US3710079A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Copy machine with predetermined counter
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1971-06-30
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Granted: 1973-01-09
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Expires: 1991-06-30
Abstract
Abstract A mechanical predetermined counter for a copy machine is provided with a non-resetting input control that continuously displays the number of copies to be made of an original in a repetitive sequence. An incrementing mechanical display shows the number of copies already produced in the sequence. Upon completion of the predetermined number of copies, the machine automatically terminates the sequence and is automatically restored to a ready condition to receive a new original document for copying.
Inventors
- 👤 W Cralle
- 👤 K Lennon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 21:58
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06M; G06M1/00; G06M1/08; G06M1/083; G03; G03G; G03G21/00; G03G21/02; G06M3/00; G06M3/02; G06M3/025; G06M3/027
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
205 words
In combination with a document copying machine, a mechanical copy control mechanism comprising: a ''''number-of-copies'''' setting member settable at a number of positions indicative of different numbers of copies of an original to be produced in a repetitive copy sequence, means for releasably retaining said setting member in any of its positions, numerical indicia mechanically associated with said setting member for indicating the number of copies for which said setting member is positioned, a copy count indicator assembly having a display member that is movably positioned adjacent said setting member and including further numerical indicia for indicating the number of copies of an original document which have been made in a sequence, means for yieldably urging said display member toward a home position, means responsive to operation of said document copying machine for incrementally advancing said display member upon occurrence of each copy operation, a transfer dog operatively interconnected with said display member for movement therewith and cooperatively interconnected with said setting member when the number of repetitive sequential copy operations performed by said document copying machine equals the set number of desired copies for generating a mechanical output, and means responsive to said mechanical output for terminating the repetitive sequence of copying said original.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
205 words
In combination with a document copying machine, a mechanical copy control mechanism comprising: a ''''number-of-copies'''' setting member settable at a number of positions indicative of different numbers of copies of an original to be produced in a repetitive copy sequence, means for releasably retaining said setting member in any of its positions, numerical indicia mechanically associated with said setting member for indicating the number of copies for which said setting member is positioned, a copy count indicator assembly having a display member that is movably positioned adjacent said setting member and including further numerical indicia for indicating the number of copies of an original document which have been made in a sequence, means for yieldably urging said display member toward a home position, means responsive to operation of said document copying machine for incrementally advancing said display member upon occurrence of each copy operation, a transfer dog operatively interconnected with said display member for movement therewith and cooperatively interconnected with said setting member when the number of repetitive sequential copy operations performed by said document copying machine equals the set number of desired copies for generating a mechanical output, and means responsive to said mechanical output for terminating the repetitive sequence of copying said original.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
103 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said setting member comprises a graspable input part and a control part positioned by said input part, said control part comprising a control surface having a localized relieved portion, said copy count indicator assembly further comprising: means mounting said transfer dog to ride on said control surface and to be movable into said relieved portion thereof when aligned therewith, and wherein said means for generating a mechanical output comprises a toothed member positioned adjacent said control member and drivingly engageable by said transfer dog when said dog moves into said relieved portion of said control surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said ''''number-of-copies'''' setting member comprises a dial, and wherein said display member further comprises a dial, and means mounting said dials coaxially for independent rotation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said ''''number-of-copies'''' setting member comprises a dial, and wherein said display member further comprises a dial, and wherein said toothed member comprises a circular ratchet, and means mounting said dials and said circular ratchet coaxially for independent rotation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
101 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising holding means operatively engaged or normally operatively engaged with said display member for preventing movement of said display member by said yieldably urging means, means responsive to said mechanical output for withdrawing said holding means from said operative engagement with said display member, latch means cooperable with said holding means when withdrawn from said operative engagement for retaining said holding means withdrawn until released, and means responsive to said display member reaching said home position for releasing said latch means to restore said holding means into said operative engagement with said display member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
79 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 further having a control panel including a window portion, said copy count indicator assembly being mounted on said control panel adjacent said window portion for displaying a single number of said numerical indicia through said window portion, and said ''''number-of-copies'''' setting member being positioned adjacent said window portion and oriented to present a number of said numerical indicia indicative of the number of copies sought, adjacent said window for convenient simultaneous viewing therewith.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-09 | 1976-07-10 | 1977-01-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-09 | 1980-07-10 | 1981-01-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-09 | 1984-07-10 | 1985-01-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |