NO128732B - - Google Patents

Description

Device for making copies.

The invention relates to a device for producing copies of an original on sheet-shaped copying material with an image carrier for the image to be reproduced, an image transfer device for the continuous transfer of these images from the image carrier onto the copying material, a sheet feeding and sliding hinge mechanism for adding after successive single copy sheets to the image carrier, a programming device below a counter which adds the number of copy sheets supplied to the image carrier, a pulse receiving device which causes a recording device to be triggered after each. received pulse as well as a pulse transmitter which cooperates with the counter and the recording device to emit a plurality of pulses so that an unequal number of pulses according to a "graded" program reach the recording device for each copying sheet that is supplied.

The purpose of the invention is to produce a copying machine of the aforementioned type, where it is possible to make a registration of the produced copies, as the copies produced: and each individual original must be able to be assigned a different value according to With the help of such a registration system, it should be possible, for example, to make a determination of the copier's utilization with a view to determining the costs of a carried out duplication work, as it becomes possible to determine a .higher price for the first copies of an original than for the subsequent ones.

According to the invention, this can be "achieved by the described device comprising a holding device-with'e-t; body which can be brought into a predetermined position in which the original is held during the reproduction, fixed -and a locking circuit with switch members "which are connected to the holding device and with the pulse receiver so that it interrupts • the operation of this when the holding member has been moved out of the 'hold--' position.

Further features - of the invention' appear in the subclaim.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a xerographic copying machine with some parts of the housing cut away. Fig. 2 schematically shows one. preferred embodiment of a xerographic copying machine according to the invention. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the optical system and main drive system for the copying machine according to fig. 2.

Fig. 4 shows a diagram of. the t-drum and the main drive

for the machine, set -from, right,, as only. part. of drum fief. is.

Fig. 5 shows a front view .of..hoyeddri disorder, for. the drum .......■ Fig. 6 shows, a .section along the line - -6-6 in fig. 5.. • -. Fig. 7 shows a section along the line 7..-.7, in fig-.. 6. Fig.., 8 shows a view from the back of the drum and the main drive device with some parts cut away to show the cam drive device. ...... FEW..9 shows, a partial section. according to line 9~9 in -fig.' 5> Fig. 10. shows a view from the top of a circuit breaker..

Fig. 11 shows a section along the line 11-11, in Fig. 10.

Fig. 12a-.d shows, schematically, connection diagrams for the electrical components in the copying machine. Fig. 13a-c show more detailed circuit diagrams for the device for resetting and the step-by-step speed counter in Fig. 12c.■ Fig. 1H shows a schematic diagram of the detection device

for paper jamming.

Fig. 15 shows a front view of the machine's control panel.

Fig. 16 shows a perspective view of the plate cover and the plate frame with some parts cut away to show the plate lock.

Generally.

As schematically shown in fig. 2, the xerographic copying machine comprises a xerographic plate 20 with a photoconductive layer or a light-sensitive surface on a conductive substrate, this plate having the form of a drum mounted on a shaft supported in a frame for rotation in the direction indicated by the arrow to cause the drum's surface sequentially passes through a plurality of xerographic process steps.

The different xerographic process steps in drum flatens

movement path must be described functionally as follows:

A charging step in which a homogeneous electrostatic discharge is deposited on the photoconductive layer of the xerographic drum.

An exposure step in which a light or radiation pattern of the copy to be reproduced is projected onto the surface of the drum to transform the drum charge in the exposed areas to form a latent electrostatic image of the copy to be reproduced.

A developing step in which a xerographic developing material including toner particles with an electrostatic charge opposite to that in the electrostatic latent image is spread over the surface of the drum whereby the toner particles bind to the electrostatic latent image forming a xerographic powder image shaped like the copy to be reproduced.

A transfer step in which the xerographic powder image is electrostatically transferred from the drum surface to a transfer material or substrate surface, and

a drum cleaning and discharge step in which the drum surface is brushed to remove residual toner particles after the image transfer and in which the surface of the drum is exposed to a relatively powerful light source to effect complete discharge of

any remaining charge on the drum..

The charging stage is preferably arranged as indicated by A. As shown, the charging arrangement comprises a corona discharge device 21 with one or more corona discharge electrodes which extend transversely across the drum surface and are energized from a high voltage source and which are substantially enclosed by a screen.

The next stage in the xerographic drum's path of movement is the exposure stage B. An optical scanning or projection system is arranged to project a flowing image of a stationary original onto the surface of the photoconductive drum.

The optical scanning or projection device comprises a stationary copying table which consists of a transparent curved plate 22 such as a glass plate or the like placed on the outside of the cabinet, this plate being intended to support a document to be reproduced and which is uniformly illuminated qg . placed in light projection relation to the traveling light-receiving surface of the xerographic drum. Uniform illumination is provided by means of a series of lamps LMPS placed on opposite sides of the copy table. The scanning of the document on the stationary copying table is carried out with the help of a mirror device which swings in relation to the copying table in controlled relation to the movement of the xerographic drum. The mirror device, which includes an object mirror 23, is mounted below the copy holder to reflect an image of the document through a lens 24 towards an imaging mirror 25 which in turn reflects the image onto the xerographic drum through a slot in a fixed light screen placed close to the surface of the xerographic .drum.

Close to the exposure station is a developing station C in which is placed a developing apparatus 30 comprising a box or a housing provided with a lower container for storing developing material. A paddle conveyor is used to carry the developing material to the upper part of the developing housing, where it is spread via a funnel beyond the xerographic drum for developing purposes. A distributor 35 for toner material is used for accurate metering of toner particles to the developing material, as the toner particles are consumed during the developing operation.

Adjacent to and close to the developing device is an image transfer station D which comprises a sheet feeding device designed to feed sheets of copying material, such as paper or the like, successively to the xerographic drum, coordinated with the advance of the developed image on the drum surface.

The sheet feeding device comprises a sheet feeding device 40 designed to, by means of vacuum feeders, feed the top sheet in a stack of sheets in a trough 41 to rollers 42 which cooperate with the belt of a transport device 44 to advance the sheet sufficiently far that it can be held by the conveyor 44 which in turn transfers the sheet to a sheet registration device 45 placed close to the xerographic drum. The sheet registration device stops and arranges each sheet and then transfers it in controlled relation to the movement of the xerographic drum into contact with the drum for transfer of a previously formed xerographic powder image onto the drum.

^The transfer of the xerographic powder image from the drum surface to the sheets takes place by means of a corona transfer device 51 which is placed at or immediately after the contact line between the sheet and the rotating drum. During operation, the electrostatic field induced by the corona discharge causes the sheet to be attached in an efficient manner electrostatically to the drum surface whereby the sheet is moved synchronously with the drum while in contact with it. At the same time as the sheet is attached to the drum, the electrostatic field also causes toner particles comprising the xerographic powder image to be transferred from the drum and electrostatically attached to the sheet.

Immediately up to the transfer device is placed a tear-off device and paper take-up device 52 to remove the sheets from the drum surface. This device, which is of the type described in US Patent No. 3,062,536, comprises a plurality of small nozzles of small diameter. which is supplied with compressed air using a suitable pulsator or other device. The purpose of the pulsator is to push jets of compressed air through the nozzles into contact with the surface of the xerographic drum slightly in front of the sheet in order to tear the leading edge of the sheet from the drum surface and direct it onto an endless conveyor 55, whereby the sheet is transferred to a fixing device 60 In the fixing device, the transferred xerographic powder image on the sheet is permanently attached or fused to the sheet by means of heat. After the solid melting, the reproduction is taken out of the apparatus at a suitable place for collection outside the apparatus by means of a conveyor 65 - In the embodiment shown, the reproduction is carried away from the conveyor 65 to a receiving trough 61.

The next and last station in the facility is a drum cleaning station E in which is placed a corona discharge post-cleaning device 66, a drum cleaning device 70 designed to remove any residue of powder left on the drum after the transfer, by means of a rotating brush 71, as well as a discharge lamp LMP-1 designed to floodlight the drum in order to thereby neutralize the remaining electric charge on the xerographic drum.

In order to remove the remaining powder from the drum, there is provided a cylindrical brush rotatable mounted on a shaft and driven by a motor not shown. For the collection of powder particles removed from the drum by means of the brush, a dust hood 73 is arranged which is designed so that it surrounds approximately two-thirds of the brush surface. For. to ensure thorough cleaning of the brush, an impact bar 74 is attached to the outside of the dust cap near the edge of an outlet channel 75 in the dust cap in engagement with the ends of the brush bristles,

whereby.dust particles are removed therefrom.

For the removal of dust from the brush and the dust cap, an extraction channel 76 is arranged for extraction from the dust cap, which channel is again attached to a filter box 77 placed on the dust cap. A filter bag 78 is placed inside the filter box with the opening of the filter bag in communication with the drain channel. The motor fan MOT-5 and MOT-6, which is attached to the filter box, creates an air flow through the filter box and thereby draws air through the area surrounding the drum and the dust cap. The air carries with it the powder particles which have been removed from the drum by means of the brush as it flows through the dust cap. The powder particles are separated from the air as it flows through the filter bag, so that only clean air reaches the . the fan.

Appropriate'.; drives are provided for operating the drum, the rotating mirror and the sheet feed mechanism at predetermined speeds relative to each other and for operating the vane conveyor and toner distributor and the other drive mechanisms.

This xerographic apparatus is intended for. installation in a suitable cabinet as shown in fig. 1. The cabinet, generally denoted by 1, is constructed in the usual way and has a control panel mounted on the top for operating the machine and for determining and indicating the number of reproductions to be produced.

With reference to the drawings, it will be seen that there is a bottom plate 10 supported by legs 9. Vertical outer and inner frame plates, respectively 11 and 12, are attached to the bottom plate 10 at a distance from each other.

The xerographic drum 20 is mounted on a horizontal drive shaft and the drum is placed between the frames 11 and 12 with most of the xerographic machinery arranged around the drum.

The exposure device.

The exposure device is used to scan the object to be reproduced, and to project a flowing image thereof onto the rotating xerographic drum. In the embodiment shown, the scanning of the object, which is for example a document or a book placed on the copy plate, is carried out by means of a pivotable object mirror 23 which reflects an image of the object through a lens 24 and towards an imaging mirror 25 which in turn reflects the image through a slit in a light screen 26 and towards the xerographic drum.

The exposure device comprises an optical frame 13 which carries the object mirror, the lens and the imaging mirror. The optical frame is supported at one end by a support rod 14 which is attached to and extends between the frames 11 and 12, and at the other end by a bolt 15 attached to the frame 12. Next to the objective mirror is to the optical frame attached a lamp holder frame 16 which in turn carries a plate frame 17-

The plate 22, which is made of transparent material, for example glass, is suitably fixed to the plate frame 17 directly above the axis of rotation of the object mirror 23. The plate 22 is curved in the form of a circular arc whose radius is equal to the distance from the surface of the plate to the axis of rotation of the object mirror 23. A plate cover 2 is pivotably arranged to cover the plate 22 and to press a document

to close contact with the plate. The plate cover is provided with a handle 3 at one end to be able to lift up the cover in order to thereby be able to place a document between the cover and the plate or, in the event that the document to be reproduced is a book, to be able to remove the cover and thereby obtain free access to the disc.

A document or other object to be reproduced placed on the curved plate 22 is uniformly illuminated by means of a series of fluorescent lamps (LMP-2, LMP-3, LMP-4, LMP-5, LMP-6, LMP -7, LMP-8, LMP-9, LMP-10, LMP-11, LMP-12, LMP-13 in the electrical wiring diagram), mounted in ordinary lamp holders which are attached to the lamp holder frame 16.

The object mirror 23 is carried by a support device attached to a mirror shaft 101 which is stored in the optical frame 13 - A detailed description of the mirror support device is not necessary to understand the invention, as it should only be noted that the device must be able to adjust the mirror so that the reflection surface lies in a plane passing through the axis 101.

The shaft 101 and thus also the object mirror 23 is pivoted by means of a steering wheel 102 attached to the inner end of the shaft. Movement of the mirror operating wheel in one direction is carried out by means of a band 103 attached at one end to the mirror operating wheel 102 and at the other end to a wheel 104 which is driven synchronously with the rotation of the xerographic drum which will be described in detail below. Movement of the steering wheel 102 in the other direction or return movement of the steering wheel is effected by means of a spring 105 which is attached at one end to a bolt 106 on the steering wheel and at the other end to a bolt 107 in the frame 13.

Both the lens 24 and the imaging mirror 25 are fixed in a suitable manner in a fixed position on the optical frame 13 in the optical path from the object mirror 23-

The light screen 26 is an open oblong box with side walls, end walls and bottom provided with a narrow slit 27 which extends along the length of the light screen. The light screen 26 is attached to the optical frame and is positioned with its bottom in the immediate vicinity of the circumferential surface of the drum and with the center line of the slot parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum.

The xerographic drum 20 is mounted on a horizontal driven shaft 111 which rotates in bearings 112 and 113 located in the drum drive case 114 which is attached to the outer surface of the inner frame 12 with a part of the drum drive case extending through a suitable opening in the frame 12 towards the frame 11. The free or outer end of the shaft 111 is threaded for mounting a wing nut 115 for securing the inner hub in the xerographic drum in drive engagement with a bolt 108 in a drive ring 109 which is attached to the shaft for rotation therewith.

The shaft 111 is held in axial position at one end by means of the bearing 112 which abuts against a parapet on the shaft 111

and by a stop disc 116 which is pressed against the opposite end of this bearing by means of a locking flange 117 which also supports a gasket 118 which surrounds the shaft. At the opposite end, the shaft is supported by the bearing 113 whose inner ring is in contact with the locking ring 121 located in a suitable groove formed in the shaft, while the outer ring in

the bearing contacts a locking ring 122 fixed to an inner wall of the drum drive case.

A cam disc 123 is attached to the inner end of the shaft 111 for purposes which will be further described. Around the hub of this cam and attached to the cam by means of screws 124, there is arranged a drive gear 125 which meshes with a gear 126 attached to the inner end of a shaft 127 which is stored in bearings 128 which are also mounted in the drum drive box. The outer end of the shaft 127 extends from the case through a gasket 131 and a bearing lock flange 132 and is provided with a sprocket 133 for a purpose to be further described. The shaft 127 and thus the shaft 111 is operatively connected to the main drive motor MOT-2 for the apparatus via a worm wheel 135 which is attached to the motor shaft 127. A gear 134 is attached to the shaft 127 by means of a wedge and is held in position by pressing it against a parapet on the shaft by means of a sleeve 136, the inner ring of the ball bearing 128, the gear 126, a stop washer 137 and a screw 138 which is screwed into the end of the shaft.

For performing the scanning cycle of the object mirror

23, the cam disc 123 is attached to the drum shaft 111, which in the embodiment shown has three cam noses, i.e. three protruding parts and three retracted parts. The mirror operating steering wheel 102 described earlier has one end of the band 103 attached to it while the opposite end of the band is attached to the wheel 104 which is placed on one end of an axle 141.

The opposite end of the shaft 14l is provided with a cam arm which carries an eccentric roller 143 arranged for engagement with the cam disc 123.

The shaft 141 is stored in bearings 144 mounted in the drive box and which are kept at a distance from each other by parapets on the shaft., The external bearing 144 is secured by a stop washer 145 and a locking washer 146.

By means of this arrangement the object mirror swings three times to scan an image during each revolution of the drum and synchronously with its rotation due to the fact that during the scanning cycle the mirror is driven directly by the axis of the drum, the eccentric roller 143 following the projecting portions of the cam disc which are attached to the shaft of the drum. Return movement of the mirror to the starting position for declination occurs by the biasing action of the spring 105, and this return movement occurs quickly due to the shape of the retracted parts in the cam wheel 123-

The spring 105 will always keep the eccentric roller 143 pre-tensioned in cooperative engagement with the cam wheel .123•

The steering wheel 102 and the wheel 104 have equal radii, and this causes the angular velocity of the chamber 142 to be equal to the angular velocity of the rotating object mirror. Since the cam disc 123 and the drum 120 are mounted on the same shaft, they get the same angular speed and a deviation from constant angular speed of the drum shaft will therefore not influence the synchronization in the optical system because any deviation in the angular speed of the drum will be synchronized with a proportional deviation in the angular velocity of the scanning mirror, i.e. the object mirror 23, over the drum shaft, the cam, the steering wheel and the wheel and the band connecting the latter two components.

The rear opening in the drum drive case 114 is closed with a cover 151 attached to the case and with a cover 152 which is attached to the cover 151.

Operation of the machine.

As previously mentioned, the xerographic drum and the object mirror during the scanning cycle are driven synchronously relative to each other by means of the main drive motor MOT-2. Since the movement of the copying sheet, such as paper, to and from the drum must also be synchronized with the peripheral speed of the roller, the paper conveyor 44 and its connected parts, such as feed rollers 511 and 512, the endless conveyor 55, the fixing device 60 and the inclined conveyor 65 also become driven by the main drive motor MOT-2.

As shown in fig. 3, each of these parts is operatively connected to the sprocket 133 which is driven by the main engine and which also drives the drum as previously described. These parts are operatively connected to the sprocket 133 by means of roller chains 81 extending from the sprocket 133 to a sprocket 82, around a sprocket 522 for driving the sheet registration device 45, then around a sprocket 554 for driving the endless conveyor 55, up above a sprocket 83 which is suitably arranged for operation of the upper roller in the fixing device 60, around a sprocket 84 for operation of the inclined conveyor, over idler sprockets 85, 86 and 87 and back to sprocket 133 - idler sprocket 82 is steerably fixed to the inner frame 12, the sprocket 85 is spring-loaded to take up slack and the other free-running sprockets are fixed and mounted on the inner frame.

The paper conveyor is driven by a chain wheel 4l8 which is

in engagement with the rear of a roller chain 419 (Fig. 3) which extends around a sprocket 551> attached to a sprocket 552, and around a freewheel sprocket 88 which is controllably attached to the inner frame 12 in a known manner.

As shown in fig. 10, the sprockets 551 and 552 are attached to a steering shaft 5.5-0 stored in bearings 801 in a switch box 802 which is attached to the back of the frame 12 with a part of the box extending through a suitable opening in the frame.

Seven cam wheels are attached to the steering shaft: 803, 804,

805, 806, 807, 808 and 809 for actuating two limit switches which are suitably mounted inside the switch box, three of the cam wheels being used for actuating pairs of limit switches. The cam wheel 803 operates a "count pulsator switch" 7LS, the wheel 804 operates a timing switch 11LS and a misfeed switch 2LS, the wheel 805 a plate lock switch 16LS and a "wedging sensor switch" 28LS. Cam wheel 806 operates a "waste switch" 10LS, wheel 807 a plate lock switch 18LS and "jam sensor switch" 29LS, wheel 808 a "paper feed limit switch" 5LS, and cam wheel 809 an ejector switch 12LS. These cam wheels are shown in line in fig. 30 for ease of use. In reality, the cams are radially offset appropriately on the shaft as shown in fig. 3 to effect an accurate control sequence as described later.

With this operating arrangement, the scanning device and the paper feed system for advancing the copying sheets to and from the drum are performed synchronously with the rotation of the drum by means of a common drive, that is, the motor MOT-2.

The machine's gait.

The apparatus described here has made possible a high-speed office copying machine suitable for the rapid reproduction of a plurality of copies of an original placed on plate 22. The sequence of operations of the machine shown is such that it can produce permanent xerographic copies of an original with a speed of 40 copies or reproductions per minute.

A clear understanding of the function of the .machine and the electrical circuit that controls the various elements is best achieved by referring to. the schematic wiring diagram for the -copier^ machine.

Before starting the machine, the drawer device must be in the operating position for the activation of a "fault ejection switch" 22LS, the developer device 30 and the drum 20 must be in position to close the blocking switches, respectively 26LS and 13LS, and the doors of the box 1" must be closed to close blocking switches 19LS and 20LS, As these switches are not shown schematically in the connection diagram, but can be placed in suitable places on the device.

In addition to this, the guide plates on the sheet feeding device must be in position so that they are in contact with the back of the paper stack, whereby a locking switch 24LS is opened.

An "ON-OFF" operation control switch SW-8, must have its "ON"<1>" contact SW-8A closed. In addition, there must be a sufficiently high stack of paper in the sheet feeder 46 so that no "Low"- the paper switch 4LS is started, and a paper registration switch SW-6 must have its "UP" contact" SW-6A closed.

The first action when starting machinery is to press the button of a switch SW-1 on the machine's control panel to close its contact SW-1A. With connector SW-1A closed, main current relays 1CR and 19CR are energized. This saves the main current relay 19CR which closes the relay's contacts '19 CR-1 and 19 CR-2, 19 CR being then held ■by means of the now closed contact SW-1B, the contact 19CR-1, the door lock switches 19LS 'and 20LS and a normally closed overtemperature thermostat THS-1, only shown schematically, but placed near the melting device 60 to prevent overheating of the melting device. In the event that the melting device exceeds a predetermined temperature, the thermostat will break the contact and automatically switch off the machine.

The energy current relays 1CR and 19CR bring the machine into ready-to-operate ("stand by") position. Power is supplied through the closed contact in the relay 19CR to a programming device 5TR which will be described in detail later, and erigerizes the indicator lamps in the programming device, thus giving notice that the machine is on ("ON"). Power is supplied to the ejector kdmpressor motor MOT-13 which drives the compressor (not shown) for supplying compressed air to a diaphragm 580 for the bottom roller in the fusing device 6"0 and to the paper lifting mechanism 52. The power supply to the motor MOT-13 is controlled by means of a pressure limit switch set 21LS which is broken by a predetermined pressure. If the machine has not been in operation for some time and the pressure in the paper lifting system is below the required pressure, the contact to switch 21LS will be closed to: supply power to the motor MOT-13 which will run intermittently, depending on the pressure in the system. High voltage current is also supplied through the secondary coil of a transformer 7-1 to a power switch PS-2 which controls the current supply to a resistance element R-1 in the melting device 60. Thermal resistors RT-3, only shown schematically, are in contact with the upper drum of the melting device 60, the resistor RT-1 being used to control the temperature in this drum through the power connection PS-2, while a resistor RT-3 connected to a power connection PS-5 indicates, at a predetermined temperature, that the machine is ready to run.

The power connection PS-5 consists internally of a silicon rectifier and relay, not shown, but schematically indicated by PS-5A, PS-5B and PS-5C. When the temperature in the fusing roller reaches a predetermined temperature, the resistance in the thermal resistor will have reached a corresponding level, sufficient to cause the relay in the power connection to be energized. When the relay in power connection PS-5 is energized, one of its contacts PS-5A closes the power to ready lamps LMP-30, LMP-31, LMP-32, LMP-33 and LMP-34 through the normally closed contacts 27CR-2, 14CR-2 and 8CR-2 in the control relays, 27CR, 14CR and 8CR respectively. These "ready" lights illuminate a special indicator panel on the main control panel of the machine to indicate that the machine is ready to start a reproduction cycle. Up to this point while the machine has been in the "stand by" position, the "not ready" lamps LMP-44, LMP-45, LMP-46, LMP-47 and LMP-48 have been energized through the normally closed contact PS- 5C. Thus, when power connection PS-5 is energized, the "not-ready" lights are turned on.

During this "stand-by" state, motors MOT-11 and MOT-12 are energized through the now closed contact 1CR in relay 1CR. These two motors are used for operation of cooling fans, not shown, which are used for circulation of air through the case for cooling the machines. A motor MOT-15 is also energized for operation of a blower fan, not shown, for cooling and heating the cavity of the plate and lamp stand. A heater R-10, shown schematically, which is energized through the normally closed contact PS-4A of a power connection PS-4 and the normally closed contact 14CR-3B of the control relay 14CR, is used to supply heat to this cavity so that the exposure lamps are kept in a predetermined temperature range both during "stand-by" and operation of the machine. This temperature is registered by a thermoresistor RT-2, not shown schematically, which is mounted on a spherical wall in the lamp holder stand 16, connected to the power connection P-S-4 which is internally provided with a relay which has one normally closed contact PS-<J>iA and a normally open, contact PS-4B.. When the temperature in the hole reaches a predetermined level,' the heater R-10 will be de-energized by breaking the contact PS-4'A, while the blower motor MOT -15 will continue to run to prevent the cavity from overheating.

The copy cycle. To make a copy, a document is placed on the plate 22 and the plate cover 2 is closed. The desired number of copies is then selected on the dial indicator in the programming device 5TR, which will be described in more detail later. The dial indicator on the control panel suggests ones, tens and hundreds, each of which is operated with its own button. After the machine has been programmed to produce a desired number of reproductions, the copy ("print") button on switch SW-4 is pushed in, thereby closing contact SW-4A. Control relays 6CR and l4CR will be energized through connector PS-5A normally closed contact 27CR-2 in relay 27CR, contact SW-4A -g normally closed contact 2CR in relay 2CR.

After energization, contact 14CR-1 in relay 14CR is closed, remains energized through the holding current circuit consisting of normally closed contact 2TR-5 in the service interruption switch 2TR and the now closed contact 14CR-1.

The energization of relay 6CR will close its contacts 6CR-1 and 6CR-2. With the contact cCR-1 closed, the brush motor MOT-6, which is used to operate the brush, 71 in the drum cleaning device 70, is energized through this contact and the normally closed contact 2TR-3 in the operation interrupt switch 2TR. Power is also supplied through this circuit to high voltage connections PS-1 and PS-3. The power connection PS-1 is a high voltage connection for the corona discharge device 21, the transfer device 51

and the after-cleaning device 66,. The power connection PS-3. is supplied with the primary current from the power connection PS-1, and is used as a high-voltage power supply. for the development electrode D.E. in the developing apparatus 30, the voltage applied to the electrode being controlled by a moisture meter switch 26LS, which is not described in detail as it does not represent any particular part of the invention.

In addition to this will also be. current supplied for energizing a discharge lamp LMP-1 ^ passes through the resistor L-1, for energizing the brush, the extraction motors MOT-5 and MOT-6 which are used to operate the extraction fans, not shown, in the drum cleaning device 70, a vacuum pump motor MOT-8 for operating a vacuum pump, not shown, which is connected to the endless conveyors 55 and 65, as well as a compressor motor MOT-9 that drives a compressor, not shown, for supplying compressed air to the sheet feeding device 40, as the inlet -side of the compressor is connected to the suction feet in the sheet feeding device and a valve 316.

By closing contact 6CR-2, a circuit is closed for energizing the motor MOT-7 which is used to operate a vacuum pump, not shown, connected to the paper conveyor 44, the main operating motor MOT-2, the motor MOT-3 used for operating the paper conveyor clean 44, the sheet feeder 40 and the developing apparatus 30 through the normally closed contact 2TR-3 of the operation interrupt switch 2TR and previously closed latching switches 13LS and 26LS suitably arranged to be closed when the developing apparatus 30 is in a ready-to-operate position relative to the xerographic drum 20. The latter circuit also supplies power to relay 10CR which in turn supplies positive anode voltage (B+j to programmer 5TR through its now closed contact 10CR-2 and normally closed contact 21CR-2 or 22CR-2 of relays 21CR and 22CR respectively. When relay 10CR is energized, breaks its normally closed contact lOCR-1 which is in series with the normally open contact 9CR-1 of relay 9CR.Relays 21CR and 22CR are controlled by of a plate lock system, which will be discussed later, but whether the plate 2 is open or closed, one of these two contacts will be energized. As soon as the contact 10CR-2 is closed, when the relay 10CR is energized, the indicator lamps, which will be described in more detail, in the programmer 5TR will light up. A relay 28CR is energized through a normally closed contact 2TR-2 in the disconnect switch 2TR, whereby its contacts 28CR-1 and 28CR-2 are closed to supply current to the resistor L-3 and thereby energize the exposure lamps LMP-2, LMP- 4, LMP-5, LMP-6, LMP-7, LMP-8, LMP-^9, LMP-lOj LMP-11, LMP-T2, LMP-13-

When the relay 14CR is energized, its contact 14-CR-3A is also closed, thereby closing another circuit for the compressor motor MOT-13 and causing the motor "now" to run continuously. This in effect causes the previous control by means of the pressure limit switch 21LS for operation of the motor is switched off. Power is also now available to the circuit that controls the operation of the motor MOT-10 used for the operation of the toner distributor. This circuit includes the current distributors 6TR and 4TR described below. • Other ■ functions of the machine are energized in controlled sequence from a series of cam-operated limit switches, which are: misfeed switch 2LS, paper feed switch 5LS, count pulse switch 7LS, error switch 10LS, tad setting switch ULS, ejector switch 12LS, plate lock switch 16LS, plate lock switch 18LS, a wedge switch 28LS and the wedging sensor switch 29LS The cams operating these switches are attached to the steering shaft-550 for synchronous rotation with the rotary the speed of the xerographic drum 20, and this shaft is driven by the main drive motor MOT-2 as previously described. When this shaft rotates for rotation of the starting cam wheels, the first switch to be started is the timing switch ULS. This switch is used to control the operating sequence of the machine, and it also produces a controlled time setting to ensure that the power connection PS-1 is in operation to charge the drum, using the corona discharge device 21. This switch also ensures so that the paper is fed using the feeding device 40 at the right time. When the timer switch ULS

is ended then ends.the a circuit which. controls the relay 4CR through the normally closed contacts 7CR-2 of the relay 7CRj and a circuit is also closed for control of the relay 23CR which closes its contacts. 23CR-1 and 23CR-2 and 23CR-3- One of the contacts in the relay 23CR, i.e. the contact -2CR-1 closes a holding current to keep the relays 4CR and 23CR energized, and the other contact 23CR-1 is used for a circuit for the detection of wedging, which will be described in more detail later. When relay 4CR is energized, its three contacts are energized for the following purposes: (1) contact 4CR-2 provides part of a circuit to a paper feed solenoid SOL-1; (2) the contact 4CR is used in the plate lock circuit to indicate whether the machine is-running-with the plate cover-up for a purpose to be. described in more detail, and it is part of a circuit used for energizing the copying lights LMP-35, LMP-36, LMP-37, . LMP-38, and LMP-39; (3) connector 4CR-1- single-ended. f to provide a time setting for an error level indicator which: shall be described in more detail later.

The next switch-i ■ cycle-n: as., is started-, e-r: the paper feed. switch 5LS as anvenu.es , for s-slutting . off circuit. as , energizes. the solenoid SOL-1 with- a predetermined. time-interval-pulse-energy.. At the same time, an electrical cycle counter M2 is also ■ energized • So le noi the SOL-1 !sOm connected .with a .previously described Weight arm system, releases a ■ papi.rmate coupling .381 in food facilities. none . 4:0. Releasing the paper feed clutch . 381- evokes ; a sheet feed cycle, s idet-; sheets are fed to the paper conveyor 44 and the roller 42 which advances the sheets sufficiently; far . to, that .the., further transport, can- over-. taken off the conveyor - 4.4 .■ It is assumed that only a single sheet is advanced by the feeding device. 40, will f the improvement. of' this sheet. by means of the paper conveyor 44 initiate a counting pulse switch 8LS which closes its contact 8LS-A and breaks its normally closed contact 8LS-B. Breaking contact 8LS-B prevents a solenoid SOL-3 for scrap sheets from being energized. The contact 8LS-A is in series with the count pulse switch 7LS in the programming device 5TR thereby completing the circuit to the programming device, which circuit is still broken because the switch 7LS is still open. Shortly after the sheet has actuated the switch 8LS, the switch 7LS is closed, closing the circuit to the programmer 5TR while generating a pulse to the programmer. It should be noted that all cycle switches provide an electrical pulse of a predetermined time interval.

The sheet is then carried on by the paper conveyor 44 to the sheet registration device 45 under contact of the registration switch ILS, and then it is continued by means of the sheet registration device 45 into contact with the xerographic drum 20, and as it passes close up to the corona transfer device 51 the paper sheet will stick electrostatically to the xerographic drum and will continue to rotate with it until it is removed by the paper removal device 52. At this time the last part of the sheet will still be in contact with the registration switch ILS. The operation of the paper removal device is effected by a valve (not shown) operated by an ejector solenoid SOL-2, which in turn is controlled by the ejector pulse switch 12LS which is actuated at this time to produce an ejector pulse. The contact 1LS-A is part of this circuit, and this contact will be closed because the sheet is still in contact with the registration switch ILS.

After the sheet has been pushed off the drum and onto the endless conveyor 55", it will touch an error detector switch 3LS during further transport. The level detector switch has a normally closed contact 3LS-B which, when the sheet activates 3LS-, will break a circuit, which is otherwise closed if the switch 2LS is activated at this time, noting that the last part of the sheet is still in contact with the switch- ILS which keeps the contact 1LS-A closed. The switch 3LS, which at this point is

set-start and-break contact 3LS-B, prevents relays 2CR and 8CR. from being energized and stopping the machine, which would happen if the sheet was not pushed off the drum. A normal push-off of the sheet from the drum prevents the machine from stopping.

A sheet carried by the endless conveyor will be advanced to the fusing device 60 and then onto the conveyor 65 for removal from the machine.

Idet-that again.: appears :to the programming device 5TR, so

is this used to control the number of copies. With this device, the number of copies can be determined using the indicator dial on the control plane. If, for example, it is assumed that the programming device is set for the production of five copies, as the copy sheets are advanced, the switch 7LS is started, and this produces through the closed contact 8LS-A a circuit in the programmer 5TR, until the fifth sheet is reached, at at which time compliance with the anticipated number of copies has been achieved, which circuit then produces an electrical signal in the programmer for energizing a stop relay 7CR through wire W-108. The stop relay 7CR can also be energized by closing a stop switch SW5.

The stop relay 7CR will remain energized for a predetermined time interval. Repeat through the programming device until the positive anode voltage (B+) is removed from the programmer.

In addition, when the stop relay is energized, its contacts 7CR-1 and 7CR-3 will be closed, while contact 7CR-2 will be open, with 7CR-1 closing one. circuit through circuit breaker contact CW-4B to stop relay 7CR. Breaking' of the connector SW-4B-. at this time will not cause the stop relay to drop out, because it will remain energized through another circuit in the programmer for the above time period, until contact 10CR-2 is broken to remove the positive anode voltage to the programmer .'

Breaking the contact 7CR-2 will trip the relay 4CR, break the circuit to the solenoid SOL-i which prevents the feeding of sheets by means of the sheet feeder 40 and close the contact 7CR-3, something which we 1 s . out two one--current circuit. for ■ -energizing a 2TR switch, eri v four-step st-op switch. ''"

The first step sorti, incident is the 'engagement of the stop- ■■ switch's contact 2TR-i which -s lut to r or. power circuit for "ready"-

the lamps "LMP-30, LMP-3I, LMP-32 , LMP-33 and-:LMP^34 which indicate 'the machine is-ready,' for copying a new -.document. The contact : 2TR-2 - closes a de-energizing relay 2-8CR which -causes its contacts to disconnect the exposure lamps ".

■ That: other . step that ..occurs is ij-tconnection" of the contact

2TR-3 for disconnecting the development drive motor MOT-3 and the toner drive motor MOT-10 as well as de-energizing the switches 6TR and 4TR and

the relay 10CR. When relay 10CR is de-energized, its contact 10CR-2 is broken to remove the positive anode voltage from programmer 5TR, but the programmer indicator lights remain on. The relay 7CR is now no longer energized through the programmer. Switch SW-4 can now be depressed to break contact SW-4B to open the circuit to trip relay 7CR to start another copy cycle.

The next stop step is opening a contact 2TR-4 to break the circuit to the brush motor and power connections PS-1 and OS-3.

The final stop stage occurs when contact 2TR-5 is opened to de-energize relays 6CR and 14CR which stops the machine and returns it to the "stand-by" position.

The final step occurs an appropriate time interval after the machine shutdown is initiated to allow the last sheet to be discharged from the machine.

In the event that several sheets are fed simultaneously by means of the feeding device 40 instead of a single sheet, the switch 9LS will be started by means of a sensor device 433, which registers the thickness of more than one sheet advanced by means of the motor of the paper conveyor 44. The switch 9LS used in conjunction with a relay 19CR is closed through the previously described mechanism, to close a circuit that energizes a relay 17CR and thus its contacts 17CR-1 and 17CR-2. Closing of contact 17CR-2 together with the normally closed contact 8LS-B of counter switches 8LS forms a circuit for energizing solenoid SOL-3 to bring ejector fingers 426 into the paper tap thereby causing the sheets to drop from the paper conveyor 44 and into a waste trough 445.

A relay 17CR is kept energized through its contact 17CR-1 and contact 10LS-B of the switch 10LS., which was initiated after a suitable time interval while the trailing edge of the sheets passed the pivot point of the ejector fingers, to break the contact 10LS-B and thus de-energize the relay 17CR.

Special power circuits.

In order for the machine to stop in the event that a sheet is inserted incorrectly, the incorrectly inserted sheet is in contact with a switch ILS, but due to the incorrect insertion the sheet on the drum remains out of contact with the switch 3LS. Because the sheet has not reached the switch 3LS, this contact 3LS-B remains closed, and when the switch 2LS is started, it closes a circuit which energizes the relays 2CR and (CR to switch off the machine.

In addition to the above, there are also four areas for fixed wedging registration in the machine as shown schematically in fig. 14.

Whenever a jam or misfeed occurs, relays 2CR and 8CR are energized and trip the machine as previously described for misfeed. Contact 2CR-2 breaks the current to relays 6CR and 14CR and disconnects the machine. Contact 8CR cuts off the current to the "ready" lamps. The contact 8CR-1 energizes a relay 9CR which keeps the counter in the programming device. The contact 9CR-3 keeps the power to the plate lock circuit when the doors are open to clear the wedge or misinsertion. Contact 9CR-2 keeps the anode voltage circuit closed in the programmer while contact 10CR-2 drops out due to the mask-in stop. Contact 9CR-1 produces a holding current to the coil of relay 9CR when contact 8CR-1 is broken. Contact 2CR-3 is used to ensure that the count does not drop out in the programmer due to a race between closing contacts 9CR-2 and 10CR-2. The contact 9CR-3 prevents this race. The contact 2CR-1 produces the holding current for the relays 2CR and 8CR through the drawer lock switch 22LS which has its contact 22LS-1 closed when the drawer is inside. In parallel with the relay 9CR is a relay 29CR which together with its normally closed contact 29CR-1, the resistor R-9 and the capacitor C-ll serves as an oscillator, the closing of the breaker and the contact 29CR-2■causes the warning lights LMP-15j LMP -16, LMP-17, LMP-18 and LMP-19 flash-. After a jam or misfeed has occurred, the machine stops and the warning lights flash. The operator can then open the doors, pull out ■ the drawer, -which disconnects the relays 2CR and 8CRj and the operator can then clear the fixed wedge-, again. The drawer can then be pushed in, the doors closed, the switch SW-1A switched to "ON" whereby the clear lights are switched on after the melting device has reached the set temperature. The operator can then press the start button whereby the relay 9CR drops out as this is a timed relay, and•the machine starts to continue from the step that was indicated on the programmer -when the machine stopped.

The passage in the individual fastening registration systems is

as follows: "Sheet feeding area: At the sheet feeder 40 there is a lamp LMP-40 for a photocell P-3 connected in series with a relay 26CR. Immediately after the device for registering several sheets, but in front

the ejector fingers in the paper conveyor, there is another photocell P-2 which is illuminated by the lamp LMP-41, the photocell P-2 being connected in series with a relay 25CR. Contact 26CR is open when paper is not fed, and contact 25CR is closed when paper is not fed after photocell P-2.

The contacts 25CR and the switch 29LS are in series with the coils of the relays 2CR and 8CR. Contact 23CR-2 is closed only when the machine is running, and prevents back-feed current when the machine is out of operation. Therefore, when a sheet is fed, the contact 26CR closes because the relay 26CR drops out when the paper passes P-3, and the contact 25CR breaks when a sheet of paper passes the photocell P-2. At this point, the switch 29LS pulses, but nothing happens when no jamming of paper sheets has occurred. If, however, the sheet has jammed, then it would not pass the photocell P-2, and the contact 25CR would therefore remain closed and when the switch 29LS was actuated, the relays 2CR and 8CR would be energized and the machine stopped.

Paper transport. This system consists of a switch 25LS in the paper tap in the paper conveyor 44, slightly above the counting pulse switch 8LS and the switch ILS in the sheet registration device 45 and a switch 28LS. A sheet of paper starts a switch 27LS and so on and starts the switch ILS, after which the switch 28LS is pulsed and nothing happens. If, however, the sheet had not advanced to switch ILS, the machine would stop because switch ILS would remain closed, and with 27LS and 28LS closed, a circuit would be completed to energize relays 2CR and 8CR.

Sheet registration device for the conveyor 55- This system consists of the switches ILS and 3LS, the latter arranged in the conveyor 55 and the switch 2LS. This circuit works in the same way as the preceding circuit.

v Melting range. This system consists of the switch 20LS which is placed immediately in front of the rollers in the melting device 60, a relay 24CR, a photocell P-1 which is placed after the melting rollers, the lamp LMP-42 and the switch 10LS. The lamps in the circuit are connected to the secondary coil T-2B of the transformer T-2.

The timers 6TR and 4TR for toner control control the operation of the toner distributor motor MOT-10. The time switch 4TR is a motor-driven rotary switch. The contact 4TR is closed for a predetermined time period every four minutes during the running of the machine. Closing the contact 4TR supplies power to the relay 6CR which is an electronic switch. This time switch 6CR is adjustable from 0 to 10 seconds.

The toner distributor cycle continues all the time while the machine is running, that is, every four minutes the drive motor MOT-10 will be driven from 0 to 10 seconds under the control of the timer 6TR.

There is also an additional timer 3TR used for controlling the toner drive motor to provide a higher dispensing speed. This switch allows the toner distributor to run for a longer period of time than previously described. This additional control is effected by pressing the button on a switch SW7, whereby the switch's contacts are closed to energize a relay 13CR, after which the switch is held in by means of its own contacts 13CR-1 and 3TR-1 to the time switch 3TR. When the relay 13CR is closed, the motor MOT-10 is energized through the now closed contact 13CR-2. Contact 3TR-1 closes and remains closed for another predetermined time period. The switch 3TR is a motor-driven rotary time switch and is held in through contacts 13CR-3, 10CR-3 and 3TR-2. The distribution of toner material for this second predetermined time period is over and is approximately what the timer 6TR predicted. Contact 3TR-2 is started just before this timer stops to ensure that it will be operated long enough to break contact 3TR-1 which trips relay 13CR.

A relay 30CR and limit switch 3LS-A, 32LS and 33LS include

at this time a test circuit to ensure that the fusing rollers have the correct working temperature before the sheet is fed into the fusing device. De°switches 32LS and 33LS are started when the melting rolls are in operating relation to each other. A sheet of paper advanced along the conveyor 55 strikes the switch 3'LS which closes the contact 3LS-A, and if the fusing rollers are not in operating conditions, one circuit will be closed to energize the relay 30CR.

The paper feed elevator circuit. This circuit includes the registration motor MOT-1, which is controlled by the switch 14LS which is started by means of a sheet sensor rod 327- With the up contact SW-6A in the registration switch closed, a circuit is partially produced through the normally closed contact 3CR- B in the relay-3CR. The only break in this circuit is contact 14LS-A in switch 14LS. However, as the sheets are fed from the stack of sheets, the sheet sensor rod will swing down so much that it will start the switch 14LS, which will thus close its contact 14LS to energize the registration motor MOT-1 which will lift the stack up until the sheet sensor rod does not longer is in contact with the switch 14LS'. Denrie cycle continues during normal operation of the machine.

If the supply of paper is nearly exhausted, switch 4LS will open and close its contact, creating a circuit for energizing relays 3CR and 12CR.

When this occurs, contact 3CR-1A is closed and contact 3CR-1B is broken to establish a holding circuit to relays 12CR and 3CR through the closed up contact SW-6A and contact 3CR-1A. Contact 12CR-1 closes and supplies power to the elevator motor for downward movement through limit switch 15LS which is normally closed. The motor will now lower the paper trough 41 until the limit switch 15LS is affected to break this circuit. The contact 3CR-2 which is now closed produces a circuit to the relay 27CR through the contact of the trough lock switch 31LS which is mechanically parallel to the switch 14LS. As soon as the paper trough starts to move downwards, the trough locking switch 31LS is closed and likewise the switch 14LS because the sensing rod falls down on this switch, and the switch 4LS is broken. Relay 27CR will remain energized through its now closed contact 27CR-1 and switch 31LS. When connector 27CR-2 is broken, the circuit to the "-ready" lights and connector SW-4A to the copy switch is broken. In addition, contact 12CR-2 is closed to form a circuit to relay 7CR, whereby the machine stops as previously described. Even if the machine stops, the programming device does not switch off, and it will hold the number. This happens at contact 3CR-3 which is in series with relay 9CR, so that this circuit keeps count in the programming device.

Paper must now be filled in the trough 41, after which the up button in switch SW-6 is pressed to momentarily break contact SW-6A, which is normally spring-loaded in the closed position, thus breaking the circuit to relays 3CR and 12CR, as switch 4LS became broken when the trough was lowered. The switch 14LS takes over control of the motor until the sensor rod is again lifted out of contact with the switch 14LS, whereby the upward movement of the paper trough is stopped, determined by the height of the paper table on the trough. The lifting of the sensor rod will also break the switch 31LS, whereby the current to the relay 27CR is broken. The contact 27CR-2 will then be connected again to form a circuit to the copy switch SW-4A and the "ready" lamps. The switch 24LS is a locking switch that prevents the machine from operating unless the guide plate in the sheet feeding device has been placed in working relation to the paper stack after the trough has been supplied with new paper.

The paper trough can also be lowered for filling by pressing the down button in switch SW-6 to close contact SW-6B which creates a current circuit to relays 12CR and 3CR, whereby the registration rotor is energized through the circuit described above.

The purpose of the rectifier SR3, the normally closed contact •14LS-B and the capacitor C7 is to produce a constant torque on the motor MOT-1 when it is not in operation.

An indicator circuit is also arranged for recording the height of the stack of discarded paper in a waste trough 445. This circuit comprises a photocell P4, the lamp LMP-43 and a relay 31CR. When the height of discarded paper reaches a predetermined level, the stack breaks the light beam of the photocell P4, thereby breaking the circuit for de-energizing the relay 31CR. The contact 31CR will then be closed and when the next sheet of paper on the conveyor 44 contacts the count switch 8LS, the contact 8LS-A is closed and forms a circuit for energizing the relay 7CR which causes the machine to stop as previously described. At the same time, the normally closed contact 31CR-2 which is in series with the normally closed contact 4CR-1 in relay 4CR is broken.

The programming device. The function of the programming device (abbreviated to the programmer) 5TR, which is a combination of three pre-settable digit counters and a multi-stage programming circuit, is to initiate the programmed counting or recording device M-1 according to the intended program in which a small number of copies will result in a relatively high cost per copy, but a relatively low cost per copy for a large number.. As the machine is essentially intended for large production, its use should also be limited to this. 'As a result, the program under which the programmer works is such that it is more economical to reproduce many copies rather than a few, such as 1-10 pieces. As described in more detail later, the costs of producing a copy are reduced step by step as the number of copies increases in accordance with the prearranged circuit in the programmer.

In the embodiment shown, the programmer 5TR is intended to receive an input pulse for each sheet of paper to be applied to a copy, and to start a relay which in turn advances the programming counter by one unit for each relay start and in accordance with the following order: for the first , second, third and fourth input pulse to the programmer, there will be ten relay activations for each pulse, for the next four input pulses there will be six relay activations per input pulse, for the next twelve input pulses there will be three relay activations for each input pulse and for each odd number of input pulses thereafter up to 499 copies there will be one activation for each odd number of pulses. After the programmer has counted the 499 copies of a single document, it will return to its original state and the copier will stop automatically.

In reality, the counter M-1 will be advanced ten units for each of the first four copies, or in a first step a total of forty units when only four copies are made of a particular document. For each copy after the first four and before the ninth, the counter will advance six units per copy, or in another step a total of 24 for the next four copies. Copies between nine and twenty copies in the third step in the row will cause the counter to advance three units per copy after the eighth. Each copy after the twentieth during the fourth step will advance the counter one unit for each of two copies. It will thus be clear that the programming counter will advance a total of 100 units when the machine produces twenty copies, that it will advance to 101 for the twenty-first copy, to 102 for the twenty-third copy, and so on. as described in the example.

From the foregoing, it will be obvious that since the costs per copy decreases in certain steps as the total number of copies increases, the machine will become more economical as the frequency of copying for each document increases. While the programmer as illustrated in fig. 13a, 13b and 13c are arranged to provide the four-step sequence indicated above, the number of steps in the sequence and the number of relay engagements per input pulse is varied.

For a general description of the operational functions of the programmer 5TR and its cooperation with the control circuits in the copier, reference is made to the schematic diagrams in fig. 13a, 13b and 13c. The programmer is supplied with 115 volts alternating current of 60 periods from the main cable W-1 and the cable W-47 connected to terminals 900 and 901, respectively, which in turn are connected to the primary windings of a transformer T-10.

As previously mentioned, power is supplied to the relay 19CR when the "ON" button SW-1A is pressed. This energization closes connector 19CR-2 which connects cable W-47 to main power line W-2. With the machine in "stand-by" position, the primary windings in the transformer T-10 are thus energized to supply current to the filaments and other electrodes in the various electronic tubes in the programmer. More specifically, the programming circuits comprise three indicators V-4, V-5 and V-6 which are preferably of the type described in US Patent No. 2,906,906, and five multi-position switching tubes V-7, V-8, V -9, V-10 and V-ll, preferably of the type described in US patent no. 2,721,955 and to which reference is made.

Por to produce glow current and anode voltage in these tubes

transformer T-10 is provided with secondary winding T-10A which is suitably connected to the filaments in tubes V-4, V-5 and V-6 and the cathodes in tubes V-7, V-8, V-9, V-10 and V-ll.

Another secondary winding T-10B is connected to a rectifier circuit 902 to produce approx. 200 volts direct current to a bus bar 903- A wire 904 is connected to the output of the rectifier circuit 902 for supplying current to the respective electrodes of the indicator tubes V-4, V-5, and V-6, and also to the grids of the tubes V- 8, V-9 and V-10. Another wire 905 connects the busbar 903 to the grids in the tubes V-7 and V-11 by means of a clamp 906.

With the transformer T-10 energized, which supplies current to the above-mentioned electrodes, the programmer 5TR is in "stand-by" position and so is the copier. Each of the indicator tubes V-4, V-5 and V-6 is equipped with selector switches SIA, S2A and ..S3A respectively. Each of the switches can be set manually in one of ten settings

gives and, as shown in fig. 15, suitable indicators S-1B, S-2B and S-3B may be provided to indicate the selected position between zero and nine for each of the switches, respectively•SIA, S2A and S3A. The indicator tube V-4 is electrically connected to the switching pipe V-8 and.' is used as a counter for ones in the present programmer.

In the same way, the indicator tube V-5 is electrically connected to the tube V-9

and is used for counting tens of supplied pulses. The tube V-6

is connected to tube V-10 and is used for counting hundreds.

As shown- -L fig. 15, the switch S3A for the hundred counting circuit is placed at "1", whereby it is assumed that the circuit must count at least one hundred incoming pulses. The switch S2A for.tier is set to "6" and indicates that 60 pulses in addition to the one hundred will be counted. In the counter for ones, the switch SIA is set to the number'

"5", resulting in a total combination of 165 corresponding to an operating example for the programmer.

With the programmer in "stand-by" position and the number of copies

- or reproductions determined in the program r:.:;:rer by means of push buttons SIA, S2A and S3A, the start button SW-4A can be pressed, in to start the copier and count the copies using

by the programmer 5TR. By pressing the start button, the circuit is closed to the relay 10CR which, when energized, closes one of its contacts 10CR-2. As will be described later, the switch contact 10CR-2 is in series with a plate lock switch 21CR-2 which is closed when the platen has been lowered into position immediately before scanning the document. With the switch contact 10CR-2 closed, a connection is formed between a terminal 907 connected to the bus bar 903 and a terminal 908 in the reset circuit which is generally designated by 909 and which is connected respectively to the wires W-114 and W-115 in the machine control circuit.

When the connectors 907 and 908 are terminated, or rather, when they are connected together, the bus bar 903 is connected to the switching tubes V-7, V-8, V-9, V-10 and V-11 through a circuit which is to be described in more detail below. This connection applies pull-anode voltage to the switching tubes, which return the indicator tubes to their zero position, which will be described in more detail below.

The programmer is now in position to count the input pulses corresponding to the number of copies to be produced, and to start the registration mechanism or programming counter M-1 in accordance with the previously arranged sequence. When the programmer has counted the predetermined number of copies, in the example shown in fig. 15, 165 copies, the programmer will initiate the return of the machine to its "stand-by" position for further operation.

Input pulses of 50 milliseconds are fed into the programmer every 1.5 seconds, which corresponds to the production speed of the machine, that is, a sheet of paper is fed to the paper conveyor 44 from the feeder 40 every 1.5 seconds. When a sheet is transported along the paper conveyor, it comes into contact with and starts the pulse counter switch 8LS, as previously described. During this starting of the switch 8LS, the pulse counter switch 7LS, which was also described earlier, is pulsed. The switch 7LS and the contact 8LS-A are connected in series with the line voltage by means of their connection with the wires W-1 and W-47. With connector 8LS-A and switch 7LS closed simultaneously, a voltage surge of 115 volts is applied to the programmer by means of a surge converter circuit, generally designated 910. This surge will energize a neon lamp NE-1 located close to a pair of photocells P-5 for conversion of the electrical pulse to a resistance change in the photocells. The change in resistance in the photocells is used to trigger a counter drive 911, which comprises a double-riode tube V-2, such as a 6211A tube. If the start of the counting drive is renewed, two functions are performed. The first function is the development of a pulse which causes the counting chain, circling the indicator tubes V-4, V-5 and V-6, to register a number. The main function is to produce a pulse to a selector circuit, denoted by 912, which again will initiate a program-ring&pulse or a gate circuit, generally denoted by 913 (see Fig. 130''<->.' The counter circuit receives input pulses from tube V-2 and avan-sejgé& r. a number for each input pulse, and the total accumulated taili is continuously displayed on the indicator tubes V-4, V-5 and V-6. As shown in Fig. 15, the indicator tubes show the number 147 which indicates that this number of reproductions has so far been produced in the example shown. .

Normally, or in those cases where the count converter 910 does not produce feed pulses, the grid in the triode section V-2A is kept passive. This happens by the grid being connected in series between the resistance element in the photocells P-5 and a resistor R-14 which is in series between the grid and the high-voltage rail. 903.

During this time, the anode of this triode section is energized, and the anode of triode section V-2B has a voltage of approximately 200 volts due to its connection to bus bar 9-03 by wire 904. When limit switches 8LS and ; 7LS is started, the neon lamp NE-1 is lit and causes the resistance, in the photocell P-2<r>to fall. When the voltage.in the connection between the resistance R-14 and^|¥ptocéllerié'"'falls to within approx.- 6 volts' åv:"réréf^nsespenri--gen in the anode of the triodesix ion V-28, which" is.:. established-using the potentiometer comprising resistor R-16. and R-17 and their series connection with the 200 volt source terminals 906, the anode V-2A draws current -and a negative pulse is applied to the grid of the triode section V-2A through a capacitor C-3. This produces a n..gd,ivt signal in the grid which is supplied by means of a resistor R-123 and the capacitors C-4 and C-5 to the switching grid Gq for odd numbers and the switching grid Gg for even numbers in the switching tube V-8, causing this to move one position. Simultaneously with the generation of the negative signal, a positive signal is also generated which is supplied to a gate circuit 913 which will be described later.

To provide an understanding of the step-by-step switching effect

of the tube V-8, it is necessary to describe it in more detail. The jet-forming elements in tube V-8 are connected in different and equal groups. Each connection in the different group is connected through a resistor

that with a wire 914 which again through a resistor R-20 is connected to a voltage source of approximately +70 volts. This voltage is applied by means of a wire and terminal 916 connecting resistor R-20 to a voltage potentiometer comprising resistors R-67 and R-68 in the reset circuit 909. The ends of the potentiometer are connected between ground and power supply line 904 when switch contact 10CR-2 is closed and terminals 907 and 908 are connected. Each connection in the equal group is connected through a resistor to a wire 917 which is connected through a resistor R-19 to a wire 915. The different grid G n which causes the connection to an equal position is connected to the connection between the resistor R-20 and the various connection resistors using a cathode resistor R-21. The like connections are similarly connected through resistors for each of the like connections and the resistor R-19, and the like grid G£ is connected to this connection by means of the cathode resistor R-21.

From fig. 13a, it will be seen that when the beam is formed in an equal position, that is 0,2,4,6,8, holding current will flow through the resistor R-19 and when the beam is formed in an unequal position, holding current will flow through the resistance R - 20. If the beam is thus in an equal position, for example the position "0", the connection "0" will have zero voltage, the usual equal connection wire 917 approx. +42 volts and the usual various connection wire 914 will have +70 volts because no current is drawn from the various connections. The equal grid G^ will then have a bias voltage due to R-21 of +42 volts, and the unequal grid will have +70 volts. If a 60 volt negative pulse of short duration, say 10 milliseconds, is then applied to both grids G^ and Gg, the beam will easily transfer from the equal position "0" to the different position "1" because the equal grid controlling the switch to a different position has been driven to -19 volts relative to the cathode. However, the differential grid GQ is only driven to +10 volts and due to limited switching time it is at approximately +30 to +40 volts when the beam is in the differential position "1". This grid level prevents further switching effects.

In the reverse situation and with the holding current floating in the resistor R-19, the various grids will hold approx. +42 volts, while the same grids will hold +70 volts. The then following negative pulse of 60 volts will thus cause the beam to advance to position "2" and no further. In the "2" position, the holding current will flow through the resistor R-20, and the initial state is

restored. The units are counted in this way until the

position "0" is reached, which then corresponds to the tenth copy produced by the machine. At this point a full +70 volt pulse is developed across the resistor for the "0" connection and resistor R-19, supplied to the various grid TG^ by means of capacitors C-17

and C-l8 and the equal lattice TGg for the tens tube V-9. As the ten's tube is connected in the same way as the one's tube, it will switch from the "0" position to the "1" position. Por each complete switch-

cycle, the tens tube V-9 will advance one position. Similarly, for each complete cycle of the tens tube V-9 from '^" style-

ling to "0" position the hundreds tube V-10 advance one position.

In the example shown with 165 copies, when the hundreds tube reaches the "l" position, the tens tube the "6" position and the ones tube the "5" position will be in accordance with the assumed circuit,

and the machine will automatically stop.

The two effect electrodes or anticathodes for the tubes of the ones

V-8 is connected to the corresponding number of cathodes in.indicator-

the pipe V-4. This tube will glow due to the current flowing through an anticathode and then by the corresponding cathode through a resistor R-'9 and to the +200 volt supply line 904. This current produces a voltage level at the current-carrying anticathode for tube V-4 of approx. +50 volts, and it is this voltage drop that is used for the counting current circuit as well as for the gate circuit 913 and the selector circuit 912. In the same way, the tens' counting tube V-5 and the hundreds' counting tube V-6 are connected to the corresponding cathodes for ignition of these indicator tubes.

The assembled drive device V-l in the form of a double triode,

such as a "6211A" tube, a release relay Kl, preset selector switches S-1A, S-2A, S-3A, and a. "AND" gate consisting of diodes D-l, D-2, D-3 and resistors R-3, R-6, R-7 and R-8.

As before, the switches S-1A, S-2A and S-3A have been set to the number I65, which is, for example, the number of copies that will be produced in the copier. The grid of the triode section V-1A is connected by means of a cable lug 918 through a resistor R-I36

to the power supply line 904 using the three-branched "0G" port comprising the combinations D-1-R-6, D-2-R-7 and D-3-R-8. This connection keeps the grid in a weakly current-carrying state and the current will flow to the anode, supplied from power connector 906

through the resistor R-l.

When each digit on the indicator tubes V-4, V-5.. and, V-6 is set next to each other to the: predetermined taxx soir. solid-

set by the particular selector switch will be a voltage level of +50

volts supplied to the anodes D-1, D-2 and D-3 from the corresponding anticathode through the special selector switch. When indicator tubes V-4, V-5 and V-6 indicate the number 165, the counter circuit is in compliance and all inputs to the "0G" gate are in the prescribed state. Because the junction between resistor R-136 and the diodes is nominally maintained at +170 to +120 volts with an average of 150 volts of bias, the potential at the junction between resistor R-136 and the diodes will drop to +50 volts when the counter circuit is in compliance and all three branches of the gate control have been energized. With a potential of approximately +90 volts in the grid of the triode section ion V-1B, produced by means of the shunt resistors R-2

and R-4, the anode of the triode section V-1B becomes live and the relay Kl, whose windings are in series with the anode, closes. As previously described in another section, the termination of a relay K-1 will connect wire W-108 to wire W-47 resulting in energization of relay 7CR. This results in the machine stopping and being placed in the "stand-by" position. It will then be clear that the closing of the relay K-1 ends the copying when the predetermined number of copies, 165 pieces in the example shown, has been achieved.

The reset circuit 909 will cause the pairs of indicator tubes and corresponding switches as well as the gate circuit 913 to return to the "0" position after removing the connection between terminals 907 and 908. As previously determined, with the connection between 907 and 908 broken, no positive anode voltage will be applied the beam electrodes in the switching tubes. When terminals 907 and 908 are closed, current will flow in resistors R-61, R-62, R-64 and a diode D-4. This will cause a +70 volt potential to be impressed across the common connection, shown in fig. 13a and 13b by means of a wire 919 and the terminal 916, in resistors R-lll, R-112 and R-63 in the reset circuit, resistors R-47 and R-48

in the circuit for tube V-10 as well as resistors R-33 and R-34 in the circuit for tube V-8. At the same time, the connection between terminals 907 and 908 will produce a charging current for the resistor and capacitor combination R-112-C-6 which causes a drop along the cathode base in a resistor R-113 and a transistor Q-1. The time contact for the R-112-C-6 combination is such that the transistor Q-1 will be current-carrying for approx. 5 milliseconds after applying the positive anode voltage. The collector of the transistor is thus at ground potential through a resistor R-114 for approx. 5 milliseconds after voltage

is supplied to the switching tubes V-8, V-9 and V-10 and the tube V-7. The cathodes of tubes V-7, V-8, V-9, V-10 and V-11 are connected to a terminal block 920 which is connected to ground through resistor R-114.

This ground potential is also supplied to the "0" connections of pipes V-8, V-9 and V-10, respectively through diodes D-8 by means of a terminal block 922, D-6 by means of a terminal block 923 and D-5 , causing them to form and block a beam in the "0" position. After approx. 5 milliseconds, the transistor Q-1 stops current flow, and the jet current of the four tubes V-7, V-8, V-9 and V-10 flows in the resistor R-114 and causes the transistor to be held reverse biased for approx. 1 volt through resistor R-113, and the capacitor for the transistor returns to -70 volts voltage. Diodes D-5, D-6, D-7 and D-8 will now be reverse biased and will no longer affect the circuit. Removing and reconnecting terminals 907 and 908 resets all the switching tubes to their "0" positions and thus returns the programmer to a fresh start. As will be described in more detail below, an arrangement of lock switches is provided for breaking and restoring the connection between the clamps 907 and 908 under certain conditions during the operation of the machine.

When, as previously mentioned, the triode section V-2A in the counting drive arrangement 911 produces a negative pulse in the grid corresponding to an input pulse from the counting converter 910 to cause switching of the tube V-8 for the ones, a negative pulse is also developed along the resistance R -13 which is connected in series with the anode of section V-2A. This negative pulse is fed from a terminal 924 through a wire 925 to a set of pulses in the selector circuit 912 comprising a capacitor C-63, a resistor R-96, a capacitor C-64, a resistor R-9, a capacitor V-66 , a .resistor R-99, a capacitor C-81 and a resistor .R-137 by means of a gate circuit to be described in the following. This negative signal will cause the tube V-11 in a pulse counter, generally denoted by 926, to form a beam in one of the connection positions, which position is determined by the gate circuit.

To show if the "0" connection of tube V-ll were to go to ground potential, an electron current would flow up from ground re-

nom a resistor R-115, from a cathode 92.7 through the counter electrode of the "0" connection and by means of a resistor R-.80 to the wire 905 to the 200 volt line at the connection 906. The grid.in the triode section V-3A of the double triode tube V- 3 which is arranged in a power pulse circuit denoted by 928, is by means of a wire 929

<«>v.

connected to a point between the cathode 927 and the resistor R-115. This electronic circuit establishes a 35 volt. level in the grid for the pipe section V-3A. Tube V-3, preferably a "6211A" tube, is usually a closed multivibrator with a bias voltage of 28 volts applied by means of resistors R-72 and R-75, connected in series between ground and the 200 volt line at terminal 906 and with their connections connected to the grid of a tube section V-3B to thereby establish the bias voltage of 28 volts. However, with a 35 volt level in the grid for tube section V-3A, tube V-3 will become a free-running multivibrator. The anticathode current circuit flowing from the anticathode of the "0" connection in tube V-ll through resistor R-80 applies a bias voltage of approximately 75 volts to the equal grid 26£ of tube V-ll through the shunt resistor network comprising resistors R-82 and R-77, while the different grid 2G^ is maintained at a voltage of approximately 125 volts through a shunt resistor comprising resistor R-79,

R-8l and R-78. This results in the energization of a coil 930 i

a relay K-1 for closing its switch to an external circuit which will start the counter M-1 once for each energizing pulse to coil 930. As shown in FIG. 13c, coil 930 is in series with the anode circuit for tube V-3. When the anode section V-3A is conductive as a result

If the grid reaches the 35 volt level, the voltage in the coil is sufficient to close the switch in relay K-2.

When the connection between the resistors R-73 and R-71, which are connected in series between the anode of the triode section V-3B and the 200 volt line 905, goes to a negative voltage of 75 volts, the negative edge of the pulse through the capacitors C-47 and C-48 connected respectively to the grids 26^ and 26^ in the tube V-ll. Since only the grid 26E is biased at 75 volts at this time, the beam will advance one position and current will now flow through the anticathode of connection "1" through a lead 931 and through the resistor R-79 establishing a 75 volt level in the different lattice 26Q. When it

at this point no current flows through resistor R-80, the voltage in the equal grid 26" returns to the 125 volt level. With the beam now formed in the anticathode of connection "1"

the multivibrator V-3 will oscillate again and cause relay coil 930 to be energized to effectively close the relay switch. Capacitors C-60 and C-61 slow the rate of voltage variation so that the pulse width through capacitors C-47 and C-48 will be too narrow for the beam to switch more than one position.

This process continues in alternating different and equal positions with corresponding energization of the relay coil 930 until the connection position "9" is reached, after which only the first oscillation of the multivibrator V-3 will cause the coil 930 of the power relay K-2 to be energized . On the return swing, the positive leading edge of section V-3A is connected to the junction between a resistor R-92 and a diode D-26 by means of the capacitor. C-2. This positive-going process induces a labile loading condition for the "9" connection current, which causes the beam to switch from the "9" connection, or rather advance to the "0" position. When the beam switches from "9", the voltage across resistor R-115 drops to zero, causing multivibrator V-3 to return to its closed state. By starting in the "0" position and ending in the "9" position, tube V-11 has produced ten oscillations in tube V-3 resulting in ten terminations in relay K-2.

Por to be able to obtain any number of pulses from 1 to 10 where each pulse causes relay K-2 to close, it must

a beam ci connection position is formed. A beam initially formed in connection position "0" will give ten pulses,

in connection position "1" nine pulses, etc. When the multivibrator V-3 runs freely, it closes the relay K-2 and switches the grids of the pulse counter V-ll. Relay K-2 closes for approximately 50 milliseconds as determined by the time constants of capacitors C-45 and C-46. The end of this relay conducts current to a bidirectional rectifier bridge 932. Once conducting, the bridge circuit will continue to conduct until its anodes are reversed, which occurs when the relay breaks.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that the pulse counter circuit 926 will control the triggering of the relay circuit of the multivibrator V-3. Depending on which of the connections pulse counter tube V-11 a beam is started, multivibrator V-3 will trip anywhere from one to ten and will start relay K-2 accordingly. As mentioned above, the gate circuit 913 and the selector circuit 912 determine which of the connections in the tube V-11 will be put into operation for forming the beam. These circuits are intended to perform this function by means of two separate triggering circuits which are brought under control in accordance with specific functions of the programmer.

In one of these functions, which will be described in more detail below, the circuit 909 will initiate the process. During this phase of operation of gate circuit 313 and selector circuit 912, these circuits will receive a negative signal from circuit 909. This negative signal is applied to the "0" connection of tube V-7 through diode D-5 by means of wire 933 to form a beam in the "0" position. This will result in a current for the beam, which flows from resistor R-114 in the reset circuit through the cathode and anti-cathode "0" in tube V-7 and through a resistor R-100 in the gate circuit 912 to the 200 volt busbar by means of a wire 934 which is connected to terminal 908. When this current flows through resistor R-100, the junction between a diode D-19 and resistor R-100 will drop to approximately 8 volts. In the circuit arrangement shown in fig.

13b holds the cathode in the diode D-19 approx. 80 volts, and therefore has its connection reverse biased.

In the second phase of the programmer's operation, copying will initiate the programmer's operation. The output power in the circuit V-2, which is developed by the resistor R-13, is connected by the terminal 924 through a capacitor C-66 as a positive going pulse at the beginning of a count and a negative level at the end of a census. The combination of capacitor C-66 and resistor R-99 differentiates this pulse which swings from about 80 volts to 120 volts on the positive tip and 80 volts to ground on the negative tip. On the positive pulse, both diodes D-l4 and D-19 will be reverse biased. At the negative end, however, diode D-14 is forward biased and, being connected by a clamp 935 to the connections of tube V-11, allows tube V-11 to form a beam in the "0" connection.

No current will flow in the other anticathode resistors R-101, R-102, R-103, rf-104 and R-126. Therefore, the potential and the other diode-resistor connections R-101-D-20, R-101-D-21, R-103-D-22, R-104, R-126-D-23 will hold approximately l80 volts . Also at this point diodes D-15, D-16, D-17 and D-18 will be reverse biased. As previously mentioned for illustrative purposes, the number of selected copies was 165 and this number was applied to selector switches S-1A, S-2A and S-3A. The programming for the programmer 5TR is thus that the first four reproductions will produce 10 closings of the relay K-2 per copy. As each sheet discharges the switch 8LS while the switch 7LS pulses, a count pulse is produced in the driver V-2 and the resulting negative pulse is fed to the programming circuit and results in the beam formed at the "^" connection for the tube V-7, " the 0" antichode of tube V-7 by means of a wire 936 connected to a terminal 937 to the "0" connection of tube V-ll. This will cause ten oscillations of the multivibrator V-3 in cooperation with the pulse counter V-ll for each of the first four numbers produced by driver V-2 After the first four numbers have been produced and a total of forty closings of relay K-2 have taken place, the programmer is set to control the second series of relay closings, six closings per number for the next four reproductions.

In order to carry out this and other changes, the programmer is provided with a "program sequencer circuit" 938 which receives electrical current from a line 939 and a terminal 940 from 200 volt lines 904, and which is arranged to cooperate with the counting devices V- 4-V-8, V-5-V-9 and V-6-V-10. The negative-going part of the first four input pulses will move in through diode D-14, as this is at this time the only diode that is forward biased. This signal is routed to the "0" position in tube V-11 by means of wire 936 and terminal 937, whereby ten counts or inferences are generated by relay K-2 for each of the first four input pulses. The beam will remain in the "0" position in the tube V-7 until "5" is reached in the ones counter V-4. When the number "5" is reached in this counter, the negative signal from the anticathode "5" in the tube V-8 is conducted by means of an extension wire from a terminal G-1q in the tube V-4 to a pole terminal T~5uj through a capacitor C-58 to the "0" grid in tube V-7. The voltage in the connection between resistor R-101 and diode D-20 is now +8 volts as the beam in tube V-7 is at the "1" anticathode. As no current flows in resistor R-100, the connection between resistor R-100 reverses

and diode <*>D-19 back to 180 volt voltage. The negative-going part of the next three input pulses will also be conducted through diode D-15 instead of diode D-14, since diode D-15 is the only forward-biased diode. This signal is led to position "4" in the tube V-11 by means of a wire 941 and a clamp 942. Thereby, six counts or inferences are generated by the relay K-2. The beam will remain in position "1" in the tube V-7 until "9" is reached in the ones counter V-4. When the number "9" is reached in the ones counter, the negative signal from the anticathode "9" in tube V-8 is routed, by means of a suitable extension lead, from a terminal G~2q in tube V-4 to a pole terminal T~9U in circuit 938, through a capacitor C-74 and develops a negative signal across a resistor R-117 which switches the beam in the tube V-7 from the "1" position to the "2" position. This now causes current to flow through resistor R-102 and the voltage at the junction between resistor R-101 and diode D-20 returns to 180 volts-nine. The diode D-16 is now the only diode open to a negative pulse.' The beam will remain in the "2" position; until a total of 20 is reached in the ones and tens counters. When a count of 20 is reached, the signal arising at terminal G~3q3 is routed by means of a suitable extension wire to ground terminals T-2T through a capacitor C-72, and this signal causes the beam in the tube V-7 to switch from the "2" position to the "3" position. Diode D-1 is now open to a negative signal while diodes D-14, D-15, ;D-16 and D-18 are reverse biased. This negative signal is conducted by means of a wire 9^3 and a terminal 944 to the connection "7" ;in the tube V-11, whereby a beam is formed in that position of the tube V-11 and produces three more closings of the relay switch K- 2 for each number produced by counter drive U-2. ;At the number 21, the signal appearing at the terminal G-4~ of the one counter V-4, which terminal is connected to the starting position for the four series of relay closures, will be connected by means of an extension wire to the pole terminal T-1T through a capacitor C-73, causing the beam in tube V-7 to be switched from the "3" position to the "4" position. The 21 will be connected to the "9" position in tube V-ll by means of a wire 945 having a capacitor C-7 and a diode D-35 in series. The connection between the capacitor C-7 and the diode D-35 is connected by means of a clamp 946 to the connections for the tube V-11. At the moment the beam is formed in the "4" position in the tube V-7, the voltage in the junction between a resistor R-126 and a diode D-23 goes from 180 to about 8 volts. This will cause relay K-2 to close once. Current now flows in the combination of resistors R-126 and R-104. The diode D-18 which is connected by means of a wire 947 and a clamp 948 to the '^" connection in the tube V-11, now becomes open to a negative signal while the diodes D-14, D-15, D-16 and D-17 is reverse biased.

After reaching the "4" position in tube V-7, the signal is extracted from the alternative anticathode effects in the one counter through diodes D-29, D-30, D-31, D-32 and D-33 ( see Fig. 13a). This negative-going signal is connected through a resistor R-122

to a capacitor C-62 in the circuit 912 by means of a wire 949. The pulse is differentiated by means of the capacitor C-62 and a resistor R-95 and connected by means of a wire 950 through the diode D-18 which now is open to a negative pulse. This negative pulse causes the formation of a beam in the "9" position in the tube V-11, which produces a closing of the relay K-2 for every odd number after 21. The beam will remain in the "4" position in the tube V-7 until the programmer 5TR is reset by the O reset of the counters V-4, V-5 and V-6.

The preceding arrangement of the program sequence for closing the relay K-2 involves a set of connections between the gate circuit 913 and certain specified connections in the power pulse counter 926 to be able to produce several series of predetermined number of relay closings for each pulse produced by means of the circuit 911.. While it only four series are described, it will be obvious that the connections can be rearranged to produce other predetermined relay connections. The program order can now be changed by rearranging the splice connections between the used relay cathodes in tubes V-4, V-5, V-6 and circuit 938 for redetermination if series changes should occur. As shown in fig. 13b, a terminal 951 is provided in circuit 938 to enable the use of a fifth series of relay terminals, and this terminal may be connected to the applied cathode in each of tubes V-4, V-5 or V-6, wherein series - the change should occur. Por indication of relay terminations in this fifth series, a circuit is arranged, comprising the diodes. D-27 and D-20, resistors R-138 and R-139 and a clamp 952, which can be connected to the used connection in the tube V-ll to enable a new series change.

The tier holdé pulse contact 2CR-2 in fig. 12b, is closed when the plate is in the "up" position. When closed, this contact maintains the "1" connection in tube V-7 at 60 volts so that the beam in this tube will remain in the "0" position. This allows diode D-14 to remain open to all input pulses produced by driver 911. Contact 2CR-2 prevents the first program series from being transferred to the second series and when closed will result in the production of ten relay closures by means of the relay K-2 for each count produced by the drive device 911. The use of this contact occurs automatically when the platen is held in the "up" position while copying pages in a book or magazine that is classified as "special". - copying.

In summary, it can be said that the gate circuit plus the selector circuit controls the power pulse counter. The power pulse counter V-3 both terminates the power pulse counter V-11 and controls the power in circuit 932. Circuit 932 is provided with terminals 935 which can be connected to a suitable motor (not shown), and a 115 volt power source is provided for energizing the motor and circuit 932 for advancing the registration mechanism M-l. one unit for each relay connection.

Although only terminal terminals G-1, G-2 H-4 of tube V-4 and terminal G-3 of tube V-5 have been used in the example described for one mode of operation, it is clear that any one of the other unnumbered clamps for pipes V-4, V-5 and V-6 can be used as described.

The locking circuit.

The disk lock circuit is a comprehensive circuit that "controls the operation of the programmer 5TR and in some cases the operation of the copier"

nen under certain circumstances that may arise during operation. As previously mentioned, the programmer 5TR has the task of operating the program counter or the registration mechanism M-1 in accordance with a predetermined program that makes it more economical to use machine-

nen for large production, by operating the registration mechanism at a higher speed for small production and gradually reducing the speed of the counting operation as production increases.

Por to ensure that the machine will continue a continuous high production course which is originally determined by means of switch well-

like S-1A, S-2A and S-3A, and that the registration mechanism will enter the correct number in accordance with the originally determined data, the latch circuit is arranged to return the counting device in the programmer to a zero position whereby the high speed of the registration mechanism operation will start again when there has been an interruption in the programmer's operation. On the other hand, the locking circuit is also intended to prevent the counting device from returning to zero and to prevent any change in the counting operation if there has been an error in the machine, for example the machine stops when the paper level is too low or a misfeed occurs. Likewise, any action taken by the operator to correct a machine fault which causes the locking switches to have to be broken must not influence the state of the programmer.

The plate lock circuit essentially comprises relays 15CR, 16CR, 20CR, 21CR, 22CR and 32CR, cycle switches 16LS and 18LS, an electromagnet L-4 (see Fig. 16). As shown in fig. 12a and 12d, the electromagnet is in series with the normally closed contact 16LS-B and is designed to receive current from the neutral wire W-1 and the wire W-10 when the contact 19CR-2 is closed. In another electrical current path, the electromagnet is also in series with the normally closed contact WCR-3A and the normally closed cycle switch l8LS. Physically, the electromagnet L-4 is mounted in the plate handle and is intended to cooperate with the switch 17LS which is arranged in the plate box immediately below the electromagnet.

The electromagnet is energized when the machine is switched on, which causes the relay contact 19CR-2 to close, whereby current is generated by the electromagnet through the normally closed switch 16LS-B. When the plate is manually placed in its down position by the operator and current has been introduced to the electromagnet, the switch 17LS will be closed under the influence of the magnetic force field produced by the electromagnet. With the switch 17LS closed, the relay 16CR is energized, whereby the normally broken contact 16CR-1A is closed to energize the relay 15CR through the normally closed switch 18LS and the now closed contact 16CR-1A. When relay 15CR is energized, its normally open contact 15CR-1A closes, thereby closing the circuit through the now closed normally open contact 16CR-2 and normally closed contact 21CR-1 of relay 22CR which is energized.

In the circuit for stopping the machine which requires energizing the relay 7CR to initiate the stop, the normally open contact 22CR~3j is closed, the normally open contact 15CR-2B is closed, the normally open contact 21CR-3 remains open and the normally closed contact 15CR -2A is broken. The effect of this is that all branches in the stop circuit for the relay 7CR remain broken and the machine will continue to run normally under the control of the programmer 5TR which will count the number of copies produced and affect the debit counter in accordance with the assumed stepwise sequence or program as described above.

As previously mentioned, positive anode voltage is supplied to the programmer 5TR to prepare it for the counting operation when there is a connection between terminals 907 and 908. These terminals are connected to a circuit comprising parallel branches in which a certain combination of switches must be closed to produce electrical connection between the clamps.

As shown in fig. 12C, the circuit includes three relay contacts 9CR-2, 10CR-2 and 2CR-3 connected in parallel to the terminal as well as relay contacts 21CR-2 and 22CR-2 connected in series with the terminal 908. These contacts are connected to a common connection point whereby the establishment of the connection between the terminals 907 and 908 require at least one of connectors 9CR-2, 10CR-2 or 2CR-3 to be closed and one of connectors 21CR-3 or 22CR-2 to be closed to complete the connection. The contacts 9CR-2, 10CR-2 and 2CR-3 mostly include the various locking switches in the machine or the locking switches. Contact 2CR-3 will close when relay 2CR is energized by closing switch 2LS, switch 1LS-A and closing switch 3LS-B. Relay 2CR will also be energized if paper conveyor 44 switches 27LS and 28LS are closed. If for some reason a sheet becomes wedged during transport of the sheets, the relay 2CR is de-energized and this causes the contact 2CR-3- to break

Contact 10CR-2 will close when relay 10CR is energized. As shown, relay 10CR is in series with switch 13LS and switch 26LS. If for some reason the developer housing and roller are removed or are not in position for proper operation, the contact 10CR-2 will remain in a broken state. In series with the relay 10CR, a time switch 2TR-3 is also arranged which is normally closed, but is started for breaking 2.5 seconds after the stop relay 7CR has been energized.

Contact 9CR-2 is initiated to close when relay 9CR is energized, which occurs when relay 8CR is energized to close contact 8CR-1. As relay 8CR is connected in parallel with relay 2CR, energizing the latter will close contact 9CR-2. Normally, only contact 10CR is closed during machine operation, and contacts 9CR-2 and 2CR-3 are closed when a malfunction occurs in the machine, thereby maintaining the positive anode voltage in the programmer 5TR so as not to lose the count. The programmer will keep the number in the indicator tubes V-4, V-5 and V-6 and will resume counting when the error is corrected and the machine is restarted.

On the other hand, contacts 21CR-2 and 22CR-2 take over the business of. the operator ensures by intervening in normal predetermined operation if, for example, the platen is lifted to insert a new document, while the previous document is still being copied under original assumed conditions in order to obtain copies of the second document at a lower cost . As detailed below, the machine will stop if the plate is lifted during operation, the indicator tubes V-4, V-5 and V-6 are switched to their "Om<->position and a new start of operation will cause a new count in the programmer, that is, the count will start in the "0" position and with the original ten count moves for the first four copies, six for the next four copies, and so on.

In the event that the disc during a copying process or

before the counting device is in accordance with the particular number of copies of a particular document set in the switches SIA, S2A and S3A, is lifted from its normally closed position by the machine operator, the switch 17LS will break and cause the relay 16CR to be de-energized. With l6CR de-energized, breaking the circuit to relay 15CR which includes the normally closed contact l8LS

and contact 16CR-1A, result in closing contact 15CR-2B and breaking contact 15CR-2A in the 7CR stop circuit. As shown in fig. 12d is relay 22CR in series with contacts 15CR-1A and 16CR-2

which return to their broken state when relays 15CR and 16CR respectively are de-energized. This will result in de-energisation of the stop relay 7CR as contact 22CR-3 remains closed for a short period of time and while contact 15CR-2B is closed. During this short period, the energization of relay 7CR causes closing of 7CR-1 which maintains energization of relay 7CR through contact 7CR-1 and switch SW-4B after relay 22CR has released its contact 22CR-3- As a result, the machine enters the previously described stop period. Also, when the relay 15CR is de-energized, its normally closed contact 15CR-1B closes and after the short period of time required by the relay 22CR to release its contacts has elapsed, the relay 21CR is energized through the normally closed contact 22CR-1, resulting in the closing of connector 21CR-2.

With the energization of the relay 7CR, its normally closed contact 7CR-2 is broken, which causes the de-energization of the relay 4CR which in turn breaks the circuit of a solenoid SOL-1. When no paper is fed to the "A" conveyor, the cycle switch 18LS remains open thereby breaking the circuit to the pulse counter 911 in the programmer 5TR, thereby terminating the count by means of this circuit. After a time interval of 2.5 seconds after the initial stop of the machine, the time switch 2TR-3 is broken, thereby opening the circuit to the relay 10CR which in turn causes a break in the connection between the terminals 907 and 908. After this, the positive anode voltage of the programmer 5TR will cease, and the indicator tubes V -4, V-5 and V-6 will shut off.

If the machine operator during or after the machine's stop period lowers the plate to its original closed state, the machine's stop period continues unaffected, and to start the machine again the operator must press the start button. Because the stopping of the machine has effected the termination of the application of anode voltage to the indicator tubes V-4, V-5 and V-6, these tubes will, after restarting, register "0", and the programmer will begin the count again as with a new start. After restarting and without further interruption, the machine will stop copying the document when the predetermined number is completed, resulting in a total production of the predetermined number plus the number produced before the platen was lifted.

If it is desired to make copies of a page in a book or magazine during "special" operation, the plate must be held up in the open position to maintain continuous operation of the machine. With the plate open for such "special" operation, relay 22CR will be de-energized as 16CR-2 will be broken with 16CR de-energized and relay 21CR will be energized. Contacts 21CR-3 and 15CR-2B will be closed and contacts 22CR-3 and 15CR-2A will be broken, and

the circuit of relay 7CR will remain broken. With the machine still running, contact 15CR-2 and contact 4CR-3 are closed, resulting in relay 32CR being pulsed by switch l6LS. This will result in the indicator light for this operating mode flashing on and off. Also with the platen open for "special" copying contact 20CR-2 is closed, causing ten closings of relay K-2 for each copy as long as the machine is running in this state. If the plate is put down during operation, contact 15CR-2A is closed and relay 7CR will be energized and stop the machine. Contact 21CR-3 remains closed long enough to energize relay 7CR because, as previously mentioned, this is a time setting relay.

If the platen is lifted to change documents while utilizing the lower counting speed in the recording device K-1 during a misfeed or too low paper level, the state of the relays 21CR and 22CR will change and result in the breaking of the contacts 21CR-2 and 22CR-2 in the anode voltage circuit of the programmer . This results in breaking the connection between terminals 907 and 908 which, as previously mentioned, resets the programmer, during which indicator tubes V-4, V-5 and V-6 will go out and the programmer will produce 10 closures of relay K-2 for each sheets transported by the "A" conveyor when the machine is restarted.

If a permanent magnet is used to replace the electromagnet L-4, the relay 16CR will be de-energized at the time the cycle switch 18LS is broken. This will cause relay 15CR to de-energize, and the machine will stop as previously described. The result is that the switches 16CR and 18CR prevent the use of a permanent magnet instead of the electromagnet L-4 to produce a lower number of closings of the relay K-2 for each input pulse to the programmer.

In what follows, the invention is described with reference to a xerographic copying machine. However, it is clear that the invention can just as well be used for other types of copying machines.

Claims (2)

1. Apparatus for producing copies of an original on sheet-shaped copying material with an image carrier for the image to be reproduced, an image transfer device for continuously transferring these images from the image carrier onto the copying surface, a sheet feeding and shifting mechanism for supplying successive single copy sheets to the image carrier, a programming device (5TR) with a counter (V-4, V-5, V-6) which adds the number of copy sheets supplied to the image carrier, a pulse receiving device (932) which causes a release of a registration device (45) after each received pulse as well as a pulse generator (926) which cooperates with the counter and the registration device to emit a plurality of pulses so that an unequal number of pulses according to a staggered program reach the registration device for each copy sheet that is supplied , characterized by a holding device (22) with a member that can be brought into a predetermined position in which the original is held firmly during reproduction and a blocking circuit with switch means which is connected to the holding device and to the pulse receiver (932) so that it interrupts the operation therein when the holding means has been moved out of the holding position. 2. Device in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the locking circuit is designed to reset the counting device to zero when the holding member is moved out of the holding position.