US 7,443,547 · Granted 2008-10-28

The All-in-One Portable Office That Fit in Your Backpack

Imagine a device smaller than a laptop that can scan documents, print them out, copy them, and even send faxes—all without needing to plug into a computer. It runs on batteries, automatically connects to phones and other gadgets, and uses clever paper-feeding tricks to avoid jamming.

Curated and verified by the IsItPatented Editorial team

The plain-English version

What it protects

The patent covers a standalone electronic device that combines faxing, scanning, printing, and copying functions in a single portable unit. What's protected here is the specific combination of these four capabilities in a battery-powered form factor, along with the automatic software reconfiguration that detects compatible devices like PCs and mobile phones, the dual independent paper pathways that reduce jamming, and the ergonomic design optimized for small workspaces with paper feeds and user controls arranged on the same side of the device.

Why it matters

This patent represents an attempt to create a true mobile office tool at a time when document processing was still tied to desktop printers and separate scanning equipment. By combining four office functions into one battery-powered device with automatic device detection, the invention addressed a real gap for professionals who needed to work outside traditional office environments. The patent's focus on minimizing paper jams and power consumption shows engineering attention to practical frustrations users faced with multi-function devices of that era.

Real-world use

Someone on a business trip or field visit could use this device to scan receipts, print contracts, and send faxes without carrying separate equipment or finding a computer to connect everything to.

Original USPTO abstract

A lightweight, battery operated, portable, personal electronic device capable of faxing, scanning, printing and copying media as a standalone device or in cooperation with other electronic devices including PCs, mobile telephones, PDAs, etc. is provided. The device automatically detects the presence of fax-capable devices and reconfigures the software for compatibility with the fax-capable device eliminating the need for user programming. The device's ergonomic design, intrinsic physical stability, and same side paper feeds and user interface provide use in work areas having limited space. The device includes unidirectional, independent pathways for original and recording media such that paper jams are minimized. Portability is maximized through innovative power management software and hardware.

Patent details

Publication number: US 7,443,547
Filing date: 2004-07-03
Grant date: 2008-10-28
Assignee: Science Forge, Inc.
Inventor(s): MORENO MARIO, CICHIELO ROBERT, KEATING MICHAEL J.
CPC class: H04N1/00

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