Abstract: A reproduction machine having a document scanning system has an improved recycling clutch for operating the system. The clutch has a rotatable input plate and a rotatable output plate. An annular pawl plate pivotally mounted on the input plate has a driving surface which is biased into engagement with a pin on the output plate. A rotatable timing element driven by the input plate periodically contacts a cam surface on the outer periphery of the pawl plate to disengage the driving surface from the pin to effect release of the clutch at intervals greater than a revolution of the input plate. The cam surface maintains the disengagement of the driving surface from the output plate for a sufficient length of time to permit rotation of the latter in the reverse direction greater than one revolution via a biasing spring.