Computer Scanners
CPSC Recall #96-143 — June 6, 1996
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 96-143 |
| Recall Date | June 6, 1996 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | 150,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| 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. |
Product
Computer Scanners
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C.- 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.
Hazard
If the scanner's power supply is momentarily decreased, the scanner's motor can lock and may overheat.
Incidents & Injuries
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.
Remedy Instructions
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.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Repair) at no cost to you.
If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.