GB1176730A - Method and Apparatus for Selectively Feeding and Severing Webs from a Plurality of Sources. - Google Patents

Abstract

1,176,730. Selective signalling. GAF CORP. 7 Nov., 1967 [10 Nov., 1966], No. 50663/67. Heading G4H. [Also in Division G2] In a paper feed for a photo-copying machine, copy paper is supplied in at least two different widths, the appropriate width being selected automatically by sensing the width of the original as it is fed to the machine. The required length of copy paper is also sensed automatically, and cut off. In the form shown, rolls 5, 7 supply copy paper 10, 12 of two different widths (e.g. 11 inches and 19 inches). These paper webs pass between respective pairs of feed rollers 43, 45 and 43<SP>1</SP>, 45<SP>1</SP>, driven by respective motors 44, 44<SP>1</SP>, then past a cutter bar 58, and are delivered on to a transfer belt 74. The original 14 is fed into a guide slot 40, passes between roller pairs 26, 27, and is also delivered on to the belt 74. This carries the two superimposed sheets on into the copying machine proper. From Fig. 4, it can be seen that as sheet 14 enters into guide slot 40, its leading edge may engage fingers 32, 33, 34 which actuate corresponding switches 29, 30, 31. The sheet 14, actually in phantom, is of the narrower width (11 inches), so that it actuates only the first two switches, 29, 30, in turn. This energizes a clutch 47 which connects the drive from motor 44 to roller 43, so causing copy paper 10 to be fed forward. When the trailing edge of the original disengages from switch 29, clutch 47 is de-energized, so that the motor drive to roller 43 is disconnected, and at the same time a braking arrangement 46 at the other end of roller 43 is brought into action to stop the roller and hence the motion of paper web 10. Also at the same time a solenoid 64 is energized, which rotates the cutter bar 58 to sever the sheet 10. The speeds of the various sheet-transporting devices is adjusted so that the sheets form a looped portion 81 at the approach to belt 74. This enables the part of sheet 10 which is being cut to be momentarily arrested although the forward end is still moving. It is also arranged that, after cutting, roller 43 is counter-rotated, so that the severed end of web 10 is withdrawn from the cutting station. Thus the station is left clear if a different web is to be fed forward next time. If sheet 14 has the wider of the two predetermined widths, the switches 29, 31, 30 are all actuated in succession. This causes clutch 47<SP>1</SP> to be energized instead of clutch 47. Thus the drive from motor 44<SP>1</SP> is connected to roller 43<SP>1</SP>, and hence the wider copy paper web 12 is fed forward through the cutter station, &c., the sequence of operations otherwise being as before. The operations are all controlled automatically by the electrical circuit of Fig. 8 (not shown).