US Patent 7302221 Duplex hinge device and a multi-function peripheral using the same

A duplex hinge device includes a hinge body having a first end and a second end, a first mounting plate hinged to the first end, and a second mounting plate hinged to the second end. A scanning unit for scanning a to-be-scanned document and generating a print signal is fixed to the hinge body. A printing unit for receiving the print signal and printing a to-be-printed document is fixed to the second mounting plate. A cover for pressing the to-be-scanned document placed on the scanning unit is fixed to the first mounting plate. The duplex hinge device also has a mechanism for locking itself at a plurality of positions.