Recall: Computer Scanners Correction Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Media Relations
June 7, 1996	(301) 504-7908
Release # 96-143

CPSC and Visioneer, Inc. Announce Software and Hardware Correction Program for Computer Scanners

WASHINGTON, D.C.-In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Visioneer, Inc. is announcing a voluntary correction program for approximately 150,000 computer scanners sold under the names PaperPort Vx, Hewlett-Packard ScanJet 4s, and Compaq Scanner Keyboard. If the scanner's power supply is momentarily decreased, the scanner's motor can lock and may overheat.

Visioneer, Hewlett-Packard and Compaq have received a total of 38 reports of motor lock-up involving the scanners. CPSC and Visioneer have not received any reports of injuries from customers experiencing an overheat condition.

Consumers use scanners to store documents in personal computers to be accessed on-screen. Once the document is on-screen, it can be faxed, filed, edited, or e-mailed.

Visioneer's portable, beige plastic scanners measure approximately 3.75 inches high, 12 inches wide, and 2.50 inches deep. The Hewlett-Packard ScanJet 4s measures approximately 4 inches high, 12 inches wide and 2.5 inches deep. The Compaq Scanner Keyboard measures approximately 2.29 inches high, 20.75 inches wide, and 8.89 inches deep. Consumers scan materials such as pictures or charts by feeding the material into a slot on the front of the scanner. The scanned image appears on the computer screen as the material is fed through the scanner. When the image has been completely scanned, the material exits out of the top of the scanner.

The scanners were sold nationwide between September 1995 and May 1996 mainly through catalogs, mail order and third party distributors such as computer superstores and computer retailers for suggested retail prices ranging from $299 to $349. Scanners manufactured after March 15, 1996 are not affected by the error condition.

Consumers can download a software solution from Visioneer's Worldwide Web site that will significantly reduce the chance of lock-up. Consumers can also obtain and install a free retrofit kit from Visioneer, Hewlett-Packard or Compaq which includes a new circuit to prevent motor lock-up.

Consumers can call Visioneer at (800) 834-3460 to order the free retrofit kit or contact Visioneer through their Web site at http://www.visioneer.com. to obtain the downloadable software. Consumers can also call Hewlett-Packard at (800) 367-7255 or fax to (510) 275-1190 to order free retrofit kits. Consumers can also call Compaq at (800) 652-6672 to order free retrofit kits. Visioneer voluntarily reported the lock-up problem to the CPSC.