US3645157A

US3645157A - Roll feed and cutting apparatus for use in a photocopy machine

Info

Publication number: US3645157A
Authority: US
Inventors: Albert J Di Giulio; Frank B Naujokas
Original assignee: Multigraphics Inc
Current assignee: AB Dick Co
Priority date: 1969-11-24
Filing date: 1969-11-24
Publication date: 1972-02-29
Anticipated expiration: 1989-02-28
Also published as: NL7017162A; GB1329998A; NL159198B; CA957938A; JPS4937532B1

Abstract

Apparatus is disclosed for feeding and cutting copy material from a roll in accordance with an original document fed into a multispeed, contact-type copying machine. The original and severed copy sheet are fed in synchronism into the machine by a pair of infeed rollers. A single sensing element positioned a predetermined distance upstream of the infeed rollers initiates the feeding of copy material from a selected roll upon being actuated by the leading edge of the original and causes the cessation of the feeding of copy material and the severing thereof, from the roll upon deactuation by the trailing edge of the original. The cessation of the feeding of copy material and the severing thereof is accomplished rapidly, due to the application of a high voltage to the brake of the copy material roll and to the cutting mechanism of the copying machine. The normal position of the leading edge of the copy material is nearer the infeed rollers than the sensing element, to insure registration of the leading edges of the original and copy material at the infeed rollers at high-speed settings. A delay in feeding and cutting the copy material is incorporated into the apparatus for low-speed operation. A second sensing element upstream of and laterally spaced from the first-mentioned sensing element selects an alternate copy material roll upon actuation thereof by the leading edge of the original. An additional, switching element in the path of the copy material causes the severing of copy material from a selected roll, at least of a predetermined length upon the feeding of relatively short originals into the copying machine. A manual cut mechanism is also provided for severing copy material from a roll when desired.

Description

United States Patent Di Giulio et al.

154] ROLL FEED AND CUTTING APPARATUS FOR USE IN A PHOTOCOPY MACHINE [72] lnverrtorsz, Albert J. Dl Giulio; Frank B. Nauiokas,

both of Arlington Heights, 111.

Addressograph-Multigraph Corporation, Mount Prospect, lll.

221 Filed: Nov. 24, 1969 21 Appl.No.: 879,487

[73] Assignee:

Primary Examiner-James M. Meister Attorney-Sol L. Goldstein [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus is disclosed for feeding and cutting copy material [4 1 Feb. 29, 1972 from a roll in accordance with an original document fed into a multispeed, contact-type copying machine. The original and severed copy sheet are fed in synchronism into the machine by a pair of infeed rollers. A single sensing element positioned a predetermined distance upstream of the infeed rollers initiates the feeding of copy material from a selected roll upon being actuated by the leading edge of the original and causes the cessation of the feeding of copy material and the severing thereof, from the roll upon deactuation by the trailing edge of the original. The cessation of the feeding of copy material and the severing thereof is accomplished rapidly, due to the application of a high voltage to the brake of the copy material roll and to the cutting mechanism of the copying machine. The normal position of the leading edge of the copy material is nearer the infeed rollers than the sensing element, to insure registration of the leading edges of the original and copy material at the infeed rollers at high-speed settings. A delay in feeding and cutting the copy material is incorporated into the apparatus for low-speed operation. A second sensing element upstream of and laterally spaced from the first-mentioned sensing element selects an alternate copy material roll upon actuation thereof by the leading edge of the original. An additional, switching element in the path of the copy material causes the severing of copy material from a selected roll. at least of a predetermined length upon the feeding of relatively short originals into the copying machine. A manual cut mechanism is also provided for severing copy material from a roll when desired.

18 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures ROLL FEED AND CUTTING APPARATUS FOR USE IN A PI'IOTOCOPY MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to roll-fed copying machines and more particularly to apparatus for use in copying machines to dispense cut lengths from a roll of copy material in accordance with varying size originals in an environment wherein the original and severed copy sheet are to be in a superimposed arid registered relation.

In high-volume copying machines of the electrostatic or diazo variety, in which originals of varying lengths are fed into the machine to be copied on copy sheets cut from a roll of copy paper, it is necessary that the copy sheet length and image registration be maintained. This is especially important and more difficult to accomplish in diazo copying machines wherein the speed of movement of the sheet elements can be varied over a wide range as a function of varying the exposure.

The maintenance of copy length and image registration has been accomplished heretofore in lower volume machines, by means of copy paper feed and cutting apparatus including a series of switches placed along the original feed path of the machine to monitor the leading and trailing edges of originals fed into the machine. A first switch is adjusted for leading edge alignment and a plurality of other switches are adjusted for trailing edge alignment, each for a different speed range.

While the last-mentioned switch arrangement operates satisfactorily for the most part to feed copy paper and actuate the cutter of the arrangement to accurately sever copy sheets of lengths substantially equal to the length of an original, the system is complex, relatively expensive, and requires frequent, time consuming readjustment of the switches.

In addition to accurately severing copy sheets from a roll of copy paper, provision is often made in machines for accommodating originals of differing widths, i.e., for supplying copy paper of a greater width for relatively wide originals and of a lesser width for originals of a lesser width. However, such means, when provided, are generally complex in design, and tend to reduce the accuracy of cutting the copy sheets from different rolls of paper to lengths substantially equal to that of respective originals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide new and improved copy paper dispensing and cutting apparatus for use in a copying machine to accurately feed and cut copy sheets from a roll of copy sheet material in accordance with respective originals. The apparatus provided is simple in construction, relatively inexpensive to produce and requires a minimum of maintenance.

It is a more specific object of the present invention to provide apparatus of the above-described type for use in a high volume, variable speed diazo-type copying machine.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved copy material feed and cutting arrangement of the type described which includes a single switch for monitoring original documents fed into a copying machine and for accurately controlling the feeding and cutting of copy paper in accordance with the length of the original over a wide range of feeding speeds.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide apparatus of the above-described type including copy paper supply width selecting means which does not reduce the accuracy of the cutting of lengths of copy material with respect to an original document, regardless of the copy paper supply roll selected thereby.

Briefly, a preferred embodiment of copy paper feeding and cutting apparatus according to the invention comprises a paper cutting device mounted along the copy paper path of a copying machine. The operation of the cutting device is controlled in accordance with the actuation of a switching device disposed at a predetermined location along the original feed path of the machine. The single switch senses the leading edge of an original fed into the machine and in response thereto, actuates the feeding of copy paper along the copy paper path of the machine, which in turn is fed in synchronism with the movement of the original. The leading edges of the original and copy paper reach the nip of a pair of infeed rollers simultaneously and are carried thereby into the machine with the original superimposed on and in registration with the copy paper. In response to the trailing edge of the original passing the single switching device, the cutter is operated to sever a copy sheet of a length equal to the original from the roll.

A relatively high voltage applied to the cutting mechanism as well as to the brake portion of the drive arrangement for the copy paper roll ensures an extremely rapid discontinuation of movement of the copy paper and a substantially simultaneous severing of a segment of copy paper from the roll. The use of the high voltage is an enabling factor for using a single switch to perform the above-described dispensing and cutting function.

A second switch, preceding the above-mentioned switching device along the original feed path and spaced laterally a predetermined distance therefrom, is'provided for determining the width of copy paper to be fed in the copying machine. If the original is of a width great enough to engage the second switch, circuitry is actuated to cause copy paper to be fed from a roll having a width to accommodate the original. If the width of the original is not great enough to engage the second switch, copy paper is fed from a roll of a lesser width. In both cases, however, the control of the feeding of copy paper is in the first-mentioned switching device. Thus, accuracy in cutting the length of copy sheets is not sacrificed.

A third switch positioned in a preferred embodiment of the invention downstream of the infeed rollers, is provided as a safety measure and to ensure that during the normal operation of the machine a copy sheet of a minimum length is at all times cut from the roll of copy material. The cutting of a minimum length copy sheet prevents jams which would occur in the machine due to extremely short copy sheets made from equally short original documents.

Circuitry is also provided in the apparatus according to the invention to provide a time delay prior to the feeding of copy paper after the original has engaged the first-mentioned switch and a time delay is provided subsequent to disengagement of the trailing edge of the original with the switching device and prior to the cutting of the paper by the cutting device when the feeding speed of the machine has been set at a slow speed. i.c., below a predetermined speed. At a high or fast feeding speed, greater than the predetermined speed, no time delay is provided.

A manual cut switch is also provided in a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention to permit an operator to effect a severing of a copy sheet from the roll when he desires.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A better understanding of the present invention and its organization and construction may be had by referring to the description below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a copying machine embodying the paper feeding and cutting apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2a is a side sectional view of the original and copy material feed arrangement of the copying machine of FIG. 1 including the cutting apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2b is a diagram of a portion of the original feed path of the copying machine embodying the invention and serves to illustrate the lateral displacement of the switches used in selecting the proper copy paper width as well as controlling the dispensing and cutting of the copy material from the copy roll selected; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a circuit for controlling the operation of the copy paper feeding and cutting apparatus according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, there is illustrated an automatic copying apparatus or machine of the diazo type, designated by the reference numeral and embodying the features of the present invention. The machine 10 includes a housing or supporting structure 11 carried by a support base 12 and is adapted to produce automatically copies of an original tracing by diazo or contact printing methods on copy material 13 (FIG. 2a). The machine includes on the left-hand side panel 14 thereof, as seen in FIG. 1, an ON-OFF main power switch 15, a lamp control switch 16 for operating the illuminating source of the machine to an on or off condition independently of the operating condition of the machine and heater control dials 17 18 for adjusting the temperature of the tray in the developer tank of the copying machine and the temperature of the developer tank itself, respectively. The last-mentioned controls are effective to condition the ammonia developer used in the machine for proper development of sensitized copy sheets.

The right-hand side panel 19 of the copying machine 10 includes an illuminated ammonia flow indicator 20 which tells the operator of the machine that ammonia developer is flowing into the developing section of the machine. Below the ammonia flow indicator 20 there is mounted a speed control knob 21 and indicator 22 for selecting the speed of operation and movement of original and copy paper through the machine in foot-per-minute units.

Directly beneath the speed controls are a pair of

lights

23, 24, one (left) for indicating the depletion of copy paper from one of the two supply rolls of the copying machine and the other (right) for indicating that the copy paper roll feed mechanism is energized. The copy paper feed switch control 25 is located immediately below the above-mentioned lights and it turns on and off the copy paper roll feed mechanism.

A manual cut button 26 is provided beneath feeder control 25 for manually overriding the automatic cutting cycle of the machine, allowing an operator to effect a cut when he desires. In this manner a copy smaller than the original may be provided, permitting only a portion of an original to be copied in the machine.

When it is desired to produce a copy of an original, such as a tracing, the tracing is manually fed into the machine over a table or shelf 27. An edge guide 28 is provided along the left side (FIG. 1) of the shelf 27 to insure proper alignment of the original tracing and the copy paper as they pass through the machine. A lamp 29 is located on shelf 27 and is provided to indicate to an operator that he may proceed with the feeding of an original into the machine. In this manner, original tracings will not be overlapped. The feeding of an original into the machine as described causes the feeding of copy material from the proper copy paper roll 30, 32 (FIG. 20) into the machine in synchronism with the original, the original being superimposed on the copy paper.

The copy paper is severed from the roll and it and the original are carried through an exposure station in the machine, after which the copy and original are separated. The copy paper is advanced to a developing station (not shown) for development thereof in the usual manner and is subsequently discharged from the machine into a rack 31 provided adjacent the upper portion of housing 12. Likewise, the original is discharged from the machine into a receiving tray 33 provided at the front of the machine.

In the support base 12 of the copying machine the rolls of

paper

30, 32 are mounted on

respective bars

35, 37. Also mounted within base support 12 is an automatic threading control identified generally as 39. The threading control includes a selector knob 41 for selecting the upper roll 32, lower roll or automatic selection of copy rolls, and a manual feed button 43 which can be depressed by an operator to manually feed the copy paper into the machine and cut a clean leading edge to prepare for the copying cycle.

Referring now to FIG. 2a of the drawings there is shown in greater detail, the copy dispensing and cutting apparatus 34 embodied in the machine 10 according to the invention.

Paper dispensing and cutting apparatus 34 includes first and second

paper dispensing arrangements

36, 38 for dispensing copy material of different widths into the copy paper path 40 of the copying machine from either of two

rolls

30, 32 respectively.

Dispensing arrangement 36 feeds paper 13 from roll 30 along a path 42 including a first guide roller 44, through a channel 46 formed by a pair of spaced guide plates, 48, 50, into the nip 52 of a pair of feed rollers 54, 56. The upper feed roller 56 which is of a small diameter is mounted for vertical movement into and out of engagement with lower feed roller 54, and is spring loaded for quick response. A second guide channel 58 including a pair of spaced plates 60, 62 is provided at the discharge side of rollers 54, 56 to guide copy material 16 into copy paper path 40.

Paper dispensing arrangement 38 includes apparatus similar to that of arrangement 36 for feeding copy material 13 of a different width from roll 32 into copy paper path 40. The arrangement 38 comprises a guide roller 64, leading to a channel 66 formed between spaced

plates

68, 70 and a pair of

feed rollers

72, 74, roller 74 being of a smaller diameter than roller 72 and being spring loaded into engagement with roller 72.

Downstream of

feed roller

72, 74 is a channel 76 formed,

between plates 78 and reversely bent portion 80 of plate 62 leading into the copy paper path 40. It should be noted that channel 76 and channel 58 converge at the inlet 82 to copy paper path 40, so that paper 16 fed from either

roll

30, 32 passes into path 40 at a common point.

Downstream of inlet 82 along copy paper path 40, there is provided a cutter station 84 which includes a rotary cutter 86 for severing lengths of copy material 13 from either of the selected rolls 30, 32 in accordance with the lengths of originals fed into the copying machine. Beyond (downstream) station 84, a guide throat 88 formed between spaced

plates

90, 92 is provided. Copy material 13 severed from

rolls

30, 32 passes through the last-mentioned throat into the nip 94 of feed rollers 96, 98 located at the point of convergence 100 of the original paper path 102 and copy paper path 40 of the copying machine.

It should be understood that the leading edges of copy paper from

rolls

30, 32 are normally located, as a starting point, at a position 41, immediately prior to rotary cutter 86 which is spaced a predetermined distance d from nip 94 of feeder rollers 96, 98.

An original 9 fed over shelf '27 (FIG. 1) into the inlet 103 of the machine along original feed path 102 is carried therealong by spaced pairs of driving

feed rollers

104, 106, the nips 108, respectively which are coincident with the feed path 102. After being transported along feed path 102, the leading edge of the original reaches feed rollers 96, 98 simultaneously with the leading edge of copy material 13 from either of the

rolls

30, 32. The two elements thereafter are carried in a superimposed relation by the feed rollers 96, 98 into the machine past the exposure and the like stations (not shown) common to copying machines of the type described.

All of the feed rollers discussed heretofore, provided for feeding copy material 13 and/or original documents are driven by a common drive motor 101. Consequently the feeding speed of an original and copy paper are maintained substantially equal for any speed setting selected with knob 21 (FIG. 1

Positioned along original feed path 102 at predetermined locations are a pair of

electrical switches

112 and 114; switch 112 being hidden in FIG. 2a behind switch 114. Each

switch

112, 114 includes an

actuator arm

113, 115, respectively, extending therefrom into original feed path 102. Actuator arm 113 is positioned a predetermined distance (11,) upstream of actuator arm 115, nearer the inlet 103 of the original feed path, than actuator arm 115. Actuator arm 113 is also spaced a predetermine distance (d;,) laterally from actuator arm 11S along the width of feed path 102 (see FIG. 2b), for selecting in the automatic mode the proper width copy material from one of the copy paper rolls according to the width of the original fed into the machine.

Switch 114, as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, controls both the feeding and cutting of copy paper from a selected copy roll. It should be noted that actuator arm 115 of switch 114 is spaced along original sheet path 102 a predetermined distance d from the nip 94 of infeed rollers 96, 98. The distance between actuator arm 115 and nip 94 is slightly greater than the distance (d) along copy paper path 40 from nip 94 to the normal location of the leading edges of copy paper rolls 30, 32. The reason for the selection of the above-mentioned distances is that in response to the actuation of switch 115 by an original sheet, there occurs at the high speed control setting a delay of the movement of the copy paper along copy path 40 due to the weight of the roll of copy paper and the speed at which it must move at the start. In this manner, the initial time lost for the movement of the copy paper roll once the respective clutch drive is actuated, is offset by the extra distance the original sheet must travel along the copy paper path.

In addition to the

switches

112, 114, provided for controlling the selection, dispensing and cutting of copy paper from rolls thereof, roll reload

switches

116, 118 are provided adjacent

respective channels

46, 66, through which copy material from a corresponding

roll

30, 32 passes as the copy material 13 moves toward copy paper path 40. Rollreload switches 1 16, 1 18 include actuator arms 117, 1 19, respectively, extending into a

respective channel

46, 66 in the path of the copy paper. If copy material is present, the actuator arm is depressed, indicating that copy material is available. On the other hand, if the paper of either of the rolls is depleted, a corresponding actuator arm is released causing lamp 23 to light, indicating the need for reloading a roll of copy paper. Furthermore, the release of either of the

actuator arms

117, 119 serves to prevent the feeding of an original with the selection of paper of a corresponding width until the paper is replenished. The machine, however, may be operated using the undepleted roll of copy paper.

Another switch 120 (minimum copy switch) downstream of feed rollers 96, 98, a predetermined distance of 11,, is provided to accommodate relatively short originals and as a safety feature. The switch includes an actuator arm 121 extending into the path of the superimposed sheets, and which is depressed by the copy paper as the latter passes over the actuator arm. As will be described in greater detail below, if the original is less than a predetermined number of inches in length that is less than the sum of distances d plus (1,, switch 120 causes the cutter 86 to operate at a predetermined time to insure the copy material being of a length sufficient to be carried through the machine. At no time during the automatic operation of the machine will a copy sheet cut from a copy paper roll be shorter than the sum of distances d and 11,. While the switch 120 is shown in FIG. 2a as being positioned along a path whereas it can be intercepted by the original document, as well as the copy sheet, the switch can alternatively be placed in the copy paper path for engagement only by the copy paper. The switch has been placed as shown because of machine space requirements.

Referring now to FIG. 3 of the drawings, illustrating the electrical circuitry of a preferred embodiment of the dispensing and cutting apparatus of the invention, the latter includes a 230 volt power source 130 supplying power to the autotransformer 132.

Three input leads, 134, 136, and 138 are connected to the dispensing and cutting circuitry. Two of the leads 134, 136 are interconnected, via circuit breakers 182, 183, respectively to prevent damage due to possible overloads. The voltage provided between

leads

134, 138, and 136; 138 is approximately 160 volts and l volts, respectively.

Lead 136 is connected via a lead 144 connected at junction 146 to an input 140 of a full wave rectifier 142. The other input 148 of the full-wave rectifier 142 is connected via lead 150 to grounded lead 138. The outputs 152, 154 of the rectifier 142 are connected through make-break relay contacts 156 of an add paper" relay 157 to the brake and

clutch mechanisms

158, 160, respectively, for the transport roller pairs 104, 106 (FIG. 2a) which carry the original along the original feed path 102 of the copy machine.

Lead 136 is also connected at junction 162, through make relay contacts 164 of relay 157 to one side 166 of an add paper indicator larnp 23; the other side 170 of the lamp, being connected to common lead 138. Furthermore, lead 136 is connected through resistor 172 to a speed dial" lamp 22 and a lamp 20, used in the machine for indicating the presence of ammonia developing solution in the developer of the machine. The latter two lamps connected in series to lead 138.

Lead 134 is connected through a feeder switch 25 and roll reload switches 116, 118 (see FIG. 2a) to an operator selector switching arrangement 41 (FIG. 1) including a group of

switches

41a, 41b, 41c (switch 410 connected via dotted line to indicate its inclusion in the arrangement). The feeder switch 25 for the power circuit formed by leads 134, 138 also connects the l60-volt source to an input terminal 184 of a full wave rectifier 186. The other input 188 of the rectifier is connected to common lead 138. The

outputs

190, 192 of the fullwave rectifier 186 are connected to additional circuitry via leads 194, 196 and provide approximately 150 volts direct current therebetween to power the circuitry.

A manual cut control switch arrangement 198 including manual cut switch 26 (FIG. 1), resistor 202 and an indicator lamp 204 for illuminating the switch are connected directly to the outputs of full-wave rectifier 186. The manual cut arrange ment enables an operator of copying machine 10 to sever a length of paper from a roll of copy material to ensure a clean straight-cut starting edge prior to making copies, as well as for other purposes.

Output 190 of full wave rectifier 186 is also connected via leads 194, 206 at junction 208 to the make" contact 210 of an interlock and clutch delay relay 212. The relay contacts are connected through contacts 214 of a cutter solenoidcam operated switch 215 to relay 212 which is in turn connected via lead 196 to the output 192 of bridge 186.

Output 190 of the full wave rectifier 186 is likewise connected via leads 194, 206 at junction 216 through lead 218 and switch 410 of the operator selector switching arrangement, to automatic roll (width) selector switch 112 (FIG. 2a). The armature 222 of the last-mentioned switch 112 is movable between a pair of contact points 224, 226. Contact 224 is connected through relay contacts 228 controlled by upper roll" (32) relay 230 (as seen in FIG. 2a) to lower roll relay 232. In the lower position, the armature 222 connects up the contacts 234 of lower roll relay 232 with upper roll relay 230.

The manual operator selector switch 41c is normally in the position shown, connecting through contact point 236 directly to automatic roll selector switch 112. In this position the selection of the upper roll 32 or lower roll 30 of copy paper is performed automatically. The operator switch 410, however, may be connected manuaily at either of the contact points 238, 240, and override the automatic selection of copy paper if desired as mentioned heretofore. Both relays 230, 232 are connected via blocking diodes 229, 235, respectively, to lead 264, connected between junctions 266, 267.

Lead 206 is connected at junction 242 through manual feed switch 43 (FIG. 1), minimum copy switch 120 (FIG. 2a) and resistor 246, through contacts 248 of solenoid-cam operated switch 215, contacts 250 of manually operated cam switch 21 break-make contacts 254 of copy paper roll 32 relay 230 to copy paper roll (32) clutch 256. The clutch 256 is in turn connected via lead 196 to the output 192 of bridge 186.

Copy paper roll 30 clutch 258 is connected through lower roll relay contacts 260 and interlock and clutch delay relay contacts 262, via lead 264 to junction 266 between

contacts

248 and 250, mentioned above.

Cutter solenoid relay 268 provided for actuating the cutter solenoid 348 which in turn operates rotary cutter 86 (FIG. 2a), is connected between lead 196 and the manual cut control switch arrangement 198, via break-make contacts 270 of relay interlock and clutch delay 212 and lead 272 when the latter contacts are in a normal position. In an operated condition relay 268 is connected via contacts 270 to the make side of break-make contacts 120 mentioned heretofore.

7 Brake delay relay 274 is connected between output 192 of '7 bridge 186 via lead 196, and the break side of manually operated cam switch 21 contacts 275.

Manual cut relay 276 actuated upon the operation of manual cut button 26 (FIG. 1) to provide a clean edge cut, etc., to the copy paper, is connected through the normally open make side of its own break-make contacts 278. Blocking diode 280 prevents the holding of cutter solenoid relay 268 through the manual cut relay 276 interlock circuit.

Lead 206 is also connected at junction 282 via lead 284 to make contact of break-make contacts 286 of manual cut relay 276, and to the armature 115 of break-make automatic feed and cut control switch 114; the break side of the last-mentioned switch being connected to the armature 292 of heretofore mentioned manual cut relay contact 286. The make side of feed and cut control switch 1 14 is connected via lead 294 to the armature 296 of manual cut relay contacts 278. Diode 298 serves as a blocking diode between contacts 1 14 and contacts 300 of cutter solenoid cam switch 215.

The break side of contacts 286 of manual cut relay 276, is connected through diode 302 and resistor 304 to the break side of break-make contacts 306 of interlock and clutch delay relay 212, and through resistor 308 to feed

lamps

29, 24 in senes.

Connected to the armature 314 of contacts 306 at junction 316 via

diodes

318, 320, respectively, are lower and upper copy paper roll brakes, 322, 324, respectively. Connected also to brake 324 via diode 326 and resistor 328, is the break side of contacts 254 of the upper roll relay 230.

A lead 330 connected between diode 318 and lower roll brake 322, is connected via diode 332 and resistor 334 to the break side of switch 260 of lower roll relay 232.

The break contact of switch 114 is connected also through heavy-duty contacts 336 to the armature of cutter solenoid relay 268 of manually operated speed selector switch 21a. Contacts 336 are connected to the parallel combination of resistor 342 and capacitor 344 through contacts 346 of brake delay relay 274 along lead 347 to cutter solenoid 348. A diode 350 is connected in parallel relation with the cutter solenoid. A jumper wire 352 connects lead 347 to lead 354 the latter of which interconnects the make sides of

switch contacts

275 and 306.

For purposes of affording a more complete understanding of the invention, it is advantageous now to provide a functional description of the mode in which the component parts thus far described cooperate.

I. High-Speed Operation A. Narrow Original The operator will adjust the speed control knob 21 of the copying machine (FIG. 1) to high speed setting which may range from approximately 30-60 feet per minute, but in any event greater than 27% feet per minute, which operates switch 21a on panel 19 of the machine. The armature of cam switch 21a contacts the make side of contacts 275, and contacts 250 are operated to the closed position.

To provide power via leads 134, 138 main feeder switch 25 is closed, resulting in the application of a first, low voltage on the order of volts to lower and upper copy paper roll (30, 32) brakes 322, 324, thereby to prevent movement of the copy paper from the manual position along the copy paper path. In addition,

feed indicator lamps

29, 24 are energized.

If the operator selector switch arrangement 41 is in the automatic" or lower roll" position, (i.e., switches 41 a-c are in the center position shown in the drawings or are in the upper position, with contact 410 making with contact 238, respectively) the lower roll relay 232 is energized. On the other hand, if the operator selector switch 41 is set in the upper roll setting, bypassing the automatic mode, upper roll relay 230 is energized. In either case, respective contacts of the correspondingly operated relay are operated.

Assuming the apparatus to be set in the automatic mode, the operator of machine 10 feeds in an original along table 27 in contact with guide 28, (FIG. 1). If the width of the original is such as not to engage the switch 112 (Le, less than an (FM t. 2b) the original sheet Operates-only switch I N the tmuotn on lower roll (30), brake 322 and feed

indicator lamps

29, 24 me deenergized and clutch 258 is energized via closed contacts 250 of speed control switch 21a to begin the feeding of copy paper from the narrower width bottom copy paper roll. The upper roll brake 324 is energized with a second, intermediate voltage through normally closed contacts 254 to prevent copy paper roll 32 having copy paper of a width greater than required in this case, from delivering paper to the copy paper path 40 (FIG. 2a), as well as to prevent jams which could occur due to movement of the non-selected roll.

The paper isfed from roll 30 into copy paper path 40, over roller 44 and through channel 46 by drive or feed rollers 54, 56 which are in driving engagement with respect to the copy paper.

The interlock and clutch delay relay 212 is energized at this time through

contacts

114, 278, 248. The relay 212 is held operated through its own contacts 210 and contacts 214 of the cutter solenoid operated cam switch 215.

The lower roll relay 232 is held energized through diode 229 to operate its

contacts

234, 260. As a safety feature, a change in the position of operator selector switch 41 or switch 112 will not change the state of relay 232 until the cutting cycle (severing the copy sheet from roll 30) is completed. This, too, serves to prevent double feeding (i.e., feeding of both rolls) due to a skewed original being fed into the machine and contacting switch 114 prior to engagement with switch 112.

At this time, the original has been moved along original paper path 102 and copy paper from roll 30 has moved along copy paper path 40 so that the leading edges meet substantially simultaneously at feed rollers 96, 98. The rollers carry the sheets, now in a superimposed condition, to minimum copy switch 120, which is actuated by engagement with the leading edge of the copy paper.

Upon actuation of the minimum copy switch, the cutter solenoid relay 268 is energized through operated

contacts

210, 214 blocking diode 269, contacts (operated) and operated contacts 270, closing contacts 336. The cutter solenoid 348, itself remains unenergized at this time since switch 114 is being held operated by the original sheet. The trailing edge of the original now leaves the feed switch actuator 115 to operate switch 114 and at this time the cutter solenoid 348 is operated with a high voltage, on the order of volts. Brakes 322, 324 are also operated through contacts 306 with a third high voltage of 150 volts for quick response. The operation of the cutter solenoid rotates cutter 86 in the cutter station 84 (FIG. 2a) severing a length of copy paper from roll 32.

It should be explained that the application of l50 volts to the cutter solenoid 348 and the brakes 322, 324, ensures that the copy sheet cut from the selected copy roll is of a length substantially equal to that of the original. The high voltage causes an extremely quick response of the cessation of movement of the feed rollers driving the copy paper as well as for the rapid cutting of the paper by the cutter knife.

The solenoid cam being rotated with the operation of cutter solenoid 348 releases switch 215 by the action of the cutter solenoid, thereby opening

contacts

214 and 248. Thereafter interlock and clutch delay 212, solenoid relay 268 and the cutter solenoid 348 are deenergized.

The bottom and upper roll brakes 322, 324 are now encrgized through contacts 306 of relay 212 at the lower voltage level and to insure leading edge registration of the copy roll width of the cutter 86.

Feed indicator lamps

29, 24 are likewise operated to indicate that the operator may now feed in another original.

Subsequent to the cutting or severing of a copy sheet from the selected roll, the superimposed original and copy sheet are carried through the remaining stations of the machine. (not shown) to proceed with the copying process.

B. Wide Original I If the operator now feeds into the machine an original of a greater width, great enough to engage the switch actuator arm 113 of width selector switch 112, the bottom roll relay 232 is deenergized. This can be seen in FIG. 3 since the armature 222 of switch 112 moves from contact 224 to contact 226, energizing upper roll relay 230.

The original moves along copy path 102 (FIG. 2a) until it actuates arm 115 of feed switch 114. When the latter occurs, the upper roll brake 324 and

lamps

29, 24 are deenergized. Bottom or lower roll brake 322 is energized through contacts 260 at the intermediate voltage level, and upper roll clutch 256 is energized through

closed contacts

250 and 254 to begin the feeding of copy paper from roll 32 into channel 46 and copy feed path 40.

Interlock and clutch delay relay 212 is energized, and its contacts are operated. The last-mentioned relay is held operated through its own contacts 210 and solenoid cam switch 215 contacts 214.

The top or upper roll relay 230 is held energized through diode 235 operating its

contacts

228, 260 so that a change in switch 112 or switch arrangement 41 will not change the operation of upper roll relay 230 until the cutting cycle is completed.

When the leading edges of the original sheet and copy paper reach feed or drive rollers 96, 98 they are carried in a superimposed relation toward minimum copy switch actuator arm 121. Upon engagement with copy paper 13, switch 120 is actuated. The sheets are moved ahead and as the trailing edge of the original sheet leaves switch actuator arm 115 of switch 114, the upper roll clutch 256 driving the roll 32 is deenergized to stop the movement of copy paper 13. The cutter solenoid 348 is energized with a high voltage to immediately and rapidly sever the copy paper from roll 32.

The cutter solenoid operated cam switch 215 is released by the action of cutter solenoid, and then interlock and clutch delay relay 212, solenoid relay 268 and cutter solenoid 348 are deenergized.

The bottom and upper roll brakes 322, 324 and the feed indicator lamps are energized to indicate that a new original may be fed into the original feed path 102. The superimposed original and copy sheet severed from the roll 32 proceed through the copy processing stations (not shown) of the machine.

It should be understood that the above descriptions of the operation of the paper dispensing and cutting apparatus accordingto the invention, were given with the assumption that the speed control knob 21 of the machine was set at a high setting (i.e., above 27% feet per minute, preferably 30-60 feed per minute).

II. Low Speed Operation A. Narrow Original When the speed control is set at or below 271 feet per minute, manual cam operated switch 21a and the

contacts

275 and 250 operated thereby are in the positions as shown in FIG. 3.

In the case wherein the operator feeds in an original of a width less than that required to engage the actuator arm 113 of roll selector switch 112, (d the following operation of the machine occurs.

After an original sheet of the type described is fed into the feed path 102, the sheet is transported by roller pairs I04, 106 therealong. The leading edge of the sheet engages actuator arm 115 of feed switch 114. The actuation of the last-mentioned switch causes the bottom and top roll brakes 322, 324 and the feed indicator lamp to be deenergized.

The operation of switch 114 likewise causes interlock and clutch delay relay 212 to be energized. Its contacts, however, are not operated for 25 milliseconds since the relay has an inherent time delay.

The inherent time delay of relay 212 is utilized only in the low-speed operation to delay the feeding of the copy paper from the selected roll (i.e., below 27% feet per minute). Due to the operation of manually actuated speed control switch 210, contacts 250 through which the roll clutches are operated in the high-speed mode, are opened in the low-speed mode. The operation of the clutches in the low-speed mode must be operated through contacts 262 of time delay relay 212, and consequently, the feeding of the copy paper is delayed.

At lower speeds the weight of the copy roll does not affect the speed of movement of the copy paper as in the case of high-speed operation. The original, travels a greater distance (11 along the original path from switch 114 to nip 94 of the feeder rollers than the copy paper traverses along the copy paper path 40 to the nip 94. Thus, the original must in this case be permitted a head start" so that the leading edges of the original and copy paper arrive at the nip 94 of feed rollers 96, 98 substantially simultaneously.

Once relay 212 is operated and its contacts 262 are closed, lower roll clutch 258 is energized and upper roll brake 324 is energized with an intermediate voltage (24 volts). In the meantime the original is being fed along the feed path 102. Relay 212 is once again held operated through its own contacts 210 and contacts 214 of the solenoid cam operated switch 215.

The bottom roll relay 232 is held energized through diode 235 so that a subsequent change in switch 220 or switch arrangement 41 will not change the condition of relay 232 until the cut cycle is completed.

The sheets proceed along their respective paths until the leading edge of the copy sheet reaches and actuates minimum copy switch 120. The cutter solenoid relay is thereby energized in the manner described above, and when the trailing edge of the original leaves actuator arm of feed switch 114, the brake-timedeIay-relay 274 is energized. Its contacts including 300, 346, change position a predetermined time (45 milliseconds) thereafter. Bottom roll clutch 258 is thus deenergized 45 milliseconds later.

Energization of bottom and top roll brakes 322, 324 and cutter solenoid 348 are also delayed 45 milliseconds. Upon energization thereof, the copy sheet is severed from the roll 30.

The adjustment of the speed knob 21 to the lower speed setting also caused the incorporation in the circuit of the brake delay relay 274, which serves to detain by a predetermined time period (45 milliseconds) the deenergization of the selected copy paper roll clutch and cutting action of the cutter solenoid. The delay time permits the predetermined continued feeding of copy paper to compensate for the initial delay caused by relay 212 in the feeding of the copy paper and for the quick response of the cutter which is not required at the low speed setting (i.e., below 27 feed per minute). This ensures the length of the copy sheet to be substantially equal to the original sheet. In this manner information on the original is sure to be copied onto the copy paper 13.

Cutter solenoid operated cam switch 215 is released by the action of cutter solenoid 348 in the usual manner. Interlock and clutch delay relay 212, solenoid relay 268 and cutter solenoid are then deenergized.

The bottom and upper roll brakes 322, 324 and indicator lamps are energized, indicating the completion of the cutting of a copy sheet for the previous original and the capability of the machine to receive another original.

B. Wide Original In the event the operator wishes to feed an original of a width great enough to actuate arm 113 of roll selector switch 112 at a copy feed speed below 27% feet per minute, the following occurs.

' The original is carried along feed path 102 by

roller pairs

104, 106 whereby the original actuates switch 112 by engaging arm 113 thereof.

The actuation of the last-mentioned switch causes the deenergization of bottom roll relay 232 and the top roll relay 230 is energized opening contacts 234 and closing contacts 254.

The original sheet after engaging actuator arm 113, engages arm 115 of feed switch 114. The latter causes the deenergization of the bottom and top roll'brakes 322, 324 and the lamps The interlock and clutch delay relay 212 is energized, operating its

contacts

210, 270, 306 and 262, 25 milliseconds thereafter, as in the last-mentioned case (see lla). The energization of bottom roll brake 322 and top roll clutch 256 are thereby delayed 25 milliseconds. Relay 212 is held operated through its own contacts 210 and solenoid cam switch (215) contacts 214.

The copy sheet which at this time is superimposed with the original eventually trips the minimum copy switch 120 by engagement with actuator arm 121 thereof. The cutter solenoid relay 268 is thereby energized in the usual manner.

The brake time delay relay 274 is energized as the trailing edge of the original leaves switch 114.

Contacts

300, 346 are operated 45 milliseconds later, and top roll clutch 256 is deenergized 45 milliseconds later. The bottom and top roll brakes 322, 324 and cutter solenoid 348 are energized with a 45-millisecond delay and the copy paper is then severed from the roll.

The solenoid cam operated switch 215 is released by the cutter solenoid 348. Interlock and clutch delay relay 212, solenoid relay 268 and cutter solenoid 348 are then deenergized. Once again the bottom and top roll brakes 322, 324 and feed

indicator lamps

29, 24 are energized in preparation for the next original to befed along path 102.

Ill. Original Less Than d in Length:

In the above description, it has been assumed that the original sheet fed into the machine, no matter the width, was of a length equal to or greater than the distance d (see FIG. 2a). ln the case wherein an original of a lesser length than such a distance, the trailing edge of the original leaves switch arm 115 of switch 114 prior to the leading edges of the original and copy paper reaching feed rollers 96, 98. In this case, copy paper would be severed from the selected copy paper roll when the original left switch arm 115, but the copy paper length severed from the roll would not be transported onto rollers 96, 98 since

rollers

54, 56 or 72, 74 as the case may be, could no longer feed the sheet toward rollers 96, 98. If no provision were made to prevent this situation, copy paper jams would invariably occur when an original of a length less than d were fed into the apparatus.

To overcome the above situation, the circuit of FIG. 3 has been arranged so that without the operation of minimum copy switch 120 by the copy paper, cutter 86 will not cut, and roll feed clutches will not cease to feed copy paper when the original releases switches 114.

Thus, in the situation described above, after the original has released switch arm 115 of switch 114, the copy paper roll continues to be fed until copy paper reaches nip 94 of rollers 96, 98, and is carried thereby to switch arm 121 of minimum copy switch 120. When the copy paper engages switch arm 121 to operate switch 120, the selected copy paper roll clutch is deenergized and the cutter solenoid 348 is operated to sever the copy sheet from the roll. Thus, in such a case the resulting length of the severed sheet will be d and d.,.

The bottom or top roll clutch, 258, 256, as the case may be, is thus held energized through the operation of relay 212, solenoid cam switch contacts 214, diode 269 and the normally closed contacts of minimum copy switch 120. Upon engagement of switch arm 121 of switch 120, the contacts thereof open to permit the cutter to be operated.

lV. Special Operating Conditions Other "special conditions" may occur in the use of the apparatus according to the invention. For one, the manual cut switch 26 of manual cut switching arrangement 198 may be energized momentarily as the original is moving along path 102 prior to the trailing edge of the original leaving switch 114, but while the minimum copy switch 120 is actuated by the copy paper. in this case, the manual cut relay 276 is energized and held energized through its contacts 278, and operated switch 114. Cutter solenoid relay 268 is energized in the normal manner. Bottom and top brakes 322, 324 and cutter solenoid 348 are energized and the paper is cut.

When the original leaves actuator arm 115, manual cut relay 276 is deenergized and another original may be fed into the machine.

The manual cut switch 26, as mentioned heretofore, may be used for severing the copy paper from either of the copy rolls 30, 32 to ensure a leading edge which is straight and clean cut. The above description related to the use of the manual cut switch 26 while the original was in engagement with actuator arm 115 of feed switch 114. In the case to be described now, the manual switch 26 is actuated prior to the introduction of an original in the machine.

Upon operation of the manual cut switch 26, manual cut relay 276 is energized through switch 26 and diode 280. Cutter solenoid relay 268 is energized through switch 26 and unoperated contacts 270. Cutter solenoid 348 thereafter is energized to perform the cut.

The last-mentioned manual cutting mode is useful after a jam has occurred and has been cured to clear the cutting edge of the rotary cutting knife 86 in station 84.-

In some situations, during the operation of the copying machine including the dispensing and cutting apparatus according to the invention, the operator feed switch or manual feed switch 43 may be operated momentarily to feed copy paper without feeding an original into the machine. This may be done for machine-testing purposes and for replenishment of copy paper rolls.

When the momentary actuation of the switch 43 occurs, interlock and clutch delay relay 212 is energized through unoperated contacts of minimum copy switch and held in that condition through its contacts 210 and contacts 214 of solenoid cam switch 215. Either one of the clutches (bottom or upper roll clutch) 258, 256 is energized and copy paper is fed from a corresponding roll. The operation of a specific clutch may be selected by the operator selector switch arrangement 41 used to manually select either of the

rolls

30, 32 of copy paper.

The copy paper is moved from either of the rolls along copy paper path 40 (FIG. 20) until it reaches minimum copy switch actuator arm 121. Upon engagement therewith, the respective clutch driving the copy paper roll is deenergized. Cutter solenoid relay 268 is energized in the normal manner. Bottom and upper roll brakes 322, 324 and cutter solenoid 348 are energized to cut thepaper.

After cutting the paper, solenoid cam switch 215 is released and cutter solenoid 348 is deenergized as described above.

In the case where the operator manual copy paper feed switch 43 is held operated rather than only being momentarily operated, the above-described operation likewise occurs.

However, the cycle continues to be repeated after the severed copy leaves the minimum copy switch 120. V. Out of Paper Condition 1n the situation where a roll of copy paper has been depleted without replenishment and the feeder switch 25 is turned to an operated condition, the add paper relay 157 is energized to operate contacts 156, and in response thereto, to energize original brake 158 and to deenergize original clutch 160. This prevents the acceptance by the copying machine of additional original documents at this time.

To make the machine operable without replacement of the specific roll of paper which is depleted, the selector switch can be turned by the operator to the setting for the roll of copy paper which has not been depleted. This causes the deenergization of relay 157 to deenergize original brake 158 and energize original clutch 160. Normal feeding may once again be resumed.

From the above description of the operation of the paper dispensing and cutting apparatus shown in FIGS. 2a, b and 3, it becomes clear that in a normal operating condition wherein the operator has the operator selector switch arrangement 41 set for automatic operation, the width of the original determines the copy paper roll selected for supplying a copy sheet upon which a copy of the original is to be madein the machine 10. This, however, may be overridden by the manual selection, using switch arrangement 41, of a predeterminedly selected copy paper roll. In the latter case, the cutting operation takes place in the usual manner. Only the automatic selection of the copy roll according to the width of the original is forfeited.

The machine may also be operated with precut copy sheets. In this case, switch 25 is opened and the precut copy sheet and original are fed in a superimposed condition into the original feed path (see FIG. 2a) along shelf 27. Because switch 25 is opened, no power is provided to operate the copy paper dispensing and cutting circuitry. The superimposed original and copy sheet are fed into the machine by means of roller pairs 104, 106 along original feed path 102 and pass through the copy processing stations in the normal manner.

Vl. Summary The normal operation of the dispensing and cutting apparatus according to the invention at a speed control setting greater than a predetermined speed of approximately 27% feet per minute is as follows:

Upon feeding an original along original feed path 102, the original is carried by

roller pairs

104, 106 toward width selector switch 112. If the copy is wide enough to engage the switch, upper (wider) copy paper roll 32 is selected. If the original is of a width insufficient to trip switch arm 113 of switch 112, lower (narrower) copy paper roll 30 is selected.

The original moves further along path 102 and engages switch arm 115 of switch 114. At this time, paper from the selected roll is fed from point 41 whereat the leading edges of the copy paper rolls are normally positioned, along copy paper path 40.

As mentioned heretofore, switch arm 115 of switch 114 is spaced a distance d, from the nip of feed rollers 96, 98 and the normal position of the leading edges of copy paper rolls 30, 32 is positioned a distance d, less than 11,, from nip 94 of rollers 96, 98.

The difference between d and d at the high-speed control setting serves to offset the startup time required for the copy paper rolls. Consequently, both leading edges of the original and selected copy paper reach nip 94 at substantially the same time.

The now superimposed sheets are carried toward the copy processing stations of the machine. Upon the trailing edge of the original sheet leaving (releasing) switch arm 115 of switch 114, the copy paper feed is stopped and the knife 86 is actuated with a high voltage for quick response to sever a length of copy paper from the selected roll. The length of the copy sheet is substantially equal to that of the original.

In the case wherein the speed setting of the machine is set at a speed less than a predetermined speed of approximately 27% feet per minute, the original is fed into the original feed path 102 in the same manner as described above. Upon the leading edge of the original engaging switch arm 115 of switch 114, copy paper is fed from the roll selected in accordance with the width of the original, as in the above case. In the slower speed mode, the initial startup time for the copy paper roll is not critical as in the case of the high-speed setting. Consequently, if the paper began to feed simultaneously with the operation of switch 114, the copy paper would arrive at nip 94 of rollers 96, 98 ahead of the original sheet which travels a greater distance d, than the copy paper, and at the same speed because of the single drive motor control.

To overcome the above at the low-speed setting, the feeding of copy paper from either of the copy paper rolls is delayed 25 milliseconds. The actual delay is inherent in relay 212 (HO. 3) through which the operation of the copy paper feed clutches and brakes are controlled in the slow mode.

The delay of 25 milliseconds in feeding the copy paper permits the substantially simultaneous arrival of the leading edges of the original and the copy paper at nip 94 of roller 96, 98.

The last-mentioned rollers transport the now superimposed sheet into the machine. As the trailing edge of the original leaves (releases) switch arm of switch 114, the cutter 86 is actuated to sever a length of copy paper from the selected roll. At this point, however, because of the initial delay (25 milliseconds) in feeding the copy paper and the rapid cutting of the sheet due to the application of a high voltage provided essentially for high-speed operation, there could arise a situation wherein the copy paper if severed simultaneously with the release of switch arm 115 of switch 114, would be too short and all the information on the original would not be copied onto the copy sheet. Consequently, a second delay (45 milliseconds) is provided subsequent to the release of switch 114. This delay permits the continued feeding of copy paper for 45 milliseconds after the release of switch 114 by the original. After the 45 milliseconds has past, the copy roll brakes are energized and the cutter is operated with the high-voltage stop and sever a segment of copy paper from the selected roll. The 45 milliseconds delay is inherent in relay 274 which in the slow-speed setting is incorporated in the circuitry to permit the delay in the stopping of the feeding of copy paper, and in cutting the latter.

Thus, in the last-mentioned case it is ensured that the copy sheet cut from the roll will be of a sufficient length to permit the copying thereof of all infonnation on the original document.

While a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto since many modifications may be made. It is therefore contemplated to cover by the present application any and all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus for a copying machine utilizing continuous material, which in contact with an original to be copied, is fed between infeed rollers into said copy machine for processing, said roll feeding and cutting apparatus comprising:

a storage roll of said sensitizing copying material,

feed means over which said copy material passes toward engagement between said infeed rollers,

drive means operable between a start and stop condition for starting and stopping the rotation of the storage roll,

cutting means in the pathof said sensitized material located a predetermined first distance from said infeed rollers,

original feed means for conveying an original including an original feed path which merges with said copy path at said infeed rollers and intermediate feed means positioned along said original feed path a predetermined second distance from said infeed rollers, said second distance being slightly greater than said first distance,

a single sensing element located at said intermediate feed means for said original activated by the leading edge of the original upon insertion of the latter into said original feed means and deactivated by the trailing edge thereof,

control means for controlling the actuation of the feed means of said sensitized copy material upon the activation of said sensing element by the leading edge of the original, and controlling the activation of said cutting means and also operating said drive means to a stopped condition to sever a sheet of copy material from said roll substantially equal in length to said original upon deactivation of said sensing element by the trailing edge of said original.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said supply of copy material includes a second roll of copy material of a greater width than said first-mentioned roll;

a second switch element positioned along said original document path, and spaced laterally from said first-mentioned switch element and engageable with an original document of a width greater than a predetermined width;

and

means operated in response to the engagement of said second switch element by said original document to cause copy material from said second roll to be fed along said copy paper path upon engagement of said first-mentioned switch element by said original document.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said second switch element is spaced a predetermined distance upstream of said first switch element along said original document path.

4. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus for use in a copying machine utilizing sensitized, continuous copy material, which in contact with an original to be copied, is fed between infeed rollers into said copying machine for processing, said roll feeding and cutting apparatus comprising:

a roll supply of said copy material;

copy guide means over which said copy material is fed toward said infeed rollers;

copy transport means for conveying said copy material along said guide means;

cutting means in the path of said copy material for severing a length of material from said roll;

original guide means along which said original is fed, converging toward said infeed rollers;

original transport means for conveying said original along said original guide means;

a first sensing element positioned along said original guide means and being activated by the leading edge of said original and deactivated by the trailing edge of said original; and

a second sensing element disposed in the path of said copy material for activation thereby, said copy transport means being operated to feed copy material along said copy guide means upon the leading edge of said original activating said first sensing element, and the operation of said copy transport means being discontinued and said cutter means being operated to sever a length of copy material from said roll upon said second sensing element being activated by said copy material when said first sensing element is deactivated by the trailing edge of said original.

5. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus for a copying machine utilizing sensitized continuous copy material, which in contact with an original to be copied, is fed between infeed rollers into said machine for processing, said apparatus comprising:

a storage roll of copy material;

a copy material path directed toward said infeed rollers over which said copy material passes;

copy transport means for conveying said copy material from said roll along said path toward said infeed rollers;

cutting means positioned along said copy material path a predetermined distance from said infeed rollers;

an original feed path converging toward said infeed rollers;

original transport means for conveying said original along said original path;

original and copy feed drive means for operating said original and copy transport means at a common speed;

speed selection means for selecting the speed of said original and copy feed drive means, said speed-selecting means being operable to a first speed setting below a predetermined speed and a second speed setting above said predetermined speed;

a single sensing element positioned along said original feed path a predetermined distance from said infeed rollers, said sensing element controlling the actuation of said copy feed means upon activation of said sensing element by the leading edge of said original and controlling the cessation of the operation of said copy transport means and the cutting means to sever a segment of copy material from said roll upon the deactivation of said sensing element by the trailing edge of said original; and

time delay means operable upon the operation of said speed selection means to said first speed setting to delay the operation of said copy transport means a predetermined amount of time upon actuation of said sensing element by the leading edge original.

6. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said time delay means further is operable upon the operation of said speed selection means to said first speed setting to delay the cessation of the operation of said copy transport means and the operation of said cutting means a predetermined amount of time upon the deactivation of said sensing element by the trailing edge of said original.

7. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said first-mentioned predetermined time delay period is less than said last-mentioned predetermined time delay period.

8. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said predetermined speed is approximately 27 feet per minute.

9. Roll feeding andcutting apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said first mentioned time delay is approximately 25 milliseconds in duration and wherein said last-mentioned time delay is approximately 45 milliseconds in duration.

10. Roll feed and cutting apparatus for a copying machine utilizing sensitized continuous copy material, which in synchronism with an original to be copied, is fed into said copying machine for processing, said roll feed and cutting apparatus comprising;

a roll supply of copy material;

copy material transport means including an electrically operated brake and clutch arrangement for feeding copy material into said copying machine;

electrically operated cutter means for severing a segment of copy material from said roll;

sensing means in the path of said original actuated by the leading edge of said original and deactuated by the trailing edge of said original; and circuit means operable upon the actuation of said sensing means to actuate said copy transport clutch with a first voltage for feeding copy material from said roll supply and operable upon the deactuation of said sensing means to actuate said copy transport brake and said cutter means with a second, relatively high voltage for rapid discontinuation of the feeding of said copy material and the substantially simultaneous severing thereof from said roll. 11. Roll feed and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said first voltage value is approximately 24 volts and wherein said second voltage value is approximately volts.

12. Roll feed and cutting apparatus for a copying machine utilizing sensitized continuous copy material, which in synchronism with an original to be copied is fed into said copying machine for processing, said roll feed and cutting apparatus accommodating originals of varying widths, said apparatus comprising:

first and second rolls of copy material; first and second copy material transport means, each including electrically operated brake and clutch means for controlling the feeding of copy material from a respective one of said copy material rolls into said copying machine;

electrically operated cutting means for severing a segment of copy material from either of said rolls;

selecting means for selecting said first or second roll of copy material in accordance with the width of the original fed into said copying machine;

sensing means in the path of said original actuated by the leading edge of said original and deactuated by the trailing edge of said original; and

circuit means operable upon the actuation of said sensing means to actuate the copy transport clutch means of the selected roll of copy material and the brake means of the nonselected roll of copy material with a first voltage, for feeding copy material from said selected roll and maintaining the position of said nonselected roll respectively, and operable upon the deactuation of said sensing means to actuate said selected copy roll transport brake means and said cutting means with a second, relatively high voltage for rapid discontinuation of the feeding of said copy material and the substantially simultaneous severing thereof from said roll, respectively.

13. Roll feed and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein upon the deactuation of said sensing means by the trailing edge of said original said nonselected copy roll trans port brake means is also actuated with said relatively high voltage to ensure the prevention of movement of said nonselected copy roll material from its normal position.

14. Roll feed and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein there is normally applied to said first and second copy roll brake means, prior to selection of a roll by said selecting means, a third relatively low voltage to maintain both said copy rolls of material in a normal idle condition.

15. Roll feed and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said first voltage is approximately 24 volts, wherein said second voltage is approximately 150 volts and wherein said third voltage is approximately volts.

16. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the leading edge of said roll of copy material is positioned normally at said cutting means and said second sensing element is spaced a predetermined distance from said cutting means, thereby to provide severed copy material lengths at least of a length equal to said predetermined distance, regardless of the length of said original.

17. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus for use in a copying machine utilizing continuous copy material which is fed toward an infeed station of said copying machine for processing copies in accordance with an original document fed into said machine, Y

said roll feeding and cutting apparatus comprising:

a roll supply of copy material;

copy guide means over which said material is fed toward said infeed station,

copy transport means for feeding copy material along said guide means;

cutting means in the path of said copy material for severing a length of material from said roll, the leading edge of said roll of copy material being normally positioned at said cutting means;

original guide means along which said original is fed,

original transport means for transporting said original into said machine,

first sensing means in the path of said original for initiating the operation of said copy transport means to feed copy material from said roll supply in response to actuation by said original by the leading edge thereof, and operable upon deactuation by the trailing edge of said original to discontinue the feeding of said copy material and operate said cutting means to sever a section of copy material corresponding in length to said original from said roll,

control means being operable manually to initiate the feeding of copy material when no original is present on said original path, and

second sensing means disposed in the path of said copy material and spaced a predetermined distance from said cutting means for actuation by the leading edge of said copy material, said second sensing means being operable in response to said actuation to discontinue the feeding of said copy material and to operate said cutting means to sever a length of copy material of a length substantially equal to said predetermined distance, thereby to prevent the continual feeding of copy material from said roll be ond said length.

18. oil feeding and cutting apparatus for use in a copying machine utilizing continuous copy material which in contact with an original to be copied, is fed between infeed. rollers into said copying machine for processing, said roll feeding and cutting apparatus comprising:

a roll supply of said copy material,

a copy path over which said copy material is fed toward said infeed rollers,

copy transport means for conveying said copy material along said copy path,

cutting means disposed in the path of said copy material for severing a length of material from said roll, the leading edge of said roll of copy material being positioned normally at the location of said cutting means,

original path means along which said original is fed, converging toward said infeed rollers,

original transport means for conveying said original along said original path,

a first sensingelement positioned along said original path spaced a predetermined distance from said infeed rollers, said sensing means normally being activated by the leading edge of said original to operate said copy transport means to feed copy paper along said copy path, and deactivated by the trailing edge of said original to discontinue the feeding of said copy material and to operate said cutting means, and

second sensing means disposed in the path of said copy material a predetermined distance from said cutting means, between said infeed rollers and said cutting means, said second sensing means being operable upon the activation thereof by the leading edge of said copy material to discontinue the feeding of copy material and to activate said cutting means only when the length of said original is less than the distance between said cutting means and said second sensing means.

Claims

1. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus for a copying machine utilizing continuous material, which in contact with an original to be copied, is fed between infeed rollers into said copy machine for processing, said roll feeding and cutting apparatus comprising: a storage roll of said sensitizing copying material, feed means over which said copy material passes toward engagement between said infeed rollers, drive means operable between a start and stop condition for starting and stopping the rotation of the storage roll, cutting means in the path of said sensitized material located a predetermined first distance from said infeed rollers, original feed means for conveying an original including an original feed path which merges with said copy path at said infeed rollers and intermediate feed means positioned along said original feed path a predetermined second distance from said infeed rollers, said second distance being slightly greater than said first distance, a single sensing element located at said intermediate feed means for said original activated by the leading edge of the original upon insertion of the latter into said original feed means and deactivated by the trailing edge thereof, control means for controlling the actuation of the feed means of said sensitized copy material upon the activation of said sensing element by the leading edge of the original, and controlling the activation of said cutting means and also operating said drive means to a stopped condition to sever a sheet of copy matErial from said roll substantially equal in length to said original upon deactivation of said sensing element by the trailing edge of said original.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said supply of copy material includes a second roll of copy material of a greater width than said first-mentioned roll; a second switch element positioned along said original document path, and spaced laterally from said first-mentioned switch element and engageable with an original document of a width greater than a predetermined width; and means operated in response to the engagement of said second switch element by said original document to cause copy material from said second roll to be fed along said copy paper path upon engagement of said first-mentioned switch element by said original document.

4. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus for use in a copying machine utilizing sensitized, continuous copy material, which in contact with an original to be copied, is fed between infeed rollers into said copying machine for processing, said roll feeding and cutting apparatus comprising: a roll supply of said copy material; copy guide means over which said copy material is fed toward said infeed rollers; copy transport means for conveying said copy material along said guide means; cutting means in the path of said copy material for severing a length of material from said roll; original guide means along which said original is fed, converging toward said infeed rollers; original transport means for conveying said original along said original guide means; a first sensing element positioned along said original guide means and being activated by the leading edge of said original and deactivated by the trailing edge of said original; and a second sensing element disposed in the path of said copy material for activation thereby, said copy transport means being operated to feed copy material along said copy guide means upon the leading edge of said original activating said first sensing element, and the operation of said copy transport means being discontinued and said cutter means being operated to sever a length of copy material from said roll upon said second sensing element being activated by said copy material when said first sensing element is deactivated by the trailing edge of said original.

5. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus for a copying machine utilizing sensitized continuous copy material, which in contact with an original to be copied, is fed between infeed rollers into said machine for processing, said apparatus comprising: a storage roll of copy material; a copy material path directed toward said infeed rollers over which said copy material passes; copy transport means for conveying said copy material from said roll along said path toward said infeed rollers; cutting means positioned along said copy material path a predetermined distance from said infeed rollers; an original feed path converging toward said infeed rollers; original transport means for conveying said original along said original path; original and copy feed drive means for operating said original and copy transport means at a common speed; speed selection means for selecting the speed of said original and copy feed drive means, said speed-selecting means being operable to a first speed setting below a predetermined speed and a second speed setting above said predetermined speed; a single sensing element positioned along said original feed path a predetermined distance from said infeed rollers, said sensing element controlling the actuation of said copy feed means upon activation of said sensing element by the leading edge of said original and controlling the cessation of the operation of said copy transport means and the cutting Means to sever a segment of copy material from said roll upon the deactivation of said sensing element by the trailing edge of said original; and time delay means operable upon the operation of said speed selection means to said first speed setting to delay the operation of said copy transport means a predetermined amount of time upon actuation of said sensing element by the leading edge original.

8. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said predetermined speed is approximately 27 1/2 feet per minute.

9. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said first mentioned time delay is approximately 25 milliseconds in duration and wherein said last-mentioned time delay is approximately 45 milliseconds in duration.

10. Roll feed and cutting apparatus for a copying machine utilizing sensitized continuous copy material, which in synchronism with an original to be copied, is fed into said copying machine for processing, said roll feed and cutting apparatus comprising: a roll supply of copy material; copy material transport means including an electrically operated brake and clutch arrangement for feeding copy material into said copying machine; electrically operated cutter means for severing a segment of copy material from said roll; sensing means in the path of said original actuated by the leading edge of said original and deactuated by the trailing edge of said original; and circuit means operable upon the actuation of said sensing means to actuate said copy transport clutch with a first voltage for feeding copy material from said roll supply and operable upon the deactuation of said sensing means to actuate said copy transport brake and said cutter means with a second, relatively high voltage for rapid discontinuation of the feeding of said copy material and the substantially simultaneous severing thereof from said roll.

11. Roll feed and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said first voltage value is approximately 24 volts and wherein said second voltage value is approximately 150 volts.

12. Roll feed and cutting apparatus for a copying machine utilizing sensitized continuous copy material, which in synchronism with an original to be copied is fed into said copying machine for processing, said roll feed and cutting apparatus accommodating originals of varying widths, said apparatus comprising: first and second rolls of copy material; first and second copy material transport means, each including electrically operated brake and clutch means for controlling the feeding of copy material from a respective one of said copy material rolls into said copying machine; electrically operated cutting means for severing a segment of copy material from either of said rolls; selecting means for selecting said first or second roll of copy material in accordance with the width of the original fed into said copying machine; sensing means in the path of said original actuated by the leading edge of said original and deactuated by the trailing edge of said original; and circuit means operable upon the actuation of said sensing means to actuate the copy transport clutch means of the selected roll of copy material and the brake means of the nonselected roll of copy material with a first voltage, for feeding copy material from said selected Roll and maintaining the position of said nonselected roll respectively, and operable upon the deactuation of said sensing means to actuate said selected copy roll transport brake means and said cutting means with a second, relatively high voltage for rapid discontinuation of the feeding of said copy material and the substantially simultaneous severing thereof from said roll, respectively.

13. Roll feed and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein upon the deactuation of said sensing means by the trailing edge of said original said nonselected copy roll transport brake means is also actuated with said relatively high voltage to ensure the prevention of movement of said nonselected copy roll material from its normal position.

15. Roll feed and cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said first voltage is approximately 24 volts, wherein said second voltage is approximately 150 volts and wherein said third voltage is approximately 15 volts.

17. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus for use in a copying machine utilizing continuous copy material which is fed toward an infeed station of said copying machine for processing copies in accordance with an original document fed into said machine, said roll feeding and cutting apparatus comprising: a roll supply of copy material; copy guide means over which said material is fed toward said infeed station, copy transport means for feeding copy material along said guide means; cutting means in the path of said copy material for severing a length of material from said roll, the leading edge of said roll of copy material being normally positioned at said cutting means; original guide means along which said original is fed, original transport means for transporting said original into said machine, first sensing means in the path of said original for initiating the operation of said copy transport means to feed copy material from said roll supply in response to actuation by said original by the leading edge thereof, and operable upon deactuation by the trailing edge of said original to discontinue the feeding of said copy material and operate said cutting means to sever a section of copy material corresponding in length to said original from said roll, control means being operable manually to initiate the feeding of copy material when no original is present on said original path, and second sensing means disposed in the path of said copy material and spaced a predetermined distance from said cutting means for actuation by the leading edge of said copy material, said second sensing means being operable in response to said actuation to discontinue the feeding of said copy material and to operate said cutting means to sever a length of copy material of a length substantially equal to said predetermined distance, thereby to prevent the continual feeding of copy material from said roll beyond said length.

18. Roll feeding and cutting apparatus for use in a copying machine utilizing continuous copy material which in contact with an original to be copied, is fed between infeed rollers into said copying machine for processing, said roll feeding and cutting apparatus comprising: a roll supply of said copy material, a copy path over which said copY material is fed toward said infeed rollers, copy transport means for conveying said copy material along said copy path, cutting means disposed in the path of said copy material for severing a length of material from said roll, the leading edge of said roll of copy material being positioned normally at the location of said cutting means, original path means along which said original is fed, converging toward said infeed rollers, original transport means for conveying said original along said original path, a first sensing element positioned along said original path spaced a predetermined distance from said infeed rollers, said sensing means normally being activated by the leading edge of said original to operate said copy transport means to feed copy paper along said copy path, and deactivated by the trailing edge of said original to discontinue the feeding of said copy material and to operate said cutting means, and second sensing means disposed in the path of said copy material a predetermined distance from said cutting means, between said infeed rollers and said cutting means, said second sensing means being operable upon the activation thereof by the leading edge of said copy material to discontinue the feeding of copy material and to activate said cutting means only when the length of said original is less than the distance between said cutting means and said second sensing means.