Automatic document feeder
View Patent ↗A representative embodiment provides for an automatic document feeder apparatus configured for use in conjunction with an imaging device, and includes a feed guide supported in spaced overlying relation to a scan window of the imaging device. The automatic document feeder further includes a first document guide and a second document guide. The first and second document guides are supported in spaced relation to each other and are configured to guide a sheet media between the feed guide and the scan window. In use, the sheet media is the only element present between the scan window and the feed guide. Another representative embodiment provides for a method of automatically feeding documents, including guiding a sheet media into a gap that is defined by a scan window and a feed guide, and guiding the sheet media out of the gap.
1. An automatic document feeder configured for use in conjunction with an imaging device, comprising:
a feed guide supported in spaced overlying relation to a scan window of the imaging device; and
first and second document guides supported in spaced relation with each other and proximate the scan window, the first and second document guides being configured to guide a sheet media between the feed guide and the scan window, wherein, in use, the sheet media is the only element present between the scan window and the feed guide and wherein the second document guide is further configured to cooperate with a diverter supported laterally of the scan window.
2. An automatic document feeder configured for use in conjunction with an imaging device, comprising:
a feed guide supported in spaced overlying relation to a scan window of the imaging device; and
first and second document guides supported in spaced relation with each other and proximate the scan window, the first and second document guides being configured to guide a sheet media between the feed guide and the scan window, wherein, in use, the sheet media is the only element present between the scan window and the feed guide and wherein the second document guide is further configured to cooperate with a channel located laterally of the scan window.
3. A sheet guiding apparatus for use in an automatic document feeder configured to work in conjunction with a scanning apparatus having a scan window defined by an upper surface, the sheet guiding apparatus comprising first and second document guides in spaced-apart relationship such that a void is defined there between, the void not being bridged by a bridging component, and wherein the first and second document guides are configured to guide a sheet media across the void through a gap defined by a lower surface of a feed guide and the upper surface of the scan window and wherein the second document guide is further configured to cooperate with a diverter supported laterally of the scan window.
4. A sheet guiding apparatus for use in an automatic document feeder configured to work in conjunction with a scanning apparatus having a scan window defined by an upper surface, the sheet guiding apparatus comprising first and second document guides in spaced-apart relationship such that a void is defined there between, the void not being bridged by a bridging component, and wherein the first and second document guides are configured to guide a sheet media across the void through a gap defined by a lower surface of a feed guide and the upper surface of the scan window and wherein the scan window is defined by a flatbed, and further wherein the second document guide is further configured to cooperate with a channel defined in the flatbed and located laterally of the scan window.
5. A scanning apparatus comprising:
a flatbed comprising optically transparent material and having a region defining a scan window;
a feed guide supported in spaced overlying relation to the scan window and configured to guide a sheet media through a gap between the feed guide and the scan window;
a first document guide supported in generally sloped lateral relation to the scan window, the first document guide being configured to guide the sheet media into the gap;
a second document guide supported in generally sloped lateral relation to the scan window, the second document guide being configured to guide the sheet media out of the gap; and
a diverter supported laterally of the scan window and configured to guide the sheet media generally away from the scan window and onto the second document guide.
6. A scanning apparatus comprising:
a flatbed comprising optically transparent material and having a region defining a scan window;
a feed guide supported in spaced overlying relation to the scan window and configured to guide a sheet media through a gap between the feed guide and the scan window;
a first document guide supported in generally sloped lateral relation to the scan window, the first document guide being configured to guide the sheet media into the gap;
a second document guide supported in generally sloped lateral relation to the scan window, the second document guide being configured to guide the sheet media out of the gap; and
a channel formed in the flatbed and located laterally of the scan window, wherein the second document guide is further configured to cooperate with the channel to guide the sheet media out of the gap.