Abstract: A dual path sheet feeder is disclosed including a dual mode sheet feeding tray for selectively delivering sheets from a sheet feeding module to either a printer processing module or to a finishing module, wherein a movable gate situated adjacent to the sheet feeding tray is provided for directing sheets along a predetermined path of travel. The movable gate is selectively positionable between a first position for directing the sheets to the processing module to produce copy sheets prior to delivering the copy sheets to the finishing module and a second position for directing the sheets directly to the finishing module to bypass the processing module to provide an insert sheet. The dual path sheet feeder is contemplated for use in conjunction with a high speed electrostatographic printing machine for providing flexible paper supply options without the additional burden of providing supplemental dedicated sheet feeding trays.

Abstract: A multi-function, multi-segment ac plasma erase lamp is provided to selectively erase previously charged areas of a photoconductive member. The lamp performs the conventional erase function of fixed edge erase, edge shift and patch generation, while adding the functions of variable edge erase along an edge to accommodate reduction images and changes in page size. Another feature of this erase lamp is a "dark" segment which is energized but is not light emitting. Its function is to enhance the turn on time for the light emitting segments. A still further improvement is the application of a voltage to a photoresist coating applied the the lamp surface to create a field which will repel toner and dust particles from that surface of the lamp.

Abstract: An agitator for agitating particles such as toner particles in an electrophotographic printer includes a stirring member having an elongated longitudinal member. Vanes are attached to the longitudinal member and form a gap therebetween. When the longitudinal member is caused to move within a cavity, the vanes act to clear toner particles from an area within the cavity associated with a sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus which cleans a photoconductive surface having residual charged particles of opposite polarities thereon. Oppositely electrically biased cleaning brushes remove particles from the photoconductive surface with each brush being located in the chamber of a different housing with each housing electrically biased to the same magnitude and polarity as the brush located within the housing. The particles are then attracted from the cleaning brushes to electrically biased detoning rolls.

Abstract: An optical apparatus and reproducing machine includes an optical system for viewing a document and for projecting an image thereof onto a moving imaging surface. A plurality of optical elements are arranged along an optical path. The projected image magnification is changed by changing the position of at least two optical elements. An interlock apparatus associated with the magnification changing system is provided for inhibiting the change in position of one of the two optical elements until the other of the two optical elements has completed its change in position, upon the changing of the magnification of the optical system.

Abstract: An apparatus for stripwise viewing a document and for projecting an image thereof onto a moving imaging surface. The viewing apparatus includes at least one reflector having a reflecting surface and being arranged along an optical path. An illumination slit controls the projected illumination intensity. The slit is defined by at least one boundary configured in a desired profile. The reflecting surface of the reflector is delimited so that at least one boundary defined by the reflecting surface is configured in the desired slit profile, whereby the reflector and slit are arranged integrally together. A reproducing apparatus and a process for making the viewing apparatus also are claimed.