Random-dump storage buffer for moving web

Claim 1

Magnetic imaging apparatus for printing collated sets of copies comprising a continuous magnetic recording web having a length and width of at least 4 inches to accomodate a plurality of latent magnetic images of original documents comprising a set in collated order aligned along the length of the web, development means for developing the latent magnetic images on the web while the web is moving by depositing a magnetic marking material on the web in the areas corresponding to the latent magnetic images making them visible, transfer means for transferring the marking material from the web while moving to a copy support member to produce the copies of a collated set and web transport means for repeatedly moving the web along a closed loop path past the development and transfer means for the serial production of collated sets of copies each revolution of the web about the loop, the length of the loop path being significantly shorter than the length of the web, said transport means including web buffer means including a collection bin having vertical side walls and sloped bottom walls defining a web storage cavity including a triangular shaped cavity formed by the sloped bottom walls, the sloped walls being spaced apart near the apex of the triangular cavity defining an exit orifice for the web and blower means for directing pressurized gas into said exit orifice at opposite sides of a web exiting the bin, said collection bin having an entrance orifice at the top defined by the vertical side walls located along the closed loop web path to receive the web during a generally downward movement of the web enabling the web to collect in folds between the vertical side walls and the bottom sloped walls, said sloped bottom walls including ridges to space the folded web from the sloped walls and to promote a gas bearing between the web folds and the sloped walls created by the pressurized gas directed into the bin by the blower means to lower the resistance to movement of the web along the loop path whereby the effects of web width and weight are substantially eliminated yielding smooth almost frictionless movement of the tape from the storage bin.