Platen module for computer fanfold reproduction

Abstract

An automatic electrostatographic duplicating machine in which computer fanfold documents are fed by an automatic handling means from a supply position above the machine platen to a second position overlaying the platen below the supply position by a tractor means having motor driven sprocket means operative to advance the document material, and control means for supplying control signals to said motor driven means to advance the document material continuously, intermittently, or to selected positions.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In a reproduction machine having a document handling apparatus adapted to handle either individual documents, or document material in the form of a computer fanfold web consisting of a plurality of frame sections, the machine including an exposure platen on which said frame sections are positioned and a register element adjacent one side of the platen for locating an edge of each frame during copying thereof, the combination of: a tractor module detachably mounted on the document handling apparatus adjacent the platen,   a tractor motor and drive therefor mounted in said tractor module and actuable upon the web to advance the same and effecting the location of a corresponding edge of each of the frames being reproduced adjacent the registration element,   a storage module removably mounted on the machine vertically above the platen and having a tray adapted to support a quantity of the folded web in readiness for the reproduction of frames therein,   said storage module including a first guide means cooperable with the web for guiding the web during movement thereof from said tray, and between the same and the platen located therebelow,   second guide means for receiving the web from said storage module and guiding the same into said tractor module for cooperation with the tractor motor for conveyance thereby.   
     
     
       2. The reproduction machine of claim 2 wherein said first guide means is articulated at least at one point to permit folding of a portion thereof and its containment within said storage module. 
     
     
       3. The reproduction machine of claim 1 including means on said storage module engageably with an element on the document handling apparatus for insuring the correct repetitive positioning of the module on the apparatus whereat corresponding edges of the frames of the fanfold web will be in registration with the register element. 
     
     
       4. The reproduction machine of claim 1 including hold-down means mounted in the storage module engageable with the web during movement thereof below the module for holding the web flat against the platen as the web is advanced. 
     
     
       5. In a reproduction machine having a document handling apparatus adapted to handle either individual documents, or document material in the form of a computer fanfold web consisting of a plurality of frame sections, the machine including an exposure platen on which said frame sections are positioned and a register element adjacent one side of the platen for locating an edge of each frame during copying thereof, the combination of: a tractor module mounted on the document handling apparatus adjacent the platen, said tractor module including a tractor motor and drive therefor mounted in said tractor module and actuable upon the web to advance the same,   a storage module mounted on the machine vertically above the platen and having a tray adapted to support a quantity of the folded web in readiness for the reproduction of frames therein,   said storage module including a guide means cooperable with the web for directing the web during movement thereof from said tray, and between the same and the platen located therebelow, and   a forms overlay element detachably mounted in said module at a position wherein a frame positioned on the platen to be copied is between the platen and the overlay element,   and means for guiding the insertion and removal of the overlay element relative to its position within said module. .Iadd.   
     
     
       6.  In a reproduction machine having a document handling apparatus adapted to handle either individual documents, or document material in the form of a computer fanfold web consisting of a plurality of frame sections, the machine including an exposure platen on which said frame sections are positioned and a register element adjacent one side of the platen for locating an edge of each frame during copying thereof, the combination of: a tractor assembly detachably mounted adjacent the document handling apparatus,   a tractor motor and drive thereof mounted in said tractor assembly and actuable upon the web to advance the same and effecting the location of a corresponding edge of each of the frames being reproduced adjacent the registration element,   a storage module removably mounted on the machine and having a tray positioned vertically above the platen adapted to support a quantity of the folded web thereon in readiness for the reproduction of frames therein,   a first guide means cooperable with the web for guiding the web during movement thereof from said tray, and between the same and the platen located therebelow,   a second guide means for receiving the web after the same has moved between the storage module and the platen and guiding the same to said tractor assembly and into cooperation with said tractor motor and drive for conveyance thereby. .Iaddend.