US3730622A

US3730622A - Microfilm viewer-printer

Info

Publication number: US3730622A
Application number: US00146114A
Authority: US
Inventors: L Freeman; F Arnold
Original assignee: Micro Information Systems Inc
Current assignee: Micro Information Systems Inc
Priority date: 1971-05-24
Filing date: 1971-05-24
Publication date: 1973-05-01
Anticipated expiration: 1990-05-01
Also published as: FR2138765B1; IL39450A0; CA971619A; GB1388033A; FR2138765A1; BE783069A; AU4143872A; NL7206964A; IT952761B; DE2225982A1

Abstract

In a viewer-printer, a chain is provided which is driven by the motor''s sprocket wheel. The chain drives other sprocket wheels in the viewer printer to effectuate feeding and delivery of the copy paper. Along a portion of the chain, normally a single chain, is a dual link chain constituting two such chains integrally mounted together. The additional portion drives rollers which feed paper about to be copied. Cams are provided along the chain to throw switches. The placement of the switches along the chain control the machines timing. A lug on the chain engages the mirror to move it from a viewing position to an exposing position and returning to the viewing position.

Description

Freeman et :11.

May 1, 1973 MICROFILM VIEWER-PRINTER Inventors: Lawrence M. Freeman; Francis T.

Arnold, both of Atlanta, Ga.

Assignee: Micro Information Systems, Inc.,

Atlanta, Ga.

Filed: May 24, 1971 Appl. No.: 146,114

US. Cl. ..355/14, 74/37, ZOO/61.14, 355/45 Int. Cl. ..G03b 27/70 Field of Search ..355/14, 44, 45, 50, 355/51; ZOO/61.13, 61.14; 74/37 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,522,658 10/1969 Germany ..355/3 1,256,266 2/1961 France Primary Examiner-Samuel S. Matthews Assistant Examiner-M. D. Harris Attorney-David H. Hill [57] ABSTRACT In a viewer-printer, a chain is provided which is driven by the motors sprocket wheel. The chain drives other sprocket wheels in the viewer printer to effectuate feeding and delivery of the copy paper. Along a portion of the chain, normally a single chain, is a dual link chain constituting two such chains integrally mounted together. The additional portion drives rollers which feed paper about to be copied. Cams are provided along the chain to throw switches. The placement of the switches along the chain control the machines timing. A lug on the chain engages the mirror to move it from a viewing position to an exposing position and returning to the viewing position.

34 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTED 11373 SHEET 1 DE 5 20 g 16 0 mi 22 o mgr V. Tg: i' 'l i I -2 4:. FM/ mfg: 1 ug" I I j F EINVENTORS FRANCIS T. ARNOLD LAWRENCE M. FREEMAN ATTORNEYS BY Qm; Hzvmm. 2r Must- PATENTED 1193 3,730,622

sum

2 or 5 4 INVENTORS mums T. ARNOLD FIG 2 LAWRENCE M. FREEMAN p k wi),

ATTORNEYS PMENTEU 1973 3,730,622

SHEET 3 UP 5 INVENTORS FRANCIS T. ARNOLD 3 LAWRENCE M. FREEMAN AM; -k RAKE ATTORNEYS PATENTED W 1 m5 SHEET U 0F 5 z to l1 2% o E $2: w o tl 238 :3: mos: 8N

/ O: on

Ill 2 @5258 its a? :5: w 0L -65: $2: 0 Q l\ 5:3 2Q to PATENTEDHAY 1 1915 I V 3.730522 SHEET 5 0F 5 FIG? I Q QQQHK L MICROFILM VIEWER-PRINTER This invention pertains generally to optical viewing .and copying machines, and more particularly to a FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a portion of the mechanism of FIG. 2,

use of microfilm, V-mail tonnage dropped from 2,700

tones a day to only 31 tons, permitting a single transport aircraft to carry almost ten million letters on microfilm.

' The two foregoing early applications of microfilm techniques are illustrative of mans recognition of the problem of volume and weight in recording data, whether for transportation or for storage and subsequent retrieval.

The growth of the computer industry in the 1950s created a capability of producing enormous amounts of recorded data, resulting in an ever-increasing need for a satisfactory means for condensing stored information, since the production of useful data had become far less of a task than the storing and retrieval of such data.

The problem of condensed storage has been admirably solved by microfilm in its several forms, but the retrieval of data stored on microfilm has been less than satisfactory. Whether the storage be on microfilm reel, aperture card, microfiche or ultrafiche, the prior art has provided, with some degree of success, means for viewing enlarged images of the stored information. However, the prior art attempts to provide a reliable and economic means for producing a readable print or copy of such data have met with little success.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a microfilm viewing and copying apparatus which is both reliable in operation and inexpensive to produce, as a result of a new and simplified design.

In accordance with the present invention, this and other objects are achieved by means of an apparatus including means for transporting copy paper to an exposure station, means for transporting such copy paper through such exposure station and into an imagedeveloping station, means for projecting an optical image ofsuch film image onto such copy paper in such exposure station, means for applying toner particles to such exposed copy paper in such developing station, means for delivering such copy paper from such developing station and a single driving and synchronizing means for both operating each of the aforementioned means and determining the time of operation of each. Means are also provided for alternately directing such optical image to a viewing screen.

With the above considerations and objects in mind, the invention itself will now be described in connection with a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example and not of limitation, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a preferred form of the apparatus of the present invention,

FIG. 7 is a partial section taken on line 7-7 in FIG. I

2, with the relative positioning of related elements shown in phantom lines, and

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of a detail of a portion of the mechanism shown in FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIG. 1 in particular, a preferred form of the microfilm viewer printer of the present invention is indicated generally at 10, including a microfiche holder 12 and a screen 14 for viewing the selected portion of the microfiche. An off-on switch 16 is provided for applying a suitable source of power, such as volt alternating current, to the various circuits within the apparatus. A print button 18 is provided to close an electrical switch to convert the operation of the apparatus from the view mode to the print mode, as will be further explained. In connection with the print" mode, an exposure control 20 is provided for determining the time duration of the exposure to the photosensitive paper. Further, a focus control is shown at 22, and a mouth 24 or the like is provided to enable delivery of the completed prints.

FIG. 2 is a vertical section taken online 2--2 in FIG. 1, showing the driving and synchronizing means which serves, as the means for transmitting the mechanical drive to each of the devices of the apparatus requiring a mechanical input and, as well, as the means for operating a plurality of electrical switches for energizing respective electrical circuits within the apparatus. In this manner, the means which is employed tooperate the severalrespective elements of the apparatus is alsothe means employed to synchronize the operation of such respective elements. Previous viewer-printers have invariably employedone or more meansfor transmitting a drive motion to the several movable elements of the apparatus while employing separate and distinct other means for ensuring the precise synchronization required in the movements of such elements. For example, it is not unknown to employ a link chain or the like to transmit a drive motion from a driving motor to means for transporting copy paper through a copying apparatus. Similarly, it is not unknown in the copiers of the prior art to employ microswitches for controlling electrical circuits which operate respective units in the machine, such as utilizing a microswitch to feel the presence of a sheet of copy paper at an exposure posi-' tion to interrupt the circuit controlling the transport of such copy sheet; in the prior art, the microswitch operating member is actually contactedby the copy sheet itself to effect the desired control.

In contrast to the nesessarily complicated and, corlines in FIG. 2) which is connected with sprocket 28 in driving relationship by means of a rotary shaft 32 which is driven by motor 30 in a clockwise direction as seen in FIG. 2.

Driving and synchronizing link chain 26 engages a plurality of other sprockets shown in FIG. 2, including, in order in the direction of travel of chain 26, an idler sprocket 34, a belt drive sprocket 36, a paper feed sprocket 38 and an idler sprocket 40 coaxially mounted on rotary shaft 42 in side-by-side relationship with an identical sprocket 44 thereon, as may be seen more clearly in FIG. 5. More particularly, sprocket 44 is secured to shaft 42 to drive the latter (as will be further explained), whereas chain 26 engages idler sprocket 40 which is free to rotate upon shaft 42. As chain 26 passes past idler sprocket 40, it encounters, in sequence, three

idler sprockets

46, 48 and 50, then passing around sprocket 52, over idler sprocket 54 and under a second belt drive sprocket 56 before returning to an engagement with main drive sprocket 28.

Chain 26 is, for the most part, a single chain engaging the aforementioned series of sprockets (excluding sprocket 44) which lie in a common plane. However, over a portion of its length chain 26 is a dual link chain constituting two such chains integrally mounted together in side-by-side relationship, as is shown in FIG. 5, with secondary chain 27 adjacent and integral with chain 26. More specifically, the dual portion of chain 26 extends from main drive sprocket 28 over

sprockets

34, 36 and 38 to sprocket 44, as indicated schematically in FIG. 2 by the relatively heavy dash-dot phantom line, and somewhat more clearly in the schematic representation of FIG. 6. The dual or secondary chain is mounted on main chain 26 on the near side as viewed in FIG. 2, and, accordingly, while main chain 26 engages idler sprocket 40 on shaft 42, the dual or secondary chain portion engages the teeth of drive sprocket 44 thereon (see'FIG. It will thus be appreciated that as main link chain 26 travels in the aforementioned direction from the position shown in FIG. 2, the dual or secondary chain will engage sprocket 44 and rotate it (as well as shaft 42 connected thereto) for a period of time corresponding to the length of the secondary chain (for a given chain transport speed). No other sprockets are engaged by the secondary chain member, and its purpose thus is to rotate sprocket 44 for a portion of each complete cycle of movement of main chain 26, as will be further explained.

Endless link chain 26 carries a plurality of cam members thereon for actuating a corresponding plurality of electrical switches which govern the operation of the electrical components of the apparatus; Since these cams are all carried by the same chain and yet are designed to operate only their respective switches (and not actuate any of the other of the plurality of switches positioned along the path of the chain), it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the several cams are not only mounted in predetermined positions along the length of the chain corresponding to the desired time of operation of the several respective switches, but at respective positions transversely of the width of the chain corresponding to the position of the operating member or feeler of the respective microswitch to be actuated thereby. That is to say, the cam members may be mounted not only at the left and right sides of the chain, but at extended outboard positions on either side; further, the cam members, if desired, may be made of different heights so as to selectively operate microswitches correspondingly positioned.

Referring again to FIGS. 2, 7 and 8 a lightstop switch 58 is mounted as shown so as to be operated by cam member 60 on-chain 26. A corona switch 62 is mounted adjacent drive sprocket 28 and is actuated by

cam members

64 and 66. In this connection, corona switch 62 is a bistable switch which is switched alternately from its on to of positions by successive operations of the actuating member, whereas the remaining switches shown in FIG. 2 are actuated from their normal positions only during the time that a cam member on chain 26 is in contact with the actuating member of the switch. Thus, corona switch 62 is the only switch having both an on and an off" cam, cam 64 constituting the corona on cam and cam 66 constituting the corona of cam, as will be further explained. Suffice it to say at this point that depression of the operating member of corona switch 62 by cam 64 energizes a corona lamp for electrically charging copy paper in the apparatus, the corona being energized from the time of contact of cam 64 with the operating member of corona switch 62 until corona off" cam 66

passes sprockets

52, 54 and 56 and comes in contact.

with such operating member of corona switch 62.

A cutter switch 65 is operated by cam 70 to energize a solenoid operated cutting mechanism for sequentially severing copy paper advanced through the machine so as to supply separate copy paper sheets from a roll supply. Similarly, a registry switch 72 is positioned so as to be operated by cam 74. As will be further explained in connection with the description of the electrical circuit for the apparatus, the function of the registry I switch is to interrupt the transport of the copy paper sheet when the latter is in an exposure position, so that the sheet'may be held stationary during the time of exposure;

Endless link chain 26 also carries a further operating member in the form of lug 76 which, in the preferred embodiment shown, extends laterally from chain 26 in a direction away from the observer in FIG. 2. That is to say, lug 76 constitutes a projection on chain 26 extending toward the body of the apparatus so as to be in a position to engage a flange 78 on an arm 80 which is mounted for rotation about a fixed pivot point 82 as lug 76 travels along the upper pass of chain 26. Correspondingly, as lug 76 travels back toward the left in FIG. 2 along the lower pass of chain 26, the lug engages a second flange 84 on pivotal arm 80. In each case, as the lug 76 engages the

flanges

78 and 84, the arm 80 is moved first to the right and then to the left (as seen in FIG. 2). Movement toward the right takes place as long as lug 76 is in contact with and sliding downwardly along flange 78, the drive being terminated as log 76 slips past flange 78 under the lower edge thereof, leaving arm 80 in its extreme counter clockwise position. As lug 76 moves back to the left along the lower pass of chain 26, it contacts flange 84 and slides up along the surface of this flange as the arm 80 is moved in av clockwise direction to a point where lug 76 moves past the upper edge of flange 84, leaving arm 80 in its extreme clockwise position.

Pivotal arm 80 is the operating member for moving a combined shutter and mirror assembly between two extreme positions, viz., a first position in which the shutter-mirror assembly 86 (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2) is positioned to reflect the optical image of the apparatus toward the viewing screen 14 (constituting the viewing mode), and a second position in which the shutter-mirror assembly 86 is superimposed over the rear face of viewing screen 14 so as to cooperate with the frame members around the viewing screen to form a substantially light-tight seal to prevent the transmission of ambient light through the screen and into the apparatus during the print mode. In order to lend mechanical stability to the operating arm 80, the lower end thereof is formed into a fork 88 which straddles a fixed guide rod 90; as the pivotal arm 80 swings in each direction, the lower end thereof is maintained in the desired alignment by means of the engagement of the fork 88 with the fixed guide rod 90.

The operation of the combined shutter-mirror assembly 86 will better be understood in connection with a description of FIGS. 2 and 3 together, in which figures the shutter-mirror assembly is shown in its two extreme positions of travel. More specifically, the positioning of the operation arm 80 in FIG. 2 is such that the shutter-mirror assembly 86 is in a position corresponding to the view mode, whereas in FIG. 3 the pivotal operating arm 80 is in its extreme counter clockwise position, placing the shutter-mirror assembly 86 adjacent the viewing screen 14 for operation of the apparatus in the print mode. Two

linkages

92 and 94 are connected together by a mutual pivot 96, with the upper end of linkage 94 being pivotally connected to the shutter-mirror assembly 86 at 98. The lower extremity of linkage 92 is also pivotally connected to the shutter-mirror assembly 86, but by means of a sliding pivot 100 adapted to slide along a slot 102 in the shutter-mirror assembly 86. The upper end of linkage 92 is pivotally mounted for movement about fixed pivot 82, the linkage 92 and pivotal arm 80 being integrally connected together for common movement. That is to say, the angular relationship between linkage 92 and pivotal arm 80 is fixed, and as the latter swings from one position to the other, the former executes a similar angular movement. The lower extremity of linkage 94 is pivotally connected at 104 to the free end of a linkage 106 which is mounted for pivotal movement about a fixed pivot point 108.

Accordingly, movement of pivotal arm 80 in a counter clockwise direction from the position shown in FIG. 2 results in an identical counter clockwise movement of linkage 92 about fixed pivot point 82. As a result, the shutter-mirror assembly 86 moves toward the right in FIG. 2, the assembly 86 itself undergoing a slight degree of rotation from the angular position shown in FIG. 2 to the substantially vertical position shown in FIG. 3. This angular movement of the assembly 86, along with the translational movement thereof, is effected by the

cross-linked arms

92 and 94 and the linkage 106 in cooperation with the input or driving arm 80. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the two

linkages

92 and 94 move relative to each other as the shutter-mirror assembly 86 moves toward the viewing screen 14, resulting in an increasing angle between the two

linkages

92 and 94 until the position shown in FIG. 3 is reached. Obviously, as the pivotal arm is carried back to its extreme clockwise position, the assembly 86 and the several linkages connected thereto execute movement in the reverse directions, returning the assembly to the position shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 shows cam 60 mounted on chain 26 and in position with respect to switch 58 for operating the latter. Also shown therein, in phantom lines, are

cams

64, 66, 70 and 74, along with

switches

62, 65 and 72. Likewise in phantom'is the showing of lug 76. While these several elements are not actually seen in the section represented by FIG. 7, this collection of phantom views illustrates, in one preferred embodiment, the manner of relative location of this series of elements, whereby each of the cams is able to actuate its associated switch respectively.

An electrical lamp constitutes a source of light which is directed by suitable optical means 112 through a microfilm carried in the carrier assembly 12. The light image thus formed passes through a suitable lens 114 and up along the path indicated to be reflected downwardly and to the left by a fixed mirror 116. With the shutter-mirror assembly 86 in the view mode as shown in FIG. 2, the light reflected from mirror 116 is reflected by the mirror 118 to the viewing screen 14. With the shutter-mirror assembly 86 in the position corresponding to the print mode, as shown in FIG. 3, light reflected by planar mirror 116 is directed to an exposure station which will now be described.

Referring to FIG. 3, an exposure station is indicated generally at 120, including an endless transport belt 122 which is supported and driven by belt drive rollers 124 and 126 mounted on

respective shafts

128 and 130 upon which are also mounted, respectively, drive

sprockets

36 and 56. The transport belt 122 is porous, and while this condition may be achieved by the utilization of a porous material for the belt, in the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of this invention, belt 122 is a plastic belt with a plurality of perforations therein. Positioned between the two passes of transport belt 122 is a housing 132 which has an upper face in the form of a grill work of any suitable design. An electrical motor 134 is connected to and drives a suction fan 136 which,

plied to the upper surface of transport belt 122, constituting a vacuum holding means for a sheet of copy paper positioned upon the upper surface of transport belt 122. In this manner, a sheet of copy paper is held flat upon transport belt 122 so as to ensure accuracy in the reproduction process. Photographically sensitive copy paper is stored in roll form in the apparatus of the present invention by means of a light-tight cassette or suitable housing 140 from which the copy paper 142 emerges at a suitable aperture 144 as the paper is paid off the reel 146. The copy paper 142 passes over roller 148 and down to a pair of pinch rolls 150 and 152 mounted upon

respective shafts

42 and 156. g e

Just below paper feed rolls 150 and 152 is a cutter mechanism including a stationary blade 158 and a movable blade 160, the latter being operated to cut the copy paper 142 in cooperation with stationary blade 158 when operated by a suitable solenoid mechanism shown at 162.

As the copy paper 142 passes the

cutting blades

158 and 160, it passes between pinch rolls 164 and 166 mounted, respectively, on

shafts

168 and 170. From the paper-feeding pinch rolls 164 and 166, the severed sheets of copy paper pass through a corona discharge housing 172 in which a-suitable electrical charge is placed upon the copy paper. Thereafter, the paper passes under idler roller 174 mounted for rotation on shaft 176, whereupon the copy paper is placed upon the transport belt 122 and held thereon by the partial vacuum in housing 132.

As will be further explained in connection with the description of the electrical circuitry of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of this invention, the transport of the severed sheet of copy paper is interrupted when it is in an exposure position on the upper surface of belt 122, and the optical projection means is then operated to expose the pre-charged copy paper to the optical image for a predetermined duration. Thereafter, the transport of the severed sheet of copy paper is resumed, with such sheet passing from the transport belt 122 as it passes under idler roller 178 which is mounted on shaft 180.

The thus exposed sheet of copy paper then passes into the developing station, indicated generally at 182 member 196. The dimensions of pan 184 are sufficiently great to receive the liquid toner thus sprayed onto the upper surface of the copy paper sheet as it flows across the sheet and off the edge thereof. It is important here to note that the sheet of copy paper resting upon the arcuate edges of guide members 186 is positioned above the level of liquid in tank 184, and the copy paper is thus wet by the liquid toner only on its upper surface, permitting a satisfactory drying thereof by the squeegee action of the

pinch rollers

188 and 190, without requiring the use of heat or other means for drying as have been common in the devices of the prior art.

in FIG. 3. Such developing station 182 includes a reservoir 184 having a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart guide members 186 the upper edge of each of which is arcuate as shown so as to constitute together a guide means for the copy paper that is cupped upwardly and adapted to receive the exposed copy paper substantially tangentially from the transport belt 122 and to deliver thedeveloped paper to the pinch rolls 188 and 190 mounted, respectively, on

shafts

192 and 194. Pinch rolls 188 and 190 serve to remove liquid from the paper passing therebetween by means of squeegee action, prior to delivering the copy paper through aperture 24.

Positioned above the arcuate or upwardly-cupped guiding means formed by the upper edges of the plurality of parallel spaced guide members 186 is a tubular conduit 196 positioned transversely of the direction of movement of the copy paper through the developing station 182. Tubular conduit 196 includes a plurality of apertures or spray orifices along its underside to spray liquid under pressure within conduit 96 upon the copy paper resting upon the upperedges of guide members 186.

A pump 198 is mounted below and driven by electrical motor 134, and a suitable conduit 200 is provided by means of which liquid toner in pan 184 may flow into pump 198. The liquid toner coming from pump 198 is applied to two

similar conduits

202 and 204 which are connected to the opposite ends of tubular spray member 196. In this manner, the liquid toner enters the tubular spray head from both ends and at approximately the same pressure, resulting in a substantially uniform flow of the liquid toner through the several spray orifices along the length of the spray As may also be seen in FIG. 3, the exhaust of the suction fan 136 is transmitted by means of a housing or conduit 206 to the electrical projection lamp 110, providing means for cooling the latter. FIG. 4 shows the electrical circuit for the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, including

input terminals

208 and 210 to which may be applied a source of volt alternating current for energizing the entire apparatus. A fuse 212 may be provided, if desired, and as will be seen in FIG. 4, the closing of off-on switch 16 immediately energizes pump motor 134 and light 110, through light-stop switch 58, with the several switches in their normal or ready positions as shown. That is to say, the normal or ready condition of the apparatus is to provide the viewing mode upon closing of off-on switch' 16. As a matter of convenience, pump motor 134 also is energized upon the closing of off-on switch 16, thus ensuring a continued flow of liquid toner and an increased degree of mixing of the particles therein. While the energization of pump motor 134 upon the closing of off-on switch 16 is obvious, the simultaneous energization of projection lamp 110 may be traced from off-on switch 16 through registry switch 72 and the left-hand portion of light-stop switch 58. As may also be seen from FIG. 4, closing of off-on switch 16 renders ready the circuits to corona switch 62, cutter switch 65, print switch 18 and a timer switch 214, the latter being driven by a timer motor 216, the duration of operation of each cycle of which is determined by the setting of timer control knob 20 shown in FIG. 1.

The film holder 12 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an upper stationary support bracket 13 having end flanges (as seen in FIG. 3) which are turned downwardly as shown. A central support member 15 has an upper pair of edge flanges contiguous and cooperating with the flanges of bracket 13, whereby the intermediate support member 15 may slide along bracket 13 to the left and to the right in FIG. 1. correspondingly, intermediate support member 15 has a pair of downwardly-turned edge flanges in orthogonal relationship with respect to the upwardlytumed flanges thereon. Cooperating with these latter downwardly-turned flanges is a pair of upwardly-turned flanges on a film tray 17, whereby the latter may slide along intermediate support 15 to the left and to the right in FIG. 3. As a result, the film tray 17 is mounted for movement toward and away from the operator, as well as to the left and right of the operator,.so as to permit the selection of a desired image portion of the film held, as is common, between two pieces of glass in film tray 17.

Referring now to the operation of the apparatus as described, the initial or ready position of all of the mechanical and electrical components is as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the view mode, in which a suitable microfiche or the like is held within film carrier 12 so as to be positioned in the light beam from lamp 110 and projected upwardly by optical means 112. As was previously mentioned in connection with the brief description of FIG. 4, closing the off-on switch 16 energizes projection lamp 110, and the image of the film in carrier 12 is thus projected upwardly to planar mirror 116, downwardly and to the left to planar mirror 118 and then to the viewing screen 14. While pump motor 134 is energized at this time, resulting in a flow of liquid toner from tank or pan 184 through pump 198,

conduits

202 and 204 and spray head 196 back to tank 184, all the other components are at rest and will remain so until print switch 18 is closed. Thus, the operator may view any number of films in carrier 12 without energizing more than the aforementioned two circuits.

When it is desired to print a copy of an image in carrier 12, the operator momentarily presses the control button for print switch 18, this switch being characterized by its ability to return to the open position when the operators hand is removed. The momentary closing of print switch 18 completes an energizing circuit for drive motor 30 through print switch 18, the righthand element of light-stop switch 58, registry switch 72 and off-on switch 16. With drive motor 30 thus energized, the drive shaft 32 thereof begins to rotate in a clockwise direction (as shown in FIG. 2), carrying with it the drive sprocket 28, resulting in the initiation of the motion of endless link chain 26 as previously described.

Immediately upon the initiation of movement of link chain 26, cam 60 thereon is removed from its initial position under the operating member of light-stop switch 58, resulting in the transfer of the two movable contacts of switch 58 to respective positions opposite to those shown in FIG. 4. With the left-hand component of light-stop switch 58 thus positioned toward 7 the left in FIG. 4, a running circuit is established for motor 30'through this left-hand element of light-stop switch 58 and registry switch 72, thus rendering unnecessary the motor-energizing circuit completed drive sprocket 28, and corona discharge unit 172 is thus energized. Depending upon whether a negative or positive print of the optical image is desired, doublepole double throw switch 218 is positioned in either of its two conditions to apply the direct current output of the corona power supply 220 to

corona lamps

171 and 173 in either d-c voltage as desired. That is to say, the high d-c output of the corona power supply 220 is applied across

corona elements

171 and 173 in one polarity or the other, whereby corona element 171 may, for example, be at approximately a negative 6,000 volts d-c with .respect to chassis ground while corona element 173 is at approximately 6,000 volts d-c positive with respect to chassis ground, or vice versa, depending upon the position of switch 218, as it is desired to place a negative or positive charge on a face of the paper.

Since in the initial or ready position of the elements of the apparatus the dual portion of chain 26 is in position to start its travel over sprocket 44, the initiation of movement of chain 26 results in rotation of sprocket 44 and associated shaft 42, resulting further in opposite rotation of pinch rolls 150 and 152, which draw copy paper 142 from roll 146 downwardly from idler roller 148. This paper feed through pinch rolls 150 and 152 continues for the length of the dual or secondary portion of chain 26, the length of such secondary portion being predetermined so as to result in the feeding of a length of the copy paper 142 corresponding to a desired single sheet.

As copy paper 142 proceeds past pinch rolls 150 and 152, it becomes engaged between pinch rolls 164 and 166, the latter being mounted on and driven by shaft 170, which, in turn, is rotated by means of sprocket 38 in engagement with the main portion of link chain 26.

The copy paper 142 thus passes between pinch rolls 164 and 166 and enters the corona housing 172, wherein an electric charge of suitable polarity is applied to copy paper 142 by means of respective

opposite corona elements

171 and 173.

Suitably charged copy paper 142 next is fed between transport belt 122 and roller 174. As was previously described, the upper pass of transport belt 122 moves downwardly as a result of the rotation of rollers 124 and 126 corresponding to the rotation of

respective shafts

128 and 130, the latter being driven by

respective sprockets

36 and 56 in engagement with link chain 26.

When the predetermined desired length of copy paper 142 is fed

past feed rollers

150 and 152, cam on chain 26 arrives at cutter switch 65, closing the latter and operating cutter solenoid 162, resulting in horizontal movement of movable cutter blade 160 into a sheet of copy paper.

When sufficient time has elapsed for the proper exposure position in the exposure station 120, registry cam 74 on chain 26 operates registry switch 72, interrupting the circuit energizing drive motor 30 and bringing the paper transport to a halt. With light-stop switch 58 still in its left-hand position (FIG. 4) and registry switch 72 now also in its left-hand position, an energizing circuit for projection lamp is now established-through the right-hand element of lightstop switch 58 and registry switch 72. Further, timer motor 216 becomes energized'at this moment, and the exposure of the charged sheet of copy paper in exposure station proceeds for a period of time determined by the pre-set time of operation of timer motor 216, as determined by knob 20 shown in FIG. 1. At the expiration of the pre-set exposure time, timer motor 216 closes timer switch 214, bypassing registry switch 72 in establishing an energizing circuit for guide motor 30 through the left-hand component of light-stop switch 58 and timer switch 214. Accordingly, guide motor 30 again is energized, and link chain 26 resumes its motion. The resumption of this motion removes resevered and appropriately charged sheet of copypaper to reach a' gistry cam 74 from the operating member of registry switch 72, and the latter returns to its initial position.

Also, by this time, the corona of cam 66 has passed the operating member of corona switch 62, disabling the corona circuit.

During a portion of the preceding operation, just prior to the illumination of projection lamp 110 and the consequent exposure of the charged photosensitive paper, the lug 76 on chain 26 engages flange 78 on pivotal arm 80 to carry the latter to its extreme counter clockwise position, placing the shutter-mirror assembly 86 in its shutter position behind viewing screen 14, preventing ambient light outside the viewing screen from entering the cabinet and fogging or preventing the exposure. Similarly, as the operation proceeds, lug 76 returns to the left (FIG. 2) on the lower pass of chain 26, engaging flange 84 on pivotal arm 80, carrying the latter back to its initial or extreme clockwise position.

The exposure of the charged photosensitive paper having thus been accomplished, the sheet of paper with the latent image therein is fed from transport belt 122 into developing station 182 along the upwardly-cupped arcuate path previously described as being provided by the upper edges of a plurality of parallel spaced-apart guide members 186. Movement of the sheet of copy paper through developing station 182 is continuous, and as the leading edge of the paper passes under the spray of liquid toner provided by spray head 196, the upper surface of the copy paper sheet is uniformly subjected to a shower of liquid toner, the latter flowing from the top of the sheet of copy paper over the edges thereof and falling into reservoir or tank 184 for recirculation. Thus, only the upper surface of the copy sheet is exposed to the liquid toner, with the latent image being developed thereby as the sheet passes through the developing station 182 and to the squeegee pinch rolls 188 and 190. Pinch roll 190 is driven by shaft 194 on which it is mounted, this shaft being rotated by sprocket 52, which, in turn, is driven by link chain 26. The finished print is then presented to the operator through aperture 24 in the front cover of the apparatus.

As the operation thus approaches its termination, each of the mechanical operating members has returned to its original or ready position, and, finally, cam 60 on chain 26 again reaches its initial position in contact with the operating member of light-stop switch 58, returning that switch to its initial condition as shown in FIG. 4, disabling the drive motor 30 and reenergizing projection lamp 110, thus leaving the apparatus in its initial or viewing mode.

The invention has been described above in considerable detail, and particularly with reference to its application to a viewer-printer adapted to provide enlarged images and hard copies of microfiche originals. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is equally applicable to ultrafiche, aperture card and reel-film originals, with suitable adaptation of the film carrier therefor. In addition, the invention could equally well be adapted to the use of copy paper supplied in sheet form, instead of utilizing the roll holder and paper cutting means disclosed herein, with suitable means being supplied to accomplish sequential sheet feed to the corona and subsequent units of the apparatus of this invention. Hence, the invention is not to be considered as being limited to the particular details given, nor to the specific application to which reference has been made during the description of the apparatus, except insofar as may be required by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for copying film images, comprising means when driven for transporting copy paper to an exposure station,

meanswhen driven for transporting such copy paper through such exposure station and into an imagedeveloping station,

means including an optical member movable when driven for projecting an optical image of such film image onto such copy paper in such exposure station,

means when driven for applying toner particles to such exposed copy paper in such developing station,

means when driven for delivering such copy paper from such developing station, and

a single driving and synchronizing means for both driving each of said preceding means and determining the time of operation of each.

2. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for transporting copy paper to an exposure station includes a first pair of pinch rolls for conveying such copy paper to such exposure station,

a second pair of pinch rolls for conveying such copy paper from a supply roll to said first pair of pinch rolls,

means for supporting a supply of such copy paper in roll form for feeding to said second pair of pinch rolls, and

means mounted between said first and second pairs of pinch rolls for cutting such copy paper into separate sheets.

3. An apparatus for copying film inages in accordance with claim 1, and including means for applying an electrostatic charge to such copy paper prior to entry thereof into such exposure station.

4. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 3, and including means for selecting the electrical sign of such electrostatic charge applied to such copy paper.

5. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for transporting such copy paper through such exposure station and into such developing station includes an'endless belt conveying means at such exposure station for transporting such copy paper through an exposure position therein.

6. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 5, wherein said endless belt is porous, and including means for creating a partial second optical means for directing the optical image thus formed to an exposure position in such exposure station.

8. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 7, and includinga viewing screen,

a shutter member of substantially the same size as said viewing screen,

movable mounting means for said shutter member for positioning the latter alternately in the optical path of said projecting means and adjacent said viewing screen to block the passage of light therethrough, and

a reflecting surface on said shutter member for reflecting light from said projecting means toward said viewing screen when said shutter member is so positioned in such optical path.

9. an apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for applying toner particles to such exposed copy paper in such developing station includes means forming a reservoir for liquid toner,

means positioned over said reservoir means for guiding such copy paper through such developing sta- 1 tion along and upwardly-cupped arcuate path above the level of liquid in said reservoir means,

means for directing a spray of liquid toner downwardly onto such copy paper over said reservoir means, and

means forpumping said liquid toner'in a recirculating path from said reservoir means, through said spray directing means, over such, copy paper and back into said reservoir means.

10. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 9, said pumping means being driven by an electric motor.

11. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 10, and including an electrical switch means controllingthe energization of said motor.

12. an apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 9, wherein said spray-directing means comprises a tubular member positioned above said paper-guiding means transversely of the direction of paper movement, said tubular member having a series of spray holes along its length, and tubular conduit members connecting said pumping means to both ends of said tubular spray member to apply the liquid toner substantially equally to both ends of said tubular spray member.

13. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for delivering such copy paper from such developing station comprises two pinch rolls, whereby excess liquid is removed from such copy paper therebetween by squeegee action.

14. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 1, wherein said single driving and synchronizing means includes an electrical drive motor having a rotary output shaft with a drive sprocket mounted thereon,

each of said transporting and delivering means having at least one rotary driving shaft with a sprocket mounted thereon,

each of said optical" projecting and toner applying means having electrical operating circuits controlled by electrical switches, and

an endless link chain engaging each of said sprockets and driven by said drive sprocket to effect a mechanical drive of the members connected to the driven sprockets, said link chain carrying a plurality of cam members mounted at predetermined points along the length thereof for selectively engaging the operating means of such electrical switches to thereby synchrhonously control the operation of the circuits connected thereto.

15. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 14, and including:

a porous endless belt conveying means at such exposure station for transporting such copy paper through an exposure position therein, and

means for creating a partial vacuum on the side of said endless belt opposite such copy paper to hold the latter thereon, said means for creating a partial vacuum being driven by a said electrical drive motor.

16. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 15, wherein said means for projecting such optical image onto such copy paper in such exposure station includes an electrical lamp for producing light, and including means for. directing the exhaust from said vacuum-creating means over such electrical lamp to cool the same.

17. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 2, wherein said single driving and synchronizing means includes:

an electrical drive motor having a rotary output shaft with a drive sprocket mounted thereon,

each of said transporting and delivering means having at least one rotary driving shaft with a sprocket mounted thereon, 1

each of said optical projecting and toner applying means having electrical operating circuits 'controlled by electrical switches, and v Y an endless link chain engaging each of said sprockets and driven by said drive sprocket to effect a mechanical drive of the members connected to the 18. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 17,

the rotary driving shaft of said second pair of pinch rolls having an idler sprocket and a driving sprocket mounted thereon in side-by-siderelationship, and i said endless link chain constituting in part a dual chain having a second link chain mounted thereon in side-by-side relationship over a predetermined portion of the length thereof, said first-mentioned link chain engaging said idler sprocket and said second link chain intermittently engaging said driving sprocket. 19. In an apparatus for electrostatically copying images from an original document medium onto copy paper including a supply of copy paper, image forming means for reproducing the image from the document medium on said copy paper, and conveying means for selectively transporting said copy paper from said supply of copy paper through said image forming means, the improvement comprising:

a single drive motor having a rotary output shaft;

a driving member carried by and rotatable with said output shaft;

driven member means operatively connected to said conveyor means for selectively causing said conveyor means to move said copy paper through said image forming means as said driven member means is driven;

a flexible endless transfer member drivingly connecting said driving member to said driven member means to cause said driven member means to be driven as said driving member is rotated;

first switch means for selectively connecting said drive motor to a power source for causing said motor to rotate said driving member;

control means for selectively controlling the operation of said image forming means;

second switch means for selectively activating said control means;

first operating member means carried by said transfer member for selectively operating only said first switch means and for causing said first switch means to disconnect said drive motor from the power source when said first operating member means engages said first switch means, said first operating member means located on said transfer member to engage said first switch means when said apparatus completes a cycle whereby said copy paper is supplied from said supply of copy paper through said image forming means to reproduce the image from the original document medium thereon;

second operating member means selectively operating only said second switch means carried by said transfer member for causing said second switch means to activate said control means when said transfer member reaches a predetermined position; and,

independent means for initiating said cycle by ener-- gizing said motor independently of said first switch means to move said first operating member means out of engagement with said first switch means. 20. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 19 wherein said flexible endless transfer member is an endless link chain, wherein said first operating member means is a 'first cam member attached to said chain at a first predetermined position and movable therewith along a first prescribed path, wherein said second operating member means is a second cam member attached to said chain at a second predetermined position and movable therewith along a second prescribed path parallel to said first prescribed path displaced from said first prescribed path; wherein said first switch means is located so as to be engaged by said first cam member at a predetermined position as it moves along said first prescribed path and so as not to be engaged by said second cam member as it moves along said second prescribed path, and wherein said second switch means is located so as to be engaged by said second cam member at a predetermined position as it moves along said second prescribed path and so as not to be engaged by said first cam member as it moves along said first prescribed path.

21. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 19 wherein said control means includes time delay means for deenergizing said drive motor for a predetermined period of time upon operation of said second switch means by said second operating member and for re-energizing said motor after said predetermined period of time.

22. In an apparatus for electrostatically copying images from an original document medium onto copy paper including a supply of copy paper, and an image forming means for producing an image on said copy paper, the improvement comprising:

paper feed means for selectively feeding copy paper from said supply of copy paper toward said image forming means, said paper feed means including a driven member for causing said paper feed means to feed said copy paper as it is rotated;

a single drive motor having a rotary output shaft;

a driving member carried by and rotatable with said output shaft;

a flexible endless transfer member connected to and moved by said driving member, said transfer member passing adjacent to but not engaging said driven member;

a flexible engaging member mounted on said transfer member and movable therewith in a side-by-side relationship with said transfer member; said engaging member arranged to drivingly engage said drivenmember to operate said paper feed means as said transfer member moves said engaging member over said driven member, said engaging member having a length shorter than said transfer member such that a prescribed length of copy paper is fed toward said image forming means as said engaging member moves over said driven member.

23. In an apparatus asset forth in claim 22 wherein said flexible transfer member is an endless link chain and wherein said flexible engaging member is a section of link chain attached to the side of said endless link chain at a predetermined position thereon 24. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 19 wherein said conveying means includes paper feed means for selectively feeding copy paper from said supply of copy paper toward said image forming means, and wherein: said driven member means includes a driven member for causing said paper feed means to feed said cop paper as it is rotated; and further including:

a flexible engaging member mounted on said transfer member and movable therewith in a side-by-side relationship with said transfer member; said engaging member arranged to drivingly engage said driven member to operate said paper feed means as said transfer means moves said engaging member over said driven member, said engaging member having a length shorter than said transfer member such that a prescribed length of copy paper is fed toward said image forming means as said engaging member moves over said driven member. I 25. In a microfilm viewer-printer apparatus for copying images from microfilm onto copy paper including image forming means for reproducing the image of the microfilm on the copy paper and a viewing screen, the improvement comprising:

image projection means for projecting the image from the microfilm into said image forming means to cause the image to be reproduced on said copy P p;

projection transfer means for selectively transferring the projected image from said image projection means onto said viewing screen while preventing said projected image from reaching said image forming means when said projection transfer means is in a first position and for allowing said projected image to reach said image forming means when said projection transfer means is in a second position;

a single drive motor having a rotary output shaft; a driving member carried by and rotatable with said output shaft;

a flexible endless transfer member connected to and moved by said driving member along a prescribed path in a first direction;

driving element mounted on and movable with transfer member along said prescribed path;

a first driven element operatively connected to said projection transfer means; said first driven element constructed and arranged to be engaged by said driving element to move said projection transfer means from said first position to said second position as said driving element is moved along a firstpredetermined portion of said prescribed path in said first direction by said transfer member and for I releasing said first driving element when said projection transfer means reaches said second position;

second driven element operatively connected to said projection transfer means; said second driven element constructed and arranged to be engaged by said driving element to move said projection transfer means from said second position to said first position as said driving element .is moved along a second predetermined portion of said prescribed path in said first direction by said transfer member and for releasing said second driving element when saidprojectiontransfer means reaches said first position.

26. In an apparatus as set forth in cliarn 25 wherein said conveying means includes paper feed means for selectively feeding copy paper from said supply of copy paper toward said image forming means, and wherein said driven member means includes a driven member for causing said paper feed means to feed said copy paper as it is rotated; and further including:

a flexible engaging member mounted on said transfer member and movable therewith in a side-by-side 27. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 25 wherein such apparatus further includes a supply of copy paper, and conveying means for selectively transporting said copy paper from said supply of copy paper through said image forming means, and further including:

driven member means operatively connected to said conveyor means for selectively causing said conveyor means to move said copy paper through said image forming means as said driven member means is driven by said transfer member;

second switch means for selectively activating said control means;

a second operating member means Selectively operating only said second switch means carried by said transfer member for causing said second switch means to activate said control means when said transfer member reaches a predetermined position; and

independent means for initiating said cycle by energizing said motor independently of said first switch means to move said first operating member means out of engagement with said first switch means.

28. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 27 wherein said conveying means includes paper feed means for selectively feeding cop'y paper from said supply of copy paper toward said image forming means, and wherein said driven member means includes a driven member not engaged by said transfer member for causing said paper feed means to feed said copy paper as it is rotated; and further including:

a flexible engaging member mounted on said transfer member and movable therewith in a side-by-side relationship with said transfer member; said engaging member arranged to drivingly engage said driven member to operate said paper feed means as said transfer member moves said engaging member over said driven member, said engaging member having a length shorter than said transfer 30. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 29 wherein said supply of copy paper includes a roll of copy paper, and wherein said apparatus further includes cutter means for cutting said copypaper to length as it is fed from said roll by said paper feed means, and further including cutter operating means for causing said cutter means to cut said copy paper when activated; and an operating element carried by said endless link chain and movable therewith, said operating element constructed and arranged to engage and activate only said cutter operating means when said endless chain reaches a predetermined position.

31. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 24 wherein said supply of copy paper includes a roll of copy paper,

and wherein said apparatus further includes cutter means for cutting said copy paper to length as it is fed from said roll by said paper feed means, and further including cutter operating means for causing said cutter means to cut said copy paper when activated; and an operating element carried by said endless transfer member and movable therewith, said operating element constructed and arranged to engage and activate only said cutter operating means when said endless transfer member reaches a predetermined position.

32. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 30 wherein said control means includes time delay means for deenergizing said drive motor for a predetermined period of time upon operation of said second switch means by said second operating member and for re-energizing said motor after said predetermined period of time.

33. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 32 wherein said apparatus further includes charging means for electrostatically charging said copy paper, wherein said image forming means includes exposure means for projecting the optical image on said microfilm onto said charged copy paper to form an electrostatic latent image thereon, and developing 'means for developing said electrostatic latent image on said copy paper into a visual image.

34. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 33 wherein said charging means includes charging control means for causing said charging means to charge said paper when actuated, and further including a first trigger member mounted on said endless link chain at a predetermined position thereon, movable therewith, and engaging only said charging control means to actuate same; and a second trigger member mounted on said endless link chain at a predetermined position thereon, movable therewith, and engaging only said charging control means to de-activate same.

Claims

1. An apparatus for copying film images, comprising means when driven for transporting copy paper to an exposure station, means when driven for transporting such copy paper through such exposure station and into an image-developing station, means including an optical member movable when driven for projecting an optical image of such film image onto such copy paper in such exposure station, means when driven for applying toner particles to such exposed copy paper in such developing station, means when driven for delivering such copy paper from such developing station, and a single driving and synchronizing means for both driving each of said preceding means and determining the time of operation of each.

2. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for transporting copy paper to an exposure station includes a first pair of pinch rolls for conveying such copy paper to such exposure station, a second pair of pinch rolls for conveying such copy paper from a supply roll to said first pair of pinch rolls, means for supporting a supply of sUch copy paper in roll form for feeding to said second pair of pinch rolls, and means mounted between said first and second pairs of pinch rolls for cutting such copy paper into separate sheets.

5. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for transporting such copy paper through such exposure station and into such developing station includes an endless belt conveying means at such exposure station for transporting such copy paper through an exposure position therein.

6. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 5, wherein said endless belt is porous, and including means for creating a partial vacuum on the side of said endless belt opposite such copy paper to hold the latter thereon.

7. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for projecting such optical image onto such copy paper in such exposure station includes an electrical lamp for producing light, means for supporting an image film, first optical means for projecting such light from said electrical lamp through such image film, and second optical means for directing the optical image thus formed to an exposure position in such exposure station.

8. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 7, and including a viewing screen, a shutter member of substantially the same size as said viewing screen, movable mounting means for said shutter member for positioning the latter alternately in the optical path of said projecting means and adjacent said viewing screen to block the passage of light therethrough, and a reflecting surface on said shutter member for reflecting light from said projecting means toward said viewing screen when said shutter member is so positioned in such optical path.

9. an apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for applying toner particles to such exposed copy paper in such developing station includes means forming a reservoir for liquid toner, means positioned over said reservoir means for guiding such copy paper through such developing station along and upwardly-cupped arcuate path above the level of liquid in said reservoir means, means for directing a spray of liquid toner downwardly onto such copy paper over said reservoir means, and means for pumping said liquid toner in a recirculating path from said reservoir means, through said spray directing means, over such copy paper and back into said reservoir means.

11. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 10, and including an electrical switch means controlling the energization of said motor.

14. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with clAim 1, wherein said single driving and synchronizing means includes an electrical drive motor having a rotary output shaft with a drive sprocket mounted thereon, each of said transporting and delivering means having at least one rotary driving shaft with a sprocket mounted thereon, each of said optical projecting and toner applying means having electrical operating circuits controlled by electrical switches, and an endless link chain engaging each of said sprockets and driven by said drive sprocket to effect a mechanical drive of the members connected to the driven sprockets, said link chain carrying a plurality of cam members mounted at predetermined points along the length thereof for selectively engaging the operating means of such electrical switches to thereby synchrhonously control the operation of the circuits connected thereto.

15. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 14, and including: a porous endless belt conveying means at such exposure station for transporting such copy paper through an exposure position therein, and means for creating a partial vacuum on the side of said endless belt opposite such copy paper to hold the latter thereon, said means for creating a partial vacuum being driven by a said electrical drive motor.

16. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 15, wherein said means for projecting such optical image onto such copy paper in such exposure station includes an electrical lamp for producing light, and including means for directing the exhaust from said vacuum-creating means over such electrical lamp to cool the same.

17. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 2, wherein said single driving and synchronizing means includes: an electrical drive motor having a rotary output shaft with a drive sprocket mounted thereon, each of said transporting and delivering means having at least one rotary driving shaft with a sprocket mounted thereon, each of said optical projecting and toner applying means having electrical operating circuits controlled by electrical switches, and an endless link chain engaging each of said sprockets and driven by said drive sprocket to effect a mechanical drive of the members connected to the driven sprockets, said link chain carrying a plurality of cam members mounted at predetermined points along the length thereof for selectively engaging the operating means of such electrical switches to thereby synchronously control the operation of the circuits connected thereto.

18. An apparatus for copying film images in accordance with claim 17, the rotary driving shaft of said second pair of pinch rolls having an idler sprocket and a driving sprocket mounted thereon in side-by-side relationship, and said endless link chain constituting in part a dual chain having a second link chain mounted thereon in side-by-side relationship over a predetermined portion of the length thereof, said first-mentioned link chain engaging said idler sprocket and said second link chain intermittently engaging said driving sprocket.

19. In an apparatus for electrostatically copying images from an original document medium onto copy paper including a supply of copy paper, image forming means for reproducing the image from the document medium on said copy paper, and conveying means for selectively transporting said copy paper from said supply of copy paper through said image forming means, the improvement comprising: a single drive motor having a rotary output shaft; a driving member carried by and rotatable with said output shaft; driven member means operatively connected to said conveyor means for selectively causing said conveyor means to move said copy paper through said image forming means as said driven member means is driven; a flexible endless transfer member drivingly connecting said driving member to said driven member means to cause said driven member means to be driven as said dRiving member is rotated; first switch means for selectively connecting said drive motor to a power source for causing said motor to rotate said driving member; control means for selectively controlling the operation of said image forming means; second switch means for selectively activating said control means; first operating member means carried by said transfer member for selectively operating only said first switch means and for causing said first switch means to disconnect said drive motor from the power source when said first operating member means engages said first switch means, said first operating member means located on said transfer member to engage said first switch means when said apparatus completes a cycle whereby said copy paper is supplied from said supply of copy paper through said image forming means to reproduce the image from the original document medium thereon; second operating member means selectively operating only said second switch means carried by said transfer member for causing said second switch means to activate said control means when said transfer member reaches a predetermined position; and, independent means for initiating said cycle by energizing said motor independently of said first switch means to move said first operating member means out of engagement with said first switch means.

20. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 19 wherein said flexible endless transfer member is an endless link chain, wherein said first operating member means is a first cam member attached to said chain at a first predetermined position and movable therewith along a first prescribed path, wherein said second operating member means is a second cam member attached to said chain at a second predetermined position and movable therewith along a second prescribed path parallel to said first prescribed path displaced from said first prescribed path; wherein said first switch means is located so as to be engaged by said first cam member at a predetermined position as it moves along said first prescribed path and so as not to be engaged by said second cam member as it moves along said second prescribed path, and wherein said second switch means is located so as to be engaged by said second cam member at a predetermined position as it moves along said second prescribed path and so as not to be engaged by said first cam member as it moves along said first prescribed path.

21. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 19 wherein said control means includes time delay means for de-energizing said drive motor for a predetermined period of time upon operation of said second switch means by said second operating member and for re-energizing said motor after said predetermined period of time.

22. In an apparatus for electrostatically copying images from an original document medium onto copy paper including a supply of copy paper, and an image forming means for producing an image on said copy paper, the improvement comprising: paper feed means for selectively feeding copy paper from said supply of copy paper toward said image forming means, said paper feed means including a driven member for causing said paper feed means to feed said copy paper as it is rotated; a single drive motor having a rotary output shaft; a driving member carried by and rotatable with said output shaft; a flexible endless transfer member connected to and moved by said driving member, said transfer member passing adjacent to but not engaging said driven member; a flexible engaging member mounted on said transfer member and movable therewith in a side-by-side relationship with said transfer member; said engaging member arranged to drivingly engage said driven member to operate said paper feed means as said transfer member moves said engaging member over said driven member, said engaging member having a length shorter than said transfer member such that a prescribed length of copy paper is fed toward said image forming means as said engaging member mOves over said driven member.

23. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein said flexible transfer member is an endless link chain and wherein said flexible engaging member is a section of link chain attached to the side of said endless link chain at a predetermined position thereon.

24. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 19 wherein said conveying means includes paper feed means for selectively feeding copy paper from said supply of copy paper toward said image forming means, and wherein: said driven member means includes a driven member for causing said paper feed means to feed said copy paper as it is rotated; and further including: a flexible engaging member mounted on said transfer member and movable therewith in a side-by-side relationship with said transfer member; said engaging member arranged to drivingly engage said driven member to operate said paper feed means as said transfer means moves said engaging member over said driven member, said engaging member having a length shorter than said transfer member such that a prescribed length of copy paper is fed toward said image forming means as said engaging member moves over said driven member.

25. In a microfilm viewer-printer apparatus for copying images from microfilm onto copy paper including image forming means for reproducing the image of the microfilm on the copy paper and a viewing screen, the improvement comprising: image projection means for projecting the image from the microfilm into said image forming means to cause the image to be reproduced on said copy paper; projection transfer means for selectively transferring the projected image from said image projection means onto said viewing screen while preventing said projected image from reaching said image forming means when said projection transfer means is in a first position and for allowing said projected image to reach said image forming means when said projection transfer means is in a second position; a single drive motor having a rotary output shaft; a driving member carried by and rotatable with said output shaft; a flexible endless transfer member connected to and moved by said driving member along a prescribed path in a first direction; a driving element mounted on and movable with transfer member along said prescribed path; a first driven element operatively connected to said projection transfer means; said first driven element constructed and arranged to be engaged by said driving element to move said projection transfer means from said first position to said second position as said driving element is moved along a first predetermined portion of said prescribed path in said first direction by said transfer member and for releasing said first driving element when said projection transfer means reaches said second position; a second driven element operatively connected to said projection transfer means; said second driven element constructed and arranged to be engaged by said driving element to move said projection transfer means from said second position to said first position as said driving element is moved along a second predetermined portion of said prescribed path in said first direction by said transfer member and for releasing said second driving element when said projection transfer means reaches said first position.

26. In an apparatus as set forth in cliam 25 wherein said conveying means includes paper feed means for selectively feeding copy paper from said supply of copy paper toward said image forming means, and wherein said driven member means includes a driven member for causing said paper feed means to feed said copy paper as it is rotated; and further including: a flexible engaging member mounted on said transfer member and movable therewith in a side-by-side relationship with said transfer member; said engaging member arranged to drivingly engage said driven member to operate said paper feed means as said transfer member moves said engaging member over said driven meMber, said engaging member having a length shorter than said transfer member such that a prescribed length of copy paper is fed toward said image forming means as said engaging member moves over said driven member.

27. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 25 wherein such apparatus further includes a supply of copy paper, and conveying means for selectively transporting said copy paper from said supply of copy paper through said image forming means, and further including: driven member means operatively connected to said conveyor means for selectively causing said conveyor means to move said copy paper through said image forming means as said driven member means is driven by said transfer member; first switch means for selectively connecting said drive motor to a power source for causing said motor to rotate said driving member; control means for selectively controlling the operation of said image forming means; second switch means for selectively activating said control means; first operating member means carried by said transfer member for selectively operating only said first switch means and for causing said first switch means to disconnect said drive motor from the power source when said first operating member means engages said first switch means, said first operating member means located on said transfer member to engage said first switch means when said apparatus completes a cycle whereby said copy paper is supplied from said supply of copy paper through said image forming means to reproduce the image from the original document medium thereon; second operating member means selectively operating only said second switch means carried by said transfer member for causing said second switch means to activate said control means when said transfer member reaches a predetermined position; and independent means for initiating said cycle by energizing said motor independently of said first switch means to move said first operating member means out of engagement with said first switch means.

28. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 27 wherein said conveying means includes paper feed means for selectively feeding copy paper from said supply of copy paper toward said image forming means, and wherein said driven member means includes a driven member not engaged by said transfer member for causing said paper feed means to feed said copy paper as it is rotated; and further including: a flexible engaging member mounted on said transfer member and movable therewith in a side-by-side relationship with said transfer member; said engaging member arranged to drivingly engage said driven member to operate said paper feed means as said transfer member moves said engaging member over said driven member, said engaging member having a length shorter than said transfer member such that a prescribed length of copy paper is fed toward said image forming means as said engaging member moves over said driven member.

29. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 28 wherein said flexible transfer member is an endless link chain and wherein said flexible engaging member is a section of link chain attached to the side of said endless link chain at a predetermined position thereon.

30. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 29 wherein said supply of copy paper includes a roll of copy paper, and wherein said apparatus further includes cutter means for cutting said copy paper to length as it is fed from said roll by said paper feed means, and further including cutter operating means for causing said cutter means to cut said copy paper when activated; and an operating element carried by said endless link chain and movable therewith, said operating element constructed and arranged to engage and activate only said cutter operating means when said endless chain reaches a predetermined position.

31. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 24 wherein said supply of copy paper includes a roll of copy paper, and wherein said apparatus further includes cutter means fOr cutting said copy paper to length as it is fed from said roll by said paper feed means, and further including cutter operating means for causing said cutter means to cut said copy paper when activated; and an operating element carried by said endless transfer member and movable therewith, said operating element constructed and arranged to engage and activate only said cutter operating means when said endless transfer member reaches a predetermined position.

32. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 30 wherein said control means includes time delay means for de-energizing said drive motor for a predetermined period of time upon operation of said second switch means by said second operating member and for re-energizing said motor after said predetermined period of time.

33. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 32 wherein said apparatus further includes charging means for electrostatically charging said copy paper, wherein said image forming means includes exposure means for projecting the optical image on said microfilm onto said charged copy paper to form an electrostatic latent image thereon, and developing means for developing said electrostatic latent image on said copy paper into a visual image.