Appeal No. 1999-1341
Application No. 08/542,323
LEDs are aimed at and direct their light towards the center of the lenses, allowing the
maximum luminous flux from each LED to be condensed in the center of the corresponding
lens. Also, by emitting light towards the center of the lens, the LEDs emit a majority of light
towards the lens in varying directions.
Representative independent claim 21 is reproduced as follows:
21. An image forming system, comprising:
a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) arrays, each including a
plurality of LEDs;
a photoconductive surface which receives light from the LEDs; and
a plurality of lenses which correspond one-to-one with the LED arrays
which focuses light from the LEDs onto the photoconductive surface, said
plurality of lenses being directly connected to form a unitary device,
wherein the LEDs emit a maximum luminous flux towards the
corresponding lens in varying directions.
The examiner relies on the following references:
Taniguchi et al. (Taniguchi) 5,023,442 Jun. 11, 1991
Kessler et al. (Kessler) 5,475,416 Dec. 12, 1995
(filed Jun. 03, 1992)
Claims 3-10, 14, 15, 17, 21-25 and 27-31 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as
unpatentable over Taniguchi in view of Kessler.
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