Document original handling system

Abstract

A reproducing machine including a device for forming an image of information on an original document and a device for transporting the document past the imaging device. The transport device comprises a strip member. The strip member supports the documents and moves past the imaging device to present the documents for forming an image thereof. The strip member may have a plurality of original document receiving pockets.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In a reproducing machine including means for forming an image of information on an original and means for transporting said original past said imaging means the improvement wherein, said transport means comprises: a strip member having a plurality of original receiving pockets and means for moving said member past said imaging means with said pockets arranged to present said originals to said imaging means for forming said image.   
     
     
       2. A machine as in claim 1, wherein said strip member is replaceably mounted. 
     
     
       3. A machine as in claim 1, wherein said strip member is supported in a removable cassette. 
     
     
       4. A machine as in claim 1, wherein said pockets are formed of a transparent material. 
     
     
       5. A machine as in claim 1, wherein said machine comprises an electrostatographic copying machine and wherein said imaging means comprises an imaging surface arranged for movement, means for forming an electrostatic image on said moving imaging surface, and further including means for developing said electrostatic image and means for transferring said developed image to a sheet of final support material. 
     
     
       6. A machine as in claim 5, further including means for synchronizing the movement of said strip member with the movement of said imaging surface, and further wherein said imaging surface comprises a photoconductive imaging surface whereby said documents can be serially presented to said imaging means. 
     
     
       7. A machine as in claim 6, wherein said imaging means includes contact exposure means, and wherein said pockets are spaced apart along said strip in the direction of its movement. 
     
     
       8. A reproducing machine as in claim 1, wherein said strip member comprises an endless belt. 
     
     
       9. A machine as in claim 8, wherein said belt member is replaceably mounted. 
     
     
       10. A machine as in claim 8, wherein said belt member is supported in a removable cassette. 
     
     
       11. A machine as in claim 8, wherein said belt member is formed of a transparent material. 
     
     
       12. A machine as in claim 8, wherein said machine comprises an electrostatographic copying machine and wherein said imaging means comprises an imaging surface arranged for movement, means for forming an electrostatic image on said moving imaging surface, and further including means for developing said electrostatic image and means for transferring said developed image to a sheet of final support material. 
     
     
       13. A machine as in claim 12, further including means for synchronizing the movement of said strip member with the movement of said imaging surface, and further wherein said imaging surface comprises a photoconductive imaging surface, whereby said documents can be serially recirculated past said imaging means. 
     
     
       14. A machine as in claim 13, wherein said imaging means includes contact exposure means, and wherein said pockets are spaced apart along said strip in the direction of its movement. 
     
     
       15. In a reproducing machine including means for forming an image of information on an original, said imaging means including a curved imaging surface, and means for transporting said original past said imaging surface, the improvement wherein, said transport means comprises: a strip member having a plurality of original receiving pockets and means for moving said member and originals supported in said pockets past said imaging means to present said originals to said imaging means for forming said image, and wherein said strip member is deflected about said imaging surface to form a curved nip therebetween. 
     
     
       16. A machine as in claim 15, wherein said strip member is formed of a transparent material and further including means positioned behind said strip member for illuminating said originals through said strip member at said nip. 
     
     
       17. A machine as in claim 16, wherein said strip member is replaceably mounted. 
     
     
       18. A machine as in claim 16, wherein said strip member is supported in a removable cassette. 
     
     
       19. A machine as in claim 16, further including means for synchronizing the movement of said strip member with the movement of said imaging surface, and further wherein said imaging surface comprises a photoconductive imaging surface whereby said original can be serially presented to said imaging means. 
     
     
       20. A reproducing machine as in claim 19, wherein said strip member comprises and endless belt. 
     
     
       21. A machine as in claim 19, wherein said machine comprises an electrostatographic copying machine and wherein said imaging means comprises an imaging surface arranged for movement, means for forming an electrostatic image on said imaging surface, and further including means for developing said electrostatic image and means for transferring said developed image to a sheet of final support material.