US3683803A - Master making control for duplicating machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and method for producing multiple copies of original documents. The apparatus converts electrostatically imaged photoconductive sheets into lithographic masters from which copies are printed under the control of a preset counter. The counter is arranged to delay the processing of a master, by preventing feeding of it into a processing path, until the printing time remaining for a previous master approximates the time required to transport the delayed master through the processing path to avoid impairment of its lithographic and handling qualities.

Description

United States Patent 151 3,683,803 Gray et al. [451 Aug. 15, 1972 1541 MASTER MAKING CONTROL FOR 3,430,558 3/1969 Cassano ..101/132 DUPLICATING MACHINE 3,491,684 l/ 1970 Borinsky ..ll/ 132 Inventors: R- y Chesterland; Burger D ld J Mill Lakewood of l Tonkln et al. v Ohio 3,264,981 8/ 1966 Burger et al. l0l/ 144 Assigneel Addressogl'aph'Mulligmph Primary Examiner-Robert E. Pulfrey Porafion, Cleveland Ohio Assistant Examiner-R. T. Rader 22 Filed; Ju|y 4 70 Att0rneyRussell L. Rott and Ray S. Pyle [21] Appl. No.: 54,719 57 ABSTRACT An apparatus and method for producing multiple co- 5 pies of original documents. The apparatus converts l1 electrostatically imaged photoconductive sheets i [58] Field of Search 101/ 132, 463, 450, 470, 471, mhographic masters from which copies are primed 144; 235/132 under the control of a preset counter. The counter is arranged to delay the processing of a master, by [56] References cued preventing feeding of it into a processing path, until UNITED STATES PATENTS the printing time remaining for a previous master approxlmates the time required to transport the delayed 3,426,678 2/1969 Carper et al ..101/450 X master through the processing path to avoid impair 3,203,626 8/1965 Scranton ..235/ 132 E ment of its lithographic and handling i i 3,102,470 9/1963 Cragg 'et al. ..101/144 3,562,491 2/1971 Branfield ..101/132 X 5 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures 5 54 t 3 67 w a 7 I 4 PATENTEDAUS 15 {972 SHEET 1 OF 2 DONALD lP. GRAY DONALD J. MILLER MASTER MAKING CONTROL FOR DUPLICATING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the production of multiple copies of original documents and more specifically relates to an improved method and apparatus for printing lithographic copies from, preferably, a photoelectrostatic master copy of an original.

The invention is particularly directed to an improvement in the apparatus and method disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,426,678, to R. L. Carper et al. This patent describes a master making and duplicating machine which automatically produces lithographic copies of an original from a photo-imaged master copy.

In the illustrated embodiment of the patent a photosensitive sheet is made into a lithographic master by transporting it through successive stations of a machine wherein it is electrostatically charged, exposed to an image of an original, electrostatically developed, activated by heat and treatment in an acqueous solution and, finally, attached to a lithographic printer. Full advantage of the high copy production rate afforded by the integration of the photo-imaging and lithographic techniques is taken by overlapping master making and printing sequences. When a series of originals is to be copied, as previously disclosed, a master may be processed concurrently with the printing of copies from a preceding master so that the time required to prepare a master is, in effect, eliminated.

Previous practice has been to prepare a master as soon as a preceding master was cleared from its processing path and inserted on a printing cylinder. This procedure causes the master to be prematurely processed when a long run of copies is printed from the preceding master. Early processing has been found to allow the lithographic and handling properties of a prepared master to deteriorate as it awaits use. For the most part, this difiiculty appears to be associated with a drying out of the testing solution on the master, rendering the master somewhat stiff and difficult to feed. Further, pre-dampening of the master by the treating solution, an important factor in the subsequent lithographic printing, is lost through evaporation if the master is processed too soon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides an apparatus and method of machine control whereby the efficient overlapping of machine cycles as disclosed in the aforementioned patent is maintained but where master preparation is advantageously delayed during long copy runs.

In the preferred manner, master making or processing is triggered when the printing time remaining for a copy run in progress either approximates or is less than the time required to process the next master. This result is achieved by monitoring printing operations through a copy counter of the apparatus. More specifically, only when the number of copies to be printed from a master on the printing cylinder is below a predetermined count, is the next master processed.

The copy count at which master processing is initiated is determined by the time required to transport a master through its path in the master making portion of the apparatus in relation to the time required to print each copy. By feeding it at the predetermined count, a second master will be completed and will arrive at the printing cylinder at the proper time to replace the used master. As a result, each master is processed immediately before it is used thereby preventing it from losing moisture picked up during its processing treatment.

It is particularly important to provide for the delayed preparation of masters in the type of apparatus considered here. The apparatus will usually not be employed for long copy runs. The speed and economy of the lithographic process for relatively large numbers of copies is most advantageously carried out by conventional equipment. However, the automated apparatus of this invention is used for the intermediate copy making size run, which is often long enough to constitute an excessive time delay for a prepared electrostatic master.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-section of apparatus in accordance with the invention, shown in diagrarnatic form.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a copy counter in three column or, hundreds form.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the control elements at one column of the counter.

FIG. 4 is a schematic electrical wiring diagram in accordance with this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now particularly to FIG. 1, there is diagramamatically shown a duplicating apparatus 10 including a housing 12 in which there is arranged a master making segment 13 and a lithographic printing segment 16. As described below, a master is processed through a sequence of stations in the master making segment 13 to provide a photoimaged lithographic master copy of an original document and is conveyed to the lithographic printing segment 16 where it is used to print a desired number of copies. For a description of parts of the apparatus 10 not detailed here, reference may be made to the aforementioned US. Pat. No. 3,426,678.

Operation of the apparatus 10 is initiated by moving an original document 0 on a horizontal platform 17 of a support or feed-in station 20 into a nip of a pair of rotating feed rolls 21 and 22. The feed rolls 21 and 22 carry the original 0 forward until its lead edge operates an original ready switch 23 near the entrance of an original path or guideway 26 indicating that the original is ready to be copied. The switch 23 disengages a clutch (not shown) operating the feed rolls 21 and 22 to temporarily halt the original 0 at a predetermined waiting point.

Photosensitive sheets or masters M are supplied from a stack of individual masters contained in a magazine I assembly indicated generally as 27. A master M receives an image corresponding to that of an original 0 to become a master copy from which lithographic copies may be printed. The masters preferably are conventional photoelectrostatic members comprising a substrate such as paper having coated thereon a somewhat oleophilic photoconductive insulating layer such as zinc oxide particles dispursed in an insulating resin binder.

The original 0, through the ready switch 23, besides arresting its own movement, energizes a master feed solenoid or clutch 30 (FIG. 4) to cause a master starting'roller 29 to feed the top master M in the magazine 27 into a processing path 31. The master M is advanced by the master starting roller 29 along the path 31 into a charging station 33, a conventional corona type unit, to provide the master with a uniform electrostatic charge on its photoconductive upper face. Before the master M enters the charger 33, its lead edge operates a master detecting switch 34 which in turn energizes the charging station 33 and the above mentioned clutch to rotate the feed rolls 21 and 22 thereby restarting the original along a path 36, defined in part by the guideway 26, in timed relation with the master M.

The original 0, driven by rollers 40 and 41, and the master M, driven by rollers 42 through 45, are directed by respective guideways 26 and 49 towards an exposure station 48 and a developing station 50. Together, the charging station 33, the exposure station 48 and the developing station 50 comprise a master imaging portion, designated 46, of the apparatus 0. The lead edges of the original 0 and master M converge at a junction 51 of the guideways 26 and 49. The original 0 is positioned at the feed-in station with its graphic information or image face down so that the image is towards the electrostatically charged light sensitive face of the master M as these sheets contact one another.

In the embodiment illustrated, the master M is exposed to the image of the original 0 by a technique of contact printing at the exposure station 48. Light is transmitted through the graphic original 0 onto the light sensitive master M. The image of the originalO produces a shadow pattern on corresponding areas of the master M so that the master will be differentially discharged to create a latent electrostatic image.

In the form shown, the exposure station 48 comprises a transparent cylinder 53 enclosing a coaxial illumination source 54 and a looped conveyor belt 55 mounted on a pair of rollers 56 and 57. A spring loaded roller 58 urges the cylinder 53 into the loop of the conveyor belt 55. The originalO and master M enter between the illuminated cylinder 53 and conveyor belt 55 and are held in intimate contact as they pass over the cylinder to assure that the exposure or discharge pattern on the master M will have sufficient resolution. Of course, other techniques and arrangements, including stationary or scanning optical systems, may be alternatively employed to expose a master with a suitable image of an original.

The master M and original 0 progress through an intermediate guideway 59 to a set of feed rollers 61 and 62 defining a separating station 63 where the original 0 parts from the master M. The original 0 is removed from the master making segment 13 through a guideway 65 by a pair of rollers 66 and 67 while the master M continues in its processing path 31 through a guideway 69 to the developing station 50 of the imaging portion 46.

At the developing station 50 a magnetic brush developer 73 of conventional design applies ink receptive electroscopic resin powder to the exposed and now image on the master is developed by resin particles electrostatically held on the remaining charged areas of the master. It is understood, of course, that other various known methods and apparatus may be used to develop the latent image of the master M.

Leaving the master imaging portion 46, the master M is fed by a series of roller pairs 76, 77; 78, 79; and 80, 81, through an activating portion, indicated generally at 82, that includes, at a fixing station 90, a source of heat 91 which softens the electroscopic resin powder to cause it to suitably adhere to the surface of the master M. From the source of heat 91 which softens the electroscopic resin powder to cause it to suitably adhere to the surface of the master M. From the source of heat 91, the master M advances in the activating portion 82 to a treating station 93 comprising tank 94 containing an aqueous treating solution 95 which is chemically active on the imaged face of the master M to convert the non-image areas, those not protected by adhering resin powder, to a moisture receptive or hydrophilic and a moistened condition. Processing of the master M is completed with the withdrawal of the master from the treating tank 94 by a set of rollers 101 through 104.

The master M is next transported to the lithographic printing segment 16 along a path 105, to a stop or ready position where the lead edge of the master operates a master ready switch 111 adjacent to a master cylinder 115. The master M is inserted on the master cylinder 115 of the lithographic printing means 16 when an insertion timing switch 186 (FIG. 4) operated by a cam (not shown) indicates that the rotating master cylinder 1 15 is in a proper angular position. The insertion timing switch 186 energizes a relay 193 (FIG. 4) which, in turn, energizes a solenoid (not shown).to move a pair of rotating insertion rollers 106 and 107 together to advance or insert the master M onto the cylinder 115. The master M is secured to the cylinder 115 by a clamping arrangement such as that described in detail in the aforementioned US. Patent No. 3,426,678. A train of ink feed rollers and a train of moisture feed rollers, identified respectively as 120 and 122, supply ink from an ink reservoir 124 and moisture from a supply 126 to the imaged surface of the master M, via a form roller 127.

The lithographic printing means 16 also includes a supply source, indicated generally as 131, of a copy medium in the form of receiving sheets R of paper or the like stacked in a magazine tray 132. After. the master M is attached to the master cylinder 115, the ink and moisture rolls 120 and 122 are rendered operative and the master cylinder 115 rotates through a number of revolutions, determined by a pro-inking counter (not shown), until a sufficient ink image is built on the resin powder image on the master M. A receiving sheet feed solenoid (not shown) is then energized I through the pre-inking counter to feed single receiving lower surface of the master M. The latent electrostatic sheets R from the tray 132 by lowering a rotating feed roller 136 onto the stack. Each receiving sheet R is advanced onto the copy cylinder, designated 116, by a pair of rollers 137 and 138 and is clamped on the copy cylinder in a manner similar to that for clamping the master M on its associated cylinder 115. The receiving sheet R and master M pass through an area of contact between the copy and master cylinders 116 and to transfer an ink image directly from the master M to the receiving sheet R. The receiving sheet or copy R, after being unclarnped from the copy cylinder 116, is guided by a blade member 144 and a roller set 146 and 148 into a receiving tray 142 as a finished copy or reproduction.

While the described contact print method of exposure provides a reverse reading master image that is suited for direct lithographic printing from the master, other well known master exposure methods may be used in combination with an offset lithographic printing arrangement where provisions may be made for cleaning the residual ink image from an offset cylinder after a copy run has been completed.

CONTROL CIRCUITRY A counter 155 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 4) controls the operation of the apparatus to print, for each original 0 a number of copies selected by an operator. The counter 155 receives signals from a copy count switch 151 as each receiving sheet R is fed from its magazine tray 132. When the counter 155 has counted out a number of receiving sheets R equal to the preselected or preset number, the counter terminates the printing cycle. The counter 155 de-activates the copy feed roller 136, causes the master M to be ejected from the master cylinder 115, and de-activates the ink and moisture trains 120 and 122. The master M is removed from the cylinder 115 with a stripper bar 161 and is fed into a receiving tray 163 by a pair of feed rollers 164 and 165. The counter electrically resets to the previous selected number when a second master is inserted on the master cylinder 115 unless another number is manually selected.

The somewhat simplified electrical control circuit diagramatically shown in FIG. 4 controls the feeding of masters M through the master feed solenoid 30, shown at the lower right of the diagram. In the circuit, various relays and the master feed solenoid 30 are energized through associated switches and contacts which control the flow of electrical current between power lines 170 and 171. A first master M is fed into the processing path 31 as soon as a first original 0 operates the ready switch 23 (FIG. 4, line L8). This first master M is conveyed along the processing path 31 until it operates the master ready switch 11 1 (Line L3) and comes to rest in a position ready for insertion on the master cylinder 115.

Generally, it is desirable to hold up the feeding of a subsequent or second master M at least until the first master M is inserted on the master cylinder 115 so that in case the first master is obstructed in its path a second master will not complicate matters. To this end, a master delay relay 180 at LA, having normally closed contacts MDR at line L8, is provided to control master feeding through the master feed solenoid 30. As line L8 indicates, the master feed solenoid 30 will be energized to feed a master M whenever an original 0 is present at the ready switch 23 and the master delay relay 180 is not energized.

The master delay relay 180 is energized to prevent the feeding of a second master M whenever any of three conditions prevail. The conditions are that a preceding master is traveling through the processing path 31 or is at rest at the ready position adjacent the master cylinder 115, that the master M has advanced from the ready position but has failed to insert on the master cylinder 115, or that there is a relatively high number of copies to be printed from the preceding master M. These conditions are represented in the central portion of FIG. 4 at lines 0 L5, and, together, lines [16 and L7 respectively.

From the central portion of FIG. 4 it may be understood that when either of the relay contacts MCR (at line L4) of a machine control relay 190 or IFR (at line L5) of an insertion fail relay 192 are closed the master delay relay 180 will be energized to prevent a master. M from being fed from the magazine 27.

Switches or contacts at lines L6 and L7 of the copy counter outlined at are connected to hold in the master delay relay through its own contacts MDR once it has been energized.

The machine control relay at line L1 prevents the feeding of a second master while a first master is in the processing path 31. The machine control relay 190, energized by the master detecting switch 34 as the first master M is fed from the magazine 27, closes its contacts MCR at line L4 to energize the master delay relay 180 to, in turn, open the latters contacts MDR at line L8 disconnecting the master feed solenoid 30 thereby preventing a second master M from being fed. The machine control relay 190, once energized, is held in along line L2 by normally closed contacts IMR of an insert master relay 193 at line L3 and a pair of its own contacts MCR.

The machine control relay 190 remains energized or held in until the insert master relay 193 is energized along line L3 opening its contacts IMR at line L2. This occurs when the first master M has completed its path through the master making segment 13 to the ready position closing the master ready switch 111 and when the master cylinder 115 is in a proper angular position thereby closing the insertion timing switch 186.- Descn'bed in other words, the machine control relay 190 holds up the feeding of a second master M after a first master M has been fed until the first master is ready for insertion at the master cylinder 115 at which point the machine control relay 190 is de-energized through operation of the insert master relay 193 by closing the master ready switch 111 and the insertion timing switch 186. The insert master relay 193 is held in by its normally open contacts IMR (below line L2) after it is energized until normally closed contacts 195 of a control relay (not shown) open when a master M is inserted on the master cylinder 1 15.

For the purpose of this disclosure reference is made merely to first and second masters. It should be appreciated that the description is, nevertheless, applicable to the common situation where a series of more than two originals and two masters are to be handled during a period of machine operation. In such a situation the reference to first and second will indicate the order of handling originals and masters. In cases where three or more masters are to be processed, the terms first and second may be extended by considering that the second master is a first master in relation to the next (third) master when studying the timing for the latter.

It should be understood that the circuit shown in the upper portion of FIG. 4, then, delays the feeding of a second master while a first master is progressing through the apparatus or is awaiting insertion on the master cylinder 115 by controlling the machine control relay 190. Feeding of a second master M is further delayed in the event that the first master is not properly inserted on the master cylinder 115 by the insertion fail relay 192 (below line L3) energized when the master ready switch 111 is closed by the first master at the ready position. When energized, the insertion fail relay 192 closes its contacts IFR to maintain the master delay relay 180 energized along line L5. When the master M is inserted on the cylinder 115 and its trailing edge releases the master ready switch 111, the insertion fail relay 192 is de-energized causing the master delay relay 180 to drop out and the second master M to be fed.

The above described circuitry prevents a second master from being fed until the first master has been inserted on the master cylinder 115. As suggested in the summary above, it is additionally desirable to prevent or delay processing of a second master until the printing time on the first master is approximately equal to or less than the time required to process the second master. lf processed immediately after the preceding.

master was inserted on the master cylinder, a second master would tend to loose the moisture imparted on its printing surface by treating solution 95 when awaiting use during a long copy run. Further, by drying out, a waiting master becomes somewhat stiff and difficult to feed reliably.

In its preferred embodiment, the present invention delays master preparation through the copy counter 155. The master processing cycle for a second master M is started when the printing time of a first master is approximately equal to or less than the time required to process the second master. In using the counter S, preparation of a second master is delayed while the number of copies to be produced from a first master is greater than a predetermined number or count, conveniently chosen as nine. In the embodiment illustrated, master preparation is delayed by preventing the feeding of a master M into its processing path 31,-

although, it is within the scope of the invention to delay completion of the master at any processing stage.

In its preferred form, the counter 155 comprises a bank of three counter assemblies U, T and H representing units, tens, and hundreds columns respectively (FIG. 2). The counter assemblies U, T and H are preferably of the type disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,203,626 to Scranton each having pushbuttons 206 circularly arranged around a rotatable shaft 208 through 210. The counter 155 may be conveniently mounted on the upper portion of the housing 12 of the apparatus 10. A desired number of copies of an original is selected or set on the counter 155 by depressing a pushbutton 206 in each counter assembly U, T and H corresponding to the digits of the desired copy number. The counter 155 is limited to a count of two hundred ninety-nine (299) to maintain high print quality from each master.

At the beginning of a counting cycle, the shaft 208- 210 of each counter assembly U, T and H is rotated in a clockwise direction by a motor (not shown) from a zero position to the angular position of a corresponding selected pushbutton. As will be described below, switches operated by cams on the tens and hundreds counter shafts 209 and 210 control the feeding of masters M.

At each input signal from the copy count switch 151, the counter 155, operating in a descending manner, first permits the units shaft 208 to escape one digit counterclockwise until its zero position is reached. Assuming that the desired number of copies is one hundred or greater and that the units shaft 208 has returned to or was at a zero position, upon receiving the next signal from the copy count switch 151 a column shift occurs wherein the tens shaft 209, if not at zero, escapes counterclockwise or decreases one digit and the units shaft 208 escapes one digit counterclockwise to a position corresponding to the digit nine. A process of clearing or counting out the units counter assembly U from nine through zero followed by a column shift and a one digit decrease in the tens counter assembly T repeats until both the units and tens shaft 208 and 209 are in zero positions.

At the next signal from the copy count switch 151, a column shift to the hundreds occurs and the hundreds shaft 210 is escaped counterclockwise or decreased one digit while the tens and units shafts 208 and 209 move to positions corresponding to the digit nine. The counting process continues with the units counter assembly counting out as above and for each revolution of the units shaft 208 and the tens shaft position is reduced one digit until both shafts 208 and 209 reach zero positions. The hundreds shaft, if not at zero, then decreases by one digit again and the 99 to 0 cycle is repeated until the hundreds shaft 210 is in the zero position. In the same manner thereafter, the tens shaft 209 is cleared to'zero one digit per revolution of the unit counter shaft 208. Finally, the unit shaft 208 is cleared to zero. p

The operation of the counter 155 is the'same if fewer than one hundred copies are desired. In such a case the hundreds shaft 210 stays in its zero position and the tens shaft escapes or decreases one digit, eventually to zero, each time the units shaft passes from zero to nine.

The tens and hundreds counter assemblies T and H are each provided with electrical switches and an operating cam. FIG. 3, shows the switch and cam arrangement of the tens assembly T which is essentially the same as that provided-for the hundreds assembly H. A normally closed control switch 216 is related to control of master feeding and a normally open counter switch 218 is related to the counting function of the counter 155. The master control switch 216 includes a movable contact 220 on a flexible blade 221 and a fixed contact 222. Similarly, the counter switch 218 includes a flexible blade 226 and a pair of contacts 225 and 227. The flexible blade 226 of the counter switch 218 is provided with a follower button 228 which is engaged by a cam or pin 229 fixed to a cam wheel 230, rotatable with the shaft 209. At the zero position of the shaft 209, only, the follower button 228 is engaged by the earn 229 causing the flexible blade 226 of the counter switch 218 to move and, through an insulated link 231, moving the fiexible blade 221 to open the normally closed master control switch 216.

Referring to FIG. 4, line L7, the control switch 216 and the operating cam 229 of the tens counter assembly T is shown while the corresponding control switch and operating cam, designated 217 and 233 respectively, of the hundreds counter assembly H are shown at line L6. As stated above, and as indicated by the legends in FIG. 4 each cam 229 and 233 is adapted to hold its associated normally closed switch 216 and 217 open at the zero position of its respective counter shaft 209 and 210.

The time required to transport a master from the master magazine 27 to the ready position adjacent the ready switch 111 in the illustrated embodiment is approximately equal to the time required to print nine copies. It may be understood that when the counter 155 is at a count greater than nine either or both of the switches 216 and 217 will be closed since some digit other than zero must be indicated by one or both of the tens and hundreds counter shafts 209 and 210. The counter switches 216 and 217 are connected in parallel to the normally open pair of contacts MDR to hold in the master delay relay 180 once it has been energized, as when the first master M is fed from the master magazine 28.

After the first master has been inserted on the master cylinder 115, as described above, the relay contacts MCR and IFR at lines L4 and L5 are open to otherwise permit the master delay relay 180 to become de-energized and permit the feeding of a second master M. Assuming that more than nine copies are desired, the master delay relay remains energized through the tens switch 217 at line L6 or the hundreds switch 216 and L7, or both switches depending on the selected copy number. According to the operation of the counter, the hundreds switch 217 retains the master delay relay 180 energized along line L6 until it is held open when the count is below one hundred and the tens switch 216 retains the master delay relay energized along line L7 until the count descends from 10 to nine and the tens switch 216 is held open. With the count below ten, the master delay relay 180 is de-energized and the master feed solenoid, in turn, is energized to feed the second master into the processing path. v

Ifthe desired number of copies from a first original 0 is nine or less, the tens and hundreds counter shafts 209 and 210 willbe in their zero digit positions and their associated switches 216 and 217 will be held open and will, therefore, not affect the operation of the master delay relay 180 so that a second master M will be fed immediately after the first master M is insertedon the master cylinder 115 and the insertion fail relay 195 is de-energized. It will be understood that the counter switches 216 and 217 at lines L7 and L6 may not themselves energize the master delay relay 180 but, may only hold the delay relay in through its nonnally open contacts MDR. Using the count of nine as a predetermined number at which a second master is fed simplifies the control circuit since the condition or count of the units counter assembly U may be ignored.

While a preferred embodiment of this invention has been described and illustrated, it is to be understood that it is capable of variation and modification. Ac-

cordingly, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such variations and modifications as may fall within the true spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is: l. The method of making multiple reproductions of each of several originals which comprises:

A. exposing a first master to information on a first original to form an image on the master conforming to the information on the original;

B. processing the master to render it an effective lithographic master having hydrophilic non-image surface areas thereon;

C. transporting said processed master to a ready station to await installation onto a lithographic printing device;

D. taking a prepared master from said ready station and printing lithographic copies from said processed master under the control of a preset counter;

E. testing said ready station at all times for the presence of a master, and in the absence of a master, sending a signal to said counter, and programming said counter to transmit said signal only when the counter is yet greater than one but less than a count which represents a print-out time corresponding to the time required to process said master, and using the signal transmitted through said counter to repeat steps (A) and (B) with another master;

F. in response to the count out of said counter,

stopping said printing;

G. subsequent to step E printing lithographic copies from said second master under the control of said counter.

2. The method of making multiple reproductions of each of several originals which comprises:

A. providing a first original and a first electrostatic master sheet having a photoconductive surface;

B. charging the first master and exposing it to the information on the first original to form a latent electrostatic image on the master conforming to the information on the original;

C. developing the latent electrostatic image on the first master and treating the master to render it an efiective lithographic master having hydrophilic non-image areas;

D. transporting said processed master to a ready station to await installation onto a lithographic printing device;

E. taking said treated master from said ready station and securing the master to a master cylinder of a lithographic printer;

F. printing lithographic copies of the first original from the secured first master under the control of a preset counter;

G. testing said ready station at all times for the presence of a master, and in the absence of a master, sending a signal to said counter, and programming said counter to transmit said signal only when the counter is yet greater than one but less than a count which represents a print-out time corresponding to the time required to process said master, and using the signal transmitted through said counter to repeat steps (A) and (B) with another master;

H. in response to the count out of the counter, stopping said printing and releasing the master from the cylinder;

1. subsequent to step G, securing the second master to the master cylinder and printing lithographic copies therefrom under the control of said counter.

3. In a duplicating apparatus for making multiple reproductions of originals having graphic subject matter thereon from masters having a photosensitive potentially lithographic surface including:

an original support station;

a master supply source;

master feeding means;

imaging and master activating means including developer means for developing an ink receptive image on a master surface and for insuring the lithographic properties of the surface;

first control means responsive to an indication of the presence of an original at the support station to feed a first master from said supply source into said imaging and master activating means;

lithographic printing means operable between a printing cycle and a master ejection cycle;

means for transporting a treated master toa ready station to await installation onto said lithographic printing means;

second control means responsive to the presence of an activated first master at a predetermined position for initiating a printing cycle of said printing means;

a receiving medium supply source including receiving medium feeding means operable to feed a receiving medium to said printing means during said printing cycle;

means for producing a control signal to energize said master feeding means in response to the departure of said activated first master from said predetermined position to feed a second master to said imaging and master activating means;

count registering means presettable to a given count for counting the number of copies produced on the receiving medium and initiating the ejection cycle of said lithographic printing means to eject said first master when said preset count is obtained; means to transmit said control signal to said count registering means;

said count registering means being programmed to transmit said signal only when the count is greater than one but less than a count which represents a print-out time corresponding to the time required to process a master through said image and master activating means.

4. A duplicating apparatus for making multiple reproductions of originals having graphic subject matter thereon, from masters having photoconductive surfaces, to receiving sheets, comprising:

an original feed in station including original feeding solution to said master selectively rendering the I non-image portions hydrohpilic; lithographic printing means operable between a prirging cycle and a master ejection cycle; secon con 0! means responsive to the presence of said activated first master at the predetermined position for initiating the printing cycle of said printing means;

a receiving sheet supply source including a receiving sheet feeding means operable to feed receiving sheets to said printing means during said printing cycle;

means'for establishing a control signal for energizing said master feeding means in response to the departure of said activated first master from said predetermined position;

count registering means, presettable to a given count, for counting the number of copies produced and initiating the ejection cycle of said lithographic printing means to eject said first master when said preset count is obtained and including mean for completing a control circuit from said means to establish a control signal to said master feeding means to cause that means to feed a second master only while the count for copies of the first original is above a predetermined number greater than zero and within a range which represents a time interval substantially corresponding to the time required to image and activate a master.

5. The apparatus as set forth in Claim 8 wherein said count registering means comprises a plurality of counter assemblies each representing'a counter column and said energization establishing means includes a switch associated with at least one of said counter assemblies electrically operable to complete a circuit to cause feeding of a master.

Claims (5)

1. The method of making multiple reproductions of each of several originals which comprises: A. exposing a first master to information on a first original to form an image on the master conforming to the information on the original; B. processing the master to render it an effective lithographic master having hydrophilic non-image surface areas thereon; C. transporting said processed master to a ready station to await installation onto a lithographic printing device; D. taking a prepared master from said ready station and printing lithographic copies from said processed master under the control of a preset counter; E. testing said ready station at all times for the presence of a master, and in the aBsence of a master, sending a signal to said counter, and programming said counter to transmit said signal only when the counter is yet greater than one but less than a count which represents a print-out time corresponding to the time required to process said master, and using the signal transmitted through said counter to repeat steps (A) and (B) with another master; F. in response to the count out of said counter, stopping said printing; G. subsequent to step E printing lithographic copies from said second master under the control of said counter.

2. The method of making multiple reproductions of each of several originals which comprises: A. providing a first original and a first electrostatic master sheet having a photoconductive surface; B. charging the first master and exposing it to the information on the first original to form a latent electrostatic image on the master conforming to the information on the original; C. developing the latent electrostatic image on the first master and treating the master to render it an effective lithographic master having hydrophilic non-image areas; D. transporting said processed master to a ready station to await installation onto a lithographic printing device; E. taking said treated master from said ready station and securing the master to a master cylinder of a lithographic printer; F. printing lithographic copies of the first original from the secured first master under the control of a preset counter; G. testing said ready station at all times for the presence of a master, and in the absence of a master, sending a signal to said counter, and programming said counter to transmit said signal only when the counter is yet greater than one but less than a count which represents a print-out time corresponding to the time required to process said master, and using the signal transmitted through said counter to repeat steps (A) and (B) with another master; H. in response to the count out of the counter, stopping said printing and releasing the master from the cylinder; I. subsequent to step G, securing the second master to the master cylinder and printing lithographic copies therefrom under the control of said counter.

3. In a duplicating apparatus for making multiple reproductions of originals having graphic subject matter thereon from masters having a photosensitive potentially lithographic surface including: an original support station; a master supply source; master feeding means; imaging and master activating means including developer means for developing an ink receptive image on a master surface and for insuring the lithographic properties of the surface; first control means responsive to an indication of the presence of an original at the support station to feed a first master from said supply source into said imaging and master activating means; lithographic printing means operable between a printing cycle and a master ejection cycle; means for transporting a treated master to a ready station to await installation onto said lithographic printing means; second control means responsive to the presence of an activated first master at a predetermined position for initiating a printing cycle of said printing means; a receiving medium supply source including receiving medium feeding means operable to feed a receiving medium to said printing means during said printing cycle; means for producing a control signal to energize said master feeding means in response to the departure of said activated first master from said predetermined position to feed a second master to said imaging and master activating means; count registering means presettable to a given count for counting the number of copies produced on the receiving medium and initiating the ejection cycle of said lithographic printing means to eject said first master when said preset count is obtained; means to transmit said contRol signal to said count registering means; said count registering means being programmed to transmit said signal only when the count is greater than one but less than a count which represents a print-out time corresponding to the time required to process a master through said image and master activating means.

4. A duplicating apparatus for making multiple reproductions of originals having graphic subject matter thereon, from masters having photoconductive surfaces, to receiving sheets, comprising: an original feed in station including original feeding means; a master supply source; master feeding means; photoelectrostatic imaging means including developer means for applying electroscopic resin powder to a surface of a master; a first control means responsive to the feeding of an original for actuating said master feeding means to feed a first master from said supply source in timed relation with said original into said photoelectrostatic imaging means; master activating means for supplying an aqueous solution to said master selectively rendering the non-image portions hydrohpilic; lithographic printing means operable between a printing cycle and a master ejection cycle; second control means responsive to the presence of said activated first master at the predetermined position for initiating the printing cycle of said printing means; a receiving sheet supply source including a receiving sheet feeding means operable to feed receiving sheets to said printing means during said printing cycle; means for establishing a control signal for energizing said master feeding means in response to the departure of said activated first master from said predetermined position; count registering means, presettable to a given count, for counting the number of copies produced and initiating the ejection cycle of said lithographic printing means to eject said first master when said preset count is obtained and including mean for completing a control circuit from said means to establish a control signal to said master feeding means to cause that means to feed a second master only while the count for copies of the first original is above a predetermined number greater than zero and within a range which represents a time interval substantially corresponding to the time required to image and activate a master.

5. The apparatus as set forth in Claim 8 wherein said count registering means comprises a plurality of counter assemblies each representing a counter column and said energization establishing means includes a switch associated with at least one of said counter assemblies electrically operable to complete a circuit to cause feeding of a master.

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