Abstract: Copy production machine selectively interleaves copy separation sheets between successive copy jobs, subjobs, or job portions. The copy separation sheets can be from the same copy sheet supply source or from an alternate source. The supplied copy separation sheets need not be operated upon by the copy production machines, i.e., receive an image. Such sheets may be preimaged if so desired. When copy sheet supply means has different size copy sheets, the separation mode may be inhibited. The number of separation sheets supplied depends on the number of copy receiving bins in an output means and the number of copies produced from a single image. The effective capacity of a collator is extended by the use of separation sheets.

Abstract: Copy machine having provisions for separately addressing and independently exercising individual machine components for maintenance purposes. There are also provisions for addressing sensory components individually and for providing a visual indication of the state of the addressed element so that its proper operation can be verified. In addition to operability indications, the address of the individual machine component being exercised or the sensory component being tested can be displayed.

Abstract: A copy production machine, such as a transfer electrographic copier, picks copy sheets for receiving images during a transfer operation. On rare occasions a sheet may not be successfully picked. Instead of turning the machine off and requiring manual intervention for a restart, the machine automatically retrys to repick the sheet of paper a predetermined number of times. If during such retry the pick is successful, then the copy production resumes automatically; if not, the machine is turned off after the predetermined number of cycles. During each machine cycle having an unsuccessful pick, protective actions are taken to insure that toner does not contaminate the machine and certain other actions do not provide a fire hazard. All retries are logged for maintenance assistance.