US3491684A

US3491684A - Unitary master and copy machine

Info

Publication number: US3491684A
Application number: US565042A
Authority: US
Inventors: Louis Borinsky
Original assignee: FALLSTAFF OFFICE PRODUCTS Inc
Current assignee: FALLSTAFF OFFICE PRODUCTS Inc
Priority date: 1966-07-05
Filing date: 1966-07-05
Publication date: 1970-01-27
Anticipated expiration: 1987-01-27

Description

Jan. 27, 1970 1.. BORINSKY UNITARY MASTER AND COPY MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 5, 1966 omvs rs Jan. 27, 1970 L. BORINSKY UNITARY MASTER AND COPY MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 5, 1966 w QR Jan. 27, 1970 BORINSKY 3,491,684

UNITARY MASTER AND COPY MACHINE Filed July 5, 1966 6 Sheets-Sheet 15 omvz MOTOR POWER 2/2 s2 s3 s4 Q EIZ g -I02 sn .3 30 F 6. 4

HWEA/TOR LOU/S BORINSK Y Jan. 27, 1-970 1.. BORINSKY 3,491,634

UNITARY MASTER AND COPY MACHINE Filed Jul 5. 1966 e sheets-sheet 4 INVENTOR LOUIS BORINS'K Y WWW TTOR/VEYS Jan; 27, 1970 L. BORINSKY UNITARY MASTER AND COPY MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 5, 1966 //v VE/VTOR LOU/5 BQRINSKY BYMW ATTORNEYS United States Patent Int. 01. B411 11/08 U.S. Cl. 101-132 41 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A method and apparatus for duplicating graphic originals. A master sheet material is stored on a supply roll within a rotary transfer drum. The sheet material is drawn over a portion of the surface of the drum and to a storage reel within the drum. The master material may then be exposed to the graphic original and the master image developed and fixed, if required. The drum is then rotated, bringing the master image first into contact with peripheral apparatus to prepare it for making a copy and then into contact with a sheet of copy paper, onto which is printed a duplicate of the original image. Continued rotation of the drum repeats the printing process without requiring additional exposure. Upon completion of the duplication step, the master material is advanced and a fresh section of material is presented for exposure and subsequent pinting.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application, S.N. 401,342, now abandoned, filed Oct. 5, 1964 and entitled Reflex Exposure Copy Machine.

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for the production of printed matter or the like and, more particularly, to unity machines for making duplicating masters by radiant means and for delivering from the prepared master a desired number of copies.

The processes of duplication by lithography, wet and dry spirit means, heat and pressure means from photopolymerization masters and Xeroprinting are well known in the art. Further, various methods of preparing masters for these processes by radiant exposures on equipment separate from the duplicating apparatus is well established, and is used extensively in efliciently operated duplicating shops.

At the present time, however, much duplicating copy work is done on office copying machines because of their availability and operating case. While these machines are quite economical for single copies, they are slow and expensive when used for multiple copies. It is, therefore, the prime object of this invention to provide various unitary machines which will use one of several duplicating master materials arranged so that the entire process of obtaining multiple duplicate copies of an original from the master will only require that the original be positioned in the machine, the desired number of copies designated, and the machine actuated. The exposure, development,

"ice

.therefore, have the economy and speed of duplicating machines and the simplicity and flexibility of office copying machines.

Although several embodiments of the present invention are herein illustrated, the basic concept involves the utilization of a rotary drum-like member having a master-exposing portion and a copy-making portion. A master sheet material is stored on a supply roll within the drum. The sheet material is drawn over the master-exposing portion and the copy-making portion and thence to a storage reel within the drum. While the sensitized sheet material is at the master-exposing portion of the drum, it is exposed to an original image either by the reflex method or by image projection. After the master has been exposed, the sheet material carrying the master image is drawn to the copy-making portion of the drum. If required, the master image is developed and fixed during this operation. In one embodiment of the invention which utilizes a projected scanning exposure, the master sheet is exposed to the original image while on the copymaking portion of the drum, and the required developing steps of the master are performed during the rotation of the drum rather than by drawing the master sheet to another portion of the drum. In either case, when the master has been exposed and developed, and is in position for the copy-making operation, the drum is caused to rotate, bringing the master first into contact with peripheral apparatus necessary to prepare it for making a copy, and then into contact with a sheet of copy paper, onto which is printed a duplicate of the original image. Continued rotation of the drum produces the required number of copies from the master, without requiring further exposure of the original.

The reflex method of exposure mentioned above involves placing the original image to be copied in intimate contact with the duplicating master material. Suitable radiation is passed through the master sheet to the original, and the radiation pattern reflected back from the original to the master due to the image pattern of the original produces the exposure of the master. This procedure requires that the master be transparent .to the exposing radiation. The exposing radiation can be of any wave length, depending on the requirements of the particular master material.

The image projection method of exposure is accomplished by illuminating the original with the required radiation wave length and then reflecting the image onto the sensitized master sheet material by means of mirrors and lenses. The entire original may be exposed at one time and the image focused on a stationary master. Alternatively, the original may be scanned by moving the original past a fixed source of illumination or by moving the source of illumination past a stationary original, the reflected image in either case being directed through a narrow slit onto a master sheet being moved past the slit in synchronization with the changing projected image.

It is possible to develop a form of this invention to utilize any type of master material that can be exposed by radiation, since variations in the exposure, development and printout requirements are handled by changes in the peripheral equipment.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of prior art systems and devices and to provide reproduction apparatus which makes both a master and any desired number of copies automatically and in one machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide various unitary radiation-exposure image reproduction machines which permit multiple copies to be made without the master being handled by the machine operator.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of unitary reflex-exposure reproduction apparatus which utilizes a single source of radiation to make both a master and multiple copies from the master, the source being movable to provide radiant energy for both the mastermaking process and the copy-making process.

It is another object of the present invention to provide unitary reflex-exposure or projection-exposure reproduction apparatus which will produce duplicate copies by a heat and pressure process.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide unitary reflex-exposure or projection-exposure apparatus which will produce duplicate copies by the direct lithographic process.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of unitary reflex-exposure or projection-exposure reproduction apparatus which will produce duplicate copies by either a wet or dry spirit process.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide a unitary projection-exposure reproduction apparatus which will produce duplicate copies by the Xeroprint process.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a unitary master and copy-making apparatus comprising a housing carrying a rotatable transfer drum, a sensitized master sheet carried by said drum, a source of radiant energy to irradiate the image to be copied and thus to expose said master sheet to produce a master image, means for locating said master image on a copy-making portion of the surface of said drum, and means for rotating said transfer drum to place said master image in copy-making relationship with a sheet of copy paper for producing a duplicate of the original image.

Further objects and features of the invention will best be understood and appreciated from the following detailed description of several embodiments thereof, selected for purposes of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a side elevation of apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention taken along the line 11 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with the web and the hinged cover removed;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the source of radiant energy used with the apparatus of FIG. 1, taken along line 33 of FIG. 1; 7

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical illustration of electrical circuitry that may be used in the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention, taken along line 44 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 5, taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 5;

FIGURE 6A is an enlarged cross sectional view of a portion of the transfer drum exposure face used in the embodiment of FIGURE 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the invention, diagrammatically illustrating the use of a projected scanning exposure means on an electrostatic master with copies produced by the spirit duplicating process;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 7, wherein the peripheral equipment is adapted to provide copy printout by a lithographic process;

FIG. '9 is a cross-sectional view of another modification of the embodiment of FIG. 7, wherein the peripheral equipment is adapted to provide an electrostatic transfer of the image to copy paper; and

.FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative exposure apparatus for use with the machine of this invention.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 of the accompanying drawings, the master image is made on a heat-sensitive sheet similar to that used in the Ektafax system of the'Eastman Kodak Company, or described in US. Patent No. 3,260,612 to Dulmage et al. The exposure, as illustrated, is of the reflex type, wherein the original and the master sheet are placed in intimate contact and pass together around a reflective roller located adjacent a source of infra-red radiant energy. The resultant heat pattern produces a latent image on the master sheet. The master sheet is then exposed to the radiation source a second time, but at a greatly reduced level of energy, to prepare the latent image for a printing step. The printing step consists of pressing the heated latent image against a piece of copy paper with substantial pressure. The machine shown in this embodiment may also be adapted for use with other types of master materials. If, for example, there is substituted for the heatsensitive master sheet a master material such as that described in US. Patents Nos. 3,203,802 and 3,203,805, it will be apparent that the initial radiation would be supplied by an ultra-violet source. In this case, in order to expose the master to a reduced source for the printing step, the energy level of the radiation would have to be lowered by filtering; that is, suitable filter means may be provided to increase the wave length of the ultraviolet radiation, thereby producing the required amount of heat for preparing the image for the printing step. Such energy conversion means are well known. In lieu of this, of course, another source of heat could be used.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is indicated generally at 10 an apparatus in accordance with the present invention. The copy machine is mounted in a housing 12 having

side panels

14 and 16 on the left and right hand sides of the machine, respectively. Mounted within the housing and rotatable on a shaft 18 is a transfer drum 20 having

end portions

22 and 24 closing the left-hand and right-hand ends of the drum, respectively. A clutch plate 26 is attached to shaft 18 and may be engaged by a cooperating clutch plate 28 to rotate the transfer drum 20. A solenoid 30 is provided to drive clutch plate 28 into engagement with plate 26 and driving power may then be applied to a suitable drive motor (not shown) through shaft 32.

Mounted within the transfer drum and rotatable therewith is the mechanism for producing the master. This mechanism includes a supply reel 34 rotatably mounted on shaft 36 and a take-up reel 38 rotatably mounted on a shaft 40. Supply reel 34 carries a roll of sensitized paper 42 from which a web, or sheet, 44 is drawn. The web 44 of sensitized paper is drawn over a guide roller 46, over pressure plate 50 and between guide plates 48, around a reflecting roller 52, around a second guide roller 54, around the outside of the transfer drum on a pressure shoe 56 which comprises a copy-making portion of the drum, and around a counter roller 58 to the take-up reel 38. As may be seen more clearly in FIG. 2, shaft 36 of supply reel 34 is journaled in the

end portions

22 and 24 of the transfer drum. Drag means may be provided for shaft 36 so that web 44 is withdrawn under tension. Similarly, guide roller 46 is mounted in the drum by means of a shaft 60. The guide plates 48 are mounted within the transfer drum 20 and are positioned to direct the web 44 and the graphic original to the reflecting roller 52 and to prevent misalignment to either side. The guide plates may be mounted to the end portions of drum 20 in any convenient manner.

In order to press the graphic original against the web 44 so that the original will be carried into the machine by motion of the web, a pressure bar 62 is provided. Pressure bar 62 is rotatably mounted in the

end portions

22 and 24 of the transfer drum. Connected to the ends of the pressure bar 62 are lever arms 64 and 66 and lever arm rollers 68 and 70.

Rotation of pressure bar 62 is accomplished by means of a cam element 72 mounted within a hinged cover 74. When the cover 74 is rotated downwardly from the illustrated open position to a closed position, cam element 72 strikes lever arm roller 70 and causes lever arm 66 to rotate the pressure bar 62 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 1. A similar cam element is provided on the opposite side of the cover 74 to engage the lever arm roller 68 and thus to aid in the rotation of pressure bar 62. Attached to pressure bar 62-and mounted for rotation therewith are a second pair of lever arms 76 and 78. These lever arms are located within the transfer drum 20 and carry a shaft 80 on which is located a pair of rollers 82 and 84. As the pressure bar 62 is rotated in a clockwise direction, rollers 82 and 84 engage the graphic original which has previously been placed on the upper surface of web 44 to urge the original toward the web. The pressure plate 50 supports the web and the original against the pressure of rollers 82 and 84. This arrangement permits a graphic original to be placed in the machine in contact with the web 44 and to be held in firm contact therewith by closure of the cover 74. Thus, when the web is advanced, the original will be drawn into the transfer drum in firm contact with the web.

The combination of the web 44 and the graphic original is drawn around the reflecting roller 52 where the web and the original are exposed to a source of intense radiant energy to make a master copy of the material imprinted on the original. Roller 52 is of a material that is highly reflective and resistant to the intense heat from the radia tion source in the manner known in the thermographic reproduction art. Roller 52 is preferably hollow to permit cooling, and is mounted for rotation in the

end portions

22 and 24 of the transfer drum 20 by means of a shaft 86.

After the original has passed around the reflecting roller 52 and an image has been transferred to the web 44, the original may be removed from the web by means of a stripper 90 located adjacent the path of web 44 and near the guide roller 54. As the graphic original is separated from the web by means of stripper 90 it is guided out of the machine by means of guide plates 92 and 94. Guide plate 92 is mounted within the transfer drum 20 while the guide plate 94 is mounted on the hinged cover 74 and islocated outside the circumference of drum 20. After separation from the original, the web passes around the guide roller 54 which is mounted for rotation within the transfer drum 20 by means of a shaft 96. The web is then drawn onto the pressure shoe 56 which forms a part of the periphery of transfer drum 20 and which is hinged to the

end portions

22 and 24. The hinged mounting of shoe 56 permits ready access to the interior of the drum. The web is drawn across the pressure shoe 56 until that portion of the web which carries the master image is positioned on the surface of the shoe. When the master image is so positioned, the machine is ready to make the desired number of copies.

The web 44 is drawn along its path by means of the take-up reel 38 which may be driven through solenoidoperated

clutch plates

98 and 100 by means of any suitable motor (not shown). Shaft 40 is provided with means to prevent backward rotation upon release of the clutch. Solenoid 102 actuates clutch 98 to engage clutch plate 100 and to provide drive power from the power shaft 104 to the take-up reel 38. Web 44 is stored on a roll 106 for possible reuse, for some types of sensitized papers may be used more than once, or may be used some time after the master image has been made. A rewind motor may be provided for the supply reel 34 so that the web 44 can be withdrawn from reel 38 and rewound on reel 34. In this manner, master images may be stored for a period of time on the reel 38 and additional copies made at a later time by positioning the desired master images on the pressure shoe 56.

To permit accurate monitoring of the position of the web 44, the counter roller 58 is provided. Roller 58 is mounted in the end portions 22 land 24 of the transfer drum by means of a shaft 108 and is driven by the motion of the web 44, the frictional pressure between web 44 and the roller 58 providing sufiicient driving power to operate the counting mechanism. It will be apparent, however, that alternate methods of driving the counter roller may be used; for example, the web may be perforated along one edge and the roller 58 provided with corresponding teeth to provide a positive driving relationship.

One end of the counter roller 58 is provided with drive means such as a gear arrangement 110 to operate a control wheel 112 mounted for rotation in one of the end portions of the transfer drum 20. The control wheel may be located either inside or outside the drum by means of a shaft 114 and is driven by the control roller 58 through gear means 116. The control wheel 112 may be provided with timing lugs 118 and 120 which co operate with electrical switches to provide automatic operation of the machine.

Since the web material 44 is very sensitive to heat, means must be provided within the transfer drum 20 to prevent unwanted heating of the web. Therefore, in addition to the usual fans and blowers there are provided insulating walls, such as those indicated at 122 and 124, which prevent heat radiation from the radiant energy source from reaching web 144 while the web is not on or near the reflecting roller 52.

An important feature of this embodiment of the present invention is the mounting arrangement for the source of radiant energy This unique arrangement permits the use of a single source of radiant energy both for exposing the master sheet to the graphic original and for heating the master image for production of copies. The use of the type of sensitized paper herein illustrated in the past has required two separate machines, each with its own source of energy. The economic advantages of a single machine to replace the two machines of the prior art are apparent. In addition, the use of a single source rather than two sources of energy effects important savings in the amount of excess heat that is produced in the machine.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the source of radiant energy 130 is mounted within a reflecting shield 132 which extends along the length of the energy source and entirely surrounds it except for a longitudinal slot 134. The reflecting shield 132 is rotatable so that radiant energy emitted from the lamp may be directed through slot 134 in any desired direction. Shield 132 is mounted on shafts 136 and 138 which are journalled in the

lever arms

176 and 182, respectively, for rotation therein. Each of the

side panels

14 and 16 are provided with a groove, such as the groove 140 illustrated in FIG. 1, along which the shafts 136 and 138 may freely slide. Aligned with the slot 140 when the transfer drum 20 is in its rest position, as illustrated in FIG. 1, is a slot 142 in the end portion 24 of the drum. A similar slot is provided in the end portion 22 of the drum to correspond with the groove in the side panel 14 of the housing. This slot and groove arrangement permits the radiation source 130 to be moved up into the interior of the transfer drum 20 to a position where it can irradiate the graphic original and the master sheet as they pass around the reflecting roller 52. As shown in FIG. 1, the reflecting shield 132 normally is in such a position that the slot 134 directs the radiation from source 130 away from the transfer drum. This arrangement directs the radiant energy away from the transfer mechanism when the source is not in use.

However, when the source is moved into the transfer drum the

gear wheels

144 and 146, which are mounted on the shafts 136 and 138, respectively, for rotation therewith, are engaged by a gear rack 148 which causes the reflecting shield 132 to rotate. Rotation of the shield 132 moves the slot 134 from its original angular position, shown in phantom at 150, to an angular position in which the radiation from source 130 will be directed toward the reflecting roll 52, as shown in phantom at 152. The gear rack 148 preferably is mounted on the side panel on the housing, but may be located within the transfer drum if so desired.

Although any suitable means may be provided to move the radiation source 130 into and out of the transfer drum 20, the use of a gear-driven lever arm system has been shown in FIG. 1 as illustrative of one manner in which this may be accomplished. The gear element 160 is pivotally mounted on the side panel 16 of the housing at point 162 and is rotated about 162 by means of a lever arm 164 which is operated by means of solenoid 166. Energization of the solenoid draws lever arm 164 downwardly :and causes gear 160 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 1. Gear teeth 168 on the gear engage gear wheel 170 which is fixedly mounted on a shaft 172 so that shaft 172 rotates with gear wheel 170. Shaft 172 passes through the side panel 16 and carries a short lever arm 174 for rotation therewith. A long lever arm 176 is pivotally mounted to the arm 174 bymeans of a shaft 178. The long lever arm 176 is attached at its opposite end to the shaft 138 which carries the radiation source 130. Lever

arms

174 and 176 are duplicated on the opposite side of the housing by lever arms 180 and 182, respectively, which lever arms are pivotally connected to the shaft 178. Lever arm 182 is connected to the shaft 136 of the radiation source. As viewed in FIG. 1, energization of the solenoid 166 causes gear wheel 170 to rotate in a clockwise direction, and lever arms 174 and 180 to rotate in a clockwise direction. This causes shaft 178 to move downwardly, forcing the radiation source 130 upwardly along the groove 140 into the position indicated at 152. Deenergization of solenoid 166 returns the light source to the position shown in FIG. 1.

After a master image has been produced on the heat- SBl'lSltl'v'G web 144 illustrated in this embodiment, and the image has been positioned on pressure shoe 56, copies may be produced by heating the master sheet to a temperature lower than that required to produce the master image and placing a piece of copy paper in pressure contact with the master. To accomplish this, the drum 20 is rotated in a clockwise direction about shaft 18 to carry the master image past the energy source 130 and to a printout station where the image is transferred to the copy paper. In synchronization with rotation of drum 20, gear racks 190 and 192 engage the

gear wheels

144 and 146 to rotate the reflecting shield 132 into a position to direct radiant energy from source 130 toward the periphery of drum 20. Energy source 130 is energized only to the extent necessary to produce the heat required to condition the master for making copies. An automatic paper feeding apparatus (not shown) is synchronized with the drum rotation to drive gear racks 190 and 192 and to feed paper for contact with the master image. The direction of paper feed is illustrated by the arrow 194. The paper feed mechanism also operates pressure roll slides 196 and 198, which are mounted on

shafts

200 and 202 to drive the pressure roll 204 upwardly. The slides 196 and 198 may be located outside housing 12, as shown in FIG. 2, or may be located within the

side panels

14 and 16. The upward movement of pressure roll 204 urges the copy paper into intimate contact with the master sheet 44 with sufficient pressure to efiect a transfer of an image from the master to the copy sheet. Pressure roll 204 is mounted on a shaft 206 which rides in the slide 198 to urge the roll toward contact with pressure shoe 56.

After the master image has been heated and the copy paper has passed the roll 204, the paper feed mechanism returns the reflecting shield 132 and the pressure roll slides 196 and 198 to the positions shown in FIG. 1. This operation may be repeated to produce any desired number of copies, within the limits imposed by the capabilities of the master sheet material.

FIG. 4 shows in diagrammatic manner an electrical circuit which may be utilized to operate the apparatus of the present invention. As shown in this diagram, the

solenoids

30, 102 and 166 and the radiant energy source 130 are connected to a source of power through various switches S1 through S11. Switch S1 closes in response to the closing of hinged cover 74 to apply power to the drive motor 210. Switches S2 and S3 comprise a threeway switch operated by a copy counter device (not shown), the operation of either switch serving to open or close the circuit. Switch 62 closes the circuit when the operator of the machine pushes the start button after having set the copy counter device to the number of copies desired. Switch S3 opens the circuit when the copy counter device returns to zero. Three-way switch S4, S5 is normally open, but S4 closes the circuit when the operator pushes the start button, permitting the heat source 130 to be energized. Switch S5 is opened by the timing lug on the control wheel 112 to deenergize lamp 130. A thermocouple element 212 may be used to sense when the lamp has reached its operating temperature, at which time the switch S10 is closed to energize the solenoid 166. Energization of solenoid 166 causes energy source 130 to move up into the transfer drum 20 to expose the master sheet. Opening of switch S5 then deenergizes this solenoid and permits the energy source to be withdrawn from the drum.

The circuit controlled by three-way switch S6, S7 is normally open. When the energy source 130 reaches the exposing position 152, the switch S6 is closed, energizing solenoid 102 to drive the take-up reel 38 and move the web 44 through the transfer drum mechanism. Switch S7 is opened by lug 118 on control wheel 112 when the exposure of the master sheet is completed to deenergize solenoid 102 and stop the rotation of reel 38.

Simultaneously with the opening of switch S7, lug 118 closes normally-open three-way switch S8, S9 to reenergize lamp 130. However, lamp 130 is now energized through a resistance 214, reducing the power supplied to 130 and thus reducing the radiant energy output to a level suitable for the production of copies from the master image. A second thermocouple 216 senses when the energy from 130 has reached the proper temperature for making copies and then closes switch S11 to energize solenoid 30. Energization of solenoid 30 causes transfer drum 20 to rotate in a clockwise direction to make the desired copies. Switch S9 opens when the copy counter device returns to zero, deenergizing the lamp 130 and solenoid 30 and returning the system to its rest position.

To operate the reproduction apparatus illustrated in this embodiment of the invention, the operator places the graphic original to be copied face down on the table 4 between the side guides 6 and 8 and slides it forward onto the Web 44 and under the pressure rollers 82, 84. The cover 74 is then lowered into position, lowering the rollers 82 and 84 into position against the original and closing switch S1 to energize the drive motor 210. The operator then sets the copy counter device, which is not shown but which may be of any conventional design, to the number of copies desired and presses the start button. Depression of the start button closes switches S2 and S4 so that current from the power source is applied to the irradiation source 130. After lamp 130 has reached its operating temperature, as determined by the thermocouple 212, the switch S10 is closed to energize solenoid 16o. Energization of this solenoid causes the lamp 130 to be moved into the interior of transfer drum 120 to the exposing position 152. As the lamp moves to this position, the rack 148 rotates the reflecting shield 132 so that radiant energy source 130 is directed against the surface or reflecting roller 52. As soon as the source 130 reaches this position, switch S6 is closed to energize the solenoid 102. At this stage, both

solenoids

102 and 166 are energized. Energization of solenoid 102 causes power from the drive motor to be applied to the shaft 40 of the take-up reel 38, drawing the graphic original into the machine and causing both the original and the master sheet 44 to move past the radiation from the source 130. This radiation causes a heat pattern to be formed on the master 44 in known manner to produce a master image thereon. As the master and the original are drawn around the guide roller 54, the original is separated from the master by means of stripper 90 and is guided out of the copy machine by guide plates 92 and 94.

The lead edge of the master image now impressed on the web 44 is drawn around the pressure shoe 56 to a point where the trailing edge of the image is also drawn onto the pressure shoe. As the web 44 moves, it rotates the counter roller 58 which, in turn, drives the control Wheel 112 with respect to the switch S so that this switch will be opened when the required length of web 44, suflicient to contain the full image of the original, has passed by the exposing lamp and onto the pressure shoe 56. The opening of switch S5 deenergizes the lamp 130 and the solenoid 166 so that the lamp may be withdrawn from the transfer drum by suitable springs or the like. As the lamp is withdrawn from the transfer drum, the reflecting shield 132 is rotated by the gear rack 148 to its original position as illustrated in phantom at 150. This directs the residual radiation of the lamp away from the reflecting roll, sensitized web paper, and transfer drum. The take-up reel 38 continues to revolve until the exposed image is located in the desired position on the face of the pressure shoe 56. Timing lug 118 is so arranged with respect to switch S7 that this switch is opened and solenoid 102 deenergizled when the master image is properly located. Deenergization of solenoid 102 disengages the clutch mechanism 98-100 and stops the rotation of take-up reel 38.

Simultaneously with the opening of switch S7, the timing lug 118 closes switch S8 to reenergize lamp 130 While it is in its transfer position. As has been noted, however, a reduced voltage is applied to the lamp so that less heat is produced as compared to the radiant energy produced in the exposure position. When the lamp has reached its operating conditions, as determined by the thermocouple 216, switch S11 is closed and solenoid 30 is energized to supply driving power to the 7 transfer drum 20 and the paper feed mechanism (not shown) to bring the image and the copy paper together at the printout station. At proper intervals, the paper feed mechanism moves the gear racks 190, 192 to rotate the reflecting shield 132 and direct radiation against the face of the master image as it passes by. The paper feed also moves the pressure roller slide 198 at proper inte vals so that as a sheet of copy paper is fed in the direction of arrow 194, the pressure roller is pushed up against the paper to insure intimate contact with the heated master image. Each revolution of the transfer drum 20 produces a finished copy of the original. When the counting mechanism counts back to zero, indicating that the proper number of copies have been produced, switches S3 and S9 are opened and the appartus ceases to operate. At this point the apparatus has returned to its rest position and is in condition to make another master image and a selected number of copies of that image.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the basic principle of operation is similar to that of the preceding embodiment, the difference being a re-arrangement of the transfer drum to accommodate a different type of exposure apparatus. Further modifications may also be made to accommodate different peripheral equipment to permit the use of various types of master sheet material and various combinations of copy printout mechanisms.

Referring now in detail to the apparatus of FIGS. 5 and 6, there is illustrated generally at 250 a unitary reflex master exposure and copy-producing machine capable of producing a plurality of copies from a single exposure of the image carried by a graphic original. For purposes of illustration, the machine is shown as bei g adapted to produce duplicate copies by the spirit method.

The transfer drum 252 is mounted within a housing which includes side panels 254 and 256 and base 258. The drum includes

end portions

260 and 262 closing the left and right ends, respectively, of the drum, and providing support for the rolls of master material and for the various rollers carried by the drum. End portion 260 is supported for rotation by a roller bearing 264 mounted on a shaft 266 which is carried by

supports

268 and 270 mounted on base 258. A plurality of roller bearings may be provided, if desired, to give the transfer drum greater rotational stability. The opposite end of the transfer drum is supported for rotation by a shaft 272 fixed to end portion 262 and journalled in housing side panel 256 as by means of a sleeve bearing 274. Driving power to rotate drum 252 is applied through shaft 272 by means of a pulley 276, or the like, from a suitable motor (not shown).

Axially located within the transfer drum is a guide shaft 280 which is journalled in the end portion 262 by means of a sleeve bearing 282. The guide shaft extends longitudinally through the drum, through an opening 284 in the end portion 260 of the drum and is fixedly mounted in the side panel 254 of the housing. The guide shaft is adapted to carry a source of radiant energy 286 mounted on a movable trolley 288 of suitable design. The trolley is shown in FIG. 5 as being out of the transfer drum, while in FIG. 6 it is depicted as being within the drum, and thus is shown in cross-section. The trolley is mounted on guide shaft 280- by means of wheels 290, and is driven along the shaft by means of arm 292. This arm is arranged so as not to interfere with the equipment within the transfer drum while making an exposure, and permits the energy source to be withdrawn from the drum while copies are being made from the exposed master. It will be apparent that the opening 284 in the end portion 260 of the drum must be suitably designed to permit passage of the energy source 286, trolley 288 and arm 292 into the interior of the transfer drum when an exposure is to be made. Preferably means (not shown) are provided to lock the drum in position when an exposure is to be made, so that the various parts of the machine will be properly aligned.

Arm 292 is illustrated as being connected to a drive cable 294 carried by a pair of pulleys mounted on side panels 254 and 256. As shown in FIG. 6, pulley 296 is affixed to a shaft 298 journalled in a pair of mounting

blocks

300 and 302. One or the other of the pulleys is driven by reversible motor means (not shown) to propel the energy source into the transfer drum along the full length of the guide shaft 280 and to withdraw it to effect an exposure of the image to be copied. The energy source is driven at a constant speed which is determined by the type and intensity of the radiation and the amount of exposure time required to produce a suitable master.

Alternative driving means for the energy source will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, a suitable driving means could be arranged to operate within the hollow guide shaft 280, thus eliminating the need for arm 292.

Turning now to a more detailed consideration of the transfer drum 252, there is illustrated a supply reel 304 and a take-up reel 308 mounted on

shafts

306 and 310. Supply reel 304 carries a roll of master material 312 from which a web 314 is drawn. The web is drawn over a guide roller 316, which is journalled in the

end portions

260 and 262 of the transfer drum, over an exposure face 318, around the outside surface of the drum on a .pressure shoe, or printout face, 320, and around a counter roller 322 to the take-up reel 308. The general operation of the supply and take-up reels, the guide roller and the counter roller is Similar to the operation of the corresponding elements of FIGS. 1 and 2, as described with reference to those figures.

The exposure face 318 includes an opening over which or in which is mounted a transparent sheet 324 of glass or the like which serves as a support for the master, and which permits the master to be exposed by radiant energy from source 286 as the source passes through the drum.

As has been noted, the peripheral equipment used in conjunction with the rotatable transfer drum varies in accordance with the type of duplicate copies to be printed or with the type of exposure to be made. In this embodiment, there is provided a pair of

vertical posts

330 and 332 afiixed to base member 258 and adapted to carry a movable accessory plate 334. Plate 334 carries much of the peripheral equipment required at the exposure station for making the master; additional equipment is mounted on the side panels 254 and 256 of the housing, as will be explained below. The accessory plate is attached to the vertical posts by means of slidable bearings 336 which may be locked onto the vertical posts to position the peripheral equipment with respect to the transfer drum. Inasmuch as the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrates a spirit duplicating process, there is shown a supply reel 338 carrying a supply roll 340 of a thermospirit carbon paper. A web 342 of this carbon paper is drawn around a guide roller 344, passes across the surface of web 314 on the transparent glass 324, around the guide roller 346, and is drawn onto the take-up reel 348.

Reels

338 and 348 and guide

rollers

344 and 346 are mounted on the accessory plate 334 by suitable means, with take-up reel 348 being powered to draw web 342 by conventional means (not shown) which may be mounted in housing 350.

The graphic original 352 carrying the image to be duplicated is placed face down on the portion of carbon paper web 342 over the glass portion of exposure face 318, and is held in place by means of a hinged pressure cover 354. Cover 354 is mounted on accessory plate 334 by means of hinge 3'56 and a pair of support arms 358 each pivotally mounted to accessory plate 334 at one end and slidably attached to the cover 354 at the other end, as at 360. The pressure cover insures an intimate contact between the master sheet, spirit carbon and original, so that exposure by the radiant energy source will provide a master suitable for duplicate printout.

In operation, the original 352 which is to be copied is placed face down on the untreated side of thermospirit carbon 342. The hinged pressure cover 354 is lowered down onto the original to press it against spirit carbon 342, master material 314 and glass 324. The number of copies desired is set into a counting device (not shown) and the machine is started. The control circuitry for this embodiment is similar to that shown in FIG. 4, and is therefore not shown for this embodiment. Starting the machine turns on the radiant energy source 286 and, when it reaches the proper temperature, drive cable 294 draws it past the exposure face 318. The heat from source 286 causes the spirit carbon from web 342 to transfer to the master sheet 314 in the pattern of the image carried by original 352. When the radiation source reaches the end of its guide shaft 280, the source is deenergized and returned to its original position (shown in FIG. 5). Cover 354 is moved away from its pressure position and the accessory plate assembly 334 is moved up along

posts

330 and 332 to a location outside the periphery of the transfer drum. As plate assembly 334 moves up, take-up reel 348 is rotated to draw the used portion of the spirit carbon 342 onto the take-up reel and a fresh portion is drawn from supply reel 338 into position between

guide rollers

344 and 346. Simultaneously, the master take-up reel 308 is energized to draw the image carried by the master web 314 onto the printout face 320 and to draw a fresh section of the master material into posi tion over exposure face 318. The machine is thus made ready for the printout operation and for another exposure operation.

To effect a printout of the image carried by the master, the transfer drum drive motor is energized, causing the drum to rotate, carrying the master image from the exposure station to the printout station. Simultaneously a conventional paper feed mechanism (not shown) is energized to feed copy paper onto a table 370 located at the printout station, adjacent the periphery of the transfer drum. As the copy paper is fed onto the table, spirit duplicator fluid is applied to the surface of the paper by an applicator roller 372 which is moistened by means of a wick 374 extending into a fluid container 376. Table 370, roller 372 and container 376 are mounted between the side panel 256 and support member 270 in any suitable manner. The copy paper is led into firm contact with the master image located on printout face 320 by means of a pressure roller 378 journalled in side panel 256 and support member 270*, and the image is printed on the copy paper. By continued rotation of the transfer drum and the synchronized feeding of copy paper, the desired number of copies may be printed, at which time the drive motor is deenergized and the drum is brought to rest in its original position.

As has been noted, the device of FIGS. 5 and 6 can be adapted to accommodate other master materials. By substituting a thin transparent material for the thermal spirit carbon 342 and by using the type of master material described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the unit will operate to expose the master and print from it. To accomplish the printout from this type of master, the pressure roller 378 is adjusted to provide the required contact pressure between the copy paper and the master, and a heating source replaces the duplicator fluid applicator to heat either the master or the incoming copy paper to the temperature required by this printout process. By further modifying the unit to substitue a source of ulra-violet radiation for the infra-red source used in the above embodiments, the photopolymerization master materials described in, e.g., U.S. Patents Nos. 3,203,802 and 3,203,805 may be used to make duplicate copies of an image. With some master materials of this type, the exposed areas of the photopolymerizable sheet can be used as a lithographic printing plate if the under-exposed areas are hydrophobic and fully exposed area is hydrophilic. By arranging suitable wetting means and inking means about the periphery of the transfer drum, direct lithographic copies can be obtained without removing the master from the transfer drum. The permanent master images produced on the various master materials may then be withdrawn from the printout portion of the transfer drum after completion of the copy making process, with the used master image portion being stored on the takeup reel.

Another modification of the basic concept of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 7, wherein a unitary master and copy making machine is utilized in combination with a scanning type of exposure apparatus. This modification is illustrated with a transfer drum similar to that of FIGS. 5 and 6, and corresponding elements thus are identified by corresponding numerals. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the transfer drum of FIG. 1 could equally well be adapted for use with the peripheral equipment described with respect to this and following figures, and the manner in which such an adaptation can be made will be apparent from the material set forth in this specification.

In the device of FIG. 7, the peripheral equipment shown with the modified drum permits spirit duplicates to be obtained from an electrostatic master. The graphic original 352 is scanned at the exposure station by a conventional scanning mechanism, which includes a pair of

mirrors

380 and 382 and a lens 384, to direct a narrow band of the image to be copied through a slot 386 onto the unexposed master material located on the printout surface 320. The scanning of the original is synchronized with the rotation of transfer drum 252 to expose the zincoxide or equivalent coated master sheet 314. In this embodiment, printout face 320- is electrically grounded, while a charging element 388 located adjacent the periphery of drum 2-52 produces an electrostatic charge on the master sheet. As the drum carries the charged master past slot 386 at the exposure station for exposure to radiation from the scanned original, the electrostatic charge on the face of the master is discharged where the reflected radiation strikes it, leaving on the master an electrostatic reverse image of the original image. Continued rotation of the drum carries the exposed master past a developing station adjacent the periphery of the drum and which includes an electroscopic developing means 390' of known type and a sOurce of fusing radiation 392 Which acts to fix the reverse image to the web 314.

To utilize this reverse image master as a master for spirit duplicating, the fixed image, while still hot from the fusing radiation, is forced into contact with thermaltransfer spirit carbon material 394 at the developing station by means of a movable roller 396. The spirit carbon transfers to the image only, since the fixed electroscopic material will be at a greater temperature than the reflective background. Thus, in one complete revolution of the drum a spirit master is prepared. On succeeding revolutions, a paper-feed mechanism is actuated, and spirit copies are produced as described above with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6.

The scanning mechanism, which includes a support for original 352 and the various reflecting mirorrs and lenses, as well as the slot 386, the charging element 388 and th developing means 390 may all be carried by a suitable mounting platform 398. This equipment may, in turn, be carried by an accessory plate 440 which is mounted on a suitable means such as support post 442. Developing means 390 is arranged to be movable away from drum 252 upon completion of the developing and fixing operation, and thus may be mounted in a slotted support means 400. The spirit carbon 394 is supplied from a supply roll 402 and is drawn onto a take-up roll 404, both rolls being carried by side plates 406 attached to accessory plate 440. Movable roller 396 is pivotally attached to side plate 406 and means (not shown) are provided to pivot the roller into contact with Web 314 during the exposure and fixing operation.

With the scanning type of exposure process illustrated in this and following figures, the flat exposure face 318 of FIG. 6 is not required, and thus these figures illustrate the modified drum structure. As shown in FIG. 7, the position of supply reel 304 is changed, so that web 314 is fed around roller 316 directly to the printout face 320' and thence to the take-up reel 308. Since the type of exposure contemplated for this embodiment does not require the use of radiation source 280, the support equipment for that element has been eliminated.

After the master material on the printout plate 320' has been exposed, developed and fixed, the master web need not be advanced to prepare for the printing operation. Instead, the power to the electrostatic charging element 388 is disconnected, and the carbon and developing mechanisms are moved away from the periphery of the drum. As with the embodiment of FIG. 6, a paper-feed mechanism is then operated in synchronism with the rotation of drum 252, feeding paper onto table 370 past spirit duplicator fluid applicator 372 and into contact with the master at pressure roller 378. The pressure exerted by roller 378 presses the paper against the master with sutficient force to transfer the image to the paper, thus effecting printout. This operation continues until the desired number of copies have been printed. Upon completion of the copymaking process, rotation of the drum is stopped, and take-up reel 308 is powered to draw a fresh master surface onto the printout face 320, readying the machine for the next duplicating cycle.

FIG. 8 illustrates the manner in which the machine of the present invention can be adapted to produce duplicate copies from an electrostatic master by the direct lithographic process. The master is exposed, developed and fixed in the manner described with respect to FIG. 7, and corresponding elements are thus similarly numbered. However, the thermal spirit carbon is eliminated from this process, and in its place is a roller 410 for applying a concentrated wetting solution to the master in a manner well known in the art of lithography. This process requires, in addition, a roller cluster means 412 for applying a fountain solution to the master to wet the background (non-image) portion of the master so that it wont accept ink. The master then passes an inking roller cluster 414 for inking the hydrophobic fused reverse image produced on the master. The hydrophilic background of the master, having been wetted by the fountain solution, will hold no ink; thus only the desired image will be printed when the copy paper is brought into .cont-act with the master by pressure roller 37 8. The

printout rollers

410, 412 and 414 are suitably mounted in the housing of the machine to permit their movement into contact with master sheet 314 during a printout operation and movement away from the transfer drum during exposure, development and fixing.

The embodiment of FIG. 9 adapts the transfer drum of the preceding devices to the production of a plurality of duplicate copies by an electrostatic transfer of electroscopic material from a master fused reverse image to a sheet of copy paper. As with FIGS. 7 and 8, a master image is formed on a web 314 master material, here of zinc-oxide or equivalent electrostatic coated paper, by exposing the paper to a scanned image after application of a static charge at 388. Electroscopic developing material is applied to the charge pattern on the master by developing means 390 mounted, in this embodiment, on accessory plate 440. The develo ed reverse image is then fused to web 314 by means of a source of fusing radiation 392 having a rotatable reflector 416. Note that radiation source 392 is now located near table 370 so that it can perform the dual function of fixing the master image on web 314 and, by adjusting the position of reflector 416, of fixing the duplicate image produced on the copy paper.

Upon completing the fusing of the reverse image on the master sheet, the scanner mechanism is turned ofl, the reflector 416 is rotated to direct radiation toward table 370, an electrically grounded cleaning brush 418 is moved into position to contact the surface of the master, and an auxiliary light source 420 is energized. Light source 420 may be carried by the mounting platform 398, as illustrated. Copies are then produced by rotating the transfer drum to carry the fused master image past charging me ns 388 to place an electros atic charge on the master. Radiation from light source 420 then allows the master to discharge in those areas where there is no fused image; however, the electrostatic charge remains on the fused image area. The charged image passes develo ing means 390, where electroscopic material which is applied to the master sheet adheres only to the fused image. A

paper feed mechanism (not shown) feeds a sheet of copy paper along table 370 in synchronism with the rotation of drum 252 so that the copy paper and the developed master image pass together over a second electrostatic element 442 which causes the electroscopic material carried by the fused master image to be transferred to the copy paper. This transferred image is then fused to the copy paper by means of radiant energy source 392 to produce the fiinished copy. The master material is carried past the grounded cleaning brush 418, which removes all the residual charges and any remaining unfused electrol5 7. scopic material. The cycle then is repeated until the desired number of copies has been produced, at which point the drum is stopped in its original position and the used masteris wound up on take-up reel 308 to make a fresh master surface available for the next cycle.

If desired, the image; scanning apparatus illustrated at the exposure stations of FIGS. 7-9 may be replaced by the apparatus of FIG.-10, which permits the whole orig inal image to be projected onto the master material. The apparatus of FIG. 10 would be used with a transfer drum similar to that of FIG. 6 to permit the master to be exposed while on a flat surface. The master image would then be drawn into position on the printout face 320, for duplication, Although this arrangement would require modification of the transfer drum ofFIG. 6 to provide an electrically grounded backing plate and means for electrostatically charging the master material for certain applications, nevertheless it has the advantage of permitting enlargement Q1 reduction of the original image. As diagrammatically illustrated, the apparatus of FIGQlO comprises a housing 422 carried by accessory plate 334 and mounting platform 398. The housing includes a transparent portion 424 on which the graphic original 352 is placed for exposure to

light sources

426 and 428. These light sources are shielded by reflectors 434} and 432, re spectively, to prevent light from radiating directly to lens 434 inzthe mounting platform. Adjustment of the position of platform 398 along support posts 332 and variation of the focus of lens 434 permits adjustment of the size of I the image to be reproduced. i

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described to illustrate the scope of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that additional modifications could be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Thus for example, the radiation sources used in the reflex method of exposing the master sheet to the original could be permanently mounted within the transfer drum for rotation therewith, although for the reasons set forth hereinabove, the disclosed mode of mounting these sources is preferredsimilarly the image projection type of;exposur can beadaptedtouse with transfer drums shown using reflex exposure means, and vice-versa, and the peripheral equipment for copy printout illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 6-9 could easily Zbe adapted to the embodiments of FIGS. l"4 to provide the required duplicate copies. It should also be noted that the particular arrangement and location of the peripheral equipment is diagrammatic, and is arranged as shown primarily for clarity of illustration of the inventive concept. It will further be apparent that duplicating methods and materials other than those specifically illustrated and described can be adapted to theinventive concept without departing therefrom. Thus, for example, there is described a direct lithographic method for printout, whereas the invention is equally applicable to offset lithography.

Thus there has been provided an eflicient yet simple unitary reproduction apparatus which permits an operator to make as many copies as desired with an absolute minimum of handling of papers. The operator merely places the original to be copied in'the machine and presses the start button and the machine automatically makes the desired number of copies. No handling of the master; is needed and, with the use of an automatic feeder, the operator need not handle the copy paper. Further, only one machine is needed, as opposed to previous methods which require the use of it-wo separate machines, to produce mul-' ztiple copies economically, quickly and automatically,

utilizing either the highly desirable dry method of copying or the ;more conventional wet methods. When the required number Of copies has been made, the used master material may be removed from the surface of the transfer drum by operation of the takeup reel, at the same advancing fresh master material into the master image making and printout positions.

What I c aim is;

1. A unitary copy machine for producing a master from an original to be duplicated and for producing from said master a multiplicity of copies of said original, comprising: a housing; a rotatable transfer drum mounted in said housing and having a copy-making portion which includes a printout face on thesurface of said transfer drum; a radiation-sensitive master sheet carried by said transfer drum, said sheet being in the form of a web; a supply reel and a takeup reel for said Web mounted within said transfer drum; an exposure station including exposure means for exposing at least a portion of said master sheetto radiation from said original to produce a master image; means including said supply and takeup reels for locating on said printout face the portion of said master sheet which carries said master imagefa printout station adjacent the periphery of said transfer drum; rrl'eans fonrotating said transfer drum with'said master sheet to carry said master image tosaid printout station and into contact with copy paper supplied to said printout station for producing a copy of said original, continued rotation of said transfer drum producing multiple copies of said original from said master image; and means including said supply and takeup reels for removing said image hearing portion of said master sheet from said printout face, whereby used master images formed on said master sheet are removed from the surface of said transfer drum upon completion of said duplication."

2. The unitary copy 'machine of claim 1, wherein said exposure means includes a source of radiant energy normally located outside said transfer drum; and means for moving said source into said transfer drum to expose said master sheet to said original while said source is within said drum. i e

3. The unitary copy machine of claim 2 wherein said source of radiant energy is an infra-red heat source.

4. The unitary copy machine of claim 2 wherein said source of radiant energy is a source of ultra-violet light.

5. The unitary copy machine of claim 2, said exposure means further including means for driving said takeup reel to move a portion ofrsaid web past said source of radiant energy while said source is located within said transfer drum for exposing said master sheet and for positioning the resultant master image on said printout face. 6. The copy machine of claim 1, said exposure means further including a master-exposing portion of said transfer drum and means for drawing said master sheet past said master-exposing portion for exposure 'of said master sheet to said radiation from said original.

7. The unitary copy machine of claim 1, further including a reflecting roller mounted within said transfer drum, said master sheet being in the form of a web carried on said supply reel; said exposure means including a source of radiant energy Within said transfer drum; means including said takeup reel for Withdrawing said master sheet from said supply reel along a path defined in part by said reflecting roller and said copy-making portion of the surface of said transfer drum, whereby said source of radiant energy and' 'said reflecting roller effect exposure of said master sheet, said means for withdrawing said master sheet thereafter locating the exposed master image on said copy-making portion of the surface of said transfer drum, said transfer drurn remaining stationary during said exposure.

8. The unitary copy machine of claim 7 wherein said means for withdrawing said master sheet from said supply reel comprises a drive motor and means for connecting said drive motor to said take-up reel. i

9. The unitary copy machine of claim 8 wherein said means for withdrawing said master sheet from said supply reel further comprises control meansfor selectively connecting said drive motor to said take-up reel to draw said web past said exposure and for locating said master image on said;.printo-ut.face portion of the surface of said transfer drum to permit copies of said;master image to be made upon rotation of said transfer drum.

10. The unitary copy machine of claim 9 wherein said means for withdrawing said master sheet from said supply reel further comprises a plurality of guide rollers mounted for rotation within said drum and around which said master sheet passes as it moves from said supply reel to said take-up reel, one of said guide. rollers comprising counter roller means for monitoring the passage of said master sheet.

11. The unitary copy machine of claim 10 wherein said counter roller means includes a control wheel driven by said counter roller through gear means, said control wheel including means for regulating the connection of said drive motor means to said take-up reel.

12. The unitary copy machine of claim 10, wherein said exposure means further includes said reflecting roller and means for drawing said original into intimate contact with said master sheet as said master sheet is withdrawn from said supply reel past said reflecting roller, and means for separating said original from said master sheet after exposure of said master sheet to produce said master image.

13. The unitary copy machine of claim 12 wherein said means for rotating said transfer drum comprises further control means for selectively connecting said drive motor to said transfer drum.

14. The unitary copy machine of claim 13 wherein said further control means for selectively connecting said drive motor to said transfer drum includes means responsive to the positioning of said master image on said copymaking portion of the surface of said transfer drum, whereby said transfer drum may be rotated to bring said master image into contact with copy paper to produce a copy of said original.

15. The unitary copy machine of claim 14 wherein said control means and said further control means ir1- clude electrical switch means operated by a central wheel responsive to the motion of said master sheet.

16. The unitary copy machine of claim 7 wherein said exposure means comprises a movable source of radiant energy normally located outside said transfer drum, means for moving said source into said transfer drum for exposing said master sheet to said original as said master sheet passes around said reflecting roller, and means for moving said source out of said transfer drum upon completion of the exposure.

17. The unitary copy machine of claim 16 wherein said source of radiant energy comprises a lamp providing infra-red radiation, a movable reflecting shield surrounding said lamp and having a slot through which radiation is emitted, means for rotating said shield to direct said radiation toward said reflecting roller when said source of radiant energy is located within said transfer drum and to direct said radiation toward said master image when said source of radiant energy is located outside said drum, and means for controlling the intensity of said source, whereby a single source of radiant energy exposes said master sheet while said transfer drum is stationary and irradiates said master image during rotation of said transfer drum to effect a transfer of said master image to said copy paper.

18. The unitary copy machine of claim 17, wherein said exposure means further includes means for drawing said original into intimate contact with said master sheet as said master sheet passes around said reflecting roller, said original being located between said master sheet and said reflecting roller, and means for separating said original from said master sheet.

19. The unitary copy machine of claim 1, wherein said exposure means includes an exposure face on said transfer drum, and means carried by said transfer drum for locating said master sheet on said exposure face for exposure to said original.

20. The unitary copy machine of claim 19, wherein said means for locating said master image on said printout face includes. said supply reel and said takeup reel means; and drive means for said takeup reel to withdraw said master sheet from said supply reel along a path defined by said exposure face and said printout face, whereby said master sheet may first be located on said exposure face for exposure to said original and production of said master image, and then be located on said printout face for production of said copies.

21. The unitary copy machine of claim 19, wherein said exposure means is of the reflex exposure type, and includes a source of radiant energy locatable within said transfer drum for directing radiation through the master sheet located on said exposure sheeet onto said original, whereby the pattern of energy reflected by said original determines the pattern of said master image.

22. The unitary copy machine of claim 21, wherein said master image is adapted to produce copies by the spirit duplication process, said exposure means further including spirit carbon means interposed between said master sheet and said original, means for holding said spirit carbon means, master sheet and original in intimate contact during exposure of said master sheet, whereby spirit carbon is transferred to said master sheet in the pattern of said master image during exposure of said master sheet, and means for moving said source of radiant energy into said transfer drum to effect said exposure and for moving said source of radiant energy out of said transfer drum prior to rotation thereof.

23. The unitary copy machine of claim 22, further including means adjacent the periphery of said transfer drum for applying spirit duplicating fluid to said copy paper during rotation of said transfer drum.

24. The unitary copy machine of claim 1, wherein said means for locating said master image on said printout face further includes drive means for withdrawing said master sheet from said supply reel along a path defined by said printout face; said exposure means being of the image projection type and including a source of radiant energy directed toward said original and means for scanning said original during rotation of said transfer drum, whereby radiation in the pattern of said original exposes the portion of the master sheet located on said printout face to produce a latent master image; and means adjacent the periphery of said transfer drum for developing said latent image.

25. The unitary copy machine of claim 24, further including means for producing an electrostatic charge on said master sheet, said exposure radiation selectively discharging said master sheet to produce electrostatic reverse image of said original, said means adjacent the periphery of said transfer drum including electroscopic developing means and a source of fusing radiation, whereby said master image is produced on the master sheet located on said printout face.

26. The unitary copy machine of claim 25, further including means for producing copies from said master image by the spirit duplication process, wherein said means adjacent the periphery of said transfer drum includes thermal-transfer spirit carbon means; means for effecting pressure contact between said spirit carbon means and said master sheet during rotation of said transfer drum to transfer spirit carbon to said master image; and means for applying spirit duplicating fluid to said copy paper.

27. The unitary copy machine of claim 25, further including means for producing copies from said master image by the direct lithographic process, wherein said means adjacent the periphery of said transfer drum includes means for applying a concentrated wetting solution to the portion of the master sheet located on said printout face, means for applying a fountain solution thereto, and means for applying ink to said master image.

28. The unitary copy machine of claim 25, further including means for producing copies from said master image by electrostatic transfer of electroscopic material to said copy paper, wherein said means adjacent the periphcry of said transfer drum further includes adjustable reflector means for said source of fusing radiation, whereby said fusing radiation may be directed toward said master sheet during production of said master image and toward said copy paper during production of said copies, an auxiliary radiation source, an electrically grounded cleaning brush, and electrostatic means at the contact point between said master image and said copy paper for transferring electroscopic material to said copy paper.

29. The unitary copy machine of claim 28, wherein production of copies is effected by the rotation of said transfer drum to carry said master image past said means for producing an electrostatic charge to produce such a charge on said master sheet, past said auxiliary radiation source to discharge said master sheet in those areas where no master image is present, past said electroscopic developing means to develop said electrostatically charged master image, and into contact with said copy paper, said electrostatic means transferring said electroscopic mate rial to said copy paper in the pattern of said master image, said source of fusing radiation fixing the transferred image to produce the finished copy, and said cleaning brush removing any remaining unfused electroscopic material and any remaining electrostatic charge from said master image to prepare for production of the succeeding PY- 30. The method of automatically reproducing a graphic original comprising the steps of locating in a rotatable transfer drum a supply reel and a takeup reel carrying a web of master material; drawing at least a portion of said web onto the surface of said drum;

exposing said portion of said web to radiant energy from said graphic original to produce a master image on said web portion;

locating said web portion and the master image produced thereon on a printout surface of said transfer drum;

treating said master image to prepare it for reproduction of said original; rotating said transfer drum to carry said treated master image into contact with a sheet of copy paper to produce a duplicate of said graphic original; and

thereafter removing the portion of said web carrying said master image from said printout surface.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein said web portion is drawn onto an exposure face portion of the surface of said transfer drum, said Web portion then being exposed to produce said master image and thereafter being located on said printout surface.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein said web portion is drawn onto said web portion, said transfer drum being rotated to carry said printout surface past an exposure station adjacent said drum to expose said web portion to produce said master image, continued rotation of said drum carrying said treated master image into contact with said sheet of copy paper.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said step of exposing said web portion to radiant energy includes the steps of scanning said graphic original in synchronization with the rotation of said transfer drum and projecting a scanned image of said original onto said web portion at said exposure station.

34. A unitary copy machine for producing a master image from an original to be duplicated and for producing from said master image a multiplicity of copies of said original, comprising: a housing; a rotatable transfer drum mounted in said housing; supply and takeup means within said transfer drum for carrying a radiation-sensitive duplicating master web adapted to receive and permanently retain a master image from which multiple copies can be made after a single exposure of said original; an exposure station including means for exposing said duplicating master web to radiation reflected from said original to produce said master image; a printout surface on said transfer drum; means including said supply and takeup means for locating on said printout surface the portion of said duplicating master web which bears said master image; a printout station adjacent the periphery of said transfer drum; means for rotating said transfer drum to carry the master image located on said printout surface into contact with copy paper supplied t said printout station for producing a copy of said original; and means including said supply and takeup means for advancing said image-bearing portion of said web off of said printout surface, whereby a fresh portion of said web is made available to said exposure station.

35. The unitary copy machine of claim 34 further in cluding developing and fixing means for said master image, said means for locating said master image on said printout surface including means for first locating said master sheet at said exposure station and, after exposure, for transferring said master image to said developing and fixing means.

36. The unitary copy machine of claim 34, wherein said duplicating master Web is adapted to be continuously moved past said exposure means to said printout surface during production of said master image, said master image bearing portion of said master web being removed from said printout surface upon completion of copy production and While a second portion of said master web is being moved past said exposure means for preparing a second master image.

37. The unitary copy machine of claim 34 wherein said duplicating master web is located on said printout surface of said rotatable transfer drum for exposure to said reflected radiation, said means for rotating said transfer drum including drive means for moving said printout surface past said exposure station to permit radiation reflected from said original to produce said master image on the portion of said master web located on said printout surface and thereafter to carry said master image as produced into contact with said copy paper, continued rotation of said transfer drum carrying said master image repetitively into contact with sheets of copy paper to produce said multiplicity of copies, said exposure means being inoperative during production of said multiplicity of copies.

38. The unitary copy machine of claim 37, further including means for advancing said master web, whereby upon completion of a selected number of copies, said image-bearing portion of said master Web is withdrawn from said printout face and replaced by a second portion of said master web capable of receiving a second master image for duplication.

39. The method of automatically reproducing a graphic original comprising the steps of:

locating in a rotatable transfer drum a supply reel and a takeup reel carrying a web of master material; drawing at least a portion of said web past an exposure station onto the surface of said drum; simultaneously exposing said web portion to radiant energy from said graphic original to produce a master image on said web portion; drawing said Web portion and the master image produced thereon onto a printout surface of said transfer drum;

withdrawing said Web portion and the master image thereon from said printout surface.

40. The method of claim 39, further including holding said rotatable transfer drum stationary during said exposure of said portion of said web to radiant energy from said graphic original.

41. The method of claim 39, further including drawing a fresh portion of said master web past said exposure sta- 21 tion while said image bearing portion is being withdrawn 3,124,457 from said printout surface. 3,190,200 3,214,584 References Cited 3 260 612 UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 3,332,347

1,579,439 4/1926 Daus et a1 101-132 1,954,550 4/1934 Weide 101-132 2,582,001 1/1952 Borneman et a1. 101131 2,889,758 6/1959 Bolton. 2,958,778 11/1960 Miller et a1, 250--65.1

D-ulmage et a1. 101--471 XR Gundlach et al. 101471 XR EDGAR S. BURR, Primary Examiner U.S. C1. X.R.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent: No. 3, 491, 684 Dated January 27, 1970 Inventor s) Louis Borinsky It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Claim 32, line 2, after "onto" insert said printout surface of said transfer drum prior to exposing--.

when

Awe-at:

mm mm E m I J killlliessiorrer of Patents