Abstract: An electrostatographic type copying or reproduction machine incorporating a programmable controller to operate the various machine components in an integrated manner to produce copies is disclosed. The controller carries a master program bearing machine operating parameters from which an operating program for the specific copy run desired is formed and used to operate the machine components to produce the copies programmed. A multiple prioritized interrupt system is employed to distribute the operating program to the machine.Self check routines check the operational integrity of the controller prior to start-up of the machine and periodically while the machine is processing copies.

Abstract: A reproduction machine for making either single sided or duplex copies, and incorporating automatic document handler and sorter for handling original documents being copied and copies made. To enable copy quality to be checked, either when the machine is stopped or in the midst of a copy run, a sample copy is provided for. Where the sample copy is selected during a copy run, an accommodation in copy billing rate is made.

Abstract: An electrostatic type reproduction machine incorporating optionally active document handler for automatically advancing originals to be copied into copying position together with a sorter for sorting copies. On inputting a copy run, a check is automatically made to determine if the program is legal, i.e. if the machine can perform the copy run selected. In this context, checks are run to determine whether or not the document handler has been selected and if not, the operating status of the sorter and machine.

Abstract: An operator console for a reproduction machine, with the console including a fixed number of input selection devices, e.g. pushbuttons, for initiating machine activity. The activation of the machine components is preferably controlled by a digital computer being instructed by a plurality of operating programs. The selection of the same console input device will initiate a different machine activity depending on what program is currently instructing the machine.

Abstract: In a controller for a host machine such as an electrostatographic copier having a central processing unit module connected via a system bus to an input-output processing unit module, a direct memory access system functioning as part of the input-output processing unit module and operative to provide a high-speed means of refreshing and updating control registers in the host machine by direct accessing of memory in the central processing unit module. The direct memory access system may be programmed to synchronously refresh-update the host machine's control registers as in its normal mode and also asynchronously refresh-update the control registers as in the abnormal mode of a detected electrical disturbance in the electro-sensitive periphery surrounding the control registers, thus requiring restoring thereof.

Abstract: A controller for directing a host machine which is operative to include a central processor for program execution, a system bus controlled by the central processor for carrying data, address and control signals, and a data memory coupled to the system bus. Additionally included is a direct memory access moudle for conveyance through the system bus of a hold signal to the central processor upon receipt of an enabling signal, and upon acknowledgement for control assumptions of the system bus for generating address and state signals that will directly access the data memory for host machine update.

Abstract: A non-volatile storage module as utilized in a controller for directing a plurality of control registers of a host machine. The controller includes a central processor that is communicatively coupled through a system bus having control data, and address lines to the module and host machine. The non-volatile storage module includes a data memory operative to interface with the system bus for storing data, and for input-output of the data therefrom through the system bus upon command of the central processor. In addition, the module further includes a power storage unit coupled to the data memory for distributing a plurality of power signals from the host machine through a plurality of critical and non-critical power lines to the data memory for providing a power source that may be utilized therein for a power down condition and for sensing a power down condition on the critical power line from the power storage unit for the switching thereof to the data memory.

Abstract: A method of controlling a reproduction machine to produce duplex copies from a set of original documents and for automatically adjusting the reproduction process in the event of a fault condition so that the selected number of copies are ultimately produced even though some copies may have been lost due to the fault.

Abstract: To minimize the effects of electromagnetic noise on signals generated by a data processing unit controlling the process stations in an electrostatographic machine, the data processing unit itself is encased in a shielded housing to thwart electromagnetic radiation. Output signals from the data processing unit are distributed to remote interface units located throughout the electrostatographic machine where the signals are stored and used to control networks actuating the electrostatographic process stations. Electro-optic couplers are used in transmitting input and output signals to and from the data processing unit to further minimize noise isolation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for transmitting signals between a data processing unit and the process stations of an electrostatographic machine. Operating signals from the data processing unit are transmitted in blocks to one or more remote interface units where the signals are stored pending use in controlling the electrostatographic processing stations. A return signal path is provided for two transmitted logic signals as a test of the integrity of the signal transmission. And in addition, a timing device is associated with the remote interface unit or units so that, in the absence of signals occurring within a predetermined period, the remote interface unit will be inactivated.

Abstract: An imaging lens system for electrostatic type reproduction machine or copiers utilizing a zoom lens effective to provide, within the magnification limits of the lens, infinitely variable image sizes.A control is provided to pre-set the lens to automatically give, upon actuation at least one preselected image size, with an override control to enable the lens to be set to provide any image size regardless of pre-set conditions.Further controls are provided for the machine nonimage erase mechanism to automatically compensate for changes in the image borders brought about by changes in image size due to resetting of the zoom lens. For this purpose, an infinitely variable edge fadeout apparatus is provided incorporating movable shutters to vary the effective size of the edge erasure slots in correspondence with image size together with timing controls for changing the operational timing of the pitch fadeout lamp in response to changes in image size upon resetting of the zoom lens.

Abstract: An electrostatic reproduction machine has an improved control system therein for controlling the operation of a toner dispenser. The system which includes a light source and a light sensitive device, compares the difference between the amount of light reflected from an undeveloped area of a photoreceptor and the amount reflected from a developed test image to a reference value and actuates the toner dispenser if the density of the test image is not up to a desired value. To compensate for any toner accumulation on either the light source or the light sensitive device, the signal output of the light sensitive device is compared to a reference value and an appropriate error signal is generated and applied to the light source.

Abstract: A processing system having central control including an automated condition responsive system for automatically sequencing and integrating the operation of selected external features utilizable in conjunction with an electrostatographic reproducing process. The processing operation is monitored by means of a central timing control initiated in accordance with a preprogrammed sequence for each of the peripheral operations to be performed in conjunction with the central processing sequence. Sequence control is provided for controlling the sequencing of the peripheral operation in accordance with the timing cycles controlling the central reproducing process. More specifically, control means are set up for automatic document handling, sorting, billing, and jam and recovery control. By utilization of central command logic and separate processing logic, integration of all these operations in accordance with externally controlled program operation is achieved.

Abstract: An imaging lens system for electrostatic type reproduction machine or copiers utilizing a zoom lens effective to provide, within the magnification limits of the lens, infinitely variable image sizes.A control is provided to pre-set the lens to automatically give, upon actuation, at least one preselected image size, with an override control to enable the lens to be set to provide any image size regardless of pre-set conditions.Further controls are provided for the machine non-image erase mechanism to automatically compensate for changes in the image borders brought about by changes in image size due to resetting of the zoom lens. For this purpose, an infinitely variable edge fadeout apparatus is provided incorporating movable shutters to vary the effective size of the edge erasure slots in correspondence with image size together with timing controls for changing the operational timing of the pitch fadeout lamp in response to changes in image size upon resetting of the zoom lens.

Abstract: A feed control apparatus employing a control circuit for accurately positioning the shaft of a multiphase stepper motor by selective energization of respective phases of the motor under the influence of a low duty cycle power supply and a one way clutching mechanism thereby accurately positioning the motor in a proper angular position such that normal energization of the motor phase coils will result in the desired motor drive direction.

Abstract: A control system for one or more vacuum holddown devices for use in an apparatus employing flexible web material in a flattened condition. A plurality of perforated plenums are joined to a manifold connectible to a vacuum producing means. The pressure within the manifold is sensed and must be at a predetermined pressure before the drive system for the web material is activated thereby preventing bulging or buckling of the web material during startup and normal running of the material.