US3829082A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic document handler
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1972-05-08
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Granted: 1974-08-13
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Expires: 1992-05-08
Abstract
Abstract An automatic document handler for supplying documents singly to the platen of a processing apparatus such as a copying machine. Following copying, each document is returned to the document supply where the used documents are kept separated from documents awaiting copying by means of a resettable bail bar. To position the documents properly for copying, the document handler includes a register against which the document trailing edge is abutted through reversal of the platen transport belt. To allow the document to be removed and the platen cleared for the next document, means are provided to remove the register and lower a document deflector into an intercept position, the deflector then serving to guide the document into a predetermined return path back to the document supply without interfering with movement of the next document foward. The platen transport comprises an endless belt conveyor supported for substantially single line contact with the platen surface at a point adjacent to and parallel with the register.
Inventors
- 👤 A Hoyer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 14:04
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B27/00; G03B27/32; G03B27/52; G03B27/62; G03B27/6207; G03B27/625; G03B27/6264
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
352 words
An automatic document handling apparatus adapted for use with a copying machine of the type having a platen on which a document to be copied rests, said document handling apparatus including a document supply tray, a reversible platen transport for moving documents along said platen, first transport means adapted to advance one document at a time from the supply tray to said platen transport along a first path, and second transport means adapted to return documents discharged by said platen transport along a second path to said supply tray, the combination of: register means cooperable with said platen transport to locate the documents in predetermined copying position on said platen, said register means forming a raised stop surface adjacent the platen against which the document trailing edge may be abutted by said platen transport; means supporting said register means for retraction to enable the documents to be cleared from said platen by said platen transport when copying is completed; document guide means adjaCent said platen adapted to intercept and route the documents discharged by said platen transport into said second path; means supporting said guide means for movement between a document intercepting position and a document non-intercepting position, said non-intercepting position permitting documents to be advanced from said supply tray unhindered past said guide means to said platen; and, drive means adapted to simultaneously retract said register means and move said guide means to said document intercepting position to enable the document to be cleared from said platen and returned to said supply tray, said drive means including first cam means drivingly interconnected with said register means to move said register means between raised and retracted positions, and second cam means on said register means drivingly interconnected with said guide means such that on movement of said register means to said raised position by said first cam means, said second cam means moves said guide means to said guide means non-intercepting position, and on movement of said register means to said retracted position by said first cam means, said second cam means moves said guide means to said guide means intercepting position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
352 words
An automatic document handling apparatus adapted for use with a copying machine of the type having a platen on which a document to be copied rests, said document handling apparatus including a document supply tray, a reversible platen transport for moving documents along said platen, first transport means adapted to advance one document at a time from the supply tray to said platen transport along a first path, and second transport means adapted to return documents discharged by said platen transport along a second path to said supply tray, the combination of: register means cooperable with said platen transport to locate the documents in predetermined copying position on said platen, said register means forming a raised stop surface adjacent the platen against which the document trailing edge may be abutted by said platen transport; means supporting said register means for retraction to enable the documents to be cleared from said platen by said platen transport when copying is completed; document guide means adjaCent said platen adapted to intercept and route the documents discharged by said platen transport into said second path; means supporting said guide means for movement between a document intercepting position and a document non-intercepting position, said non-intercepting position permitting documents to be advanced from said supply tray unhindered past said guide means to said platen; and, drive means adapted to simultaneously retract said register means and move said guide means to said document intercepting position to enable the document to be cleared from said platen and returned to said supply tray, said drive means including first cam means drivingly interconnected with said register means to move said register means between raised and retracted positions, and second cam means on said register means drivingly interconnected with said guide means such that on movement of said register means to said raised position by said first cam means, said second cam means moves said guide means to said guide means non-intercepting position, and on movement of said register means to said retracted position by said first cam means, said second cam means moves said guide means to said guide means intercepting position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
214 words
An automatic document handling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first cam means comprises a rotary cam, a cam follower adapted for movement along a substantially linear path in response to rotation of said rotary cam to move said register means in a substantially linear path, said platen having a beveled edge thereon, movement of said register means toward the platen causing the edge thereof to ride up on said beveled edge onto the top of said platen to provide a document stop thereon, movement of said register means away from said platen allowing said register means to slide down said beveled edge out of the document path, movement of said register means and said second cam means toward said platen causing said second cam means to lift said guide means to provide a space between said register means and said guide means for passage of documents therebetween to the platen, movement of said register edge away from said platen causing said second cam means to move out of contact with said guide means to move said guide means into contact with said register means for deflecting documents being moved off said platen along said register means into said second path to return the documents discharged from said platen to said supply tray.
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) | 1977-08-12 | 1978-02-11 | 1978-08-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-08-12 | 1982-02-11 | 1982-08-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-08-12 | 1986-02-11 | 1986-08-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |