveyed by transportation roller pair  316  and delivered into the transportation path  312 . The second transported medium  15  is advanced until the trailing end thereof passes beyond the first image reader  324 , and then stops. The second transported medium  15  is then transported in the opposite direction, both sides thereof are imaged as the second transported medium  15  passes the first image reader  324  and second image reader  326 , and the second transported medium  15  is then externally discharged from the same card insertion opening  313   a  from which it was inserted.  
      To enable easily removing paper jams in the reading area where the first and second image readers  324 ,  326  and MICR head  328  are located, this image reading apparatus  310  has a transportation path opening/closing mechanism  370  including the above-described transportation path opening/closing block  330  and a roller opening/closing mechanism  350  linked to the opening/closing operation of the transportation path opening/closing block  330 .  
      The transportation path opening/closing block  330  has the first image reader  324  and pressure mechanism  327  assembled to the inside of an opening/closing wall  331 , which functions as the outside guide wall  312   b  of the U-shaped transportation path  312 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 26  and  FIG. 27 , the bottom of the opening/closing wall  331  of the transportation path opening/closing block  330  is pivotably connected via support pins  335  to the block support part  334  of the main frame  333  of the image reading apparatus  310 . The opening/closing wall  331  can thus pivot on these support pins  335  and swing open to the outside as indicated by arrow X in  FIG. 26 .  
      A handle  336  that is held to open the transportation path opening/closing block  330  is provided at the top outside part of the opening/closing wall  331 . When this handle  336  is pulled forward, hooks  338  disposed to both ends of the handle  336  move circularly around the support pins  337 , and the engaging parts  338   a  on the ends of the hooks  338  disengage the catch pins  339  protruding from the main frame  333 .  
      When the hooks  338  thus separate from the catch pins  339 , the transportation path opening/closing block  330  is unlocked and can open outward in the direction of arrow X.  
      The hooks  338  are urged by a spring not shown in the direction engaging the catch pins  339 . When the transportation path opening/closing block  330  is closed as shown in  FIG. 26 , the hooks  338  are locked engaged with the catch pins  339  by the urging force of the spring, and the transportation path opening/closing block  330  is thus prevented from opening accidentally.  
      The roller opening/closing mechanism  350  operates in conjunction with the opening/closing operation of the transportation path opening/closing block  330  so that the pressure rollers  316   b ,  317   b  move away from or closer to the corresponding feed rollers  316   a ,  317   a.    
      Operation of the roller opening/closing mechanism  350  is described next with reference to  FIG. 28  to  FIG. 31 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 28  and  FIG. 29 , the roller opening/closing mechanism  350  has a first pivot frame  353 , first roller holding member  355 , first roller urging spring  357 , second roller holding member  341 , second pivot frame  359 , and second roller urging spring  361 .  
      The first pivot frame  353  pivots in conjunction with the opening/closing operation of the transportation path opening/closing block  330 . The first roller holding member  355  is disposed slidably to one pivoting end  353   a  of the first pivot frame  353 , and holds the pressure roller  316   b  so that the pressure roller  316   b  can advance to and retract from the feed roller  316   a  of the transportation roller pair  316 . The first roller urging spring  357  is connected between the first pivot frame  353  and the first roller holding member  355 , and elastically urges the pressure roller  316   b  supported by the first roller holding member  355  to the feed roller  316   a  of the transportation roller pair  316 .  
      The second roller holding member  341  holds a pair of pressure rollers  317   b  opposing the feed roller  317   a  of the transportation roller pair  317 . The second roller holding member  341  is disposed to one pivot end  359   a  of the second pivot frame  359 . The second roller urging spring  361  is attached to the other pivot end  353   f  of the first pivot frame  353  and the other pivot end  359   f  of the second pivot frame  359 . The second roller urging spring  361  thus causes the second pivot frame  359  to rock circularly in conjunction with the circular movement of the first pivot frame  353 , and elastically urges the pressure rollers  317   b  supported by the second roller holding member  341  to the feed roller  317   a  of the transportation roller pair  317 .  
      The first pivot frame  353  is pivotably supported on the pivot shaft  363  of the main frame  333  through intervening support hole  353   g  formed in the middle of the first pivot frame  353  as shown in  FIG. 28 . Two support pins  365 ,  366  are used to attach the first pivot frame  353  to the main frame  333 , but these two support pins  365 ,  366  engage respective long holes  353   b  formed in the first pivot frame  353 , and thus do not interfere with the pivoting movement of the first pivot frame  353  around the rotational axis  381  of the pivot shaft  363 .  
      As a result of the first pivot frame  353  pivoting on the pivot shaft  363  in conjunction with opening/closing the transportation path opening/closing block  330 , the pivoting end  353   a  on which the pressure roller  316   b  is disposed is moved away from or closer to the feed roller  316   a.    
      When the transportation path opening/closing block  330  is closed from the open position, the engaging part  332  disposed to the opening/closing wall  331  of the transportation path opening/closing block  330  engages the frame positioning surface  354  (see  FIG. 29 ) on the one pivoting end  353   a  of the first pivot frame  353 , thus pushing the first pivot frame  353  in the direction opposite arrow Y in  FIG. 29  and returning the first pivot frame  353  to the closed position.  
      The first roller holding member  355  supports and allows the center shaft  316   c  of the pressure roller  316   b  to rotate freely by means of a pair of arms  355   b  extending forward from the main body  355   a  as shown in  FIG. 29 .  
      A pair of guide ribs  355   c , and a pair of flanges  355   f  and  355   d , are also disposed to the main body  355   a  of the first roller holding member  355 . The guide ribs  355   c  are loosely fit so as to slide in a channel  333   a  formed in the main frame  333 . The one flange  355   f  slides in contact with the surface of the main frame  333 , and the other flange  355   d  slides in contact with the surface of the first pivot frame  353 . As a result, the first roller holding member  355  supports the pressure roller  316   b  slidably to the feed roller  316   a.    
      The first roller urging spring  357  in this fourth embodiment of the invention is a compression spring that is fit compressed between the spring bracket  353   e  of the first pivot frame  353 , and the spring bracket  355   e  of the first roller holding member  355 . This first roller urging spring  357  thus elastically urges the pressure roller  316   b  supported by the first roller holding member  355  to the feed roller  316   a  in unison with the first roller holding member  355 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 29 , the second pivot frame  359  is supported freely rotatably to the main frame  333  by means of a shaft not shown passing through a pair of support members  359   b  formed in the middle part of the second pivot frame  359 . The rotational axis  371  of this second pivot frame  359  intersects the rotational axis  381  of the first pivot frame  353 .  
      The pivot end  359   a  to which the pressure rollers  317   b  are disposed moves away from and closer to the feed roller  317   a  of the transportation roller pair  317  as a result of the second pivot frame  359  moving circularly around the rotational axis  371  in conjunction with the circular movement of the first pivot frame  353 .  
      The second roller urging spring  361  is an extension spring. To link the circular movement of the second pivot frame  359  causing the one pivot end  359   a  to move away from or closer to the feed roller  317   a  to the circular movement of the first pivot frame  353  causing the one pivoting end  353   a  to move away from or closer to the feed roller  316   a , this second roller urging spring  361  elastically connects the other pivot end  353   f  of the first pivot frame  353  to the other pivot end  359   f  of the second pivot frame  359 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 30 , the one pivoting end  353   a  of the first pivot frame  353  pivots in the direction of arrow Y on pivot shaft  363  in conjunction with the opening of the transportation path opening/closing block  330 , thereby causing the pressure roller  316   b  to retract and move away from the feed roller  316   a , and thus relieving the elastic urging force of the pressure roller  316   b.    
      The one pivot end  359   a  of the second pivot frame  359  supporting the pressure rollers  317   b  moves circularly around the rotational axis  371  as shown by arrow Z in  FIG. 29  at this time, and the elastic urging force of the pressure rollers  317   b  is thus also released.  
      As shown in  FIG. 31 , when the transportation path opening/closing block  330  is returned to the closed position, the first pivot frame  353  also returns to the original position. At this time the frame positioning surface  354  of the first pivot frame  353  that is engaged by the engaging part  332  of the transportation path opening/closing block  330  is the point where the force returning the first pivot frame  353  to the original position acts. As a result, when the first pivot frame  353  rotates on the pivot shaft  363 , the spring bracket  353   e  works to compress the first roller urging spring  357 .  
      It will thus be apparent that by opening the transportation path opening/closing block  330  of the transportation path opening/closing mechanism  370  described above, all or part of a first transported medium  2  jammed in the transportation path can be externally exposed for access and removal.  
      If part of the jammed first transported medium  2  is held by a nearby transportation roller pair  316  or  317 , and the transportation path opening/closing block  330  is opened to expose the paper jam, the action of the roller opening/closing mechanism  350  linked to opening the transportation path opening/closing block  330  retracts the pressure rollers  316   b ,  317   b  of the transportation roller pairs  316 ,  317  from the corresponding feed rollers  316   a ,  317   a , and thus relieves or removes the holding force of the transportation rollers.  
      The jammed first transported medium  2  is thus exposed after the holding force of the transportation rollers  316 ,  317  is released, and the first transported medium  2  can be easily removed. Excess force is therefore also not needed to remove the first transported medium  2 , and damage to the first transported medium  2  is thereby prevented.  
      Furthermore, when the transportation path opening/closing block  330  is closed after removing the paper jam, the action of the roller opening/closing mechanism  350  linked to closing the transportation path opening/closing block  330  elastically urges the pressure rollers  316   b ,  317   b  to the feed rollers  316   a ,  317   a , and thus enables the transportation rollers to hold and transport the first transported medium  2 .  
      Restoring the U-shaped transportation path  312  to the normal operating state after removing a paper jam is thus simple, and the time needed to correct and recover from a paper jam can be shortened.  
      Furthermore, moving the pressure rollers  316   b ,  317   b  from the feed rollers  316   a ,  317   a  in order to release the first transported medium  2  when a paper jam occurs is achieved by the pivoting action of the first and second pivot frames  353 ,  359  that support the pressure rollers  316   b ,  317   b.    
      Compared with advancing and retracting the pressure rollers by means of linear movement, the present invention dependably maintains the positioning precision of the pressure rollers  316   b ,  317   b  by means of a simple mechanical configuration, and can easily adjust the pressure of the first and second roller urging springs  357 ,  361  that elastically urge the pressure rollers  316   b ,  317   b  to the feed rollers  316   a ,  317   a.    
      As described above, the transportation path opening/closing mechanism  370  causes the second pivot frame  359  to pivot in conjunction with the circular movement of the first pivot frame  353  by means of the second roller urging spring  361  connected between the other pivot end  353   f  of the first pivot frame  353  and the other pivot end  359   f  of the second pivot frame  359 , and elastically urges the pressure rollers  317   b  held by the second roller holding member  341  to the feed roller  317   a  by means of the second roller urging spring  361 . This transportation path opening/closing mechanism  370  is thus well suited to arrangements in which the transportation rollers  316 ,  317  are located with the curved portion of the U-shaped transportation path  312  therebetween.  
      That is, by pivoting the second pivot frame  359  by means of a first pivot frame  353  that pivots in conjunction with the opening/closing operation of the transportation path opening/closing block  330 , the pressure rollers  317   b  can be retracted away from the feed roller  317   a  and the holding force can be relieved or removed even though the second pivot frame  359  is separated from the transportation path opening/closing block  330  and the direction of the urging force of the spring is offset from the opening/closing direction.  
      The transportation path opening/closing block  330  is assembled to the main frame  333  so that the transportation path opening/closing block  330  can open and close by pivoting on support pins  335  parallel to the rotational axis  381  of the first pivot frame  353  at the bottom end of the transportation path opening/closing block  330 . The transportation path opening/closing block  330  also has an engaging part  332  that engages a frame positioning surface  354  rendered to the one pivoting end  353   a  of the first pivot frame  353  when the transportation path opening/closing block  330  closes, and disengages the first pivot frame  353  when the transportation path opening/closing block  330  opens.  
      The transportation path opening/closing block  330  can thus swing freely open and closed like a door pivoting on pins at one end of the block  330 , and part of the U-shaped transportation path  312  can be easily opened for access without any special training.  
      Furthermore, because the rotational axis  371  of the second pivot frame  359  intersects the rotational axis  381  of the first pivot frame  353 , the pressure rollers  316   b ,  317   b  can apply appropriate elastic force to the corresponding feed rollers  316   a ,  317   a  even though the pressure roller  316   b  and pressure rollers  317   b  apply elastic force in different directions and positions.  
      The configuration of the pressure rollers, including the arrangement and number of rollers, for which the roller opening/closing mechanism of the foregoing embodiment removes or relieves pressure in order to correct a paper jam shall not be limited to the configuration of the above embodiment.  
      In the foregoing embodiment, for example, the transportation roller set  316  located in the image scanning area of the U-shaped transportation path  312  has three pressure rollers  316   b  and  316   c  stacked heightwise to the feed roller  316   a  (that is, heightwise to the U-shaped transportation path  312 ).  
      In addition, the first pivot frame  353  of the roller opening/closing mechanism  350  in this embodiment movably supports only the lowest pressure roller  316   b , and the two upper pressure rollers  316   c  are supported by the stationary frame  380 .  
      This is because the top two pressure rollers  316   c  are used for transporting an ID card or other second transported medium  15  inserted from the card insertion opening  313   a  to the straight transportation path  313 , and only the lowest pressure roller  316   b  is used for conveying checks or other first transported medium  2 .  
      Although the present invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom.