US3592539A - Recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Recording apparatus which reproduces enlarged copies of microfilm and/or document material by controlling the position of a reader screen and a lens-positioning assembly in relation to a copier platen. The lens-positioning assembly includes a fixed frame and a movable frame supported from the fixed frame for swinging a lens member toward and away from the focal plane of the apparatus. Control apparatus including sensing devices are used to position the lens member into and out of the focal plane according to whether the recording apparatus is used in the microfilm or document copying mode of operation.

Description

United States Patent Inventors Appl. No.

Filed Patented Assignee Peter Haslam Fairport;

Alan G. Kendall, Rochester; Douglas W.

Shaffer, Peneld, all of, N.Y. 795,814

Feb. 3, i969 July t3, 1971 Xerox Corporation Rochester, NX.

RECORDING APPARATUS 4 Chime, 8 Drawing Figs.

U.S. Cl

lnt. Cl

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3/1969 Tosti ass/11, 355/3, 355/45, 355/60, 355/66 603g 15/04 3,437,020 4/1969 Wright etal.

Primary Examiner-Samuel S. Matthews Assistant Examiner-M. L. Gellner Attorneys-Norman E. Schrader, Paul M. Enlow, James J.

Ralabate, Ronald Zibelli and Melvin A. Klein ABSTRACT: Recording apparatus which reproduces enlarged copies of microfilm and/or document material by controlling the position of a reader screen and a lens-positioning assembly in relation to a copier platen. The lens-positioning assembly includes a fixed frame and a movable frame supported from the fixed frame for swinging a lens member toward and away from the focal plane of the apparatus. Control apparatus including sensing devices are used to position the lens member into and out of the focal plane according to whether the recording apparatus is used in the microfilm or document copying mode of operation.

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ATTORNEY PATENTEU Jul 1 a :an

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SHEET S 0F 6 CONTROL CONTROL a/ cmculT RECORDING APPARATUS This invention relates in general to electrostatic recording and in particular to an improved recording system for reproducing enlarged copies from microfilm on ordinary paper.

Mans inability to keep abreast of the volume of data now being vgenerated has resulted in the development and use of rapid recording, indexing, and retrieval methods in which microreproduction plays a great role. As a result there has been a great demand for a machine which produces multiple enlarged copies of high quality from microfilm automatically on ordinary paper for wide distribution.

One of the most commercially successful copying machines is that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,062,109 to Mayo et al. issued on Nov. 6, 1962. This machine is used for reproducing multiple copies from opaque full size originals which are placed on a platen on the top of its desklike shape. As useful as this machine may be, as evidenced by its commercial acceptance, it is not presently used to reproduce enlarged copies from microfilm. A major problem in the development of such a microreproduction system is the ease of handling the microfilm for viewing to select the desired frame or frames and then imaging in the recording plane to produce high quality enlarged prints.

The present invention is intended to be an improvement over the desk-type electrostatic machine copies described in the Mayo et al. patent above and also over a modified version adapted for the production of multiple prints from microfilm as disclosed in copending application Ser. No. 506,386 in the names of David R. Stokes et al. filed on Nov. 4, 1965. More specifically, an improved optical projector/reader and actuating mechanism of the invention greatly facilitates producing enlarged hard copies from a microfilm input as well as copies from ordinary documents. Although there are devices for effecting microfilm print out there is none for rapidly handling and viewing the microfilm and then automatically producing multiple enlarged copies of a frame or frames on ordinary copy paper or alternatively reproducing opaque originals at the option ofa machine operator.

Itis therefore an object ofthis invention to improve electrostatic recording machines.

Another object of this invention is to improve optical systems in electrostatic recording machines to facilitate handling and viewing and then recording microfilm onto ordinary paper.

Another object of this invention is to view and rapidly reproduce a frame or frames of microfilm with no movement of the film relative to the optical centerline.

Another object of this invention is to employ dual recording apparatus capable of viewing and reproducing enlarged copies automatically from microfilm or alternatively reproducing copies automatically from opaque originals.

These and other objects ofthe invention are attained by the new and improved apparatus of the present invention by enabling microfilm image rays to be projected along different optical paths for rapid viewing and film handling and then for recording purposes in order to make multiple enlarged copies ofl the microfilm and effecting a different operation for reproducing copies from opaque originals.

For a better understanding of the invention, as well as other objects and further features thereof, reference is had to the following detailed description of the invention to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. l is a perspective view of an automatic microfilm copying machine adapted for reproducing copies according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates schematically the various processing stations ofthe machine adapted for continuous and automatic operation and incorporating an optical scanning system for use with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the optical system when in the position of viewing and handling microfilm;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the optical system when in the position of reproducing enlarged copies ofthe microfilm;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view ofa movable mirror mechanism in position for reflecting light rays along the optical axis for image viewing;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the movable mirror mechanism shown in FIG. 5 in a different position for reflecting light rays during the image recording cycle;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lens positioning and release mechanism; and

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view illustrating details of a sensing mechanism.

Referring now to the drawings there is shown in FIG. l microfilm copying apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally designated 10 comprising a projector assembly 12, a reader assembly 13 and a copier processing assembly 14. Microfilm copying apparatus l0 reproduces enlarged copies of microfilm 15 which is supported on a supply roll 16 and takeup roll 17, It should be understood, however, apparatus 10 is also capable of reproducing microfilm on aperture cards and microfiche sheets which are adapted to be mounted on the projector assembly 14.

Reader assembly 13 comprises a viewing screen 18 and a control panel having view/print lever 19, projector on and off switches 20, a handle ll and a microfilm scan control knob 21. View/print lever 19 has two positions and is movable upwardly for viewing and downwardly for the printing cycle. Microfilm l5 is adapted for rapid transport as by a reversible motor unit (not shown) or manual operation as by cranking knob 21 to selectively position the microfilm in the optical path for viewing and/or printing.

Copier processing assembly I4 comprises a xerographic recording plate made up of a photoconductive layer on a conductive backing formed in the shape ofa drum 22. Drum 22 is mounted on a shaft which is journaled in a frame to rotate past a plurality of processing stations to reproduce enlarged copies of microfilm 15. A control panel 23 controls the number of copies desired as described in the Mayo et al. patent above.

For the purpose of the present disclosure, the several processing stations in the path of movement of the drum surface may be described functionally, as follows:

A charging station A at which a uniform electrostatic charge is deposited on the photoconductive layer of the drum.

Next in the path of motion of the drum is an exposure station B at which an enlarged light or radiation pattern of the microfilm to be reproduced is projected onto the drum surface to dissipate the drum charge in the exposed areas to form a latent electrostatic image.

Adjacent to the exposure station is a developing station C at which there is positioned a developer apparatus including a sump for accumulating developer material 24 comprising toner particles. As toner powder images are formed, additional toner particles are supplied to the developing material in proportion to the amount of toner deposited on the drum by a toner dispenser 26.

Positioned next adjacent to the developing station is an image transfer station D at which the powder image is electrostatically transferred from the drum surface to a support material, such as paper, in right-reading form.

Immediately subsequent to transfer is a stripping device 30 for removing the support material from the drum surface. After stripping, the powder image is fused to the support material by a fuser device 32 and then transported to copy holder 34 from which multiple enlarged copies of the microfilm are immediately available.

The final station E is a drum cleaning and discharge station at which the drum surface is brushed to remove residual toner particles remaining after image transfer and at which the drum surface is exposed to a relatively bright light source to effect substantially complete discharge of any residual electrostatic charge remaining thereon.

The above brief description of the processing stations is believed sufficient for purposes of the present invention. A more detailed description of the processing stations may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,062,109.

v MICROFILM OPTICAL SYSTEM A microfilm optical system comprises light from a lamp 41 passing through a pair of condenser lenses 43, 45 separated by a mirror 47 which projects the light beam downwardly through microfilm 15. A lens 49 projects the film image onto a movable mirror mechanism 50 which serves to receive and reflect light rays for both viewing and recording as will become more apparent. A fixed mirror 51 receives the light rays for protection onto a viewing screen 18 in one phase of operation so that an operator on the opposite side of the screen is able to view the image from the front of the machine in right-reading form. ln another phase of operation microfilm copier apparatus produces multiple enlarged copies of the microfilm onto ordinary paper. To achieve this mirror mechanism 50 is actuated onto a different optical axis so that the image is projected onto the recording plane in a manner as will be understood.

For the reproduction phase the film image is received by mirror mechanism 50 which now reflects the image onto a print mirror 55 which in turn reflects the image through a suitable light gathering device 57 such as a fresnel lens. Typical materials for light gathering device 57 are plastic, frosted glass and mixtures thereof. Additional information on lenses of this type can be found in copending application, Ser. No. 551,584 filed on May 20, 1966. Lens device 57 is placed approximately at the focal plane of the copier assembly optical system which is on platen 59 of the copier assembly. Platen 59 defines an object plane of the copier reproducing system which houses fixed mirrors 61, 63 separated by scan lens 65. Thus, the portion of the optical system above platen 59 serves to produce an enlarged optical image of microfilm 15 at the platen. In this manner, it is possible to produce a right-reading image on viewing screen 18 or alternatively direct an enlarged image of the microfilm through a copier platen of the copying assembly which in turn scans the image to produce a latent electrostatic image on drum 22.

Movable mirror mechanism 50 comprises an outer support member 67 pivotally supported on the machine frame and an inner support member 69 carrying a mirror 70 which is pvotally supported on outer support member 67. A lever member 72 is connected to view/print lever 19 and supported by pivot links 74 and 76. ln operation when view/print lever 19 is in the upward position, microfilm 15 is viewed on screen 18. For producing enlarged copies of the microfilm, lever 19 is actuated downwardly causing lower pivot link 74 to come into engagement with a lever lock switch 78 mounted in the path of lever member 72. When lever member 72 is moved in its lowermost position, lever member 72 actuates a copier print switch 80. Switches 78 and 80 are coupled to a copier control circuit 81 which serves to energize copier processing assembly 14 including the processing stations described above. Upon releasing the view/print lever 19, a spring 83 causes lever 19 and lever member 72 to move upwardly and therefore deenergize the copier print switch 80 thereby enabling the processing assembly to maintain operation as required for producing multiple enlarged copies of the microfilm. As previously mentioned, the control circuit for the processing assembly is described in the above Mayo et al. patent. A locking member 85 actuated by a solenoid 87 which is electrically coupled to switch 78 and control circuit 81 is moved across the path of upper pivot link 76 thereby preventing lever 19 and lever member 72 from being moved upwardly until the desired number of copies of microfilm 15 have been reproduced. At the proper time, solenoid 87 receives a signal whereby locking member 85 is withdrawn from the path.

To effect the intended operation of mirror mechanism 50 upper pivot link 76 is connected to a vertical line 86 which in turn is connected to pivot arm 88 which serves to impart linear movement to an elongated horizontal link 90. lt will now be appreciated that as view/print lever 19 is moved down link 90 is moved to the left causing outer support member 67 to move in a clockwise direction whereby mirror 70 is optically posifinned for renrnrincino enlnroerl rnnipq nF the miprnlm A compression spring 93 acts to reinforce outer support member 67 in either a viewing or printing position with a togglelike action.

l When it is desired to position movable mirror mechanism 50 in position for viewing microfilm 15, view/print lever 19 is moved upwardly causing horizontal link to move to the right, thereby rotating outer support member 67 counterclockwise. As a result, inner support member 69 carrying mirror 70 is pivoted on an axis through outer support member 67 due to the action ofa projection member 95 on mirror 70. Arranged on projection member 95 is a stop member 97 which is adjustable as by threads to obtain proper mirror alignment during the viewing phase of operation. A spring member 96 serves to maintain mirror 70 in a planar position paralleled to outer support member 67 when in the reproducing phase of operation. Also, adjustable stops 98 and 99 maintain alignment of outer support member 67 when mirror 70 is pivoted to the position for the viewing and print modes of operation.

OPTICAL POSITIONING ASSEMBLY The invention herein enables enlarged copies of microfilm to be produced on ordinary paper and at the same time enables copying of ordinary documents at original size thereby achieving a dual mode of operationin a unified system. To accomplish this reader assembly 13 is movable relative to copier platen 59 as best shown in FIG. 7. Reader assembly 13 comprises a frame which is slidably supported on copier processing assembly 14 as by bearings 112 which are mounted on a support post 114. An elongated opening 116 is formed in the surface of copier processing assembly 14 to enable plate members 118 from frame 110 to carry bearings 112 on the support post. Handle 11 in the front of reader assembly 13 is used to move the projector and reader assemblies relative to the processor assembly as by a pulling or pushing action on the handle.

Handle 11 is rotatable and is connected to a clutch wheel 120 which supports an inner shaft member 122 also supported for rotation in the frame 110. ln order to lock the reader assembly in place on the processing assembly, a locking cam member 124 is connected to clutch wheel 120 by arm members 126, 128. To receive locking cam member 124 there is arranged on copier platen 59 a pair of slots 130, 132 which correspond to the forward and rear positions of the reader assembly. Upon rotation of handle 11 of about one-quarter turn or when in a vertical position, clutch wheel 120 pulls arm members 126, 128 causing locking cam member 124 to move up and out of the slots 130, 132 depending on whether the reader assembly is forward or back. Rotation of handle 11 in the opposite direction or when in the horizontal position again causes locking cam 124 to become engaged thereby locking the reader assembly in a selected fixed position.

When the reader assembly is in the forward most position recording apparatus 10 is in the microfilm copying mode of operation which requires lens 57 to be in overlying relation with platen 59. To this end a lens positioning assembly generally designated 134 is movably supported from frame 110 and adapted to be lowered in overlying relationship with platen 59. To accomplish this clutch wheel 120 is engaged with a key member 136 which is received by a notch or keyway formed in the clutch wheel. Upon rotation of clutch wheel 120 key member 136 is carried with it causing blocks 140, 142 and inner shaft 122 to also rotate. Blocks 140, 142 have connected to them link members 144, 146 respectively which are also connected to a lens support member 150 which receives lens 57. Lens support member 151) is supported from a member 152 by swing link members 154, 155, 156, 157 so as to pivot downwardly as a parallelogratn linkage in registration over platen 59. As lens support member 150 pivots downwardly it pushes a displaceable light cover 159 outwardly. Light cover 59 serves as a light shield to prevent illumination loss when in the microfilm copying mode of operabetween swing link members 155, 156 and member 152 and serve to take up any slack in the lens linkage. Springs 162, 164 also ensure that the lens support member 159 will be positioned consistently in the print position due to the predetermined spring tenson. This is very desirable since the quality of prints produced is directly related to the optical system of the recording apparatus.

When the recording apparatus is inmode of operation for copying document material reader assembly 13 is in the rearmost position locked in place and lens support member 150 is in raised position. This requires that the lens support assembly t become disengaged from handle ll, since the handle is in horizontal position when in locking position. To accomplish this as reader assembly 13 is pushed to the rear position a sensing mechanism 170 (FIG.) is utilized to disengage the lens support assembly. Sensing mechanism 170 comprises a sensor arm 172 pivotally mounted on frame 110 and extending in overlying relation to key member 136 so as to disengage the key member from the notch 138 of the clutch wheel when pivoted. A control ramp 175 arranged on the surface of processing assembly 14 contacts a sensing wheel 177 on the end of sensor arm 172 causing the sensor an'n to pivot on a pin 179 against the action of a spring 181 and thus disengage key member 136 from clutch wheel 120 as the reader assembly is moved toward the rear position. When the reader assembly is pulled forward again sensing wheel 177 rides down control ramp 17S and across but slightly above the platen area allow- -ng the sensor arm to pivot due to the action of a spring 181 and enable key member 136 which is biased by a spring 183 to move upwardly into notch 138 of clutch wheel 120 so as to enable the lens assembly to be positioned in a manner previously described.

By this invention there is described a significant improvement in the art of copying microfilm and/or document material. Until this invention persons wishing to copy microfilm and document material onto ordinary paper were required to purchase separate machines for this purpose. With the present invention it is possible to produce multiple enlarged copies of a microfilm input on ordinary copy sheets and yet retain all the advantages of an automatic document copier as well. lt will be readily appreciated that such a machine is greatly desired in view of the great volume of data now being put onto microfilm.

While the invention has been described in reference to the structure disclosed herein it is not confined to the details set forth but is also intended to cover such modifications or changes that may come within the scope of the following claims:

What we claim is:

` l. In an automatic electrostatic recording machine in which a recording member is continuously moved past a plurality of processing stations to produce copies of input information, an improvement enabling reproduction of enlarged copies of microfilm or original size copies of document information positioned on a platen comprising, i

reader means for projecting and reading microfilm and adapted for movement relative to a platen of a recording machine,

shaft means operatively associated with said reader means for moving said reader means from a first position in which copies of microfilm are reproduced to a second position in which copies of document information placed on said platen are reproduced a lens-positioning assembly for positioning a lens member in the focal plane of said recording machine operatively as# sociated with said shaft means,

said lens-positioning assembly comprising a fixed frame and a movable frame pivotally supported from said fixed frame for swinging movement toward and away from said focal plane, and

control means operatively associated with said shaft means for enabling said lens member to be positioned in said focal plane depending on whether said reader means is in said first or second ositions.

2. Apparatus accor lng to claim l wherein said control means comprises a wheel member carried on said shaft means,

a key member operatively associated with said lens-positioning assembly arranged to be received in a recess formed in said wheel member,

means for biasing said key member into engagement with said wheel member,

a sensing arm adapted for pivotal movement and having a sensing member connected thereto, and

a control member arranged in the path of said sensing member to cause said sensing arm to pivot thereby causing said key member to disengage from said wheel member against the action of said spring means.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said lens-positioning assembly comprises a parallelogram linkage.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said shaft means includes a locking element operatively connected thereto for obtaining registration of said reader means with said platen.

Claims (4)

1. In an automatic electrostatic recording machine in which a recording member is continuously moved past a plurality of processing stations to produce copies of input information, an improvement enabling reproduction of enlarged copies of microfilm or original size copies of document information positioned on a platen comprising, reader means for projecting and reading microfilm and adapted for movement relative to a platen of a recording machine, shaft means operatively associated with said reader means for moving said reader means from a first position in which copies of microfilm are reproduced to a second position in which copies of document information placed on said platen are reproduced a lens-positioning assembly for positioning a lens member in the focal plane of said recording machine operatively associated with said shaft means, said lens-positioning assembly comprising a fixed frame and a movable frame pivotally supported from said fixed frame for swinging movement toward and away from said focal plane, and control means operatively associated with said shaft means for enabling said lens member to be positioned in said focal plane depending on whether said reader means is in said first or second positions.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said control means comprises a wheel member carried on said shaft means, a key member operatively associated with said lens-positioning assembly arranged to be received in a recess formed in said wheel member, means for biasing said key member into engagement with said wheel member, a sensing arm adapted for pivotal movement and having a sensing member connected thereto, and a control member arranged in the path of said sensing member to cause said sensing arm to pivot thereby causing said key member to disengage from said wheel member against the action of said spring means.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said lens-positioning assembly comprises a parallelogram linkage.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said shaft means includes a locking element operatively connected thereto for obtaining registration of said reader means with said platen.

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