Abstract: A multifunction terminal is suitable for performing the functions of printing, scanning, copying, fax transmission and reception and/or sorting of documents. It comprises feeding stations (12, 14) for the sheets and the originals, a feeding path (18) with a printer (51) and a data reader (55), and a reception assembly (20) mounted pivotingly on a frame (10) and comprising reception holders (64, 65) and intermediate storing trays (62, 63). The sheets and the originals are fed by feeding members (77) into the storing trays, are retained there and displaced before being fed back into the feeding path where they are turned over for processing, printing, reading of their second face. Accordingly a multifunction terminal is obtained, which is simple to build, compact and reliable, providing a large number of duplex processing functions, all at a very moderate cost price.

Abstract: A multifunction terminal is suitable for performing the functions of printing, scanning, copying, fax transmission and reception and/or sorting of documents. It comprises feeding stations (12, 14) for the sheets and the originals, a feeding path (18) with a printer (51) and a data reader (55), and a reception assembly (20) mounted pivotingly on a frame (10) and comprising reception holders (64, 65) and intermediate storing trays (62, 63). The sheets and the originals are fed by feeding members (77) into the storing trays, are retained there and displaced before being fed back into the feeding path where they are turned over for processing, printing, reading of their second face. Accordingly a multifunction terminal is obtained, which is simple to build, compact and reliable, providing a large number of duplex processing functions, all at a very moderate cost price.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device for printers and other machines comprises a movable support (17) whereon a stack of sheets may be arranged and resiliently urged against selection wheels (19). A retracting mechanism (50) is arranged so as to push back during one phase of a selection cycle the movable support (7) by a predetermined distance which is substantially constant and independent of the thickness of the stack of sheets. The retracting mechanism (50) for this purpose comprises a connecting rod (58) displaced by a cam wheel (66) following a backward and forward movement. The connecting rod (58) bears a pawl (57) cooperating with a ratchet wheel (56) suitable for driving a lever (51) integral with the movable support (17). Additionally an actuating mechanism permits the partial opening of the guiding channel (28) when the sheet arrives in a printing zone (35).

Abstract: The printer comprises a first receptacle (11) for the sheets to be printed, a sheet feeding path (27) with a printing zone (14) and a second receptacle (15) for the printed sheets. The latter is integral with an intermediate storing device having storage trays (42, 43) thus forming a group (44) which can be pivoted about a shaft (45). The sheets printed on a first face are fed by conveying members (57) into the storage trays, retained for drying, fed again into the feeding path (27) where they are reversed for printing on their second face and then arranged in the second receptacle (15). Accordingly a duplex printer is obtained, which can be used reliably with ink jet printheads, and which works dependably, has low overall dimensions and is simple and inexpensive to build.

Abstract: The sheet feeding device comprises a frame with a fixed receptacle for the sheets and pick-up rollers mounted on a first shaft which is pivotingly fitted on the frame by means of a rocking support device. A second shaft is linked to a motor and bears, by means of two pivotingly mounted support members, the first shaft and the rollers. Two pinions integral with the shafts and an intermediate pinion provided with a braking member allow the rollersto be brought into rotation starting from the shaft. Accordingly, the latter commands rotation of the entire support device and presses the rollers against the uppermost sheet with a surface force which increases when the resistance to movement of the uppermost sheet increases. Extremely reliable paper feeding operation is achieved as a result, with a simple construction method and at low cost.

Abstract: The printer comprises an entrance, a printing station, a collection tray for the printed sheets and temporary storage mechanisms on which a printed sheet is placed immediately after printing. These mechanisms comprise pivotingly mounted shutters, opening and closing of which is commanded by a slide comprising two rails cooperating with levers integral with the shafts of the shutters. The slide can be made temporarily integral with the printing carriage by means of a selection pin, the cams of which cooperate with two fixed abutments. The carriage thus performs selection and driving of the temporary storage mechanisms, which are easy to build and operate precisely at a low cost price.

Abstract: The feed device comprises a supply chamber (6) with a forward wall (9) having an inclined plane (45) provided with retaining elements for the stack of sheets contained in the supply chamber in the form of strips of cut pile fabric (48) whose fibers retain the sheets by their forward edge. A drive shaft (23) carries drive rolls (20) comprising a sector (100) with high coefficient of friction to drive the top sheet from the stack and a sector (101) with low coefficient of friction permitting sliding of the sheet during an alignment phase of the sheet. The drive shaft (23) is actuated by a drive mechanism (50) comprising a clutch with a toothed pinion (62) having two discontinuities defining rest and stop positions of alignment coacting with a clutch and retaining lever (66) controlled by reverse rotation of the drive motor (58) of the printer. An advancing mechanism (54) permits effecting engagement of the toothed pinion (62) with an intermediate pinion (61) upon a clutch control.

Abstract: The introduction device includes a supply tray (6) with a front wall (9), in which a pile of sheets (14) is biased towards driving rollers (17) by the action of a support plate (12) and a spring (16). The front wall (9) is provided with an extension (30) of which one portion forms a fixed sloping plane (31) provided with three openings (34). Three leaf springs (35) are fastened on one side of the supply tray and have at their other end a curved part (36)engaged into the openings (34). These springs (35) form with the sloping plane (31) a retaining member (40) of which the slope is variable depending on the rigidity of the sheets or envelopes to be introduced, the slope being small in the case of thin sheets and greater in the case of rigid sheets or envelopes, thus ensuring a sheet by sheet introduction which is reliable.

Abstract: The device includes an introduction channel (51) into which the sheets are stacked on a support (52). During the selection of the top sheet (53a), urging members (66) urge the sheets (53) against driving rollers (11) which convey the top sheet until its front edge comes in contact with a fixed alignment stop (67). After the alignment of the sheet, deflector elements (68) bring the front edge to the driving rollers (11) in such a manner that the sheet comes in contact with the periphery of these rollers (11) to be driven until it faces the printing head. A selection and a conveying of the sheets are thus achieved which are reliable, as well as an accurate alignment, while reducing the space needed for the device.