Electrophotography – Having particular structure
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-11
2001-10-30
Braun, Fred L (Department: 2852)
Electrophotography
Having particular structure
C270S058010, C270S058140, C399S403000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311032
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to alignment devices for aligning input/output devices to printers. Such structures of this type, generally, employ a locating foot that is attached to the input/output device which fits into a locating and referencing means on the underside of the printer stand or under—mounted input device.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
It is known, in printer/paper handling devices, to employ various alignment devices. Exemplary of such alignment devices are U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,240 ('240) to P. T. Pendell et. al., entitled “System for Aligning a Printer with a Finisher” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,578 ('578) to R. A. Naramore et. al., entitled “Low Manual Effort System for Removably Mounting Paper Handling Modules to Reproduction Machines.” While the ('240) and ('578) patents demonstrate various apparatus and methods for aligning a printer with an input/output device, these patents do not employ a locating foot. Consequently, a more advantageous alignment system would be presented if such a locating foot where utilized.
It is apparent from the above that there exists a need in the art for an alignment system which is lightweight through simplicity of parts and uniqueness of structure, and which at least equals the alignment characteristics of the known alignment devices, but which at the same time employs a locating foot that is attached to the input/output device. It is a purpose of this invention to fulfill this and other needs in the art in a manner more apparent to the skilled artisan once given the following disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Generally speaking, this invention fulfills these needs by providing an alignment and stabilizing device for aligning an input/output device with a printer, comprising an input/output device having a locking means, the first alignment means hingedly attached to a lower end of the input/output device, wherein the first alignment means is comprised of a unitary base means, a pivot means located substantially within one end of the base means and operatively connected to the input/output device, and a base height adjustment means operatively connected to the other end of the base means, and a printer means, wherein the printer means is comprised of a second alignment means which interacts with the first alignment means and a receiving means for receiving a locking means.
In certain preferred embodiments, the base means is constructed of a durable polymeric material. Also, the base height adjustment means includes a roller or a slider. Finally, the locking means includes a latch.
In another further preferred embodiment, the alignment device allows for a quick and precise alignment of the input/output device with the printer.
The preferred alignment device, according to this invention, offers the following advantages: lightness in weight; ease of assembly and repair; good stability; excellent durability; excellent alignment; and good economy. In fact, and many of the preferred embodiments, these factors of weight, assembly, durability, and alignment are optimized to the extent that is considerably higher than heretofore achieved in prior, known alignment devices.
The above and other features of the present invention, which will become more apparent as description proceeds, are best understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like characters represent like parts throughout the several views and in which:
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Carter, Jr. Scott K.
Falk Kevin
Braun Fred L
Hewlett--Packard Company
McDaniel James R.
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