US3661383A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Document handling apparatus for photocopy machines
Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc
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Filing: 1970-01-22
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Granted: 1972-05-09
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Expires: 1990-01-22
Abstract
Abstract Compact original document sheet handling apparatus for photocopy machines is adapted such that various opposed sheet feeding and guiding elements can be conveniently, manually separated to render substantially the entire sheet feed path readily accessible, thereby facilitating retrieval of stranded original sheets therefrom.
Inventors
- 👤 Douglas I Morrison
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 08:42
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B27/00; G03B27/32; G03B27/52; G03B27/62; G03B27/6207; G03B27/625; G03B27/6257
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
In a photocpy machine, original document sheet handling apparatus comprising, in combination: a cover member mounted for movement between a closed position and an open position, said cover overlying an original sheet feed path and having means defining a sheet entryway to said sheet feed path when said cover is in its closed position; a feed deck mounting a first array of sheet feeding elements and sheet guiding elements spaced along said feed path, said feed deck being pivotally mounted to the photocopy machine and movable between closed and open positions; and a stationary feed bed mounting a second array of sheet feeding elements and sheet guiding elements cooperating with said first array when said feed deck is in its closed position to define a portion of said feed path, whereby movement of said cover from its closed position to its open position and said feed deck to its open position renders said feed path accessible for convenient stranded original sheet retrieval.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
In a photocpy machine, original document sheet handling apparatus comprising, in combination: a cover member mounted for movement between a closed position and an open position, said cover overlying an original sheet feed path and having means defining a sheet entryway to said sheet feed path when said cover is in its closed position; a feed deck mounting a first array of sheet feeding elements and sheet guiding elements spaced along said feed path, said feed deck being pivotally mounted to the photocopy machine and movable between closed and open positions; and a stationary feed bed mounting a second array of sheet feeding elements and sheet guiding elements cooperating with said first array when said feed deck is in its closed position to define a portion of said feed path, whereby movement of said cover from its closed position to its open position and said feed deck to its open position renders said feed path accessible for convenient stranded original sheet retrieval.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus defined in claim 1, which further includes means carried by said feed deck operable to block said entryway and prevent the introduction of an original sheet therethrough during the time a preceding original sheet is being conveyed along said feed path.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
73 words
The apparatus defined in claim 1, which further includes means drivingly interconnecting said feeding elements of said feed deck and feed bed when said feed deck is in its closed position, said interconnecting means automatically disconnecting said feeding elements of said feed deck from said feeding elements of said feed bed to permit said feeding elements of said feed deck to become free-wheeling when said feed deck is pivoted from its closed position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
150 words
In a photocopy machine, original sheet handling apparatus comprising, in combination: a movable cover adapted to assume an operative position, said cover having means defining an entryway to an original sheet feed path when in its operative position; a feed deck pivotally mounted to the photocopy machine for movement between operative and inoperative positions, said feed deck carrying an array of opposed sheet feed rollers and guide elements defining a first portion of said feed path; and a stationary feed bed mounting a plurality of sheet feed rollers and guide elements in positions to assume an opposed relationship with feed rollers and guide elements carried by said feed deck when assuming its operative position to thus define the remaining portion of said feed path, whereby movement of said cover and said feed deck away from their respective operative positions renders said feed path accessible for convenient stranded original sheet retrieval.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
150 words
In a photocopy machine, original sheet handling apparatus comprising, in combination: a movable cover adapted to assume an operative position, said cover having means defining an entryway to an original sheet feed path when in its operative position; a feed deck pivotally mounted to the photocopy machine for movement between operative and inoperative positions, said feed deck carrying an array of opposed sheet feed rollers and guide elements defining a first portion of said feed path; and a stationary feed bed mounting a plurality of sheet feed rollers and guide elements in positions to assume an opposed relationship with feed rollers and guide elements carried by said feed deck when assuming its operative position to thus define the remaining portion of said feed path, whereby movement of said cover and said feed deck away from their respective operative positions renders said feed path accessible for convenient stranded original sheet retrieval.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus defined in claim 4, wherein said feed deck carries at least one pair of opposed, peripherally engaging feed rollers with one of said feed rollers assuming an opposed, peripherally engaging relationship with a feed roller of said feed bed when said feed deck is in its operative position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus defined in claim 5, which further includes means drivingly interconnecting said feed rollers of said feed deck and feed bed when said feed deck is in its operative position, said feed deck feed rollers being automatically disconnected from said feed bed feed rollers to become free-wheeling when said feed deck is pivoted from its operative position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus defined in claim 6, wherein said drivingly interconnecting means includes a gear mounted on the shaft of each said feed deck and feed bed feed rollers.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus defined in claim 7, which further includes resilient means biasing opposed feed rollers of said feed deck and feed bed into peripheral, sheet feeding engagement and said gears into meshing interengagement as said feed deck is pivoted to its operative position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus defined in claim 4, wherein said feed deck and said feed bed further include opposed feed rollers and guide elements defining a recycle feed path for original sheets.
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) | 1975-05-09 | 1975-11-08 | 1976-05-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-09 | 1979-11-08 | 1980-05-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-09 | 1983-11-08 | 1984-05-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |