Dual format dual resolution scanner with off-axis beams

A multiple format laser printer comprising:

• a polygon tower mounted for rotation about an axis wherein said polygon tower has at least:
• a first polygon having a first number of facets;
• and
• a second polygon having a second number of facets, wherein said axis is common to both said first polygon said second polygon;
• a light source which produces a beam of light;
• a periscope between said light source and said polygon tower which shifts a point of contact of said beam of light between said first polygon and said second polygon;
• and
• a scan lens which focuses said beam of light after deflection from one of said polygons to a pixel on an image-forming medium.

A multiple format, multiple resolution laser printer comprising:

• a plurality of polygons each polygon having multiple facets, said polygons being mounted for rotation on a common axis;
• a light source producing a beam of light;
• reflective means located between said light source and said plurality of polygons which shifts a point of contact of said beam of light between a first polygon of said plurality of polygons and a second polygon of said plurality of polygons;
• and
• a scan lens which focuses said beam of light after deflection from at least one of said plurality of polygons, on an image-forming medium.

A multiple format, multiple resolution laser printer comprising:

• a plurality of polygons each polygon having multiple facets;
• a light source producing a beam of light;
• beam shifting means located between said light source and said polygons, wherein said means shifts a point of contact of said beam of light between said polygons;
• and
• a scan lens for receiving a reflected beam of light from at least one of said polygons.