GB1425664A - Facsimile device with sheet-clamping mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

1425664 Facsimile apparatus MINNESOTA MINING & MFG CO 28 Dec 1973 [29 Dec 1972 60052/73 Heading H4F In facsimile apparatus employing a rotating drum an edge of the record sheet (or document to be transmitted) is inserted through a longitudinal slot provided in the drum surface and clamped against the inner surface of the drum by releasable clamping means comprising a plurality of gripping fingers mounted inside the drum. A transducer driven stylus is positioned adjacent the outer surface of the drum for producing an image on the record sheet. As shown in Figs. 2, 3, 6 and 8, the drum 12 has a slot 35 in which a clamp member 50 is slidably mounted, member 50 comprising a bar 54 (Fig. 6) carrying gripping fingers 64-78 on its upper surface and leaf spring assemblies 84A on its lower surface such that, without the restraining action of a solenoid operated lever arm 94, the clamp member 50 is urged "upwardly" to cause the fingers 64-78 to clamp the record sheet 8, when inserted (Fig. 8), against the tapered inner surface 37 of the lip 42 of the slot. By suitable dimensioning the slope of the clamping surface 37 (Fig. 8) maximum ease in inserting the sheet is realized and by suitable dimensioning of the angle # (Fig. 8) any force tending to withdraw sheet 8 in the direction of arrow E urges the end portion 84 of the finger against surface 37 so that the clamping force is increased. To unload the sheet 8 solenoid 102 is energized so that lever arm 94 depresses the clamp member 50 "downwardly" out of contact with the sheet. When the sheet is a document to be transmitted a light source 118, Fig 7, supported by a carriage 112 (which may be manually slid along rods 114, 116 by knob 122) is arranged to scan the document. When an image is to be recorded on the sheet a pressure transducer 126 supported by the carriage operates a stylus 128 to mark the sheet a shaped guide shoe 130 biased by spring 134 against the drum surface serving to protect the stylus as it traverses the slot opening. Fig. 1, shows the general structure as a facsimile transceiver in which transmission and reception of facsimile signals is effected in the form of acoustic energy via a telephone handset 2.