Abstract: A print system for duplex printing a plurality of document page images on a plurality of copy sheets includes means for storing print control information which defines the document images. An ink jet printer prints the page images on copy sheets as they are transported past a print station by a transport arrangement defining a closed sheet path. The sheet path is of sufficient length such that a number of copy sheets are transported simultaneously therethrough. A copy sheet inverter receives copy sheets sequentially from the sheet path after the sheets are printed on their first sides and returns them to the sheet path in an inverted orientation prior to printing on the second sides of the copy sheets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a platen cover for a copying machine in which the bound volume copying platen is not used for sheet document copying. The cover includes a sheet document transport and handling mechanism with the cover having an independently liftable lid to provide access to the transport and handling mechanism. Substantially uniform counter-balancing of the cover, containing the transport and handling mechanism, or the lid alone, from the closed hold-down position to the raised stay-open position, is provided by a torsional helix spring positioned about the pivotal axis of the lid counterbalancing the lid, and a gas spring acting on the transport and handling mechanism through a lever arm about the same axis, counterbalancing the mechanism.

Abstract: The utility of a document exposing system for a copying machine that has a separate exposure platen for bulky documents with a cover containing a transport mechanism, is improved by providing for the platen cover to swing up and away from the platen by being pivoted on a horizontal hinge axis that is remote the rear edge of the platen and by providing for the single sheet document feeder to pivot away from the side of the platen by turning about a vertical axis located behind the back edge of the platen. Thus, an open, unobstructed volume over and at the side of the platen is provided whereby pages of extremely large bound volumes may be copied.

Abstract: A document scanning system having a platen for scanning bulky documents and two separate exposing stations for front and reverse side scanning of automatically fed sheet-type original documents. The platen and the two exposing stations are arranged in a common plane for scanning by scanning elements carried on a linearly driven carriage. Image sensing is performed by CCD arrays mounted on the scanner carriage. Scanning at the two exposing stations is conducted with the scanner carriage stationary, while platen scanning proceeds with the scanner carriage moving linearly at a uniform speed.

Abstract: An illuminator for a traveling scanner of a document scanning system is disclosed. The illuminator comprises an elliptic-cylindrical surface of about one-half an ellipse in section with a line light source lamp located on one elliptic focal line. The illuminator is positioned so that the line of a document being copied is located at the other elliptic focal line. A reflecting cylindrical light baffle is positioned over the lamp to reflect light that would otherwise not strike the elliptical reflecting surface back through the source and onto the elliptical reflecting surface. The open end of the ellipse is covered with a heat filter to protect the material being copied. The ellipse is set at a relatively small angle, and a perpendicular reflection of material from the document being copied passes through a slot in the heat filter and a slot in the base of the ellipse for further sensing.

Abstract: An ink jet printer includes a catcher having a catcher plate along the lower portion thereof which is pivotally mounted for rotation about an axis parallel to a row of jet drop streams produced by the ink jet printer print head. A charge electrode plate, defining a plurality of notched charge electrodes, is movable between a drop charging position and a remote position. At start up and shut down of the printer, the charge electrode plate is maintained in its drop charging position when a deflection field is produced by a deflection electrode, so as to shield the drops from the deflection field. The catcher is pivoted into a full catch position at start up and shut down so as to catch substantially all of the drops produced by the relatively unstable jet drop streams.

Abstract: Sheet feeding and separating apparatus adapted to separate a single sheet from a stack of sheets and forward the separate sheet away from the stack for subsequent processing. The apparatus includes a feed belt disposed adjacent the stack for contact with the top sheet to separate the sheet therefrom. A retard shoe is spring biased into engagement with the feed belt. Actuation of the feed belt and engagement of the retard shoe with the sheets provide a rotating and locking relation with the mounting member of the retard shoe thereby preventing passage of multiple sheets by the feed belt but allowing the fed sheet to be pulled from the apparatus by a low value of pull force.

Abstract: An automated sheet-feed apparatus for feeding cut sheet paper to an automated printer includes apparatus for forming a predetermined length of buckle in the sheet of paper. The sheet-feed apparatus feeds the leading edge of a sheet of paper into a nip formed by the platen and the first set of pressure feed rollers of the printer. As feeding of the sheet of paper continues, a predetermined length of buckle is formed in the buckle chamber, at which time feeding by the sheet-feed apparatus is stopped. The printer platen drive system feeds the leading edge of the sheet through the nip and to a second nip formed by a second set of pressure feed rollers and the platen before the buckle is eliminated in the sheet of paper, and while the retard force from the sheet-feed apparatus is not apparent to the printer platen drive system.

Abstract: A magnetic card drive assembly for use with an electronic typewriter is provided for driving a magnetic card supported on a platform with a top surface and a card guide surface thereon. The magnetic card drive assembly includes a drive wheel supported for rotation on a frame. The frame has an alignment surface formed thereon for mating with cooperating alignment faces of a pair of lugs extending from the card platform. The engagement of the alignment surface of the drive wheel frame against the alignment faces of the lugs automatically aligns the frame and the drive wheel relative to the card guide surface. The drive wheel is further alignable relative to the plane of the top surface of the card platform by adjustment of one of three retaining screws connecting the drive wheel frame to the card platform. This screw cooperates with a compression spring acting between the frame and the card platform to position the periphery of the drive wheel tangent to the plane of the top surface of the card platform.

Abstract: A tracking mount assembly is provided for use with an electronic typewriter magnetic card support platform having a top surface and a card guide surface thereon. The tracking mount assembly includes a bridge frame with a lead screw and a guide shaft mounted in the frame. A pair of lugs extend from the frame and are formed with alignment surfaces thereon. The alignment surfaces of the lugs engage the card guide surface of the card support platform to align thelead screw and guide shaft relative to the card guide surface. The lead screw and guide shaft are further aligned relative to the plane of the top surface of the card support platform by the connection between the bridge frame and the card support platform.

Abstract: To more fully utilize the surface area of a typewriter ribbon in a cartridge ribbon receptacle, the cartridge locating plate supporting the receptacle is caused to oscillate with respect to the print head assembly. The ribbon cartridge assembly is a part of a print head and ribbon carrier that is positionable along a line of print by a drive motor through a belt drive engaging a drive pulley rotatably mounted to the carrier. Mounted to rotate with the drive pulley is a cam that engages a cam follower also mounted to the head and ribbon carrier. An upstop forms a part of the cam follower and engages the cartridge locating plate. With the cam follower driven by the cam, an oscillating motion is imparted to the upstop with reference to the head and ribbon carrier which motion is then imparted to the cartridge locating plate. Also fastened to the head and ribbon carrier is a solenoid that when energized spring biases the cartridge locating plate through a leaf spring attached to the plate.

Abstract: Flexible disc memory apparatus has a drive for rotating the flexible disc in a cartridge which is opened when inserted into the apparatus by a wedge shaped member inserted into the cartridge. The drive includes a magnetic coupling and centering device for the hub of the flexible disc. A movable head plate carries transducer heads which are positioned at selected track locations by the head. The apparatus also includes a second flexible disc and head plate integrally incorporated in the apparatus.

Abstract: A magnetic card transport system for an electronic typewriter comprises a reversible drive roll and a coacting pinch roll which form a nip through which a magnetic card is passed. The drive roll and pinch roll coact to move the card in opposite directions. Guide means are provided which is engaged by one longitudinal edge of the card, and spring means are provided which engage the other longitudinal edge of the card to urge the card into engagement with the guide means for registration purposes. The pinch roll is mounted in such a manner that it may freely oscillate. The oscillation is such that the pinch roll axis pivots in each direction from a line substantially perpendicular to the guide means between 1/2.degree. and 3.degree. about a vertical axis normal to its axis of rotation to allow for self-alignment to maintain the card in alignment with the guide means.

Abstract: A magnetic card transport subsystem for an electronic typewriter comprises a reversible drive roll and a coacting pinch roll which form a nip through which a magnetic card is passed. The drive roll and pinch roll coact to move the card in opposite directions. The pinch roll is so mounted that it can shift from side to side on its axis of rotation. When the pinch roll is out of alignment, such shifting occurs at each reversal in direction of rotation of the pinch roll when transporting the card. A person adjusting the pinch roll position observes this and adjusts the position of the pinch roll until such shifting stops which indicates the roll is in alignment.