US5343224A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Diode laser multiple output scanning system
Assignee: Xerox Corp
•
Filing: 1992-09-22
•
Granted: 1994-08-30
•
Expires: 2012-09-22
Abstract
Abstract Multiple beam output scanning is obtained from a single raster scanning system (ROS) with a rotating mirror, beneficially a polygon mirror, and a single set of scan optics for use in single or multiple station printers. A plurality of coaxially overlapping laser beams from the same spatial location, but of dissimilar polarization states and wavelengths, are deflected using a common mirror surface area and are subsequently separated by a plurality of optical polarized beam separators and optical dichroic beam separators. The separated laser beams are directed onto associated photoreceptors such that their optical path lengths from the source location to their respective photoreceptors are substantially the same.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas L. Paoli
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 07:43
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/04; H04N1/19; H04N1/191; H04N1/1911; H04N1/1912; B; B41; B41J; B41J2/00; B41J2/435; B41J2/47; B41J2/471; B41J2/473; H04N1/46; H04N1/50; H04N1/506
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 100
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A raster output scanner, comprising: means for producing coaxially overlapping, orthogonally polarized first and second laser beams on a first optical path; means for sweeping said coaxially overlapping, orthogonally polarized first and second laser beams onto a second optical path; and an optical polarized beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said optical polarized beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a third optical path and for directing said second laser beam onto a fourth optical path.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
80 words
A raster output scanner, comprising: means for producing coaxially overlapping, orthogonally polarized first and second laser beams on a first optical path; means for sweeping said coaxially overlapping, orthogonally polarized first and second laser beams onto a second optical path; and an optical polarized beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said optical polarized beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a third optical path and for directing said second laser beam onto a fourth optical path.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 1, wherein said first and second laser beams are from a substantially common spatial location.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 2, further including first photoreceptor means for receiving said first laser beam and for creating a first image in response to said first laser beam.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 3, further including means for directing said second laser beam onto said first photoreceptor, and for creating a second image in response to said second laser beam such that said first and said second images are on separate regions of said first photoreceptor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 4, wherein said directing means includes a means for equalizing the optical path lengths of said first and second laser beams.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 5, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 3, further including second photoreceptor means for receiving said second laser beam and for creating a second image in response to said second laser beam.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 7, further including means for equalizing the optical path lengths of said first and second laser beams.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 8, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
148 words
A raster output scanner, comprising: means for producing overlapping and coaxial first, second and third laser beams, wherein said first and second laser beams have differing wavelengths but similar polarizations, and wherein said first and third laser beams have differing polarizations; means for directing said first, second, and third laser beams onto a first optical path; means for sweeping said first, second, and third laser beams along a second optical path; an optical polarized beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said optical polarized beam separator for directing said first and second laser beams onto a third optical path and for directing said third laser beam onto a fourth optical path; and a dichroic beam separator disposed on said third optical path, said dichroic beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a fifth optical path and said second laser beam onto a sixth optical path.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
148 words
A raster output scanner, comprising: means for producing overlapping and coaxial first, second and third laser beams, wherein said first and second laser beams have differing wavelengths but similar polarizations, and wherein said first and third laser beams have differing polarizations; means for directing said first, second, and third laser beams onto a first optical path; means for sweeping said first, second, and third laser beams along a second optical path; an optical polarized beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said optical polarized beam separator for directing said first and second laser beams onto a third optical path and for directing said third laser beam onto a fourth optical path; and a dichroic beam separator disposed on said third optical path, said dichroic beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a fifth optical path and said second laser beam onto a sixth optical path.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 10, wherein said first, second, and third laser beams are from a substantially common spatial location.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 11, further including first photoreceptor means for receiving said first laser beam and for creating a first image in response to said first laser beam.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
49 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 12, further including means for directing said second and third laser beams onto said first photoreceptor such that second and third images are created, and such that said first, second, and third images are created on separate regions of said first photoreceptor.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 13, wherein said directing means includes a means for equalizing the optical path lengths of at least two of said first, second, and third laser beams.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 14, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
41 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 12, further including second and third photoreceptor means for receiving said second and third laser beam, respectively, and for creating second and third images in response so said received second and third laser beams.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 16, further including means for equalizing the optical path lengths of at least two of said first, second, and third laser beams.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 17, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
151 words
A raster output scanner, comprising: means for producing overlapping and coaxial first, second and third laser beams, wherein said first and second laser beams have differing wavelengths but similar polarizations, and wherein said first and third laser beams have similar wavelengths but differing polarizations; means for directing said first, second, and third laser beams onto a first optical path; means for sweeping said first, second, and third laser beams along a second optical path; a dichroic beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said dichroic beam separator for directing said first and third laser beams onto a third optical path and for directing said second laser beam onto a fourth optical path; and an optical polarized beam separator disposed on said third optical path, said optical polarized beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a fifth optical path and said third laser beam onto a sixth optical path.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
151 words
A raster output scanner, comprising: means for producing overlapping and coaxial first, second and third laser beams, wherein said first and second laser beams have differing wavelengths but similar polarizations, and wherein said first and third laser beams have similar wavelengths but differing polarizations; means for directing said first, second, and third laser beams onto a first optical path; means for sweeping said first, second, and third laser beams along a second optical path; a dichroic beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said dichroic beam separator for directing said first and third laser beams onto a third optical path and for directing said second laser beam onto a fourth optical path; and an optical polarized beam separator disposed on said third optical path, said optical polarized beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a fifth optical path and said third laser beam onto a sixth optical path.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 19, wherein said first, second, and third laser beams are from a substantially common spatial location.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
32 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 20, further including first photoreceptor means for receiving said first laser beam and for producing a first image in response to said first laser beam.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
49 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 21, further including means for directing said second and third laser beams onto said first photoreceptor such that second and third images are created, and such that said first, second, and third images are created on separate regions of said first photoreceptor.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
33 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 22, wherein said directing means includes a means for equalizing the optical path lengths of at least two of said first, second, and third laser beams.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
15 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 23, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
38 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 21, further including second and third photoreceptor means for receiving, respectively, said second and third laser beam such that second and third image are formed on said second and third photoreceptors.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
29 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 25, further including means for equalizing the optical path lengths of at least two of said first, second, and third laser beams.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 26, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
212 words
A raster output scanner, comprising: means for producing overlapping and coaxial first, second, third, and fourth laser beams, wherein said first and second laser beams have differing wavelengths but similar polarizations, and wherein said third and fourth laser beams have differing wavelengths but similar polarizations, and wherein said polarizations of said first laser beam and said fourth laser beam differ; means for directing said first, second, third, and fourth laser beams onto a first optical path; means for sweeping said first, second, third and fourth laser beams along a second optical path; an optical polarized beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said optical polarized beam separator for directing said first and second laser beams onto a third optical path and for directing said third and fourth laser beam onto a fourth optical path; a first dichroic beam separator disposed on said third optical path, said first dichroic beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a fifth optical path and said second laser beam onto a sixth optical path; and a second dichroic beam separator disposed on said fourth optical path, said second dichroic beam separator for directing said third laser beam onto a seventh optical path and for directing said fourth laser beam onto an eighth optical path.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
212 words
A raster output scanner, comprising: means for producing overlapping and coaxial first, second, third, and fourth laser beams, wherein said first and second laser beams have differing wavelengths but similar polarizations, and wherein said third and fourth laser beams have differing wavelengths but similar polarizations, and wherein said polarizations of said first laser beam and said fourth laser beam differ; means for directing said first, second, third, and fourth laser beams onto a first optical path; means for sweeping said first, second, third and fourth laser beams along a second optical path; an optical polarized beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said optical polarized beam separator for directing said first and second laser beams onto a third optical path and for directing said third and fourth laser beam onto a fourth optical path; a first dichroic beam separator disposed on said third optical path, said first dichroic beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a fifth optical path and said second laser beam onto a sixth optical path; and a second dichroic beam separator disposed on said fourth optical path, said second dichroic beam separator for directing said third laser beam onto a seventh optical path and for directing said fourth laser beam onto an eighth optical path.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
24 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 28, wherein said first, second, third, and fourth laser beams are from a substantially common spatial location.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
32 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 29, further including first photoreceptor means for receiving said first laser beam, and for creating a first image in response to said first laser beam.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
41 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 30, further including means for directing said second, third, and fourth laser beams onto said first photoreceptor such that second, third, and fourth images, respectively, are created on separate regions of said first photoreceptor.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
33 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 31, wherein said directing means includes means for equalizing the optical path lengths of at least two of said first, second, third, and fourth laser beams.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
15 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 32, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
44 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 30, further including second, third, and fourth photoreceptor means for receiving said second, third, and fourth laser beam, respectively, and for creating second, third, and fourth images in response to said second, third, and fourth laser beams.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
30 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 34, further including means for equalizing the optical path lengths of at least two of said first, second, third, and fourth laser beams.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
15 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 35, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
212 words
A raster output scanner, comprising: means for producing overlapping and coaxial first, second, third, and fourth laser beams, wherein said first and second laser beams have similar wavelengths but differing polarizations, and wherein said third and fourth laser beams have similar wavelengths but differing polarizations, and wherein said wavelengths of laser beams one and three differ; means for directing said first, second, third, and fourth laser beams onto a first optical path; means for sweeping said first, second, third and fourth laser beams along a second optical path; a dichroic beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said dichroic beam separator for directing said first and second laser beams onto a third optical path and for directing said third and fourth laser beams onto a fourth optical path; a first optical polarized beam separator disposed on said third optical path, said first optical polarized beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a fifth optical path and for directing said second laser beam onto a sixth optical path; and a second optical polarized beam separator disposed on said fourth optical path, said second optical polarized beam separator for directing said third laser beam onto a seventh optical path and for directing said fourth laser beam onto an eighth optical path.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
212 words
A raster output scanner, comprising: means for producing overlapping and coaxial first, second, third, and fourth laser beams, wherein said first and second laser beams have similar wavelengths but differing polarizations, and wherein said third and fourth laser beams have similar wavelengths but differing polarizations, and wherein said wavelengths of laser beams one and three differ; means for directing said first, second, third, and fourth laser beams onto a first optical path; means for sweeping said first, second, third and fourth laser beams along a second optical path; a dichroic beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said dichroic beam separator for directing said first and second laser beams onto a third optical path and for directing said third and fourth laser beams onto a fourth optical path; a first optical polarized beam separator disposed on said third optical path, said first optical polarized beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a fifth optical path and for directing said second laser beam onto a sixth optical path; and a second optical polarized beam separator disposed on said fourth optical path, said second optical polarized beam separator for directing said third laser beam onto a seventh optical path and for directing said fourth laser beam onto an eighth optical path.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
24 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 37, wherein said first, second, third, and fourth laser beams are from a substantially common spatial location.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
32 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 38, further including first photoreceptor means for receiving said first laser beam, and for creating a first image in response to said first laser beam.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
42 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 39, further including means for directing said second, third, and fourth laser beams onto said first photoreceptor such that said second, third, and fourth images, respectively, are created on separate regions of said first photoreceptor.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
33 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 40, wherein said directing means includes means for equalizing the optical path lengths of at least two of said first, second, third, and fourth laser beams.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
15 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 41, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
44 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 39, further including second, third, and fourth photoreceptor means for receiving said second, third, and fourth laser beam, respectively, and for creating second, third, and fourth images in response to said second, third, and fourth laser beams.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
30 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 43, further including means for equalizing the optical path lengths of at least two of said first, second, third, and fourth laser beams.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
15 words
The raster output scanner according to claim 46, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
78 words
A printer, comprising: means for producing coaxially overlapping, orthogonally polarized first and second laser beams on a first optical path; means for sweeping said coaxially overlapping, orthogonally polarized first and second laser beams onto a second optical path; and an optical polarized beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said optical polarized beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a third optical path and for directing said second laser beam onto a fourth optical path.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
78 words
A printer, comprising: means for producing coaxially overlapping, orthogonally polarized first and second laser beams on a first optical path; means for sweeping said coaxially overlapping, orthogonally polarized first and second laser beams onto a second optical path; and an optical polarized beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said optical polarized beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a third optical path and for directing said second laser beam onto a fourth optical path.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
20 words
The printer according to claim 46, wherein said first and second laser beams are from a substantially common spatial location.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
30 words
The printer according to claim 47, further including first photoreceptor means for receiving said first laser beam and for creating a first image in response to said first laser beam.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
48 words
The printer according to claim 48, further including means for directing said second laser beam onto said first photoreceptor, and for creating a second image in response to said second laser beam such that said first and said second images are on separate regions of said first photoreceptor.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
26 words
The printer according to claim 49, wherein said directing means includes a means for equalizing the optical path lengths of said first and second laser beams.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
13 words
The printer according to claim 50, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
30 words
The printer according to claim 48, further including second photoreceptor means for receiving said second laser beam and for creating a second image in response to said second laser beam.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
22 words
The printer according to claim 52, further including means for equalizing the optical path lengths of said first and second laser beams.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
13 words
The printer according to claim 53, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
146 words
A printer, comprising: means for producing overlapping and coaxial first, second and third laser beams, wherein said first and second laser beams have differing wavelengths but similar polarizations, and wherein said first and third laser beams have differing polarizations; means for directing said first, second, and third laser beams onto a first optical path; means for sweeping said first, second, and third laser beams along a second optical path; an optical polarized beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said optical polarized beam separator for directing said first and second laser beams onto a third optical path and for directing said third laser beam onto a fourth optical path; and a dichroic beam separator disposed on said third optical path, said dichroic beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a fifth optical path and said second laser beam onto a sixth optical path.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
146 words
A printer, comprising: means for producing overlapping and coaxial first, second and third laser beams, wherein said first and second laser beams have differing wavelengths but similar polarizations, and wherein said first and third laser beams have differing polarizations; means for directing said first, second, and third laser beams onto a first optical path; means for sweeping said first, second, and third laser beams along a second optical path; an optical polarized beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said optical polarized beam separator for directing said first and second laser beams onto a third optical path and for directing said third laser beam onto a fourth optical path; and a dichroic beam separator disposed on said third optical path, said dichroic beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a fifth optical path and said second laser beam onto a sixth optical path.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
21 words
The printer according to claim 55, wherein said first, second, and third laser beams are from a substantially common spatial location.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
30 words
The printer according to claim 56, further including first photoreceptor means for receiving said first laser beam and for creating a first image in response to said first laser beam.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
47 words
The printer according to claim 57, further including means for directing said second and third laser beams onto said first photoreceptor such that second and third images are created, and such that said first, second, and third images are created on separate regions of said first photoreceptor.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
31 words
The printer according to claim 58, wherein said directing means includes a means for equalizing the optical path lengths of at least two of said first, second, and third laser beams.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
13 words
The printer according to claim 59, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
39 words
The printer according to claim 57, further including second and third photoreceptor means for receiving said second and third laser beam, respectively, and for creating second and third images in response so said received second and third laser beams.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
27 words
The printer according to claim 61, further including means for equalizing the optical path lengths of at least two of said first, second, and third laser beams.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
13 words
The printer according to claim 62, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
149 words
A printer, comprising: means for producing overlapping and coaxial first, second and third laser beams, wherein said first and second laser beams have differing wavelengths but similar polarizations, and wherein said first and third laser beams have similar wavelengths but differing polarizations; means for directing said first, second, and third laser beams onto a first optical path; means for sweeping said first, second, and third laser beams along a second optical path; a dichroic beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said dichroic beam separator for directing said first and third laser beams onto a third optical path and for directing said second laser beam onto a fourth optical path; and an optical polarized beam separator disposed on said third optical path, said optical polarized beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a fifth optical path and said third laser beam onto a sixth optical path.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
149 words
A printer, comprising: means for producing overlapping and coaxial first, second and third laser beams, wherein said first and second laser beams have differing wavelengths but similar polarizations, and wherein said first and third laser beams have similar wavelengths but differing polarizations; means for directing said first, second, and third laser beams onto a first optical path; means for sweeping said first, second, and third laser beams along a second optical path; a dichroic beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said dichroic beam separator for directing said first and third laser beams onto a third optical path and for directing said second laser beam onto a fourth optical path; and an optical polarized beam separator disposed on said third optical path, said optical polarized beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a fifth optical path and said third laser beam onto a sixth optical path.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
21 words
The printer according to claim 64, wherein said first, second, and third laser beams are from a substantially common spatial location.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
30 words
The printer according to claim 65, further including first photoreceptor means for receiving said first laser beam and for producing a first image in response to said first laser beam.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
47 words
The printer according to claim 66, further including means for directing said second and third laser beams onto said first photoreceptor such that second and third images are created, and such that said first, second, and third images are created on separate regions of said first photoreceptor.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
31 words
The printer according to claim 67, wherein said directing means includes a means for equalizing the optical path lengths of at least two of said first, second, and third laser beams.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
13 words
The printer according to claim 68, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
36 words
The printer according to claim 66, further including second and third photoreceptor means for receiving, respectively, said second and third laser beam such that second and third image are formed on said second and third photoreceptors.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
27 words
The printer according to claim 70, further including means for equalizing the optical path lengths of at least two of said first, second, and third laser beams.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
13 words
The printer according to claim 71, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
210 words
A printer, comprising: means for producing overlapping and coaxial first, second, third, and fourth laser beams, wherein said first and second laser beams have differing wavelengths but similar polarizations, and wherein said third and fourth laser beams have differing wavelengths but similar polarizations, and wherein said polarizations of said first laser beam and said fourth laser beam differ; means for directing said first, second, third, and fourth laser beams onto a first optical path; means for sweeping said first, second, third and fourth laser beams along a second optical path; an optical polarized beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said optical polarized beam separator for directing said first and second laser beams onto a third optical path and for directing said third and fourth laser beam onto a fourth optical path; a first dichroic beam separator disposed on said third optical path, said first dichroic beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a fifth optical path and said second laser beam onto a sixth optical path; and a second dichroic beam separator disposed on said fourth optical path, said second dichroic beam separator for directing said third laser beam onto a seventh optical path and for directing said fourth laser beam onto an eighth optical path.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
210 words
A printer, comprising: means for producing overlapping and coaxial first, second, third, and fourth laser beams, wherein said first and second laser beams have differing wavelengths but similar polarizations, and wherein said third and fourth laser beams have differing wavelengths but similar polarizations, and wherein said polarizations of said first laser beam and said fourth laser beam differ; means for directing said first, second, third, and fourth laser beams onto a first optical path; means for sweeping said first, second, third and fourth laser beams along a second optical path; an optical polarized beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said optical polarized beam separator for directing said first and second laser beams onto a third optical path and for directing said third and fourth laser beam onto a fourth optical path; a first dichroic beam separator disposed on said third optical path, said first dichroic beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a fifth optical path and said second laser beam onto a sixth optical path; and a second dichroic beam separator disposed on said fourth optical path, said second dichroic beam separator for directing said third laser beam onto a seventh optical path and for directing said fourth laser beam onto an eighth optical path.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
22 words
The printer according to claim 73, wherein said first, second, third, and fourth laser beams are from a substantially common spatial location.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
30 words
The printer according to claim 74, further including first photoreceptor means for receiving said first laser beam, and for creating a first image in response to said first laser beam.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
39 words
The printer according to claim 75, further including means for directing said second, third, and fourth laser beams onto said first photoreceptor such that second, third, and fourth images, respectively, are created on separate regions of said first photoreceptor.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
32 words
The printer according to claim 76, wherein said directing means includes means for equalizing the optical path lengths of at least two of said first, second, third , and fourth laser beams.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
13 words
The printer according to claim 77, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
42 words
The printer according to claim 75, further including second, third, and fourth photoreceptor means for receiving said second, third, and fourth laser beam, respectively, and for creating second, third, and fourth images in response to said second, third, and fourth laser beams.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
28 words
The printer according to claim 79, further including means for equalizing the optical path lengths of at least two of said first, second, third, and fourth laser beams.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
13 words
The printer according to claim 80, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
210 words
A printer, comprising: means for producing overlapping and coaxial first, second, third, and fourth laser beams, wherein said first and second laser beams have similar wavelengths but differing polarizations, and wherein said third and fourth laser beams have similar wavelengths but differing polarizations, and wherein said wavelengths of laser beams one and three differ; means for directing said first, second, third, and fourth laser beams onto a first optical path; means for sweeping said first, second, third and fourth laser beams along a second optical path; a dichroic beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said dichroic beam separator for directing said first and second laser beams onto a third optical path and for directing said third and fourth laser beams onto a fourth optical path; a first optical polarized beam separator disposed on said third optical path, said first optical polarized beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a fifth optical path and for directing said second laser beam onto a sixth optical path; and a second optical polarized beam separator disposed on said fourth optical path, said second optical polarized beam separator for directing said third laser beam onto a seventh optical path and for directing said fourth laser beam onto an eighth optical path.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
210 words
A printer, comprising: means for producing overlapping and coaxial first, second, third, and fourth laser beams, wherein said first and second laser beams have similar wavelengths but differing polarizations, and wherein said third and fourth laser beams have similar wavelengths but differing polarizations, and wherein said wavelengths of laser beams one and three differ; means for directing said first, second, third, and fourth laser beams onto a first optical path; means for sweeping said first, second, third and fourth laser beams along a second optical path; a dichroic beam separator disposed on said second optical path, said dichroic beam separator for directing said first and second laser beams onto a third optical path and for directing said third and fourth laser beams onto a fourth optical path; a first optical polarized beam separator disposed on said third optical path, said first optical polarized beam separator for directing said first laser beam onto a fifth optical path and for directing said second laser beam onto a sixth optical path; and a second optical polarized beam separator disposed on said fourth optical path, said second optical polarized beam separator for directing said third laser beam onto a seventh optical path and for directing said fourth laser beam onto an eighth optical path.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
22 words
The printer according to claim 82, wherein said first, second, third, and fourth laser beams are from a substantially common spatial location.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
30 words
The printer according to claim 83, further including first photoreceptor means for receiving said first laser beam, and for creating a first image in response to said first laser beam.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
40 words
The printer according to claim 84, further including means for directing said second, third, and fourth laser beams onto said first photoreceptor such that said second, third, and fourth images, respectively, are created on separate regions of said first photoreceptor.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
32 words
The printer according to claim 85, wherein said directing means includes means for equalizing the optical path lengths of at least two of said first, second, third , and fourth laser beams.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
13 words
The printer according to claim 86, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
42 words
The printer according to claim 84, further including second, third, and fourth photoreceptor means for receiving said second, third, and fourth laser beam, respectively, and for creating second, third, and fourth images in response to said second, third, and fourth laser beams.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
28 words
The printer according to claim 88, further including means for equalizing the optical path lengths of at least two of said first, second, third, and fourth laser beams.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
13 words
The printer according to claim 46, wherein said equalizing means includes a mirror.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-08-29 | 1998-02-28 | 1998-08-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-08-29 | 2002-02-28 | 2002-08-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-08-29 | 2006-02-28 | 2006-08-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |