US3597074A

US3597074A - Combination sheet and book copy machine

Info

Publication number: US3597074A
Application number: US745841A
Authority: US
Inventors: Karl M Murgas; Burton Greenberg; Otto A Clark
Original assignee: ICP Inc
Current assignee: ICP Inc
Priority date: 1968-07-18
Filing date: 1968-07-18
Publication date: 1971-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 1988-08-03
Also published as: DE1900844A1; FR2013167A1; BE726217A

Abstract

A combination sheet and book copy machine having an original document transport system and a copy paper transport system for reproducing increments of a moving document onto a simultaneously moving length of photosensitive copy paper. The photosensitive copy paper may be individual sheets or a length pulled from a roll supply of copy paper and automatically severed from the roll. Converter means enables the original document transport system to be converted from a book copier to a rapid cycle sheet copier, or from a rapid cycle sheet copier to a book copier. The machine also includes means for reproducing multiple copies of an original document sheet or book.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventors Karl M. Murgas Lincolnwood; Burton Grcenberg, Chicago; Otto A. Clark, Chicago, all of, 111. [21] Appl. No. 745,841 [22] Filed July 18.1968 [45] Patented Aug. 3, 1971 73] Assignee 1C1, lnc.

Skokie, lll.

[54] COMBINATION SHEET AND BOOK COPY Primary Examiner-John M. Horan Assistant Examiner-Michael D. Harris Attorney-Robert L. Slater, Jr.

ABSTRACT: A combination sheet and book copy machine having an original document transport system and a copy paper transport system for reproducing increments of a moving document onto a simultaneously moving length of photosensitive copy paper. The photosensitive copy paper may be individual sheets or a length pulled from a roll supply of copy paper and automatically severed from the roll. Convcrter means enables the original document transport system to be converted from a book copier to a rapid cycle sheet copier, or from a rapid cycle sheet copier to a book copier. The machine also includes means for reproducing multiple copies ofan original document sheet or book.

PATENTEDAm: sum 3,597,074

SHEET 1 [IF 7 INVENTORS KARL M. MURGAS BURTON GREENBERG B OTTO A. CLARK FMLWi.

ATTORNEY PAIENIED we 319m SHEEI 2 OF 7 I A ///f/ lll/lf/ II! I INVENTORS G v R Tmw E /E SB N ANK R G R O R A T U L T GC A Wm RRm AUT K500n m PATENTEDMJG 3197: 3.597074 SHEET 3 [IF 7 PATHWAY INVENTORS KARL M.MURGAS BURTON GREENBERG BYOTTO A CLARK QM; M 5g ATTORNEY PATENTED AUG 3197i 3597.074

SHEET '4 OF T 3 22 B6 g J INVENTORS KARL Mv MURGAS BURTON GREENBERG BY OTTO A. CLARK RMOLJQQJL.

ATTORNEY PATENTEUAUS 3am 3597.074

' SHEET 5 0F 7 INVENTORS KARL M. MURGAS BURTON GREENBERG BY OTTO A. CLARK AT TORN Er COMBINATION SHEET AND BOOK COPY MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to photocopy devices, including electrostatic photocopy devices, for reproducing an original document sheet or book, and more particularly relates to a single photocopy machine capable of being converted from a book copier to a rapid cycle sheet copier or from a rapid cycle sheet copier to a book copier.

Still more particularly, the invention relates to a single machine having the capability to provide original document book copying and rapid cycle original document sheet copying, and to reproduce the original document onto a length of sensitized paper automatically pulled from a roll supply or unto a sheet of sensitized paper manually inserted into the machine.

Electrostatic photocopy devices are commonly constructed to pass a specially coated and electrostatically charged sheet of copy paper through the focal plane of an optical conversion system. The original document to be copied is positioned before the objective camera lens. The image of the document is transferred through the optical camera system and onto the sensitized surface of the copy paper. The exposed or sensitive surface of the copy paper is then passed through a fluid suspension of ink particles suitably charged to react with the electrostatically charged image borne upon the copy paper surface.

It is both technically inconvenient and costly to view at one instant an entire original document page through an objective lens of a copy machine camera system in order to transfer at one instant the image of the entire document page to the sensitized copy paper. To view at one instant an entire sheet of an original document requires an exceptionally wide angle lens and large optical elements having inconveniently long focal lengths. This arrangement is further undesirable by the possible loss of resolution and edge distortion of the image transferred to the copy paper. Also, the cost of the optical components required for viewing a large area instantaneously are appreciably greater than the cost of optical components designed for viewing a relatively smaller area.

Previous photocopy machines avoided designs that require wide angle optical components, for instance, by passing a movable camera past a stationary original document which was positioned on a transparent scanning window. The sensitized paper was held fixed in the camera focal plane and the image were projected onto it in successive increments as the camera moved past the original document. A movable'camera system required substantial space and mechanical complexity,

and therefore photocopy machines so equipped were likely to be bulky in size, heavy, inherently slow and expensive to own or even lease. Furthermore, the moving camera system was not capable of being rapidly accelerated and was required to be returned after each cycle to the original or starting position before the next print cycle could be initiated.

A lighter, smaller and more rapid print cycle for a photocopy machine may be constructed if the original document is transported before the objective lens of the copy machine camera and simultaneously sensitized copy paper is moved in the camera focal plane at a direction and speed coordinated with the changing image transferred through the camera optical system.

Previous to the invention herein photocopy machines hav ing a movable original document system and a movable copy paper system were used primarily for reproducing documents in a sheet form. When books or other articles of substantial thickness were to be reproduced, the copy machines having a movable camera system were generally used.

Recently, a single photocopy machine having a movable document and movable copy paper system has been used for reproducing sheets and books. In these machines, the original document, whether sheet or book, is placed on a movable carriage and covered over with a rubberized heavy securing pad.

The carriage was transported across the objective lens of the camera. After the document was scanned, the carriage returned to its original position.

Since every reproduction required the use of a movable carriage, the operation of the machine was always slow and time consuming. The subject invention overcomes this problem by providing a photocopy machine which only requires a sweeping carrier for reproducing a book or other article of substantial thickness. For reproduction of an original document sheet, the book copier is easily and simply converted to a rapid cycle sheet copier which does not require a carrier. Since the officetype photocopy machine would be generally used more for reproducing document sheets of letter or legal size, rapid cycle performance is provided by the invention herein, for the major portion of machine operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a photocopy machine for reproducing an original document sheet or book. When the machine is used as a book copier, the open page of a book is positioned on a transparent plate of a movable carrier. The carrier moves in a forward direction across a scanning window for reproducing the page. After the page is scanned, the carrier automatically returns to its original position. Converter means are provided to convert the photocopy machine from a book copier to a rapid cycle sheet copier. When the photocopy machine is used as a sheet copier, the original document transport system conveys the original sheet from an input end across a scanning window to an output end.

The converter means comprises a double hinging means which enables the machine to be easily and simply converted from a book copier to a rapid cycle sheet copier or from a rapid cycle sheet copier to a book copier.

The carrier slides within elongated grooves during its operating cycle. The carrier may be removed from the machine by being lifted out of the grooves in an upward direction. The carrier comprises trigger means to automatically control its forward and reverse movement.

Accordingly, a primary object of our invention is to provide a single photocopy machine for reproducing an original document sheet or book.

Another primary object is to provide a photocopy machine whereby a movable carrier is used for reproducing a book and means are provided for rapidly reproducing an original document sheet which does not require the use ofa carrier.

Another primary object is to provide a photocopy machine having a movable original document transport system which is convertible from a book transport system to a rapid cycle sheet transport system or from a rapid cycle sheet transport system to a book transport system.

Another object is to provide a photocopy machine having hinge means to afford simple and easy conversion of the original document transport system from a book transport system to a rapid cycle sheet transport system or from a rapid cycle sheet transport system to a book transport system.

Another object is to provide a photocopy machine for reproducing increments of a moving document sheet or book onto a sheet of photosensitive copy paper manually inserted into the photocopy machine or onto a length of photosensitive copy paper pulled and severed from a roll of copy paper.

Another object is to provide a photocopy machine capable of providing multiple copies of an original document sheet or book.

Another object is to provide a photocopy machine having a substantially linear pathway for moving an original document past a scanning window.

Another object is to provide a transparent carrier which is removably associated with the photocopy machine to transport a book or other original documents of substantial thickness across ascanning window for reproduction.

Another object is to provide the carrier with trigger means for controlling themovement of the carrier in the forward and reverse directions, when reproducing one or a multiple of copies.

Another object is to provide a flexible and transparent sheet holder having trigger means to control its forward and reverse movement, for use when reproducing multiple copies of a sheet document when the photocopy machine is in a nonbook copying position.

Another object is to provide a photocopy machine which provides simplified pathways for transporting original documents and copy paper.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the illustrations in the accompanying drawings and the following specification and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to the drawings in which the same characters of reference are employed to indicate corresponding or similar parts throughout the several figures of the drawing.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the photocopy machine of FIG. 1 when it is used as a rapid cycle sheet copier;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the photocopy machine, embodying the principles of the invention, when it is used as a book copier;

FIG. 3 is an elevational sectional mechanical view of the photocopy machine for use as a book copier;

FIG. 4 is a fragmental sectional view of the original sheet document transport system when the photocopy machine is used as a sheet copier;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the book transport system and showing the carrier in phantom;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view showing the drive means and associated elements for controlling the rotation of the rollers of the book transport system and the copy paper transport system;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the book carrier with a book positioned thereon;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bottom of the carrier shown in FIG. 4',

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a sheet holder used to provide multiple copies of an original document sheet;

FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 illustrate a hinging means for converting the photocopy machine from a book copier to a rapid cycle sheet copier or from a rapid cycle sheet copier to a book copier;

FIG. 10 shows a fragmentary side view of the machine to illustrate the hinging means when the photocopy machine is used as a rapid cycle sheet copier;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the hinging means in the same position as shown in FIG. 10',

FIG. 12 shows a fragmentary side view of the photocopy machine to illustrate the hinging means in a pivotal position as the movable section of the original document transport system is rotated from the sheet copier position to the book copier position;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the hinging means in the same pivotal position as shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows a fragmentary side view of the photocopy machine to illustrate the hinging means when the photocopy machine is used as a book copier;

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the hinging means in the same position as shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 15A is a fragmentary side view of the photocopy machine as the movable section of the original document transport system is rotated from the book copier position to the sheet copier position;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary sectional perspective view of the carrier inside the groove when the photocopy machine is used as a book copier;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary sectional view of the copy paper transport system showing copy paper being fed from a roll FIG. 18 is a sectional fragmentary view of the copy paper transport system for manual feeding individual sheets of copy paper into the machine;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary perspective view of the copy paper input feed means for feeding individual sheets of copy paper into the photocopy machine;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view of the copy paper taken on the plane of the line 20-20 in FIG. 17, and showing the coated side of the copy on the outside of the roll;

FIG. 21 is an electrical schematic of the photocopy machine having automatic feed of photosensitive copy paper from a roll supply;

FIG. 21A is an electrical schematic of the photocopy machine used as a rapid cycle copier having automatic feed of photosensitive copy paper from a roll supply; and

FIG. 22 is an electrical schematic of the photocopy machine having manual sheet feed of the photosensitive copy paper.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the several Figures of the drawings, the reference numeral 10 indicates generally a combination sheet and book photocopy machine. The photocopy machine 10 comprises a substantially rectangular frame 12 having a pair of

opposed sidewalls

13 and 14, a front side 15 and a rear side 16. The combination sheet and book copier 10 comprises an original document transport system indicated by the designation 18A when the machine 10 is used as a book copier (FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6) and indicated by the designation 183 when the machine 10 is used as a rapid cycle sheet copier, (FIGS. 1 and 4), a copy paper transport system 19 and a camera means 20.

With particular reference to FIGS. 10 to 15, a converter means indicated generally by the reference numeral 21 enables the original document book transport system 18A shown in FIG. 3 to be converted to a rapid cycle original document sheet transport system 188 shown in FIG. 4, or from the rapid cycle original sheet transport system 188 to the original book transport system 18A.

Book Copier Turning now to FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 16, 17 and 22, the combination book copier and rapid cycle sheet copier machine 10 will be described with greater detail first as a book copier.

The book transport system 18A (FIGS. 2, 3 and 5) comprises a substantially linear pathway indicated generally by reference numeral 24 for transporting a book carrier 25 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) on which a book 26 or other article of substantial thickness is positioned, from an input end 27 to an output end 28 on the platform 22, and back again to the input end 27.

The book carrier 25 is driven across the pathway 24 from the input end 27 an input drive roller 29, drive roller 30 and output drive roller 31.

Idler rollers

32 and 33 are rotatably mounted on platform 22, and provide a smooth transition as the book carrier 25 is transported from the frame 12 onto the platform 22.

A transparent glass scanning window 34 is positioned in the pathway 24 between drive roller 30 and output drive roller 31. The images ofincrements of the open page of book 26 moving across the scanning window 34 is transferred by the camera means 20 (FIG. 3) onto a length of photosensitive copy paper.

The copy paper transport system 19 (FIG. 3) comprises a pathway 35 for transporting the length of copy paper from a copy paper input end 36 to a copy paper output end 37. The copy paper may be stored on a roll 39 supported on a spindle 40, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 17, or may be inserted by individual sheets 41 at the input end 36. The immediately following description of the photocopy machine 10 will relate to only those machines having the copy paper fed from a rolled supply 39.

The copy paper transport system 19 includes an input pair of cooperating rollers 42 and cooperating pairs of rollers indicated respectively by the

numerals

44, 45 and 46. The roller pairs 42, 44, 45 and 46 are spaced apart within the pathway 35 and move the copy paper from the input end 36 to the output end 37.

An image receiver section 48 (FIG. 3) is positioned in the copy paper pathway 35 between roller pairs 44 and 45. The image of the open page of the book moving across the scanning window 34 is conveyed by the camera means onto the length of photocopy paper moving across the image receiving section 48. Section 48 may be a ladder-type configuration formed from a nylon material, having a rectangular outer perimeter and spaced-apart cords extending from one elongated side to the other, or other suitable configurations may be used which do not affect the sharpness or definition of the transferred image of the original document. A backup plate 49 is opposed to and spaced from the image receiving section 48. The copy paper moves between the backup plate 49 and the section 48.

A knife means (FIG. 3) indicated generally by the reference numeral 50 is positioned in the copy paper pathway 35 inward from and adjacent to the input pair of rollers 42. After the book carrier has passed over the scanning window 34, the knife means 50 is actuated and severs the length of copy paper from the roll 39. Knife means 50 is only used when the copy paper is pulled from a rolled supply.

A corona section indicated generally by the reference numeral 52 (FIG. 3) is positioned between the knife means 50 and roller pair 44. Corona section 52 charges or sensitizes the photosensitive paper prior to its passage across the image receiving section 48.

After the camera means 20 has transferred the image of the open book page onto the photosensitive copy paper, the exposed copy paper then passes through a receptacle 53 containing toner solution 53 (FIG. 3). The receptacle 53 has a toner overflow section 55 which collects drippings from roller pair 46. The toner solution develops the exposed copy paper. The output pair of rollers 46 transfers the copy paper to an output conveyor 56 leading to the copy paper output 37. Although various output conveyors may be used, conveyor 56 comprises a plurality of revolving spaced-apart flexible O-ring members 56.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 6 of the drawings, the mechanical drive means for the book transport system 18A and copy paper transport system 19 will be described. A main motor 58 (FIGS. 6 and 21) drives a main continuous revolving drive chain 60. The main chain 60 drives the input drive roller 29 of the book transport system 18A and the

drive rollers

62, 63, 64 and 65, respectively, of rollers pairs 42, 44, 45 and 46 of the copy paper transport system 19 (FIG. 3). The idler rollers of roller pairs 42, 44, 45 and 46 are designated, respectively, by the

numerals

62, 63', 64 and 65. The idler rollers rotate when the corresponding drive roller of each roller pair rotates.

A reverse motor 66 drives a reverse continuous drive chain 67 in the opposite direction with respect to the rotation of main chain 60 or counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 6. The reverse motor 66 is only on when the carrier 25 is returned from the output end 28 back to the input end 27. During the interval when the reverse motor 66 is on," reverse chain 67 drives the drive rollers 29 and and output drive roller 31 in the counterclockwise direction.

The main chain 60 provides the driving power for transporting the carrier 25 from the input end 27 to the output end 28 and the length ofcopy paper from the copy paper input end 36 to the copy paper output end 37. The reverse chain 67 provides the driving power to transport the carrier 25 from the output end 28 back to the input end 27.

A copy paper clutch means indicated generally by the reference numeral 68 (FIGS. 6, l9 and 21) couples and decouples the main drive chain 60 from the drive roller 62 of copy paper input roller pair 42. The clutch means 68 may comprise a rectifier means 68a (FIG. 21) to convert alternating current, AC, power to direct current, DC, power for energizing an electromagnet 68b enclosed within a housing 69. The housing 69 with the electromagnet 68b is mounted on a shaft 70 of the drive roller 62 of the input roller pair 42. The rectifier means 68a may be mounted at a convenient location on one of the sidewalls of the frame 12. The energizing of the electromagnet 68b mechanically links the shaft 70 with a sprocket 72 (FIG. 5).

The teeth of sprocket 72 (FIG. 5) engages the main drive chain 60. Normally, the electromagnet 68b is energized and sprocket 72 is locked to the input drive roller 62, causing input roller pair 42 to rotate as the sprocket 72 is rotated by the main chain 60. After the knife means 50 has severed the length of copy paper from the copy paper roll 39, electromagnet 68b is deenergized to mechanically decouple the copy paper input roller pair 42 from the main chain 60. This prevents any further feeding ofcopy paper into the copy paper pathway.

A document clutch means indicated generally by the reference numeral 73 (FIGS. 5, 6 and 22) couples and decouples the main chain 60 from the input drive roller 29. Clutch means 73 may also comprise a rectifier means 73a to convert alternating current, AC, power to direct current, DC, power for energizing an electromagnet 73b (FIG. 21) enclosed within a housing 74. The energizing of the electromagnet 73b mechanically couples a shaft 75 of the book input roller 29 to a-main sprocket 76. The teeth of sprocket 76 engage the main drive chain 60 (FIGS. 5 and 6). During the forward movement of carrier 25, the electromagnet 73b is energized and the sprocket 76 is locked to the input roller 29, causing the input roller 29 to rotate as the sprocket 76 is rotated by the main chain 60.

An auxiliary sprocket 77 (FIG. 5) is fixedly fastened on the shaft 75 of the document input roller 29. The teeth of sprocket 77 engage the reverse chain 67. When the document input drive roller 29 is driven by the main chain 60, which is when the reverse motor 66 is of auxiliary sprocket 77 is simultaneously rotated to drive the reverse chain 67 in the forward direction or clockwise as viewed in FIG. 6, which is the same direction as the movement of main chain 60. The forward movement of the reverse chain drives drive roller 30 and output drive roller 31 in the forward direction. After the carrier 25 has reached the output end 28, the electromagnet 73b of document clutch means 73 is deenergized and reverse motor 66 is turned on. The deenergizing of the electromagnet 73b of document clutch means 73 mechanically decouples the document input drive roller 29 from the main chain 60. When the reverse motor 66 is turned on," the reverse chain 67 drives the

documentdrive rollers

29, 30 and 31 in the reverse direction or counterclockwise, which is opposite in direction to the rotation of main chain 60, causing the carrier 25 to return to the input end 27.

The camera means 20 (FIG. 3) comprises a reflecting mirror 78 positioned to receive the images of the open page of the book or other document moving across the scanning window 34 and reflects the images into the focal plane of an objective lens 79.

The objective lens 79 focuses the images of the book through an image pathway 79' and onto the photosensitive copy paper moving across the image receiving section 48. Light is beamed to the mirror 78 by a high intensity lamp 80. As shown, the image pathway from the mirror 78 to the image receiver section is substantially parallel with respect to the original document pathway 24 and extends toward the rear side 16 ofthe machine.

With particular reference to FIGS. 3, 5 and 21, the control switching circuitry will be described. A'control switch 81, SW1 is centrally positioned inward from document drive roller 29. Switching arm 81' (FIG. 21) of control switch 81, SW1 is switchedyfrom a normal or off-position to an on-position by the leading edge 82 (FIGS. 7 and 8) of the carrier 25.

In the on-position, control switch 81, SW1 causes the energizing of the electromagnet 68b of the copy paper clutch means 68 and the energizing ofa relay 83 (FIG. 21) which sets a knife solenoid 83 of knife means 50 in a go or ready condition.

Relay 83 includes a switch 83A and a switch 83B (FIG. 21 Switch 83A provides an electrical connection to line 2 voltage for knife solenoid 83', when relay 83 is energized and switch 81, SW1 is in its off-position. Switch 83B provides an electrical connection to line 2 voltage for energizing clutch means 68 and maintaining relay 83 energized after it is initially energized when switch 81, SW1 moves from its off-position to its on-position. Relay 83 and clutch means 68 remain energized until the knife means 50 has severed a length of copy paper from roll 39.

An exposure switch 84, SW2 (FIGS. 3 and 21) is positioned adjacent the input to the corona section 52. The leading edge of the copy paper switches the exposure switch 84, SW2 from a normally off-position to an on-position. When switch 84, SW2 is in the on-position, a relay 85 (FIG. 21) is energized which closes relay switch 85'. Switch 85 in the closed position connects line 2 voltage to a high voltage power supply 86 and the high intensity lamp 80; thereby turning on the high voltage supply 86 and energizing the high intensity lamp 80. Power supply 86 supplies high voltage to the corona section 52 to sensitize the copy paper as it passes through.

A hold switch 87, SW3 (FIGS. 3 and 21) is positioned in the copy paper pathway 35 between the image receiving section 48 and roller pair 45. The hold switch 87, SW3 is switched to an on-position from a normally off-position by the leading edge of the copy paper. Hold switch 87, SW3 remains in its on-position and maintains the lamp 80 and high voltage power supply 86 on" until the entire length of the severed copy paper has moved past the image receiving section 48. After the trailing edge of the copy paper travels past the hold switch 87, SW3, the hold switch returns to its off-position and lamp 80 and power supply 86 turn of The control switch 81, SW1 automatically returns to its offposition after the trailing end 88 of the carrier 25 (FIGS. 7 and 8) has moved past and thereby causing line 2 voltage to be connected to the knife solenoid 83 through switch 83A. The solenoid 83 becomes energized, which activates the knife means 50, whereby a leng h of copy paper is severed from the roll 39 having substantially the equivalent length as the carrier 25.

The cutting action of knife means 50 open switch 89 (FIG. 21) causing the deenergizing of the electromagnet 68b of the copy paper clutch means 68 and the deenergizing of relay 83 by severing their electrical connection with line 2 voltage.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the carrier 25 comprises a transparent plate 90 secured within an elongated holder 91. The plate 90 is formed from a nonscratchable material such as glass. The holder 91 comprises an upper section 91' ofa lower section 92. The forward edge or shoulder 92' of the lower section 92 is spaced inward from the front end 82 of the carrier 25. A substantially L-shaped trigger finger 93 extends perpendicularly outward from the holder 91 adjacent the trailing end 88 of the carrier 25. The lower section 92 and finger 93 provided trigger means to control the forward and reverse movement of carrier 25.

An outer grooved track 94 (FIGS. and 16) extends lengthwise along the top of the machine adjacent side 14 from input end 27 to output end 28. The width of outer track 94 is slightly larger than the width of trigger finger 93.

An inner grooved track 95 is adjacent the outer track 94 and also extends lengthwise along the top of the machine from the input end 27 to the output end 28. The width of inner track 95 is slightly larger than the width of the lower section 92. When the carrier 25 is operatively in place, the trigger finger 93 is positioned in outer track 94 and lower section 92 is positioned in inner track 95. The finger 93 and lower section 92 slide within their

respective tracks

94 and 95 as the carrier 25 moves in forward or reverse direction. The carrier 25 is removed from the machine by lifting it upwardly and out of tracks 94 and 95 A reverse-control relay 96 controls the voltage applied to the reverse motor 66, to the document clutch means 73 and to control switch 81, SW1. Relay 96 includes a relay switch 97 and a relay switch 98. In the deenergized condition for relay 96 as shown in FIG. 21, movable arm 99 of relay switch 97 contacts terminal 102 and movable arm 104 of relay switch 98 contacts terminal 106. Terminal 106 is connected to the switching arm 81' of control switch 81, SW1. When relay 96 is energized, movable arm 99 of switch 97 contacts terminal 108 and movable arm 104 ofswitch 98 contacts terminal 110.

A switch 112, SW4 (FIGS. 5 and 21) is positioned in the inner track adjacent the input end 27 for the original document. Upon contact of the forward edge 92' of carrier 25 with switch 112, SW4, the movable arm 114 connects with terminal 116, which in turn is connected to movable arm 104 of relay switch 98 of relay 96. As may be seen from FIG. 21, line 2 voltage from switch 112, SW4 is applied to switching arm 81' of control switch 81, SW1 through switch 98 when relay 96 is in the deenergized state. Switch 112, SW4 is maintained on" until the entire length of lower section 92 of the carrier 25 has passed over.

A manually controllable double-pole, double-throw switch indicated generally by numeral 117 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 21) and having a single copy position and a multiple copy position, is mounted on sidewall 14. Switch 117 includes a switch 117A and a switch 117B. For the present description of the book copier, switch 117 will be considered in its single copy position as shown in FIG. 21.

A hold switch 118, SW5 (FIGS. 5 and 21) is positioned in the inner track 95 adjacent document drive roller 30. The forward edge 92 of the lower section 92 of carrier 25 mechanically switches 118, SW5 from a normally off-position to an onposition by forcing the movable arm 120 into contact with terminal 122. Terminal 122 is connected to terminal 116 of switch 112, SW4. When switch 118, SW5 is switched on," switch 112, SW4 is also on. When the trailing end 88 of carrier 25 finally passes switch 112, SW4, the hold switch 118, SW5 provides line 2 voltage to the control switch 81, SW 1.

A switch 126, SW6, (FIGS. 5 and 21) is positioned in the outer track 94 also adjacent drive roller 30. Trigger member 93 moves switch 126, SW6 to an on" position from a normally off" position, whereby its movable arm 128 contacts terminal 130 which is connected to line 2 voltage. Movable arm 128 is connected to terminal 132 of relay 96. The other terminal 1340f relay 96 is connected to line 1 voltage. Therefore, in the on-position for switch 126, SW6, relay 96 is energized, causing movable arm 99 of relay switch 97 to move from its off-position in contact with terminal 102, to its onposition in contact with terminal 108, and movable arm 104 of relay switch 98 to move from its off-position in contact with terminal 106, to its on-position in contact with terminal 110.

The movement of arm 99 of switch 97 away from terminal 102 severs line 1 voltage from the document clutch means 73, causing drive roller 29 to be decoupled from the main chain 60. The contacting of arm 99 with terminal 108 connects line 1 voltage to the reverse motor 66, thereby turning the reverse motor 66 on." Reverse chain 67 now rotates in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 6, driving

document rollers

29, 30 and 31 in the reverse direction.

The movement of arm 104 of switch 98 away from terminal 106 removes line 2 voltage from control switch 81, SW1. This prevents the electromagnet 68b of the copy paper clutch means 68 from being energized when the trailing end 88 of the carrier 25 switches the switch 81, SW1 back to its on-position, during the reverse movement of carrier 25 toward the input end 27. The contact of arm 104 with terminal 110, which is connected to terminal 132 of relay 96, maintains line 2 voltage on the relay 96 when switch 126, SW6 returns to its off-position after trigger member 93 has passed over the switch in the reverse movement of carrier 25.

In the reverse movement of carrier 25, switch 112, SW4 is switched back to its on-position by the lower section 92 of carrier 25 prior to switch 118, SW5 returning to its off-position. Thus, switch 112, SW4 connects line 2 voltage to arm 104 of switch 98 to maintain relay 96 on" after switch 118, SW5 returns to its off-position. Switch 112, SW4 returns to its offposition, after the trailing end 88 of carrier 25 moves past, and thereby removes line 2 voltage from relay 96. Relay 96 becomes deenerized, causing the reverse motor 66 to turn off" and the line 2 voltage to be connected to arm 81' of the control switch 81, SW1. After the carrier 25 passes switch 112, SW 1, it stops moving. The machine is now ready for another operating cycle.

In the single copy position of the single multiple copy switch 117, the electromagnet 73b of the document clutch means 73 is energized when switch 112, SW4 is in its on-position and switch 9? of relay 96 is in its off-position. Therefore, electromagnet 73b is only on" for the forward sweep of carrier 25.

Operation of Book Copier Turning now particularly to FIGS. 2, 3. and 6, the sequence of the operating cycle for the machine 10 will be described with greater detail. The operating cycle comprises a photocopy part and a reverse part. In the photocopy part of the operating cycle, the carrier 25 moves from the input end 27 to the output end 28 and the open book positioned on the carrier is scanned as it passes the scanning window 34, The images of the open book are reproduced onto the length of photosensitive copy paper by the camera means 20. In the reverse part of the cycle, the carrier 25 is automatically returned to the input end 27 of the machine. The switches controlling the sequence of the operating cycle are all shown in their normally off-position in the various Figures of the drawings.

The carrier 25 is placed on top of the machine 10 whereby the lower section 92 is positioned in track 95 and trigger finger 93 is positioned in track 94l, FIG. 16, The carrier is locked in the lateral direction but may be freed from the machine by merely lifting it in the upward direction.

After the electrical power to the machine is turned on," the automatic operating cycle begins when the carrier 25, with the open book thereon, is manually moved onto the input document drive roller 29 and switch 112, SW 1 is switched to the on-position by the forward edge 92' of the lower section 92 of the carrier. Switch 112, SW4 in its on-position provides line 2 voltage for movable arm 81' of control switch 81, SW1 when switch 98 of relay 96 is in the off-position (FIG. 21 and also provides line 2 voltage for document clutch means 73 when the single multiple copy paper switch 117 is in the single position.

The leading edge 82 of the carrier 25 moves control switch 81, SW1 to its on-position whereby line 2 voltage is connected to the electromagnet 68b of copy paper clutch means 68 and to relay 83. The electromagnet 6812 becomes energized caus ing clutch means 68 to mechanically couple drive roller 62 of the input roller pair 42 (FIG. 5) with the main chain 69. Roller pair 42 pulls copy paper from roll 39 into the copy paper pathway 35. Relay 83 also becomes energized and switch 83A and switch 83B moveto their respective on-positions. Switch 83A in its on-position places the knife solenoid 83' in a standby position. Switch 838 in its on-position provides a hold voltage (line 2) to maintain relay 83 energized when control switch 81, SW1 returns to its off-position after the trailing end 88 of the carrier has passed over. Relay 83 remains energized until after knife means 50 has completed its severing operation.

The leading edge of the sensitized copy paper switches exposure switch 841, SW2 on" prior to reaching the corona section 52. In the on-position for the exposure switch 841. SW2, relay 85 is energized causing the high intensity lamp 80 and high voltage power supply 86 to turn on." The copy paper passes through the corona section 52 where it is sensitized. The images ofthe open book moving across scanning window 34 are transferred by the camera means onto the sensitized copy paper moving simultaneously across the image receiving section 49 at substantially the same rate of speed.

The leading edge of the exposed copy paper turns the hold switch 87, SW3 to its on-position after passing across the image receiving section 48. When the trailing end 88 of the carrier 25 moves past the control switch 81, SW1, the control switch returns to its off-position and provides a connection to line 2 voltage through switch 83A of relay 83 (which is energized) for knife solenoid 83. Knife solenoid 83 becomes energized, causing knife means 50 to sever a length of copy paper corresponding to the length of the carrier 25.

The cutting action of knife means 50 (FIG. 3) opens switch 89 (FIG. 21) which breaks the electrical connection of line 2 voltage with the electromagnet 68b of clutch means 68 and relay 83. The electromagnet 68b and relay 83 become deenergized. Clutch means 68 decouples the drive roller 62 of input roller pair 412 from main chain 60 and thereby stops any further movement of copy paper from the roll 39 into pathway 35.

The forward edge 92 (FIGS. 7 and 8) of the lower section 92 of carrier 25 turns switch 118, SW5 (FIG. 21) to its onposition. At the same instant, switch 112, SW4 is held in its on-position by the rear portion of lower section 92. Switch 118, SW5 provides line 2 voltage for control switch 81, SW1, when switch 112, SW4 has returned to its off-position after the entire lower section 92 has passed over, and switch 98 of relay 96 is in its off-position as shown in FIG. 21.

At the instant when substantially the entire carrier 25 has passes the scanning window 34, the trigger finger 93 turns switch 126, SW6 to the on-position whereby line 2 voltage is impressed at terminal 132 of relay 96 to cause relay 96 to become energized. When this occurs, switch 118, SW5 is still in its on-position.

Switch 97 of relay 96 moving from the off-position to the on-position, breaks the line 1 voltage connection with document clutch 73, whereby roller 29 is decoupled from the main chain 60. Reverse motor 66 is turned on causing reverse chain 67 to move in the opposite direction with respect to main chain 60; thereby driving the

drive rollers

29, 30 and 31 counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 6. The carrier 25 now moves into its reverse sweep back to input end 27.

Switch 98 moving from the off-position in contact with terminal 194 to the on-position in contact with terminal 110, severs the connection of control switch 81, SW1 with line 2 voltage. Therefore, the movement of the carrier 25 across switch 81, SW1 in the reverse part of the operating cycle, has no effect. Switch 98 in the on-position connects line 2 voltage from either switch 118, SW5 or switch 112, SW4 to terminal 132 of relay 96, to maintain relay 96 energized when switch 126, SW6 returns to the off-position after trigger finger 93 has passed over.

In the reverse sweep of carrier 25, switch 112, SW4 is turned on by the rear edge of lower section 92 before switch 118, SW5 has returned to its off-position. When the lower section 92 has passed over switch 118, SW5, switch 112, SW4 provides the line 2 hold voltage for relay 96. After the lower section 92 of the carrier has passed over switch 112, SW4, relay 96 becomes deenergized and the carrier is at rest at input 27 waiting for the next operating cycle to begin.

Converter Means Turning now specifically to FIGS. 10 to 15, the converter means 21 will be described, Converter means 21 enables the photocopy machine 10 to be quickly and readily converted from a book copier machine (FIG. 2) to a rapid cycle sheet copier (FIG. 1). The converter means 21 comprises a hinging arrangement pivotally associated with a sidewall of platform 22 and the sidewall 13 of main frame 12. Another converter means 21 is pivotally associated with an opposed sidewall 141 of platform 22 and the sidewall 14 of the main frame 12. The following detail description of converter means 21 will refer only to the hinging arrangement associated with the framesidewall 13 and platform sidewall 140.

FIGS. and 11 illustrate the position of the converter means 21 when the photocopy machine 10 is operative as a rapid cycle sheet copier, and FIGS. 14 and illustrate the position of the converter means 21 when the photocopy machine 10 is operative as a book copier.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show the converter means 21 in a transitional position as platform 140 is moved from the rapid cycle sheet copy position to the book copy position. FIG. 15A illustrates the transitional position for the converter means 21 as it is moved from the book copy position to the rapid cycle sheet copy position. As shown, platform 22 extends outward from the frame 12 when the photocopy machine is used as a book copier, and forms the upper section of the document sheet transport system when the photocopy machine is used as a rapid cycle sheet copier.

The converter means 21 comprises a stationary hinge means 142 and a movable hinge means 143. The stationary hinge means 142 is pivotally associated with sidewall 13 and a plate 144. The movable hinge means 143 is pivotally associated with the plate 144 and platform side 140. The stationary hinge means 142 is free pivoting and the movable hinge means 143 is spring loaded. Thus, when moving from the sheet copier to the book copier position (FIG. 12) or from the book copier to the sheet copier position (FIG. 15A), the stationary hinge means pivots first.

An edge 147 of plate 144 abuts a stop pin 148 (FIGS. 10 and 11), when the photocopy machine 10 is set for rapid cycle sheet copying (FIGS. 10 and 11). The stop pin 148 prevents any further counterclockwise movement of plate 144 and platform 22.

A finger 149 extends perpendicularly outward from the plate 144. Finger 149 abuts a side edge 140 (FIGS. 12 and 13) which is recessed inward from the outer main edge 141 ofside 14. The abutting contact between finger 149 and edge 150 initially occurs midway in the rotational movement of the platform 22 as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

An edge 142 of sidewall 140 ofthe platform 22 abuts or lies in juxtaposition with the edge 150 of sidewall 13 when the platform 22 is in its outward extended position. The contact of platform edge 152 and frame edge 150 prevents any further clockwise movement of platform 22 as viewed in FIGS. 12 and 13.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, an edge 154 of sidewall 140 of the platform 22 is spaced from a second recessed edge 155 of sidewall 13 when the platform is in its transitional position. Edge 155 is recessed more inward than edge 150. The clearance between edge 154 and edge 155 enables platform 22 to rotate uninhibited around the stationary pivot means 142 when moving toward the book copier position or toward the rapid cycle position.

To convert the photocopy machine 10 from the rapid cycle sheet copier shown in FIG. 1 to the book copier shown in FIG. 2, the platform 22 and plate 144 are pivoted around the sta tionary hinge means 142 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 10 to 13, until finger 149 of plate 144 abuts edge 150 of frame sidewall 13. This is the maximum rotational distance that the plate 144 can be rotated. With finger 149 braced against edge 150, the platform 22 is now rotated around the movable pivot means 143 until edge 152 abuts or is opposed to edge 150. Now the photocopy machine is set for book copy operation.

To convert the photocopy machine 10 from the book copier shown in FIG. 2 to the rapid cycle sheet copier shown in FIG. 1, the converter means 21 is pivoted from the position illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 to the position illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. The platform 22 is pivoted around the stationary hinge means 142 in the counterclockwise direction until edge 147 abuts stop pin 148 which is the position shown in FIG. 15A. Plate 144 and platform 22 are then rotated around the movable pivot means 142 in the counterclockwise direction until reaching the position shown in FIG. 10. Now, the photocopy machine is ready for rapid cycle sheet operation.

An elongated grooved member 158 (FIG. 1) is rigidly attached to surface 159 of the platform 22. A support bar 160 (FIG. 3) is positioned in the grooved member 159 and locks the platform 22 in the desired position when the photocopy machine is used as a book copier.

The grooved member 158 (FIG. 2), in addition to holding support bar 160 in place, also affords a convenient gripping handle when it is desired to rotate the platform 22 from its closed position or rapid cycle position in FIG. 1 to the open position or book copier position in FIG. 2.

Spaced rod members 162, 162 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 6) are secured respectively at their upper ends to opposed ends of the locking bar member 160 (FIG. 6) and adjustably secured at their lower ends respectively to sidewalls 13 and 14 of frame 12. An elongated slot 163 (FIG. 3) is formed in the lower end of the rods 162, 162'. A securing means indicated generally by numeral 164 (FIG. 3) may comprise a screw extending through slot 163 and a lock nut 164 securing each

rod

162, 162 to the screw at the desired point along the length of the slot 163. The adjustment of the securing means affords means to precisely align

drive rollers

29, 30 and 31 with

idler rollers

32 and 33 and thereby assure smooth movement of carrier 25 as it moves from the main frame 12 onto the platform Rapid Cycle Sheet Copier With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, the photocopy machine 10 operating as a rapid cycle sheet copier will be described.

As may be seen particularly from FIG. 4, platform 22 forms the upper section of the rapid cycle original document sheet transport system 188. The

idler rollers

32, 33 and an idler roller 166 are journaled to sidewalls and 141 of the platform and extend therebetween.

Idler rollers

32,33 and 166 lie vertically above in juxtaposition respectively with output drive roller 31, drive roller 30 and input drive roller 29.

An original document sheet is inserted into the original document pathway 24 at the input end 27.

Rollers

29 and 166 move the document inwardly whereby the leading edge thereof switches switch 81, SW1 from its off-position (Shown in FIG. 21) to its on-position, causing the copy paper clutch means 68 (FIGS. 3 and 6) to energize. The energized clutch means 68 couples drive power to the copy paper input roller pair 42 which causes the copy paper to be pulled from the roll 39 into the copy paper pathway 35.

The original sheet document is conveyed past the scanning window 34, and increments thereof are reproduced onto the simultaneously moving copy paper as it is transported past the image receiving section 48. After passing the scanning window 34, the original document is dispensed from the machine at the output end 28 located at the front side 15 (FIG. 1) of the photocopy machine.

The copy paper transport system 19 and camera means 20 operate the same as previously described for the book copier photocopy machine.

When the photocopy machine 10 is used as a rapid cycle copier for reproducing a document sheet onto a length of sensitized copy paper, which is automatically fed from the roll supply 39, the dotted section of the electrical schematic designated FIG. 21a in FIG. 21 applies. If, instead, the rapid cycle document sheet copier is set up to reproduce the original document onto manually inserted sheets of sensitized copy paper, the copy paper input arrangement in FIGS. 18 and 19 and electrical schematic in FIG. 22 apply. Similar parts in FIGS. 18, 19 and 22 to those in the other Figures of the drawings, are identified by the same numeral designation with a 0" suffix.

It is within the contemplation of the invention that the manually insertable copy paper sheet input arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 18, 19 and 22 are adaptable for use when the photocopy machine is used as a book copier.

13 Copy Paper Input Referring now particularly to FIGS. 17, 18 and 19, the adaptability of the photocopy machine to be used with a roll supply 39 of photosensitive copy 62or with manually insertable individual sheets of photosensitive copy paper, will be described.

Roll Feed If a roll supply 39 of sensitized copy paper is used (FIGS. 3 and 17), the leading portion of the paper is initially inserted manually between input rollers 62, 26' of roller pair 42 and pulled past the knife means 50 (FIGS. 3 and 17). In the photocopy operation, the knife means 50, as previously described, automatically severs the length of copy paper from the roll 39. When the photocopy machine 10 is used as a rapid cycle sheet copier, the severed length ofthe copy paper is sub stantially equivalent to the length of the original sheet document. When the machine 10 is used as a book copier, the severed length is substantially equivalent to the length of the carrier 25.

Turning now specifically to FIG. 20, it will be seen that the roll of copy paper 39 comprises a photosensitive outer layer 168 ofa photosensitive coating and an inner layer ofa backing material 169. The outer coating layer 168 may be a zinc oxide or the like mixed with a suitable binder substance. The backing material 169 may be a paper material being of substantially lighter weight than an equal unit length of the outer coating layer 168.

As the copy paper is pulled away from the roll 39, the tendency is for the coating layer 168 of the copy paper to strain the copy paper in an outward direction which is in opposition to the inward curling force of the length of copy paper pulled from the roll. Thus, the forces tend to cancel each other out. Therefore, by having the heavier coating on the outside ofthe roll, the reproduced sheets dispensed at the copy paper output 37 are substantially straight even when the copy paper is being pulled from the end of the roll 39 where there is the greatest tendency for the paper to curl.

Manual Feed For the manual copy paper sheet feed (FIGS. 18, 19 and 22), the automatic knife means 50 is not used and in its place, a copy paper stand by switch 170, SW8 is mounted. With reference now to FIG. 22, the stand by switch 170, SW8 has a normal-psoition, as shown, for connecting line 1 alternating current, AC, voltage to the copy paper clutch means 680 for energizing the electromagnet 6812c, and a stand by position for severing the AC line 1 connection with clutch means 681'.

When switch 170, SW8 is in the normal-position, the drive chain 600 (FIG. 19) is coupled to the drive roller 620 of the copy paper input roller pair 42c (FIG. 19). In the stand byposition before the original document is inserted into the system, the drive chain 600 is decoupled from the drive roller 620 which prevents the copy paper sheet from penetrating further into the copy paper pathway 350. The stand by switch 170, SW8 is switched from the normalposition to the stand by-position by the leading edge 171 ofthe sheet ofcopy paper. FIG. 19 illustrates the position of the sheet of copy paper after the leading edge 171 has moved switch 170, SW8 to its stand byposition.

In the manual copy paper sheet feed embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 18, 19 and 22, the sheet of copy paper must be inserted into the machine first. The input pair of feed rollers 42c (FIGS. 18 and 19) transports the copy paper from the copy paper input end 36: into the copy paper pathway 35c. The leading edge 171 of the copy paper switches the stand by switch 170, SW8 from its normal-position to the stand by-position causing the deenergizing of the electromagnet 68hr mechanically disassociates the drive roller 620 of the roller pair 420 from the drive chain 60c, which instantly stops any further movement of the copy paper. Thus, when switch 170',

SW8 is in stand by-position, the copy paper is firmly and positively held in place by the input roller pair 42. Now, the original document may be inserted into the machine at the convenience of the operator.

When the original document is inserted into the photocopy machine 100, its leading edge switches the control switch 81c, SW1 (FIG. 22) from its normal or off-position to its on-position. In the on-position for control switch 810, SW1 the electromagnet 6812c of the clutch means 68c is again energized to mechanically couple the drive roller 620 of input roller pair 420 to the drive chain 600. Now the sheet of copy paper is pulled inward by roller pair 42c and transported through the copy paper pathway 350 at substantially the same speed as the movement of the original document.

The distance from the stand by switch 170, SW8 to the image receiving section 480 is substantially equal to the distance from the control switch 81c, SW1 (FIGS. 4 and 22), to the document'scanning window 34 (FIG. 4). Thus, exact reproduction of the document onto a sheet of copy paper is achieved without simultaneously inserting the copy paper with the document. Hence, the operator is able to first insert the copy paper evenly into the copy paper pathway 35c, and then subsequently, at his convenience, insert the original document also evenly into the original document pathway 24 (FIG. 4). In this manner, clear and identical reproductions of the original documents are obtained. Moreover, by not requiring simultaneous feeding of the original document and the copy paper, the probability of jamming due to improper feed of the original document into the original document transport system 18A or B and the copy paper into the copy paper transport system 19 is virtually eliminated.

Prior to the copy paper reaching the corona section 52c, the leading edge of the copy paper switches the exposure switch 84c, SW2 (FIG. 22) from the normal-position to the on-position to cause the high intensity lamp and the high voltage power supply 860 to be turned on (FIG 3). The leading edge 171 of the copy paper, after passing the image receiving section 48c, switches the hold switch 87c, SW3 from the off-position to the hold-position which maintains the high intensity lamp 800 and the high voltage power supply 86c on after switch 840, SWZhas returned to its off-position. Switch 870, SW3 remains in the hold-position until the entire document has been reproduced onto the sheet of copy paper. After the trailing edge of the copy paper has past switch 870, SW3, it returns to its off-position. The sequence of movement of the copy paper until it reaches the copy paper output 37 is the same as previously described for the book copier.

Although the foregoing description specifies and the drawings illustrate that the copy paper sheet is to be inserted first into the photocopy machine and afterward the original document, it is contemplated that the same aforedescribed principles of operation are applicable in an arrangement whereby the original document is inserted first and then the copy paper.

Multiple Copies The photocopy machine 10'may provide multiple copies when the photocopy machine is used as a book copier or as a rapid cycle sheet copier. A stepping switch 176 (FIG. 21) is preset from an outside control 177 (FIGS. 1 and 2) to the number of copies desired for each original document inserted into the machine. The stepping switch 176 comprises a switch member 178 having an on-position and an off-position.

To obtain multiple copies, it is first necessary to manually switch the single-multiple switch 117 from its single copy position (shown in FIG. 21), to its multiple copy position. In the single copy position of switch 117, switch member 178 is bypassed through switch 117A and line 2 voltage is connected through switch 1178 to the document clutch means 73 when switch 112, SW4 is in its on-position. In the multiple position for switch 117, switch member 178 of stepping switch 176 is no longer bypassed by switch 117A and line 2 voltage is connected directly to the document clutch means 73 through switch 1178.

For multiple copies, switch 117 is set to the multiple copy position, and the number of copies is dialed into the photocopy machine at the control 177 which causes the switch member 178 of stepping switch 176 to move from the off to the on-position. Switch member 178 automatically returns to its off-position after the last copy of the original has been reproduced.

In the on-position for switch member 178 of stepping switch 176, line 1 voltage is connected to the document clutch means 73 when switch 97 of relay 96 and switch 112, SW4 are in their off-positions.

The stepping switch 176 tabulates the copies by decreasing one position corresponding to a digit, each time switch 126, SW6 is switched from the off to the on-position and connects line 2 voltage to terminal 179 of the stepping switch 176. In the last reproduction cycle when stepping switch 178 moves from the one copy position to the zero copy position, switch member 178 moves from its on-position to its offposition. This severs the line 1 voltage connection to clutch means 73 when switch 112, SW4 and relay 96 are in their off-positions.

When the photocopy machine 10 is used as a book copier, switch 126, SW6 is switched to the on-position by finger 93 and switch 112, SW4 returns to its off-position after the lower section 92 of carrier 25 passes over upon completion of the return sweep. The carrier 25 stops at input 27 if all the copies have been reproduced.

If the stepping switch 176 is in any other position than zero copies, line 1 voltage is connected within clutch means 73 through switch member 178. This energizes the electromagnet 73b, causing the clutch means 73 to couple the drive roller 29 to the main chain 60. Drive roller 29 now revolves in the forward direction or clockwise, as viewed in FIG. 5, which causes the carrier 25, if the photocopy machine is used as a book co pier, to reverse in direction and move in the forward direction to commence another copy cycle.

A transparent, flexible holder means 182 as shown in FIG. 9 enables multiple copies to be obtained when the photocopy machine 10 is used exclusively as a sheet copier (FIGS. 1 and 4). Holder member 182 comprises a pair of opposed

flexible faces

183, 183 which are easily spread apart to receive a document sheet. The faces 1133, 183' are secured at their inner edges to a holder 184. A substantially L"-shaped trigger finger 185 extends perpendicularly outward from the holder.

The lower section 186 of holder 184 slides within the inner track 95 and trigger finger 185 slides withing outer track 94. The flexible faces 183, 133' with the document therebetween are inserted at the input end 27 and pass between input roller pair comprising drive roller 29 and idler roller 166, the roller pair comprising drive roller 30 and idler roller 33 and the output roller pair comprising drive roller 31 and idler roller 166 (FIG. 4). As the holder means 182 passes the scanning window 34, the document is reproduced. The holder means moves toward the output end 28 until the trigger finger 185 switches switch 126, SW6 to its on-position. When this occurs, the holder means 182 reverses its direction of movement and returns toward the input end 27.

The lower section 186 of holder 184 and trigger finger 185 function identically as the lower section 92 and trigger finger 93 of the carrier 25. Therefore, lower section 186 and trigger finger 185 control the forward and reverse movement of the holder means 182 and thus enable multiple copies to be obtained when the photocopy machine is in its document sheet copy position (FIGS. 1 and 4), m the same manner as described in the foregoing when the photocopy machine is used as a book copier (FIGS. 2 and 3).

From the foregoing description and drawings, it should be apparent that a novel photocopy machine 10 has been provided which accomplishes the aforestated objects in an efficient and improved manner. The photocopy machine 10 may be used as a book copier (FIG. 2) and as a rapid cycle sheet copier (FIG. 1). By providing converter means 21, the movable section 22 is rotatablefrom the rapid cycle sheet copier position (FIG. 1) to the book copier position (FIG. 2), and from the book copier position to the rapid cycle sheet copier position.

A removable carrier is provided for transporting an original document book across the scanning window 34 when the movable section is in the book copier position (FIG. 2). Pairs of spaced cooperating rollers transport the original document across the scanning window when the movable section is in the sheet copier position (FIG. 1).

The copy paper may be automatically fed from a roll supply when the photocopy machine is used either as a book copier or as a rapid cycle sheet copier (FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 17). The photocopy machine is also adaptable so that individual sheets of copy paper may be manually fed into the copy paper pathway when the photocopy machine is used either as a book copier or as a rapid cycle sheet copier.

The photocopy machine may provide multiple copies when used as a book copier or as a rapid cycle sheet copier. When the machine is used as a book copier and set for multiple copies, actuator means of the carrier 25 cooperates with the switching means of the original document transport system and causes the carrier to sweep back and forth from the input end 27 until the preset number of photocopies are reproduced. when the machine is used as a sheet copier, the original document sheet is inserted in the holder means 182. Actuator means of the holder means 182, similar to be transported back and forth until the present number of photocopies are reproduced.

The description of the preferred embodiments of this invention is intended merely as illustrative of this invention, the

scope and limits ofwhich are set forth in the following claims.

We claim:

1. In a reproduction apparatus including a frame having at least one sidewall, an original document transport means for moving an original document through a pathway from an input end to an output end, a scanning window disposed in the pathway, a copy paper transport means for transporting copy paper through a copy paper pathway, power means for driving said transport means, camera means for reproducing the document onto the copy paper as the document moves past the scanning window, said original document transport means comprising: I

a movable section having a sheet copier position and a book copier position;

a stationary section associated with said power means, said movable section being in juxtaposition with the stationary section when in said sheet copier position whereby the movable and stationary sections cooperate and transport a sheet across the scanning window, said movable section being outward from the stationary section when in said book copier position; and

a carrier means for removable positioning on said machine when said movable section is in said book copier position, said carrier cooperating with said power means and supporting said original document whereby said power means causes the carrier to move past the scanning window for reproducing the document onto the copy paper.

2. The reproduction apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

converter means is associated with the movable section for enabling said movable section to be rotated from said sheet copier position to said book copier position.

In a reproduction apparatus including a frame having at least one sidewall, an original document transport means for moving an original document through a pathway from an input end to an output end, a scanning window disposed in the pathway, a copy paper transport means for transporting a length of copy paper through a copy paper pathway, power means for driving said transport means, camera means for reproducing the document onto the copy paper as the document moves past the scanning window, said original document transport means comprising:

a movable section having a sheet copier position and a book copier position; i

a stationary section associated with said power means, said movable section being in juxtaposition with the stationary section when in said sheet copier position whereby the movable and stationary sections cooperate and transport a sheet document across the scanning window, said movable section being positioned outward from the stationary section when in said book copier position;

a first pivot means; and

a second pivot means, said first pivot means for rotating the movable section from the sheet copier position to an intermediate position between the sheet copier and book copier positions, said second pivot means for rotating said movable section from said intermediate position to said book copier position.

4. The reproduction apparatus of claim 3, wherein:

said first pivot means is a stationary pivot means and said second pivot means is a movable pivot means.

5. The reproduction apparatus of claim 4, wherein:

a plate means is pivotally associated with said stationary pivot means and said movable pivot means, said plate means pivoting around the stationary pivot means when the movable section is rotated from said sheet copier position to said book copier position.

6. The reproduction apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein:

said movable section is positioned above said stationary section when the movable section is in said sheet copier position;and

a stop means for abutting said plate means to limit the movement of the movable section when the movable section is rotated from the book copier position to the sheet copier position.

7. The reproduction apparatus of claim wherein:

a finger means extends outward from the plate means; and

an abutment for abutting said plate means to limit therotational movement of the plate means when the movable section is rotated from the sheet copier position toward said book copier position.

8. The reproduction apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein:

a grooved member is associated with an outer surface of the movable section;

a support bar is positioned in said grooved member when the movable section is in said book copier position; and adjustment means associated with said support bar to ena ble adjustment of the height of the movable section with respect to the stationary section.

9. The reproduction apparatus of claim 1:

multiple copy means for reproducing a plurality of copies of an original document inserted into said machine when the movable section is in said sheet copier position, said mul-. tiple copy means comprising a holder means for holding said document, said holder means being insertable at the input end between the movable and stationary sections when the movable section is in the sheet copier position, said holder means including actuator means; and

control means cooperating with said actuator means to cause the holder means to sweep from said input end past the scanning window and back to the input end for each copy of the original document to be reproduced.

10. The reproduction apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein:

said holder means comprises a pair of faces, at least one of said faces being liftable away from the other to permit the original document sheet to be inserted between the faces;

an elongated opening formed in the upper part of the apparatus;

said actuator means operatively extending below said faces and into said opening; and

said control means comprises a first switch and a second switch disposed in said opening, said first switch moving from an off to an on-position after contacting said actuator means to cause said holder means to return to said input end after passing the scanning window, said second switch moving from an off to an on-position after contacting said actuator means to cause said holder means to move from said input end toward the scanning window only when less. than all the desired copies have been reproduced.

11. The reproduction apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

at least one drive roller is rotatably associated with the stationary section for transporting the original document toward the scanning window when the movable section is in either said sheet copier or book copier positions; and

an idler roller is rotatably associated with the movable section, said idler roller being in juxtaposition with said drive roller when the movable section is in the sheet copier position whereby said drive roller and idler roller cooperate and transport an original document sheet from the input end to the output end.

12. The reproduction apparatus of claim 1, wherein said power means comprises:

a main continuous rotating chain for driving said original document transport means in one direction; and

a reverse chain for driving the original document means in the opposite direction.

13. The reproduction apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

an elongated opening extends from the input end to the output end of the stationary section, said carrier including a lower section and a toe operatively extending inside the opening;

a first switch is positioned adjacent the output end, said first switch moving from an off to an on-position after contacting said toe to cause the carrier to return to said input end after passing the scanning window; and

a second switch is positioned adjacent the input end, said second switch moving from an off to an on-position after contacting the lower section of the carrier to cause the carrier to move from the input end toward the scanning window.

14. The reproduction apparatus of claim 13, wherein:

a hold switch is positioned in said opening, said lower section ofthe carrier switching the hold. switch from an off to an on-position, said hold switch when in the on-position enabling said carrier to continue moving toward the input end after the first switch has returned to its off-position and enabling said carrier to continue moving toward the output end after the second switch has returned to its offposition prior to the first switch moving to its on-position. 15. The reproduction apparatus of claim 14, wherein said power means comprises:

a main continuous rotating chain for driving said carrier from the input end to the output end; reverse chain for driving the original document means from the output end to the input end; a reverse motor for driving said reverse chain, said reverse motor operating after said carrier reaches the output end; and relay means having an on-position and an off-position, said first switch means moving from the off to the on-position causing said relay means to switch to its on-position and thereby turning said reverse motor on," said relay switch being maintained in the on-position by said hold switch after said first switch returns to the off-position. 16. The reproduction apparatus of claim 15, wherein: said copy paper is stored on a roll; a knife means for severing a length of copy paper from the roll; and a control switch is disposed in the original document pathway, the leading edge of the carrier switching the control switch from an off to an on-position, said copy paper being pulled from the roll after said control switch has moved from the off to the on-position, said knife means severing said length of copy paper after said control switch has returned to the off-position and said relay means is in its on-position. 17. The reproduction apparatus of claim 16, wherein: said original document transport system comprises at least one drive roller causing the original document to be transported toward the scanning window when the movable section is in said sheet copier position and in said book copier position; and

a document clutch means is associated with said drive roller, said document clutch means having a first position when the drive roller is coupled to the main chain and a second position when the drive roller is decoupled from the main chain, said document clutch means being switched from the first position to the second position when said relay means is switched to its on-position, said drive roller being driven by the reverse chain when decoupled from the main chain.

18. ln a reproduction apparatus including a frame having at least one sidewall, an original document transport means for moving an original document through a pathway from an input end to an output end, a scanning window disposed in the pathway, a copy paper transport means for transporting copy paper through a copy paper pathway, power means for driving said transport means, camera means for reproducing the document onto the copy paper as the document moves past the scanning window, said original document transport means comprising:

a movable section having a sheet copier position and a book copier position;

a stationary section associated with said power means, said movable section being in juxtaposition with the stationary section when in said sheet copier position whereby the movable and stationary sections cooperate and transport a sheet document across the scanning window, said movable section being outward from the stationary section when in said book copier position;

at least one drive roller associated with the original document transport system for transporting the original document toward the scanning window when the movable section is in either said sheet copier or book copier position;

a continuous chain for driving said drive roller to cause said original document to be transported from the input end toward the output end; and

a document clutch means associated with said drive roller and said chain, said document clutch means having a first position when the drive roller is coupled to the main chain and a second position when the drive roller is decoupled from the main chain, said document clutch means being switched from the first position to the second position when the original document reaches the output end.

19. In a reproduction apparatus including a frame having at least one sidewall, an original document transport means for moving an original document through a pathway from an input end to an output end, a scanning window disposed in the pathway, a copy paper transport means for transporting copy paper through a copy paper pathway, power means for driving said transport means, camera means for reproducing the document onto the copy paper as the document moves past the scanning window, said original document transport means comprising:

a movable section having at least one idler roller;

a stationary section having at least one drive roller associated with said power means, said movable section having a sheet copier position when said idler roller is in juxtaposition with the drive roller and a book copier position when said idler roller is disassociated from said drive roller, said idler roller cooperating with the drive roller for conveying the original document when the movable section is in said sheet copier position; and

means for receiving a document carrier when the movable section is in said book copier position, whereby said drive roller causes said carrier to move toward the scanning window.

20. The reproduction apparatus of claim 19 includes:

a removable carrier for use when the apparatus is used as a book copier, said carrier including an actuator means for association with said track means, said actuator means cooperating with the control means to cause said sweep movement.

21. The reproduction apparatus of claim 9, includes:

a holder means for holding said document, said holder means being insertable between the drive roller and the idler roller when the apparatus is used as a sheet copier, said holder means including actuator means for association with said track means, said actuator means cooperating with the control means to cause said sweep movement.

22. In a reproduction apparatus including a frame having at least one sidewall, an original document transport means for moving an original document through a pathway from an input end to an output end, a scanning window disposed in the pathway, a copy paper transport means for transporting copy paper through a copy paper pathway, power means for driving said transport means, camera means for reproducing the document onto the copy paper as the document moves past the scanning window, said original document transport means comprising:

a movable section having a sheet copier position and a book copier position:

a first pivot means; and

a second pivot means, said pivot means enabling the movable section to be rotated from the sheet copier position to the book copier position and from the book copier position to the sheet copier position, one of said pivot means enabling the movable section to be rotated from one of said positions to an intermediate point between said positions, the other pivot means enabling the movable section to be rotated from the intermediate point to the other of said positions.

23. The reproduction apparatus of claim 22 wherein said first pivot means pivots freely and said second pivot means is spring loaded, said first pivot means pivoting when the movable section is rotated from said one position to said intermediate point and said second pivot means pivots when the movable section is rotated from said intermediate point to the other of said positions.

Claims

1. In a reproduction apparatus including a frame having at least one sidewall, an original document transport means for moving an original document through a pathway from an input end to an output end, a scanning window disposed in the pathway, a copy paper transport means for transporting copy paper through a copy paper pathway, power means for driving said transport means, camera means for reproducing the document onto the copy paper as the document moves past the scanning window, said original document transport means comprising: a movable section having a sheet copier position and a book copier position; a stationary section associated with said power means, said movable section being in juxtaposition with the stationary section when in said sheet copier position whereby the movable and stationary sections cooperate and transport a sheet across the scanning window, said movable section being outward from the stationary section when in said book copier position; and a carrier means for removable positioning on said machine when said movable section is in said book copier position, said carrier cooperating with said power means and supporting said original document whereby said power means causes the carrier to move past the scanning window for reproducing the document onto the copy paper.

2. The reproduction apparatus of claim 1, wherein: converter means is associated with the movable section for enabling said movable section to be rotated from said sheet copier position to said book copier position. 3. In a reproduction apparatus including a frame having at least one sidewall, an original document transport means for moving an original document through a pathway from an input end to an output end, a scanning window disposed in the pathway, a copy paper transport means for transporting a length of copy paper through a copy paper pathway, power means for driving said transport means, camera means for reproducing the document onto the copy paper as the document moves past the scanning window, said original document transport means comprising: a movable section having a sheet copier position and a book copier position; a stationary section associated with said power means, said movable section being in juxtaposition with the stationary section when in said sheet copier position whereby the movable and stationary sections cooperate and transport a sheet document across the scanning window, said movable section being positioned outward from the stationary section when in said book copier position; a first pivot means; and a second pivot means, said first pivot means for rotating the movable section from the sheet copier position to an intermediate position between the sheet copier and book copier positions, said second pivot means for rotating said movable section from said intermediate position to said book copier position.

4. The reproduction apparatus of claim 3, wherein: said first pivot means is a stationary pivot means and said second pivot means is a movable pivot means.

5. The reproduction apparatus of claim 4, wherein: a plate means is pivotally associated with said stationary pivot means and said movable pivot means, said plate means pivoting around the stationary pivot means when the movable section is rotated from said sheet copier position to said book copier position.

6. The reproduction apparatus of claim 5, wherein: said movable section is positioned above said Stationary section when the movable section is in said sheet copier position; and a stop means for abutting said plate means to limit the movement of the movable section when the movable section is rotated from the book copier position to the sheet copier position.

7. The reproduction apparatus of claim 6 wherein: a finger means extends outward from the plate means; and an abutment for abutting said plate means to limit the rotational movement of the plate means when the movable section is rotated from the sheet copier position toward said book copier position.

8. The reproduction apparatus of claim 7, wherein: a grooved member is associated with an outer surface of the movable section; a support bar is positioned in said grooved member when the movable section is in said book copier position; and adjustment means associated with said support bar to enable adjustment of the height of the movable section with respect to the stationary section.

9. The reproduction apparatus of claim 1: multiple copy means for reproducing a plurality of copies of an original document inserted into said machine when the movable section is in said sheet copier position, said multiple copy means comprising a holder means for holding said document, said holder means being insertable at the input end between the movable and stationary sections when the movable section is in the sheet copier position, said holder means including actuator means; and control means cooperating with said actuator means to cause the holder means to sweep from said input end past the scanning window and back to the input end for each copy of the original document to be reproduced.

10. The reproduction apparatus of claim 9, wherein: said holder means comprises a pair of faces, at least one of said faces being liftable away from the other to permit the original document sheet to be inserted between the faces; an elongated opening formed in the upper part of the apparatus; said actuator means operatively extending below said faces and into said opening; and said control means comprises a first switch and a second switch disposed in said opening, said first switch moving from an off to an on-position after contacting said actuator means to cause said holder means to return to said input end after passing the scanning window, said second switch moving from an off to an on-position after contacting said actuator means to cause said holder means to move from said input end toward the scanning window only when less than all the desired copies have been reproduced.

11. The reproduction apparatus of claim 1 wherein: at least one drive roller is rotatably associated with the stationary section for transporting the original document toward the scanning window when the movable section is in either said sheet copier or book copier positions; and an idler roller is rotatably associated with the movable section, said idler roller being in juxtaposition with said drive roller when the movable section is in the sheet copier position whereby said drive roller and idler roller cooperate and transport an original document sheet from the input end to the output end.

12. The reproduction apparatus of claim 1, wherein said power means comprises: a main continuous rotating chain for driving said original document transport means in one direction; and a reverse chain for driving the original document means in the opposite direction.

13. The reproduction apparatus of claim 1 wherein: an elongated opening extends from the input end to the output end of the stationary section, said carrier including a lower section and a toe operatively extending inside the opening; a first switch is positioned adjacent the output end, said first switch moving from an off to an on-position after contacting said toe to cause the carrier to return to said input end after passing the scanning window; and a second switch is positiOned adjacent the input end, said second switch moving from an off to an on-position after contacting the lower section of the carrier to cause the carrier to move from the input end toward the scanning window.

14. The reproduction apparatus of claim 13, wherein: a hold switch is positioned in said opening, said lower section of the carrier switching the hold switch from an off to an on-position, said hold switch when in the on-position enabling said carrier to continue moving toward the input end after the first switch has returned to its off-position and enabling said carrier to continue moving toward the output end after the second switch has returned to its off-position prior to the first switch moving to its on-position.

15. The reproduction apparatus of claim 14, wherein said power means comprises: a main continuous rotating chain for driving said carrier from the input end to the output end; a reverse chain for driving the original document means from the output end to the input end; a reverse motor for driving said reverse chain, said reverse motor operating after said carrier reaches the output end; and a relay means having an on-position and an off-position, said first switch means moving from the off to the on-position causing said relay means to switch to its on-position and thereby turning said reverse motor ''''on,'''' said relay switch being maintained in the on-position by said hold switch after said first switch returns to the off-position.

16. The reproduction apparatus of claim 15, wherein: said copy paper is stored on a roll; a knife means for severing a length of copy paper from the roll; and a control switch is disposed in the original document pathway, the leading edge of the carrier switching the control switch from an off to an on-position, said copy paper being pulled from the roll after said control switch has moved from the off to the on-position, said knife means severing said length of copy paper after said control switch has returned to the off-position and said relay means is in its on-position.

17. The reproduction apparatus of claim 16, wherein: said original document transport system comprises at least one drive roller causing the original document to be transported toward the scanning window when the movable section is in said sheet copier position and in said book copier position; and a document clutch means is associated with said drive roller, said document clutch means having a first position when the drive roller is coupled to the main chain and a second position when the drive roller is decoupled from the main chain, said document clutch means being switched from the first position to the second position when said relay means is switched to its on-position, said drive roller being driven by the reverse chain when decoupled from the main chain.

18. In a reproduction apparatus including a frame having at least one sidewall, an original document transport means for moving an original document through a pathway from an input end to an output end, a scanning window disposed in the pathway, a copy paper transport means for transporting copy paper through a copy paper pathway, power means for driving said transport means, camera means for reproducing the document onto the copy paper as the document moves past the scanning window, said original document transport means comprising: a movable section having a sheet copier position and a book copier position; a stationary section associated with said power means, said movable section being in juxtaposition with the stationary section when in said sheet copier position whereby the movable and stationary sections cooperate and transport a sheet document across the scanning window, said movable section being outward from the stationary section when in said book copier position; at least one drive roller associated with the original document transport system for transporting the original document towarD the scanning window when the movable section is in either said sheet copier or book copier position; a continuous chain for driving said drive roller to cause said original document to be transported from the input end toward the output end; and a document clutch means associated with said drive roller and said chain, said document clutch means having a first position when the drive roller is coupled to the main chain and a second position when the drive roller is decoupled from the main chain, said document clutch means being switched from the first position to the second position when the original document reaches the output end.

19. In a reproduction apparatus including a frame having at least one sidewall, an original document transport means for moving an original document through a pathway from an input end to an output end, a scanning window disposed in the pathway, a copy paper transport means for transporting copy paper through a copy paper pathway, power means for driving said transport means, camera means for reproducing the document onto the copy paper as the document moves past the scanning window, said original document transport means comprising: a movable section having at least one idler roller; a stationary section having at least one drive roller associated with said power means, said movable section having a sheet copier position when said idler roller is in juxtaposition with the drive roller and a book copier position when said idler roller is disassociated from said drive roller, said idler roller cooperating with the drive roller for conveying the original document when the movable section is in said sheet copier position; and means for receiving a document carrier when the movable section is in said book copier position, whereby said drive roller causes said carrier to move toward the scanning window.

20. The reproduction apparatus of claim 19 includes: a removable carrier for use when the apparatus is used as a book copier, said carrier including an actuator means for association with said track means, said actuator means cooperating with the control means to cause said sweep movement.

21. The reproduction apparatus of claim 9, includes: a holder means for holding said document, said holder means being insertable between the drive roller and the idler roller when the apparatus is used as a sheet copier, said holder means including actuator means for association with said track means, said actuator means cooperating with the control means to cause said sweep movement.

22. In a reproduction apparatus including a frame having at least one sidewall, an original document transport means for moving an original document through a pathway from an input end to an output end, a scanning window disposed in the pathway, a copy paper transport means for transporting copy paper through a copy paper pathway, power means for driving said transport means, camera means for reproducing the document onto the copy paper as the document moves past the scanning window, said original document transport means comprising: a movable section having a sheet copier position and a book copier position; a stationary section associated with said power means, said movable section being in juxtaposition with the stationary section when in said sheet copier position whereby the movable and stationary sections cooperate and transport a sheet document across the scanning window, said movable section being positioned outward from the stationary section when in said book copier position; a first pivot means; and a second pivot means, said pivot means enabling the movable section to be rotated from the sheet copier position to the book copier position and from the book copier position to the sheet copier position, one of said pivot means enabling the movable section to be rotated from one of said positions to an intermediate point between said positions, the other pivot means enabling the movable section to be rotaTed from the intermediate point to the other of said positions.