U.S. patent number 3,645,157 [Application Number 04/879,487] was granted by the patent office on 1972-02-29 for roll feed and cutting apparatus for use in a photocopy machine.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Addressograph-Multigraph Corporation. Invention is credited to Albert J. Di Giulio, Frank B. Naujokas.
United States Patent |
3,645,157 |
Di Giulio , et al. |
February 29, 1972 |
ROLL FEED AND CUTTING APPARATUS FOR USE IN A PHOTOCOPY MACHINE
Abstract
Apparatus is disclosed for feeding and cutting copy material
from a roll in accordance with an original document fed into a
multispeed, contact-type copying machine. The original and severed
copy sheet are fed in synchronism into the machine by a pair of
infeed rollers. A single sensing element positioned a predetermined
distance upstream of the infeed rollers initiates the feeding of
copy material from a selected roll upon being actuated by the
leading edge of the original and causes the cessation of the
feeding of copy material and the severing thereof, from the roll
upon deactuation by the trailing edge of the original. The
cessation of the feeding of copy material and the severing thereof
is accomplished rapidly, due to the application of a high voltage
to the brake of the copy material roll and to the cutting mechanism
of the copying machine. The normal position of the leading edge of
the copy material is nearer the infeed rollers than the sensing
element, to insure registration of the leading edges of the
original and copy material at the infeed rollers at high-speed
settings. A delay in feeding and cutting the copy material is
incorporated into the apparatus for low-speed operation. A second
sensing element upstream of and laterally spaced from the
first-mentioned sensing element selects an alternate copy material
roll upon actuation thereof by the leading edge of the original. An
additional, switching element in the path of the copy material
causes the severing of copy material from a selected roll, at least
of a predetermined length upon the feeding of relatively short
originals into the copying machine. A manual cut mechanism is also
provided for severing copy material from a roll when desired.
Inventors: |
Di Giulio; Albert J. (Arlington
Heights, IL), Naujokas; Frank B. (Arlington Heights,
IL) |
Assignee: |
Addressograph-Multigraph
Corporation (Mount Prospect, IL)
|
Family
ID: |
25374261 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/879,487 |
Filed: |
November 24, 1969 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
83/205; 83/203;
83/650; 83/272; 399/386 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03B
27/14 (20130101); G03D 15/046 (20130101); Y10T
83/4443 (20150401); Y10T 83/462 (20150401); Y10T
83/902 (20150401); Y10T 83/4448 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
G03B
27/14 (20060101); G03D 15/04 (20060101); G03B
27/02 (20060101); B26d 005/20 () |
Field of
Search: |
;83/203,205,272,650
;355/13 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Meister; James M.
Claims
We claim:
1. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus for a copying machine
utilizing continuous material, which in contact with an original to
be copied, is fed between infeed rollers into said copy machine for
processing, said roll feeding and cutting apparatus comprising:
a storage roll of said sensitizing copying material,
feed means over which said copy material passes toward engagement
between said infeed rollers,
drive means operable between a start and stop condition for
starting and stopping the rotation of the storage roll,
cutting means in the path of said sensitized material located a
predetermined first distance from said infeed rollers,
original feed means for conveying an original including an original
feed path which merges with said copy path at said infeed rollers
and intermediate feed means positioned along said original feed
path a predetermined second distance from said infeed rollers, said
second distance being slightly greater than said first
distance,
a single sensing element located at said intermediate feed means
for said original activated by the leading edge of the original
upon insertion of the latter into said original feed means and
deactivated by the trailing edge thereof,
control means for controlling the actuation of the feed means of
said sensitized copy material upon the activation of said sensing
element by the leading edge of the original, and controlling the
activation of said cutting means and also operating said drive
means to a stopped condition to sever a sheet of copy material from
said roll substantially equal in length to said original upon
deactivation of said sensing element by the trailing edge of said
original.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said supply of copy
material includes a second roll of copy material of a greater width
than said first-mentioned roll;
a second switch element positioned along said original document
path, and spaced laterally from said first-mentioned switch element
and engageable with an original document of a width greater than a
predetermined width; and
means operated in response to the engagement of said second switch
element by said original document to cause copy material from said
second roll to be fed along said copy paper path upon engagement of
said first-mentioned switch element by said original document.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said second switch
element is spaced a predetermined distance upstream of said first
switch element along said original document path.
4. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus for use in a copying machine
utilizing sensitized, continuous copy material, which in contact
with an original to be copied, is fed between infeed rollers into
said copying machine for processing, said roll feeding and cutting
apparatus comprising:
a roll supply of said copy material;
copy guide means over which said copy material is fed toward said
infeed rollers;
copy transport means for conveying said copy material along said
guide means;
cutting means in the path of said copy material for severing a
length of material from said roll;
original guide means along which said original is fed, converging
toward said infeed rollers;
original transport means for conveying said original along said
original guide means;
a first sensing element positioned along said original guide means
and being activated by the leading edge of said original and
deactivated by the trailing edge of said original; and
a second sensing element disposed in the path of said copy material
for activation thereby, said copy transport means being operated to
feed copy material along said copy guide means upon the leading
edge of said original activating said first sensing element, and
the operation of said copy transport means being discontinued and
said cutter means being operated to sever a length of copy material
from said roll upon said second sensing element being activated by
said copy material when said first sensing element is deactivated
by the trailing edge of said original.
5. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus for a copying machine
utilizing sensitized continuous copy material, which in contact
with an original to be copied, is fed between infeed rollers into
said machine for processing, said apparatus comprising:
a storage roll of copy material;
a copy material path directed toward said infeed rollers over which
said copy material passes;
copy transport means for conveying said copy material from said
roll along said path toward said infeed rollers;
cutting means positioned along said copy material path a
predetermined distance from said infeed rollers;
an original feed path converging toward said infeed rollers;
original transport means for conveying said original along said
original path;
original and copy feed drive means for operating said original and
copy transport means at a common speed;
speed selection means for selecting the speed of said original and
copy feed drive means, said speed-selecting means being operable to
a first speed setting below a predetermined speed and a second
speed setting above said predetermined speed;
a single sensing element positioned along said original feed path a
predetermined distance from said infeed rollers, said sensing
element controlling the actuation of said copy feed means upon
activation of said sensing element by the leading edge of said
original and controlling the cessation of the operation of said
copy transport means and the cutting means to sever a segment of
copy material from said roll upon the deactivation of said sensing
element by the trailing edge of said original; and
time delay means operable upon the operation of said speed
selection means to said first speed setting to delay the operation
of said copy transport means a predetermined amount of time upon
actuation of said sensing element by the leading edge original.
6. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein
said time delay means further is operable upon the operation of
said speed selection means to said first speed setting to delay the
cessation of the operation of said copy transport means and the
operation of said cutting means a predetermined amount of time upon
the deactivation of said sensing element by the trailing edge of
said original.
7. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein
said first-mentioned predetermined time delay period is less than
said last-mentioned predetermined time delay period.
8. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein
said predetermined speed is approximately 271/2 feet per
minute.
9. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein
said first mentioned time delay is approximately 25 milliseconds in
duration and wherein said last-mentioned time delay is
approximately 45 milliseconds in duration.
10. Roll feed and cutting apparatus for a copying machine utilizing
sensitized continuous copy material, which in synchronism with an
original to be copied, is fed into said copying machine for
processing, said roll feed and cutting apparatus comprising:
a roll supply of copy material;
copy material transport means including an electrically operated
brake and clutch arrangement for feeding copy material into said
copying machine;
electrically operated cutter means for severing a segment of copy
material from said roll;
sensing means in the path of said original actuated by the leading
edge of said original and deactuated by the trailing edge of said
original; and
circuit means operable upon the actuation of said sensing means to
actuate said copy transport clutch with a first voltage for feeding
copy material from said roll supply and operable upon the
deactuation of said sensing means to actuate said copy transport
brake and said cutter means with a second, relatively high voltage
for rapid discontinuation of the feeding of said copy material and
the substantially simultaneous severing thereof from said roll.
11. Roll feed and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein
said first voltage value is approximately 24 volts and wherein said
second voltage value is approximately 150 volts.
12. Roll feed and cutting apparatus for a copying machine utilizing
sensitized continuous copy material, which in synchronism with an
original to be copied is fed into said copying machine for
processing, said roll feed and cutting apparatus accommodating
originals of varying widths, said apparatus comprising:
first and second rolls of copy material;
first and second copy material transport means, each including
electrically operated brake and clutch means for controlling the
feeding of copy material from a respective one of said copy
material rolls into said copying machine;
electrically operated cutting means for severing a segment of copy
material from either of said rolls;
selecting means for selecting said first or second roll of copy
material in accordance with the width of the original fed into said
copying machine;
sensing means in the path of said original actuated by the leading
edge of said original and deactuated by the trailing edge of said
original; and
circuit means operable upon the actuation of said sensing means to
actuate the copy transport clutch means of the selected roll of
copy material and the brake means of the nonselected roll of copy
material with a first voltage, for feeding copy material from said
selected roll and maintaining the position of said nonselected roll
respectively, and operable upon the deactuation of said sensing
means to actuate said selected copy roll transport brake means and
said cutting means with a second, relatively high voltage for rapid
discontinuation of the feeding of said copy material and the
substantially simultaneous severing thereof from said roll,
respectively.
13. Roll feed and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein
upon the deactuation of said sensing means by the trailing edge of
said original said nonselected copy roll transport brake means is
also actuated with said relatively high voltage to ensure the
prevention of movement of said nonselected copy roll material from
its normal position.
14. Roll feed and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein
there is normally applied to said first and second copy roll brake
means, prior to selection of a roll by said selecting means, a
third relatively low voltage to maintain both said copy rolls of
material in a normal idle condition.
15. Roll feed and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein
said first voltage is approximately 24 volts, wherein said second
voltage is approximately 150 volts and wherein said third voltage
is approximately 15 volts.
16. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 6
wherein the leading edge of said roll of copy material is
positioned normally at said cutting means and said second sensing
element is spaced a predetermined distance from said cutting means,
thereby to provide severed copy material lengths at least of a
length equal to said predetermined distance, regardless of the
length of said original.
17. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus for use in a copying machine
utilizing continuous copy material which is fed toward an infeed
station of said copying machine for processing copies in accordance
with an original document fed into said machine,
said roll feeding and cutting apparatus comprising:
a roll supply of copy material;
copy guide means over which said material is fed toward said infeed
station,
copy transport means for feeding copy material along said guide
means;
cutting means in the path of said copy material for severing a
length of material from said roll, the leading edge of said roll of
copy material being normally positioned at said cutting means;
original guide means along which said original is fed,
original transport means for transporting said original into said
machine,
first sensing means in the path of said original for initiating the
operation of said copy transport means to feed copy material from
said roll supply in response to actuation by said original by the
leading edge thereof, and operable upon deactuation by the trailing
edge of said original to discontinue the feeding of said copy
material and operate said cutting means to sever a section of copy
material corresponding in length to said original from said
roll,
control means being operable manually to initiate the feeding of
copy material when no original is present on said original path,
and
second sensing means disposed in the path of said copy material and
spaced a predetermined distance from said cutting means for
actuation by the leading edge of said copy material, said second
sensing means being operable in response to said actuation to
discontinue the feeding of said copy material and to operate said
cutting means to sever a length of copy material of a length
substantially equal to said predetermined distance, thereby to
prevent the continual feeding of copy material from said roll
beyond said length.
18. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus for use in a copying machine
utilizing continuous copy material which in contact with an
original to be copied, is fed between infeed rollers into said
copying machine for processing, said roll feeding and cutting
apparatus comprising:
a roll supply of said copy material,
a copy path over which said copy material is fed toward said infeed
rollers,
copy transport means for conveying said copy material along said
copy path,
cutting means disposed in the path of said copy material for
severing a length of material from said roll, the leading edge of
said roll of copy material being positioned normally at the
location of said cutting means,
original path means along which said original is fed, converging
toward said infeed rollers,
original transport means for conveying said original along said
original path,
a first sensing element positioned along said original path spaced
a predetermined distance from said infeed rollers, said sensing
means normally being activated by the leading edge of said original
to operate said copy transport means to feed copy paper along said
copy path, and deactivated by the trailing edge of said original to
discontinue the feeding of said copy material and to operate said
cutting means, and
second sensing means disposed in the path of said copy material a
predetermined distance from said cutting means, between said infeed
rollers and said cutting means, said second sensing means being
operable upon the activation thereof by the leading edge of said
copy material to discontinue the feeding of copy material and to
activate said cutting means only when the length of said original
is less than the distance between said cutting means and said
second sensing means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to roll-fed copying machines and
more particularly to apparatus for use in copying machines to
dispense cut lengths from a roll of copy material in accordance
with varying size originals in an environment wherein the original
and severed copy sheet are to be in a superimposed and registered
relation.
In high-volume copying machines of the electrostatic or diazo
variety, in which originals of varying lengths are fed into the
machine to be copied on copy sheets cut from a roll of copy paper,
it is necessary that the copy sheet length and image registration
be maintained. This is especially important and more difficult to
accomplish in diazo copying machines wherein the speed of movement
of the sheet elements can be varied over a wide range as a function
of varying the exposure.
The maintenance of copy length and image registration has been
accomplished heretofore in lower volume machines, by means of copy
paper feed and cutting apparatus including a series of switches
placed along the original feed path of the machine to monitor the
leading and trailing edges of originals fed into the machine. A
first switch is adjusted for leading edge alignment and a plurality
of other switches are adjusted for trailing edge alignment, each
for a different speed range.
While the last-mentioned switch arrangement operates satisfactorily
for the most part to feed copy paper and actuate the cutter of the
arrangement to accurately sever copy sheets of lengths
substantially equal to the length of an original, the system is
complex, relatively expensive, and requires frequent, time
consuming readjustment of the switches.
In addition to accurately severing copy sheets from a roll of copy
paper, provision is often made in machines for accommodating
originals of differing widths, i.e., for supplying copy paper of a
greater width for relatively wide originals and of a lesser width
for originals of a lesser width. However, such means, when
provided, are generally complex in design, and tend to reduce the
accuracy of cutting the copy sheets from different rolls of paper
to lengths substantially equal to that of respective originals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to
provide new and improved copy paper dispensing and cutting
apparatus for use in a copying machine to accurately feed and cut
copy sheets from a roll of copy sheet material in accordance with
respective originals. The apparatus provided is simple in
construction, relatively inexpensive to produce and requires a
minimum of maintenance.
It is a more specific object of the present invention to provide
apparatus of the above-described type for use in a high volume,
variable speed diazo-type copying machine.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved copy material feed and cutting arrangement of the
type described which includes a single switch for monitoring
original documents fed into a copying machine and for accurately
controlling the feeding and cutting of copy paper in accordance
with the length of the original over a wide range of feeding
speeds.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
apparatus of the above-described type including copy paper supply
width selecting means which does not reduce the accuracy of the
cutting of lengths of copy material with respect to an original
document, regardless of the copy paper supply roll selected
thereby.
Briefly, a preferred embodiment of copy paper feeding and cutting
apparatus according to the invention comprises a paper cutting
device mounted along the copy paper path of a copying machine. The
operation of the cutting device is controlled in accordance with
the actuation of a switching device disposed at a predetermined
location along the original feed path of the machine. The single
switch senses the leading edge of an original fed into the machine
and in response thereto, actuates the feeding of copy paper along
the copy paper path of the machine, which in turn is fed in
synchronism with the movement of the original. The leading edges of
the original and copy paper reach the nip of a pair of infeed
rollers simultaneously and are carried thereby into the machine
with the original superimposed on and in registration with the copy
paper. In response to the trailing edge of the original passing the
single switching device, the cutter is operated to sever a copy
sheet of a length equal to the original from the roll.
A relatively high voltage applied to the cutting mechanism as well
as to the brake portion of the drive arrangement for the copy paper
roll ensures an extremely rapid discontinuation of movement of the
copy paper and a substantially simultaneous severing of a segment
of copy paper from the roll. The use of the high voltage is an
enabling factor for using a single switch to perform the
above-described dispensing and cutting function.
A second switch, preceding the above-mentioned switching device
along the original feed path and spaced laterally a predetermined
distance therefrom, is provided for determining the width of copy
paper to be fed in the copying machine. If the original is of a
width great enough to engage the second switch, circuitry is
actuated to cause copy paper to be fed from a roll having a width
to accommodate the original. If the width of the original is not
great enough to engage the second switch, copy paper is fed from a
roll of a lesser width. In both cases, however, the control of the
feeding of copy paper is in the first-mentioned switching device.
Thus, accuracy in cutting the length of copy sheets is not
sacrificed.
A third switch positioned in a preferred embodiment of the
invention downstream of the infeed rollers, is provided as a safety
measure and to ensure that during the normal operation of the
machine a copy sheet of a minimum length is at all times cut from
the roll of copy material. The cutting of a minimum length copy
sheet prevents jams which would occur in the machine due to
extremely short copy sheets made from equally short original
documents.
Circuitry is also provided in the apparatus according to the
invention to provide a time delay prior to the feeding of copy
paper after the original has engaged the first-mentioned switch and
a time delay is provided subsequent to disengagement of the
trailing edge of the original with the switching device and prior
to the cutting of the paper by the cutting device when the feeding
speed of the machine has been set at a slow speed, i.e., below a
predetermined speed. At a high or fast feeding speed, greater than
the predetermined speed, no time delay is provided.
A manual cut switch is also provided in a preferred embodiment of
the apparatus according to the invention to permit an operator to
effect a severing of a copy sheet from the roll when he
desires.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A better understanding of the present invention and its
organization and construction may be had by referring to the
description below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
wherein:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a copying machine embodying the
paper feeding and cutting apparatus according to the invention;
FIG. 2a is a side sectional view of the original and copy material
feed arrangement of the copying machine of FIG. 1 including the
cutting apparatus according to the invention;
FIG. 2b is a diagram of a portion of the original feed path of the
copying machine embodying the invention and serves to illustrate
the lateral displacement of the switches used in selecting the
proper copy paper width as well as controlling the dispensing and
cutting of the copy material from the copy roll selected; and
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a circuit for controlling the
operation of the copy paper feeding and cutting apparatus according
to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly, to FIG. 1
thereof, there is illustrated an automatic copying apparatus or
machine of the diazo type, designated by the reference numeral 10
and embodying the features of the present invention. The machine 10
includes a housing or supporting structure 11 carried by a support
base 12 and is adapted to produce automatically copies of an
original tracing by diazo or contact printing methods on copy
material 13 (FIG. 2a). The machine includes on the left-hand side
panel 14 thereof, as seen in FIG. 1, an ON-OFF main power switch
15, a lamp control switch 16 for operating the illuminating source
of the machine to an on or off condition independently of the
operating condition of the machine and heater control dials 17, 18
for adjusting the temperature of the tray in the developer tank of
the copying machine and the temperature of the developer tank
itself, respectively. The last-mentioned controls are effective to
condition the ammonia developer used in the machine for proper
development of sensitized copy sheets.
The right-hand side panel 19 of the copying machine 10 includes an
illuminated ammonia flow indicator 20 which tells the operator of
the machine that ammonia developer is flowing into the developing
section of the machine. Below the ammonia flow indicator 20 there
is mounted a speed control knob 21 and indicator 22 for selecting
the speed of operation and movement of original and copy paper
through the machine in foot-per-minute units.
Directly beneath the speed controls are a pair of lights 23, 24,
one (left) for indicating the depletion of copy paper from one of
the two supply rolls of the copying machine and the other (right)
for indicating that the copy paper roll feed mechanism is
energized. The copy paper feed switch control 25 is located
immediately below the above-mentioned lights and it turns on and
off the copy paper roll feed mechanism.
A manual cut button 26 is provided beneath feeder control 25 for
manually overriding the automatic cutting cycle of the machine,
allowing an operator to effect a cut when he desires. In this
manner a copy smaller than the original may be provided, permitting
only a portion of an original to be copied in the machine.
When it is desired to produce a copy of an original, such as a
tracing, the tracing is manually fed into the machine over a table
or shelf 27. An edge guide 28 is provided along the left side (FIG.
1) of the shelf 27 to insure proper alignment of the original
tracing and the copy paper as they pass through the machine. A lamp
29 is located on shelf 27 and is provided to indicate to an
operator that he may proceed with the feeding of an original into
the machine. In this manner, original tracings will not be
overlapped. The feeding of an original into the machine as
described causes the feeding of copy material from the proper copy
paper roll 30, 32 (FIG. 2a) into the machine in synchronism with
the original, the original being superimposed on the copy
paper.
The copy paper is severed from the roll and it and the original are
carried through an exposure station in the machine, after which the
copy and original are separated. The copy paper is advanced to a
developing station (not shown) for development thereof in the usual
manner and is subsequently discharged from the machine into a rack
31 provided adjacent the upper portion of housing 12. Likewise, the
original is discharged from the machine into a receiving tray 33
provided at the front of the machine.
In the support base 12 of the copying machine the rolls of paper
30, 32 are mounted on respective bars 35, 37. Also mounted within
base support 12 is an automatic threading control identified
generally as 39. The threading control includes a selector knob 41
for selecting the upper roll 32, lower roll 30 or automatic
selection of copy rolls, and a manual feed button 43 which can be
depressed by an operator to manually feed the copy paper into the
machine and cut a clean leading edge to prepare for the copying
cycle.
Referring now to FIG. 2a of the drawings there is shown in greater
detail, the copy dispensing and cutting apparatus 34 embodied in
the machine 10 according to the invention.
Paper dispensing and cutting apparatus 34 includes first and second
paper dispensing arrangements 36, 38 for dispensing copy material
of different widths into the copy paper path 40 of the copying
machine from either of two rolls 30, 32 respectively.
Dispensing arrangement 36 feeds paper 13 from roll 30 along a path
42 including a first guide roller 44, through a channel 46 formed
by a pair of spaced guide plates, 48, 50, into the nip 52 of a pair
of feed rollers 54, 56. The upper feed roller 56 which is of a
small diameter is mounted for vertical movement into and out of
engagement with lower feed roller 54, and is spring loaded for
quick response. A second guide channel 58 including a pair of
spaced plates 60, 62 is provided at the discharge side of rollers
54, 56 to guide copy material 16 into copy paper path 40.
Paper dispensing arrangement 38 includes apparatus similar to that
of arrangement 36 for feeding copy material 13 of a different width
from roll 32 into copy paper path 40. The arrangement 38 comprises
a guide roller 64, leading to a channel 66 formed between spaced
plates 68, 70 and a pair of feed rollers 72, 74, roller 74 being of
a smaller diameter than roller 72 and being spring loaded into
engagement with roller 72. Downstream of feed roller 72, 74 is a
channel 76 formed between plates 78 and reversely bent portion 80
of plate 62 leading into the copy paper path 40. It should be noted
that channel 76 and channel 58 converge at the inlet 82 to copy
paper path 40, so that paper 16 fed from either roll 30, 32 passes
into path 40 at a common point.
Downstream of inlet 82 along copy paper path 40, there is provided
a cutter station 84 which includes a rotary cutter 86 for severing
lengths of copy material 13 from either of the selected rolls 30,
32 in accordance with the lengths of originals fed into the copying
machine. Beyond (downstream) station 84, a guide throat 88 formed
between spaced plates 90, 92 is provided. Copy material 13 severed
from rolls 30, 32 passes through the last-mentioned throat into the
nip 94 of feed rollers 96, 98 located at the point of convergence
100 of the original paper path 102 and copy paper path 40 of the
copying machine.
It should be understood that the leading edges of copy paper from
rolls 30, 32 are normally located, as a starting point, at a
position 41, immediately prior to rotary cutter 86 which is spaced
a predetermined distance d from nip 94 of feeder rollers 96,
98.
An original 9 fed over shelf 27 (FIG. 1) into the inlet 103 of the
machine along original feed path 102 is carried therealong by
spaced pairs of driving feed rollers 104, 106, the nips 108, 110
respectively which are coincident with the feed path 102. After
being transported along feed path 102, the leading edge of the
original reaches feed rollers 96, 98 simultaneously with the
leading edge of copy material 13 from either of the rolls 30, 32.
The two elements thereafter are carried in a superimposed relation
by the feed rollers 96, 98 into the machine past the exposure and
the like stations (not shown) common to copying machines of the
type described.
All of the feed rollers discussed heretofore, provided for feeding
copy material 13 and/or original documents are driven by a common
drive motor 101. Consequently the feeding speed of an original and
copy paper are maintained substantially equal for any speed setting
selected with knob 21 (FIG. 1).
Positioned along original feed path 102 at predetermined locations
are a pair of electrical switches 112 and 114; switch 112 being
hidden in FIG. 2a behind switch 114. Each switch 112, 114 includes
an actuator arm 113, 115, respectively, extending therefrom into
original feed path 102. Actuator arm 113 is positioned a
predetermined distance (d.sub.2) upstream of actuator arm 115,
nearer the inlet 103 of the original feed path, than actuator arm
115. Actuator arm 113 is also spaced a predetermine distance
(d.sub.3) laterally from actuator arm 115 along the width of feed
path 102 (see FIG. 2b), for selecting in the automatic mode the
proper width copy material from one of the copy paper rolls
according to the width of the original fed into the machine.
Switch 114, as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter,
controls both the feeding and cutting of copy paper from a selected
copy roll. It should be noted that actuator arm 115 of switch 114
is spaced along original sheet path 102 a predetermined distance
d.sub.1 from the nip 94 of infeed rollers 96, 98. The distance
between actuator arm 115 and nip 94 is slightly greater than the
distance (d) along copy paper path 40 from nip 94 to the normal
location of the leading edges of copy paper rolls 30, 32. The
reason for the selection of the above-mentioned distances is that
in response to the actuation of switch 115 by an original sheet,
there occurs at the high speed control setting a delay of the
movement of the copy paper along copy path 40 due to the weight of
the roll of copy paper and the speed at which it must move at the
start. In this manner, the initial time lost for the movement of
the copy paper roll once the respective clutch drive is actuated,
is offset by the extra distance the original sheet must travel
along the copy paper path.
In addition to the switches 112, 114, provided for controlling the
selection, dispensing and cutting of copy paper from rolls thereof,
roll reload switches 116, 118 are provided adjacent respective
channels 46, 66, through which copy material from a corresponding
roll 30, 32 passes as the copy material 13 moves toward copy paper
path 40. Roll reload switches 116, 118 include actuator arms 117,
119, respectively, extending into a respective channel 46, 66 in
the path of the copy paper. If copy material is present, the
actuator arm is depressed, indicating that copy material is
available. On the other hand, if the paper of either of the rolls
is depleted, a corresponding actuator arm is released causing lamp
23 to light, indicating the need for reloading a roll of copy
paper. Furthermore, the release of either of the actuator arms 117,
119 serves to prevent the feeding of an original with the selection
of paper of a corresponding width until the paper is replenished.
The machine, however, may be operated using the undepleted roll of
copy paper.
Another switch 120 (minimum copy switch) downstream of feed rollers
96, 98, a predetermined distance of d.sub.4, is provided to
accommodate relatively short originals and as a safety feature. The
switch includes an actuator arm 121 extending into the path of the
superimposed sheets, and which is depressed by the copy paper as
the latter passes over the actuator arm. As will be described in
greater detail below, if the original is less than a predetermined
number of inches in length that is less than the sum of distances d
plus d.sub.4, switch 120 causes the cutter 86 to operate at a
predetermined time to insure the copy material being of a length
sufficient to be carried through the machine. At no time during the
automatic operation of the machine will a copy sheet cut from a
copy paper roll be shorter than the sum of distances d and d.sub.4.
While the switch 120 is shown in FIG. 2a as being positioned along
a path whereas it can be intercepted by the original document, as
well as the copy sheet, the switch can alternatively be placed in
the copy paper path for engagement only by the copy paper. The
switch has been placed as shown because of machine space
requirements.
Referring now to FIG. 3 of the drawings, illustrating the
electrical circuitry of a preferred embodiment of the dispensing
and cutting apparatus of the invention, the latter includes a 230
volt power source 130 supplying power to the autotransformer
132.
Three input leads, 134, 136, and 138 are connected to the
dispensing and cutting circuitry. Two of the leads 134, 136 are
interconnected, via circuit breakers 182, 183, respectively to
prevent damage due to possible overloads. The voltage provided
between leads 134, 138, and 136; 138 is approximately 160 volts and
115 volts, respectively.
Lead 136 is connected via a lead 144 connected at junction 146 to
an input 140 of a full wave rectifier 142. The other input 148 of
the full-wave rectifier 142 is connected via lead 150 to grounded
lead 138. The outputs 152, 154 of the rectifier 142 are connected
through make-break relay contacts 156 of an "add paper" relay 157
to the brake and clutch mechanisms 158, 160, respectively, for the
transport roller pairs 104, 106 (FIG. 2a) which carry the original
along the original feed path 102 of the copy machine.
Lead 136 is also connected at junction 162, through "make" relay
contacts 164 of relay 157 to one side 166 of an "add paper"
indicator lamp 23; the other side 170 of the lamp, being connected
to common lead 138. Furthermore, lead 136 is connected through
resistor 172 to a "speed dial" lamp 22 and a lamp 20, used in the
machine for indicating the presence of ammonia developing solution
in the developer of the machine. The latter two lamps connected in
series to lead 138.
Lead 134 is connected through a feeder switch 25 and roll reload
switches 116, 118 (see FIG. 2a) to an operator selector switching
arrangement 41 (FIG. 1) including a group of switches 41a, 41b, 41c
(switch 41c connected via dotted line 180 to indicate its inclusion
in the arrangement). The feeder switch 25 for the power circuit
formed by leads 134, 138 also connects the 160-volt source to an
input terminal 184 of a full wave rectifier 186. The other input
188 of the rectifier is connected to common lead 138. The outputs
190, 192 of the full-wave rectifier 186 are connected to additional
circuitry via leads 194, 196 and provide approximately 150 volts
direct current therebetween to power the circuitry.
A manual cut control switch arrangement 198 including manual cut
switch 26 (FIG. 1), resistor 202 and an indicator lamp 204 for
illuminating the switch are connected directly to the outputs of
full-wave rectifier 186. The manual cut arrangement enables an
operator of copying machine 10 to sever a length of paper from a
roll of copy material to ensure a clean straight-cut starting edge
prior to making copies, as well as for other purposes.
Output 190 of full wave rectifier 186 is also connected via leads
194, 206 at junction 208 to the "make" contact 210 of an interlock
and clutch delay relay 212. The relay contacts are connected
through contacts 214 of a cutter solenoid-cam operated switch 215
to relay 212 which is in turn connected via lead 196 to the output
192 of bridge 186.
Output 190 of the full wave rectifier 186 is likewise connected via
leads 194, 206 at junction 216 through lead 218 and switch 41c of
the operator selector switching arrangement, to automatic roll
(width) selector switch 112 (FIG. 2a). The armature 222 of the
last-mentioned switch 112 is movable between a pair of contact
points 224, 226. Contact 224 is connected through relay contacts
228 controlled by "upper roll" (32) relay 230 (as seen in FIG. 2a)
to lower roll relay 232. In the lower position, the armature 222
connects up the contacts 234 of "lower roll" relay 232 with upper
roll relay 230.
The manual operator selector switch 41c is normally in the position
shown, connecting through contact point 236 directly to automatic
roll selector switch 112. In this position the selection of the
upper roll 32 or lower roll 30 of copy paper is performed
automatically. The operator switch 41c, however, may be connected
manually at either of the contact points 238, 240, and override the
automatic selection of copy paper if desired as mentioned
heretofore. Both relays 230, 232 are connected via blocking diodes
229, 235, respectively, to lead 264, connected between junctions
266, 267.
Lead 206 is connected at junction 242 through manual feed switch 43
(FIG. 1), minimum copy switch 120 (FIG. 2a) and resistor 246,
through contacts 248 of solenoid-cam operated switch 215, contacts
250 of manually operated cam switch 21, break-make contacts 254 of
copy paper roll 32 relay 230 to copy paper roll (32) clutch 256.
The clutch 256 is in turn connected via lead 196 to the output 192
of bridge 186.
Copy paper roll 30 clutch 258 is connected through lower roll relay
contacts 260 and interlock and clutch delay relay contacts 262, via
lead 264 to junction 266 between contacts 248 and 250, mentioned
above.
Cutter solenoid relay 268 provided for actuating the cutter
solenoid 348 which in turn operates rotary cutter 86 (FIG. 2a), is
connected between lead 196 and the manual cut control switch
arrangement 198, via break-make contacts 270 of relay interlock and
clutch delay 212 and lead 272 when the latter contacts are in a
normal position. In an operated condition relay 268 is connected
via contacts 270 to the make side of break-make contacts 120
mentioned heretofore.
Brake delay relay 274 is connected between output 192 of bridge 186
via lead 196, and the break side of manually operated cam switch 21
contacts 275.
Manual cut relay 276 actuated upon the operation of manual cut
button 26 (FIG. 1) to provide a clean edge cut, etc., to the copy
paper, is connected through the normally open make side of its own
break-make contacts 278. Blocking diode 280 prevents the holding of
cutter solenoid relay 268 through the manual cut relay 276
interlock circuit.
Lead 206 is also connected at junction 282 via lead 284 to make
contact of break-make contacts 286 of manual cut relay 276, and to
the armature 115 of break-make automatic feed and cut control
switch 114; the break side of the last-mentioned switch being
connected to the armature 292 of heretofore mentioned manual cut
relay contact 286. The make side of feed and cut control switch 114
is connected via lead 294 to the armature 296 of manual cut relay
contacts 278. Diode 298 serves as a blocking diode between contacts
114 and contacts 300 of cutter solenoid cam switch 215.
The break side of contacts 286 of manual cut relay 276, is
connected through diode 302 and resistor 304 to the break side of
break-make contacts 306 of interlock and clutch delay relay 212,
and through resistor 308 to feed lamps 29, 24 in series.
Connected to the armature 314 of contacts 306 at junction 316 via
diodes 318, 320, respectively, are lower and upper copy paper roll
brakes, 322, 324, respectively. Connected also to brake 324 via
diode 326 and resistor 328, is the break side of contacts 254 of
the upper roll relay 230.
A lead 330 connected between diode 318 and lower roll brake 322, is
connected via diode 332 and resistor 334 to the break side of
switch 260 of lower roll relay 232.
The break contact of switch 114 is connected also through
heavy-duty contacts 336 to the armature of cutter solenoid relay
268 of manually operated speed selector switch 21a. Contacts 336
are connected to the parallel combination of resistor 342 and
capacitor 344 through contacts 346 of brake delay relay 274 along
lead 347 to cutter solenoid 348. A diode 350 is connected in
parallel relation with the cutter solenoid. A jumper wire 352
connects lead 347 to lead 354 the latter of which interconnects the
make sides of switch contacts 275 and 306.
For purposes of affording a more complete understanding of the
invention, it is advantageous now to provide a functional
description of the mode in which the component parts thus far
described cooperate.
I. high-Speed Operation
A. Narrow Original
The operator will adjust the speed control knob 21 of the copying
machine 10 (FIG. 1) to high speed setting which may range from
approximately 30-60 feet per minute, but in any event greater than
271/2 feet per minute, which operates switch 21a on panel 19 of the
machine. The armature of cam switch 21a contacts the make side of
contacts 275, and contacts 250 are operated to the closed
position.
To provide power via leads 134, 138 main feeder switch 25 is
closed, resulting in the application of a first, low voltage on the
order of 15 volts to lower and upper copy paper roll (30, 32)
brakes 322, 324, thereby to prevent movement of the copy paper from
the manual position along the copy paper path. In addition, feed
indicator lamps 29, 24 are energized.
If the operator selector switch arrangement 41 is in the
"automatic" or "lower roll" position, (i.e., switches 41 a-c are in
the center position shown in the drawings or are in the upper
position, with contact 41c "making" with contact 238, respectively)
the lower roll relay 232 is energized. On the other hand, if the
operator selector switch 41 is set in the upper roll setting,
bypassing the automatic mode, upper roll relay 230 is energized. In
either case, respective contacts of the correspondingly operated
relay are operated.
Assuming the apparatus to be set in the automatic mode, the
operator of machine 10 feeds in an original along table 27 in
contact with guide 28, (FIG. 1). If the width of the original is
such as not to engage the switch 112 (i.e., less than d.sub.3)
(FIG. 2b) the original sheet operates only switch 114. The bottom
or lower roll (30), brake 322 and feed indicator lamps 29, 24 are
deenergized and clutch 258 is energized via closed contacts 250 of
speed control switch 21a to begin the feeding of copy paper from
the narrower width bottom copy paper roll. The upper roll brake 324
is energized with a second, intermediate voltage through normally
closed contacts 254 to prevent copy paper roll 32 having copy paper
of a width greater than required in this case, from delivering
paper to the copy paper path 40 (FIG. 2a), as well as to prevent
jams which could occur due to movement of the non-selected
roll.
The paper is fed from roll 30 into copy paper path 40, over roller
44 and through channel 46 by drive or feed rollers 54, 56 which are
in driving engagement with respect to the copy paper.
The interlock and clutch delay relay 212 is energized at this time
through contacts 114, 278, 248. The relay 212 is held operated
through its own contacts 210 and contacts 214 of the cutter
solenoid operated cam switch 215.
The lower roll relay 232 is held energized through diode 229 to
operate its contacts 234, 260. As a safety feature, a change in the
position of operator selector switch 41 or switch 112 will not
change the state of relay 232 until the cutting cycle (severing the
copy sheet from roll 30) is completed. This, too, serves to prevent
double feeding (i.e., feeding of both rolls) due to a skewed
original being fed into the machine and contacting switch 114 prior
to engagement with switch 112.
At this time, the original has been moved along original paper path
102 and copy paper from roll 30 has moved along copy paper path 40
so that the leading edges meet substantially simultaneously at feed
rollers 96, 98. The rollers carry the sheets, now in a superimposed
condition, to minimum copy switch 120, which is actuated by
engagement with the leading edge of the copy paper.
Upon actuation of the minimum copy switch, the cutter solenoid
relay 268 is energized through operated contacts 210, 214 blocking
diode 269, contacts 120 (operated) and operated contacts 270,
closing contacts 336. The cutter solenoid 348, itself remains
unenergized at this time since switch 114 is being held operated by
the original sheet. The trailing edge of the original now leaves
the feed switch actuator 115 to operate switch 114 and at this time
the cutter solenoid 348 is operated with a high voltage, on the
order of 150 volts. Brakes 322, 324 are also operated through
contacts 306 with a third high voltage of 150 volts for quick
response. The operation of the cutter solenoid rotates cutter 86 in
the cutter station 84 (FIG. 2a) severing a length of copy paper
from roll 32.
It should be explained that the application of 150 volts to the
cutter solenoid 348 and the brakes 322, 324, ensures that the copy
sheet cut from the selected copy roll is of a length substantially
equal to that of the original. The high voltage causes an extremely
quick response of the cessation of movement of the feed rollers
driving the copy paper as well as for the rapid cutting of the
paper by the cutter knife.
The solenoid cam being rotated with the operation of cutter
solenoid 348 releases switch 215 by the action of the cutter
solenoid, thereby opening contacts 214 and 248. Thereafter
interlock and clutch delay 212, solenoid relay 268 and the cutter
solenoid 348 are deenergized.
The bottom and upper roll brakes 322, 324 are now energized through
contacts 306 of relay 212 at the lower voltage level and to insure
leading edge registration of the copy roll width of the cutter 86.
Feed indicator lamps 29, 24 are likewise operated to indicate that
the operator may now feed in another original.
Subsequent to the cutting or severing of a copy sheet from the
selected roll, the superimposed original and copy sheet are carried
through the remaining stations of the machine (not shown) to
proceed with the copying process.
B. Wide Original
If the operator now feeds into the machine an original of a greater
width, great enough to engage the switch actuator arm 113 of width
selector switch 112, the bottom roll relay 232 is deenergized. This
can be seen in FIG. 3 since the armature 222 of switch 112 moves
from contact 224 to contact 226, energizing upper roll relay
230.
The original moves along copy path 102 (FIG. 2a) until it actuates
arm 115 of feed switch 114. When the latter occurs, the upper roll
brake 324 and lamps 29, 24 are deenergized. Bottom or lower roll
brake 322 is energized through contacts 260 at the intermediate
voltage level, and upper roll clutch 256 is energized through
closed contacts 250 and 254 to begin the feeding of copy paper from
roll 32 into channel 46 and copy feed path 40.
Interlock and clutch delay relay 212 is energized, and its contacts
are operated. The last-mentioned relay is held operated through its
own contacts 210 and solenoid cam switch 215 contacts 214.
The top or upper roll relay 230 is held energized through diode 235
operating its contacts 228, 260 so that a change in switch 112 or
switch arrangement 41 will not change the operation of upper roll
relay 230 until the cutting cycle is completed.
When the leading edges of the original sheet and copy paper reach
feed or drive rollers 96, 98 they are carried in a superimposed
relation toward minimum copy switch actuator arm 121. Upon
engagement with copy paper 13, switch 120 is actuated. The sheets
are moved ahead and as the trailing edge of the original sheet
leaves switch actuator arm 115 of switch 114, the upper roll clutch
256 driving the roll 32 is deenergized to stop the movement of copy
paper 13. The cutter solenoid 348 is energized with a high voltage
to immediately and rapidly sever the copy paper from roll 32.
The cutter solenoid operated cam switch 215 is released by the
action of cutter solenoid, and then interlock and clutch delay
relay 212, solenoid relay 268 and cutter solenoid 348 are
deenergized.
The bottom and upper roll brakes 322, 324 and the feed indicator
lamps are energized to indicate that a new original may be fed into
the original feed path 102. The superimposed original and copy
sheet severed from the roll 32 proceed through the copy processing
stations (not shown) of the machine.
It should be understood that the above descriptions of the
operation of the paper dispensing and cutting apparatus according
to the invention, were given with the assumption that the speed
control knob 21 of the machine was set at a high setting (i.e.,
above 271/2 feet per minute, preferably 30-60 feed per minute).
Ii. low Speed Operation
A. Narrow Original
When the speed control is set at or below 271/2 feet per minute,
manual cam operated switch 21a and the contacts 275 and 250
operated thereby are in the positions as shown in FIG. 3.
In the case wherein the operator feeds in an original of a width
less than that required to engage the actuator arm 113 of roll
selector switch 112, (d.sub.3), the following operation of the
machine occurs.
After an original sheet of the type described is fed into the feed
path 102, the sheet is transported by roller pairs 104, 106
therealong. The leading edge of the sheet engages actuator arm 115
of feed switch 114. The actuation of the last-mentioned switch
causes the bottom and top roll brakes 322, 324 and the feed
indicator lamp to be deenergized.
The operation of switch 114 likewise causes interlock and clutch
delay relay 212 to be energized. Its contacts, however, are not
operated for 25 milliseconds since the relay has an inherent time
delay.
The inherent time delay of relay 212 is utilized only in the
low-speed operation to delay the feeding of the copy paper from the
selected roll (i.e., below 271/2 feet per minute). Due to the
operation of manually actuated speed control switch 21a, contacts
250 through which the roll clutches are operated in the high-speed
mode, are opened in the low-speed mode. The operation of the
clutches in the low-speed mode must be operated through contacts
262 of time delay relay 212, and consequently, the feeding of the
copy paper is delayed.
At lower speeds the weight of the copy roll does not affect the
speed of movement of the copy paper as in the case of high-speed
operation. The original, travels a greater distance (d.sub.1) along
the original path from switch 114 to nip 94 of the feeder rollers
than the copy paper traverses along the copy paper path 40 to the
nip 94. Thus, the original must in this case be permitted a "head
start" so that the leading edges of the original and copy paper
arrive at the nip 94 of feed rollers 96, 98 substantially
simultaneously.
Once relay 212 is operated and its contacts 262 are closed, lower
roll clutch 258 is energized and upper roll brake 324 is energized
with an intermediate voltage (24 volts). In the meantime the
original is being fed along the feed path 102. Relay 212 is once
again held operated through its own contacts 210 and contacts 214
of the solenoid cam operated switch 215.
The bottom roll relay 232 is held energized through diode 235 so
that a subsequent change in switch 220 or switch arrangement 41
will not change the condition of relay 232 until the cut cycle is
completed.
The sheets proceed along their respective paths until the leading
edge of the copy sheet reaches and actuates minimum copy switch
120. The cutter solenoid relay is thereby energized in the manner
described above, and when the trailing edge of the original leaves
actuator arm 115 of feed switch 114, the brake-time-delay-relay 274
is energized. Its contacts including 300, 346, change position a
predetermined time (45 milliseconds) thereafter. Bottom roll clutch
258 is thus deenergized 45 milliseconds later.
Energization of bottom and top roll brakes 322, 324 and cutter
solenoid 348 are also delayed 45 milliseconds. Upon energization
thereof, the copy sheet is severed from the roll 30.
The adjustment of the speed knob 21 to the lower speed setting also
caused the incorporation in the circuit of the brake delay relay
274, which serves to detain by a predetermined time period (45
milliseconds) the deenergization of the selected copy paper roll
clutch and cutting action of the cutter solenoid. The delay time
permits the predetermined continued feeding of copy paper to
compensate for the initial delay caused by relay 212 in the feeding
of the copy paper and for the quick response of the cutter which is
not required at the low speed setting (i.e., below 271/2 feed per
minute). This ensures the length of the copy sheet to be
substantially equal to the original sheet. In this manner
information on the original is sure to be copied onto the copy
paper 13.
Cutter solenoid operated cam switch 215 is released by the action
of cutter solenoid 348 in the usual manner. Interlock and clutch
delay relay 212, solenoid relay 268 and cutter solenoid are then
deenergized.
The bottom and upper roll brakes 322, 324 and indicator lamps are
energized, indicating the completion of the cutting of a copy sheet
for the previous original and the capability of the machine to
receive another original.
B. Wide Original
In the event the operator wishes to feed an original of a width
great enough to actuate arm 113 of roll selector switch 112 at a
copy feed speed below 271/2 feet per minute, the following
occurs.
The original is carried along feed path 102 by roller pairs 104,
106 whereby the original actuates switch 112 by engaging arm 113
thereof.
The actuation of the last-mentioned switch causes the
deenergization of bottom roll relay 232 and the top roll relay 230
is energized opening contacts 234 and closing contacts 254.
The original sheet after engaging actuator arm 113, engages arm 115
of feed switch 114. The latter causes the deenergization of the
bottom and top roll brakes 322, 324 and the lamps 29, 24.
The interlock and clutch delay relay 212 is energized, operating
its contacts 210, 270, 306 and 262, 25 milliseconds thereafter, as
in the last-mentioned case (see IIa). The energization of bottom
roll brake 322 and top roll clutch 256 are thereby delayed 25
milliseconds. Relay 212 is held operated through its own contacts
210 and solenoid cam switch (215) contacts 214.
The copy sheet which at this time is superimposed with the original
eventually trips the minimum copy switch 120 by engagement with
actuator arm 121 thereof. The cutter solenoid relay 268 is thereby
energized in the usual manner.
The brake time delay relay 274 is energized as the trailing edge of
the original leaves switch 114. Contacts 300, 346 are operated 45
milliseconds later, and top roll clutch 256 is deenergized 45
milliseconds later. The bottom and top roll brakes 322, 324 and
cutter solenoid 348 are energized with a 45-millisecond delay and
the copy paper is then severed from the roll.
The solenoid cam operated switch 215 is released by the cutter
solenoid 348. Interlock and clutch delay relay 212, solenoid relay
268 and cutter solenoid 348 are then deenergized. Once again the
bottom and top roll brakes 322, 324 and feed indicator lamps 29, 24
are energized in preparation for the next original to be fed along
path 102.
Iii. original Less Than d in Length:
In the above description, it has been assumed that the original
sheet fed into the machine, no matter the width, was of a length
equal to or greater than the distance d (see FIG. 2a). In the case
wherein an original of a lesser length than such a distance, the
trailing edge of the original leaves switch arm 115 of switch 114
prior to the leading edges of the original and copy paper reaching
feed rollers 96, 98. In this case, copy paper would be severed from
the selected copy paper roll when the original left switch arm 115,
but the copy paper length severed from the roll would not be
transported onto rollers 96, 98 since rollers 54, 56 or 72, 74 as
the case may be, could no longer feed the sheet toward rollers 96,
98. If no provision were made to prevent this situation, copy paper
jams would invariably occur when an original of a length less than
d were fed into the apparatus.
To overcome the above situation, the circuit of FIG. 3 has been
arranged so that without the operation of minimum copy switch 120
by the copy paper, cutter 86 will not cut, and roll feed clutches
will not cease to feed copy paper when the original releases
switches 114.
Thus, in the situation described above, after the original has
released switch arm 115 of switch 114, the copy paper roll
continues to be fed until copy paper reaches nip 94 of rollers 96,
98, and is carried thereby to switch arm 121 of minimum copy switch
120. When the copy paper engages switch arm 121 to operate switch
120, the selected copy paper roll clutch is deenergized and the
cutter solenoid 348 is operated to sever the copy sheet from the
roll. Thus, in such a case the resulting length of the severed
sheet will be d and d.sub.4.
The bottom or top roll clutch, 258, 256, as the case may be, is
thus held energized through the operation of relay 212, solenoid
cam switch contacts 214, diode 269 and the normally closed contacts
of minimum copy switch 120. Upon engagement of switch arm 121 of
switch 120, the contacts thereof open to permit the cutter to be
operated.
Iv. special Operating Conditions
Other "special conditions" may occur in the use of the apparatus
according to the invention. For one, the manual cut switch 26 of
manual cut switching arrangement 198 may be energized momentarily
as the original is moving along path 102 prior to the trailing edge
of the original leaving switch 114, but while the minimum copy
switch 120 is actuated by the copy paper. In this case, the manual
cut relay 276 is energized and held energized through its contacts
278, and operated switch 114. Cutter solenoid relay 268 is
energized in the normal manner. Bottom and top brakes 322, 324 and
cutter solenoid 348 are energized and the paper is cut.
When the original leaves actuator arm 115, manual cut relay 276 is
deenergized and another original may be fed into the machine.
The manual cut switch 26, as mentioned heretofore, may be used for
severing the copy paper from either of the copy rolls 30, 32 to
ensure a leading edge which is straight and clean cut. The above
description related to the use of the manual cut switch 26 while
the original was in engagement with actuator arm 115 of feed switch
114. In the case to be described now, the manual switch 26 is
actuated prior to the introduction of an original in the
machine.
Upon operation of the manual cut switch 26, manual cut relay 276 is
energized through switch 26 and diode 280. Cutter solenoid relay
268 is energized through switch 26 and unoperated contacts 270.
Cutter solenoid 348 thereafter is energized to perform the cut.
The last-mentioned manual cutting mode is useful after a jam has
occurred and has been cured to clear the cutting edge of the rotary
cutting knife 86 in station 84.
In some situations, during the operation of the copying machine
including the dispensing and cutting apparatus according to the
invention, the operator feed switch or manual feed switch 43 may be
operated momentarily to feed copy paper without feeding an original
into the machine. This may be done for machine-testing purposes and
for replenishment of copy paper rolls.
When the momentary actuation of the switch 43 occurs, interlock and
clutch delay relay 212 is energized through unoperated contacts of
minimum copy switch 120 and held in that condition through its
contacts 210 and contacts 214 of solenoid cam switch 215. Either
one of the clutches (bottom or upper roll clutch) 258, 256 is
energized and copy paper is fed from a corresponding roll. The
operation of a specific clutch may be selected by the operator
selector switch arrangement 41 used to manually select either of
the rolls 30, 32 of copy paper.
The copy paper is moved from either of the rolls along copy paper
path 40 (FIG. 2a) until it reaches minimum copy switch actuator arm
121. Upon engagement therewith, the respective clutch driving the
copy paper roll is deenergized. Cutter solenoid relay 268 is
energized in the normal manner. Bottom and upper roll brakes 322,
324 and cutter solenoid 348 are energized to cut the paper.
After cutting the paper, solenoid cam switch 215 is released and
cutter solenoid 348 is deenergized as described above.
In the case where the operator manual copy paper feed switch 43 is
held operated rather than only being momentarily operated, the
above-described operation likewise occurs. However, the cycle
continues to be repeated after the severed copy leaves the minimum
copy switch 120.
V. out of Paper Condition
In the situation where a roll of copy paper has been depleted
without replenishment and the feeder switch 25 is turned to an
operated condition, the "add paper" relay 157 is energized to
operate contacts 156, and in response thereto, to energize original
brake 158 and to deenergize original clutch 160. This prevents the
acceptance by the copying machine of additional original documents
at this time.
To make the machine operable without replacement of the specific
roll of paper which is depleted, the selector switch can be turned
by the operator to the setting for the roll of copy paper which has
not been depleted. This causes the deenergization of relay 157 to
deenergize original brake 158 and energize original clutch 160.
Normal feeding may once again be resumed.
From the above description of the operation of the paper dispensing
and cutting apparatus shown in FIGS. 2a, b and 3, it becomes clear
that in a normal operating condition wherein the operator has the
operator selector switch arrangement 41 set for automatic
operation, the width of the original determines the copy paper roll
selected for supplying a copy sheet upon which a copy of the
original is to be made in the machine 10. This, however, may be
overridden by the manual selection, using switch arrangement 41, of
a predeterminedly selected copy paper roll. In the latter case, the
cutting operation takes place in the usual manner. Only the
automatic selection of the copy roll according to the width of the
original is forfeited.
The machine may also be operated with precut copy sheets. In this
case, switch 25 is opened and the precut copy sheet and original
are fed in a superimposed condition into the original feed path
(see FIG. 2a) along shelf 27. Because switch 25 is opened, no power
is provided to operate the copy paper dispensing and cutting
circuitry. The superimposed original and copy sheet are fed into
the machine by means of roller pairs 104, 106 along original feed
path 102 and pass through the copy processing stations in the
normal manner.
Vi. summary
The normal operation of the dispensing and cutting apparatus
according to the invention at a speed control setting greater than
a predetermined speed of approximately 271/2 feet per minute is as
follows:
Upon feeding an original along original feed path 102, the original
is carried by roller pairs 104, 106 toward width selector switch
112. If the copy is wide enough to engage the switch, upper (wider)
copy paper roll 32 is selected. If the original is of a width
insufficient to trip switch arm 113 of switch 112, lower (narrower)
copy paper roll 30 is selected.
The original moves further along path 102 and engages switch arm
115 of switch 114. At this time, paper from the selected roll is
fed from point 41 whereat the leading edges of the copy paper rolls
are normally positioned, along copy paper path 40.
As mentioned heretofore, switch arm 115 of switch 114 is spaced a
distance d.sub.1 from the nip of feed rollers 96, 98 and the normal
position of the leading edges of copy paper rolls 30, 32 is
positioned a distance d, less than d.sub.1, from nip 94 of rollers
96, 98.
The difference between d and d.sub.1 at the high-speed control
setting serves to offset the startup time required for the copy
paper rolls. Consequently, both leading edges of the original and
selected copy paper reach nip 94 at substantially the same
time.
The now superimposed sheets are carried toward the copy processing
stations of the machine. Upon the trailing edge of the original
sheet leaving (releasing) switch arm 115 of switch 114, the copy
paper feed is stopped and the knife 86 is actuated with a high
voltage for quick response to sever a length of copy paper from the
selected roll. The length of the copy sheet is substantially equal
to that of the original.
In the case wherein the speed setting of the machine is set at a
speed less than a predetermined speed of approximately 271/2 feet
per minute, the original is fed into the original feed path 102 in
the same manner as described above. Upon the leading edge of the
original engaging switch arm 115 of switch 114, copy paper is fed
from the roll selected in accordance with the width of the
original, as in the above case. In the slower speed mode, the
initial startup time for the copy paper roll is not critical as in
the case of the high-speed setting. Consequently, if the paper
began to feed simultaneously with the operation of switch 114, the
copy paper would arrive at nip 94 of rollers 96, 98 ahead of the
original sheet which travels a greater distance d.sub.1 than the
copy paper, and at the same speed because of the single drive motor
control.
To overcome the above at the low-speed setting, the feeding of copy
paper from either of the copy paper rolls is delayed 25
milliseconds. The actual delay is inherent in relay 212 (FIG. 3)
through which the operation of the copy paper feed clutches and
brakes are controlled in the slow mode.
The delay of 25 milliseconds in feeding the copy paper permits the
substantially simultaneous arrival of the leading edges of the
original and the copy paper at nip 94 of roller 96, 98.
The last-mentioned rollers transport the now superimposed sheet
into the machine. As the trailing edge of the original leaves
(releases) switch arm 115 of switch 114, the cutter 86 is actuated
to sever a length of copy paper from the selected roll. At this
point, however, because of the initial delay (25 milliseconds) in
feeding the copy paper and the rapid cutting of the sheet due to
the application of a high voltage provided essentially for
high-speed operation, there could arise a situation wherein the
copy paper if severed simultaneously with the release of switch arm
115 of switch 114, would be too short and all the information on
the original would not be copied onto the copy sheet. Consequently,
a second delay (45 milliseconds) is provided subsequent to the
release of switch 114. This delay permits the continued feeding of
copy paper for 45 milliseconds after the release of switch 114 by
the original. After the 45 milliseconds has past, the copy roll
brakes are energized and the cutter is operated with the
high-voltage stop and sever a segment of copy paper from the
selected roll. The 45 milliseconds delay is inherent in relay 274
which in the slow-speed setting is incorporated in the circuitry to
permit the delay in the stopping of the feeding of copy paper, and
in cutting the latter.
Thus, in the last-mentioned case it is ensured that the copy sheet
cut from the roll will be of a sufficient length to permit the
copying thereof of all information on the original document.
While a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown and
described, it should be understood that the invention is not
limited thereto since many modifications may be made. It is
therefore contemplated to cover by the present application any and
all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of
the appended claims.
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