US2354571A - Facsimile apparatus - Google Patents

Description

July 25, 1944. A. BLAIN FACSIMILE APPARATUS Filed Oct. 31, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORNEY V July25, 1944. A, B'LMN 2,354,571

FACS IMILE APPARATUS Filed Oct. 31, 1942 4 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR g /berl Bid 2'22.

ATTORNEY y 1944- A. BLAIN 2,354,571

- FACSJEMILE APPARATUS v I Filed Oct. 51, 1942 4 Sheets-Shet s INVENTO'R ATTORNEY July 25, 1 944.

FACSIMILE APPARATUS Filed Oct. 31, 125 12 1 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 mu s I ATTORNEY BLAIN 2,354,571

Patented 'July' 25, 1944 momma APPARATUS Albert Blain, Philadelphia, Pa., assignor to Radio Corporation of America, a corporation of Delaware Application Octoben 31, 1942, Serial No. 464,094

29 Claims. I. 178-71) v scanning of the material be begun automatically.

This invention relates to animprovement in facsimile transmitters or duplicators.

In facsimile transmitting apparatus, it is necessary to scan the copy in bi-dimensional directions in order to produce picture signals which may be transmitted to a remotely located facsimile receiving station, or which may be-amplifled-and supplied directly to the recorder of a facsimile .reproducer. The bi-dimenslonal scanning is normally produced by positioning the material to be scanned on a rotating drum and by directing a light beam against the periphery of the drum so that the reflected light may be received by a light responsive cell to produce the facsimile picture signals. Each rotation of the drum produces, in effect, a line scanning operation, and simultaneously with the rotation of the drum, the scanner head (which normally includes at least the light source and the photocell) is moved longitudinally with respect to the drum to produce, in eilect, the scanning action in the opposite direction, i. e., in the direction normal to the lines. In some-modifications, however, the material to be scanned is positioned in a stationary support arrangement, and a. rotating and longitudinally movable scanner head is used to produce the bi-dimensional scanning action. An example of such an arrangement is shown and described in Young Patent No. 2,298,911, issued October 13, 1942, and in Schroter et al. Patent No. 1,746,407, issued February 11, 1930.

In facsimile duplicators, it is frequently desirable to have a plurality of facsimile copies made from a single original, and, furthermore, the .size of the original may vary considerably in length. The present invention is, therefore,

particularly concerned with the scanning mechanism used in a facsimile transmitter or duplicator whereby it is possible to produce bi-dimensional scanning, and whereby it is possible to repeat the scanning action a predetermined number of times. Furthermore, the present invention is concerned with adjustable means whereby the length of travel of the scanner head may be conveniently pre-set so that adjustments may be mad to compensate for different lengths of material. 4

Naturally, the longitudinal movement of the scanner head is relatively slow; and after one complete scanning operation has been performed, it is necessary to return the scanner .headto its initial starting position. In order to avoid loss of time, it is desirable that the scanner head be returned to the initial starting position in a minimum length of time, and ,that the subsequent Thepresent invention also relates to the pro-- vision of means whereby the transmitter may be set to scan the material any desirednumber of times, and to count the successive scanning oper-= .ations as they are performed. Furthermore, the

present. inventiqn also relates to the provision of means for automatically discontinuing the scanning action after the desired number vof copies has been made, or after-the desired number of scanning operations has been performed.

The design of the present invention is, there- I fore, particularly adaptable for use in facsimile duplicators where a facsimile reproducer is directly associated with the scanner or transmitter, so that a plurality of facsimile copies of the original may be produced. By using present high speed facsimile principles and the feature of the present invention, it is, therefore, possible to make a relatively large number of completely finished facsimile copies in a relatively short length of time, especially where an'electrolytic recording process is used.

. at the conclusion of the scanning operation.

Another purpose of the present invention resides in the provision of means whereby the length of travel of the scanner head may be made adjustable so that the scanningoperation will continue for a predetermined length of time or distance along the material to be scanned, and after the predetermined distance has been I scanned, the scanner head will automatically return to its initial starting position.

A still further purpose of the present invention resides in the. provision of means whereby the facsimile transmitter may be caused to scan the original material a predetermined adjustable number of times without any action on the part of the operator, and with a minimum of lost time or motion.

Still another purpose of the present invention resides in the provision of means in-a facsimile transmitter or duplicator whereby the scanning transmitter or duplicator whereby the scanner head may be'returned to its initial starting position in a minimum length of time, and whereby the apparatus may be protected from injury or damage due to the relatively quick return of the scanner head.

Still other purposes and present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, particularly when considered.

in connection with the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts, and where Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred form of a facsimile duplicator;

Figure 2 shows in detail the construction and relationship or various elements of the transmitter, Figure 2 being a section approximately along section lines 2-2 of Figur'el;

Figure 3 shows a detailed plan view or a portion of the mechanism taken approximately along section lines 3-! c! Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a detailed plan view of a portion of the mechanism taken approximately along section lines 4-4 of Figure 2;

Figure .5 is a detailed showing approximately perspective view of a preferred form of a fac simile duplicator. In this particular apparatus, the picture signals-produced as a resultof the scanning operation are amplified and are supplied by direct wire connection to the recordin electrodes of the recording mechanism associated with the scanning mechanism. Since the scanner and the recorder are adjacent each other. and since it ispossible to rotate the scanning drum and the recording drum by the same driving motor, no synchronizing signals are necessary since synchronous operation between the transmitter and the receiver is assured by reason of a direct mechanical connection. It is, however, necessary to maintain proper phase relationship, and the provision for maintaining this relationship will be referred to later.

In Figure 1, the driving motor is located be-' neath the recorder end of the duplicator, and is connected to the recording drumto which is directly coupled'the scanning drum. The scanning end of the duplicator also includes a scanner head, and a mechanism for producing the desired movement of the scanner head with respect to the scanning drum. The amplifiers for amplifying the produced picture signals are not shown in Figure l, but are located in the space advantages of the vided by the inclusion of an amplifier tube 32. The housing 28 which encloses the photocell is naturally directly connected to the lamp housing l2 and the light tube It. A light passage is provided between the photocell 30 and the point where the light from the source i4 is directed upon the material to be scanned. Provision is made for transporting the scanner head .longitudinally along the scanner on a line parallel to the axis of the scanning drum 20. The, drum is supported by a special clutch arrangement 22 and by a tail stock assembly shown generally at. 24. The clutch assembly- 22 is positioned on a shaft mechanically connected. to the printing drum 2S, .whichis driven by a motor or other source of power (not shown). a

The transmitting or scanning end of the dupli- 'cator also includes in general the mechanism for producing the scanning action through movement of the scanner head l0.

The recorder end of the duplicator includes, in addition to the printing drum, a drive roller 34 and an ironing and drying roller 36. These last mentioned elements are driven by means of a mechanical connection between the scanning drum and the elements. The recorder also includes a cover member represented at 38 for retaining the recording paper 40 in proper cooperation with the feed roller 34 and the scanning drum 26. The cover member 38 also carries a printer bar which cooperates with the printing drum.

The recording paper a supply roll 42, which may be impregnated with, the required chemical solution, or which may be unimpregnated in which case an imrn'er- I sion bath is included through which the paper is passed prior to its being directed to the recording mechanism. Inasmuch as the presentinvention is'not concerned with the particular construction or operation of the recorder, further description of this portion or the mechanism will fnot be supplied. For a more detailed descripbeneath the scanning mechanism shown in the I figure.

"The scanner head is represented in general at Ill, and includes a lamp housing H which surrounds an exciter lamp M which supplies the light for generating the picture signals. A lens tube I8 is associated with the lamp housingand is provided for directing and focusing the light against thesurface of the material i8 to be scanned. This material is positioned on the scanning drum 20. The scanner head also includes a housing 28 which encloses a photocell or other light responsive element 30, and if desirable, one

or more stages of pre-amplification may be protion of the construction of a preferred form of the recorder, attention is directed to Artzt application, Serial No. 459,137, filed September 21. 1942, and Blain application, Serial No. 460,615, filed'October 3, 1942.

The particular construction of the clutch member 22, together with the tail stock arrangement 24, does not form a specific part of the present invention, and accordingly these elements will not be described in detail. Their construction, however, is such as will permit the scanning drum to-be removed'trom the duplicator without the necessity of stopping the entire'meclianism, and, furthermore, their construction is such as will permit a drum to be reinstalled in the machine. to be brought up to proper rotational speed, and positioned in proper phase relationship or orientation with respect to the printing drum 26 without disturbing the remainder or the duplicator. Specific details of the particular clutch arrangement and tail stock assembly are shown and described in Artzt application, Serial No. 456,000, filed August 25, 1942. v I

A perspective view of the mechanical arrangement for causing movement or the scanner head and for returning the scanner head to an initial position is shown in Figure 1. However. in view of the fact that not all of the elements are visible in Figure 1, this particular mechanism is shown more clearly in detail in Figure 2. as well as parts thereof in other figures. Figure 2 is a section through the duplicator taken approxi- 40 may be supplied from IN, best shown in Figure 4. The 'pawl is attached gear assembly 46 for rotating a counter-shaft at a relatively slow rate of speed. The countershaft 48 is provided with a worm and gear assembly St for rotating the ironing and drying roller 36, and the opposite end of the countershaft is provided with a worm 52 with which cooperates a'worm gear 54 connected to the feed roller 84. The same worm 52 also cooperates with a worm gear as, and this gear is rigidly secured to the vertical shaft 58, by means of pin 86. As the printing drum is rotated, the scanning drum, when in engagement with the clutch mechanism 22 as shown in Figure 1, is also rotated at the same speed, and, by. means ofthe counter-shaft 48, the feed roller operates to to the cable drum", and is pivoted thereon by means of a rivet or other appropriate securing means I02.- When the pawl is in one position, it causes a mechanical engagement between the ratchet l2 and the cable drum", whereas when the pawl is in the other position, these elements are disengaged and no driving action is provided.

'the pawl I is provided with a toggle 'spring I24, one end oi which is connected to the pawl and-the other end of which'is connected to the cable drum 18. The location of the ends ofthe toggle spring I with respect to the pivot point I02 is such as will cause the pawl to be retained in the engaged or disengaged position with respect to theratchet wheel I2.

when the pawl is in engagement with the ratchet wheel 12, the cable drum I8 and the gear supply the recording paper .to the recording I mechanism. Simultaneously, the gear 56 together with its shaft ii are rotated at a relatively slow rate of speed. The shaft 58 is retained in position by means of two bearings 62 and 64, the bearings being carried by parallel support plates O6 and 68 respectively. These two support plates are Joined by a spacer member Ill in order to assure a rigid connection.

The vertical shaft 58 also carries a ratchet wheel 12, which is permanently secured to the shaft 58 by means of the sleeve H and pin 16.

A cable drum i8 is positioned on the shaft 58, and is permitted to rotate with respect thereto. The cable drum is also carries a gear 80, the gear being attached-to the cable drum by means of rive'ts or other appropriate securing means. I The gear so cooperates with a smaller gear 82 which is mounted on shaft 84, the shaft being supported bythe lower support plate 86. The opposite end of the shaft 84 is provided with a gear as which is arranged to cooperate with a smaller gear 98, the latter being positioned on shaft 90, one end of the shaft 98 being carried by the lower plate 68 and the opposite end of the shaft 80 being supported by the adjustabale needle bearing member 92. The adjustable needle bearing is supported by the lower support plate 88 by means of the bracket 84. The shaft ill is also provided with a plurality of wind vanes 86, the purpose of whichwill be described later. The gear 88 is not directly secured to the shaft 8|, but instead, a one-way clutch or free-wheeling connection is provided. A mechanical connection is provided between the shaft 84 and the gear 88 by means of the coiled coupling spring 98. One

end of the coupling spring is attached to or permitted to engage a pin near the periphery of the gear 8 and the coiled portion of the spring is dimensioned to fit snugly about the shaft ll. The other end of the coupling spring is left free. Thespring is held in place by means of a collar positioned on the-end of the'shaft ll. The purpose of this coupling spring or free-wheeling" unit will become more apparent when the operation of the mechanism is described. V

The cable drum I2 and gear 8. arerotated in one direction by Ines-us of the shaft through the ratchet 12 and 80 are rotated by the shaft 58 in the direction indicated by the arrows in Figure 4. This rotation causes a spring I08 (see Figure 2) to be stressed in order to storeenergy in the spring. The spring is located immediately below the gear so, and one end of the spring is attached to the cable drum l8 and gear. 80 by means of pin I08, while the opposite end of the spring is attached to the support plate 68 by means of a stationary sleeve or cylindrical member H0. After the cable drum has been rotated through a predetermined angle, if the pawl I00 is then disengaged from the ratchet 12, the spring I" will cause reverse rotation of the cable drum. 'I 'h'e rate at which the cable drum rotates in the opposite direction is determined by the resistance offered by the wind vane 88. Inasmuch as the forward rotation of the cable drum is relatively slow when the pawl Hill is engagedwith the ratchet I2, the wind vane 98 does not offer any appreciable resistance. The return rotation of the cable drum, however, is relatively rapid and the, wind vane 98 prevents the cable drum from being returned to an initial position too rapidly. Since the return rotation of the cable drum may be stopped relatively abruptly, it is desirable to interpose a flexible or shock coupling between the wind vane 98 and the gear 80. This is the purpose of the coiled coupling spring 98, since the oneway clutch action of the spring coupling permits relative motion-between the gear 86 and the shaft a cooperating pawlmember 76,

84 in one direction, thus allowing the wind vane 86 to rotate after the return rotation of the cable drum 18' has been abruptly stopped. Energy stored in the wind vane 88 will then be dissipated by friction between the spring and the shaft 84 without lnterposing any undue mechanical stresses in the mechanism. The cable drum 18 is provided for the purpose of moving the scanner head longitudinally with respect to the scanning drum 20. Rotation of the cable drum [8 imparts motion to the scanner head It by means ofa cable arrangement shown in the various figures. ship of the cable to the scanner head isbest shown in Figure 6. In Figure 6, one end of the cable U2 is shown connected directly-to a bracket Hl attached to the scanner head It, the cable then being wound several turns about the cable drum It. The other end of the cable then passes about idler pulleys H8 and H8, and the opposite end of the cable is connected to the same bracket Ill by means of a tensioning spring I20. 1

When the pawl I" is in engagement with the ratchet 12, as stated above, the cable drum will be .rotated in the direction indicated by the ar- The complete relationtation causes a movement of the scanner head I in a direction from the clutch end of the scanning drum toward the tail stock end of the scanning drum. This. direction of movement of the scanner head is relatively slow compared to Figure 2). The position of the trip finger may be adjusted to vary the length of travel of the scanner head, and when the cable drum is rotated sumciently, the pawl I00 is caused to engage the end of the trip finger I22 (see Figure 2) with the result that the pawl I00 is rotated about its pivot point I02v to disengage the pawl I00 from the ratchet wheel". As soon as these elements are disengaged, no furtherdriving action is provided and the spring I08 causes reverse rotation of the cable drum with a return of the scanner head to an initial starting position. The trip finger I22'is securely attached to a gear I 24, which is rotationally supported on the vertical shaft 53. The gear I24 meshes with a gear. I28, which is mounted on'one end of shaft I28. The shaft I28 is supported by the top support plate 33, and extends therethrough in order that a control knob I30 may be attached to the opposite end of the shaft I23.- The control knob I30 is naturally nonrotationally secured to the shaft I23 by means of set screws or other appropriate means. The shaft I23 also carries a gear I32, which is arranged to cooperate with a non-rotating' gear I34. This'latter gear acts-as a locking device, and is attached to the upper support plate 63 by means of a pin I38. Inasmuch as cause a change in the position of the trip finger, which would result in altering the length of travel of the scanner head.

After the trip finger I22 has caused disengagement of the pawl I00 from the ratchet 12, the cable drum" is then permitted to return to a normal position, and this rotation is impeded by the air governor or wind vane 38. The reverse rotation-of drum I3 returns the scanner head to its initial starting point. The scanner head I6, as well as the cable drum I3, will then remain in this position until the pawl I00 is again engaged with the ratchet I2. The mechanism for causing're-engagement of the pawl and ratchet drive mechanism includes also a construction for counting the number of scanning operations, as well as a construction for preventing re-.-engagement of the pawl I 00- with the ratchet 12' after a desired and selected number of scanning oper-,-

ations has been completed.

The upper support plate 88 has positioned thereon a rotatable. shaft I36, the shaft being supported by an appropriate bearing structure I38 which will prevent axial movement of the shaft I38. At one end of the shaft is positioned a knob I40, the knob being attached to the shaft by means of 1 set screws or other appropriate securing means. The shaft also carries a ratchet M2 and a notched cam I44. Both of these elements are secured to the shaft I 38 and rotate therewith. A pawl I48 (see Figure 3) is arranged to cooperate with the ratchet wheel I42, and the pawl is attached to one end of an operating lever I48. The opposite end of the operating lever is secured to a vertical shaft I30, so that when the shaft is rotated through a small arc, the operating arm I43 will cause movement of pawl I48 to advance the rotation of the ratchet wheel I42 by one step. The rod I30 extends through both the upper; and lower support plates 33 and 88 respectively,} and to the lower end of the rod I 30 is attached an operating arm I32 the gear I34 is not permitted to rotate, and since the gear. I32 is secured to the shaft I23, it is-impossible to alter the position of the trip finger I22 without disengaging gears I32 and I34. These gears may be disengaged, however, by shifting the shaft I23 longitudinally a small amount by depressing the control knob I30, and when the gears I32 and I34 are disengaged, the position of the trip finger I22 may be rotated and altered through the action of the cooperating gears I24 and I28. Inasmuch as the trip finger I22 causes disengagement of the pawl I00 from the ratchet 12, the position of the trip finger I22, therefore, controls the length of travel of the scanner head I0 with. respect to the scanning drum 20, in accordance with the variation in the length of copy to be scanned. The knob I30 may, therefore, be

calibrated in inches corresponding to the length .of the copy positioned ,on the scanning drum 20.

After the trip finger I22 has been moved to the desired position as determined by the length of the material to be scanned, the knob I30 is then released and, by. reason ofa spring (not shown), the shaft I23 is moved longitudinally upwardly t sage gear I32 with stationary gear I34 to prevent any further movement of the .trip fin ger I22. This is necessary, aswill be appreciated, in view of the fact that some considerable pressure is required to cause disengagement of the pawl I00 from the ratchet I2, and in the-absence of some positive restraining means, the

(see Figures 2 and 4). This arm is positioned to extend in the direction of the cable drum I3 so that it will lie in position to be engaged by the pawl I00 when the drum is returned to its initial starting position. A spring I34 is associated with the pawl I43, one end of the spring being attached to the pawl and the opposite end of the spring being-attached to apost I38 secured to the upper support plate 38.

As stated above, a 'cam wheel I44 is also secured to the shaft I38 and rotates with the ratchet wheel I42. The notched cam I44 is provided with a single notch I33 (seeFigure 3) for cooperation with a slide bar I80. The slide V pressure of the pawl against the trip finger might 73 bar is retained in position by means of a pair of studs or posts I42, the posts being secured to the upper support plate 38. The bar is provided with an elongated slot in order that the bar may move in a radial direction with respect to the notched cam N4. One end of the bar cooperates with the notched cam I44,

I and the opposite end of the bar cooperates with an extension I84 on the lever I43. The length of the bar is so chosen that when the rod I30 is rotated clockwise (as viewed in Figure 8) the pawl I48 .will advance the ratchetwheel I42 one step, but further rotation of the shaft I30 and ofthelever I43 will be prevented by reason of the fact that the extension I34 will contact the bar' I30, which'in turn will be brought into contact with the surface or periphery of the notched cam wheel I44. Further rotation of the rod I30 and the lever I43.will, therefore, be prevented.

The rod I50 is rotated in a clockwise direction each time the pawl I engages the operating arm I52, when the cable drum is permitted to return to its initial position by reason or the action .of the spring I05. The force of the spring I00. is sufiicient .to rotate the rod I50, and to thereby advance the cam wheel I42 one step. Since the knob I40 is attached to the shaft I30,

which carries the ratchet wheel I42, the knob may then be graduated in numbers of scanning cycles or complete scanning operations, since at the conclusion of each scanning operation, the knob I40 is rotated an amount equivalent to one ratchet tooth;

After the ratchet wheel I42 and the knob I40 have been rotated one step, the slide bar I50-then prevents any further rotation and the inertia of the cable drum", as well as the force of the spring I 06, exert suflicient back pressure on the pawl I00 to cause it to be engaged with the ratchet 12. As soon as the pawl I00 is forced into engagement with the ratchet 12, rotation ofthe shaft .58 and the ratchet 12 then causes the cable drum 18 to be rotated in a forward ,direc tion to thereby move the scanner head in a scanning direction, and to initiate the next succeeding scanning operation. This scanning operation continues, as explained above, until the pawl I00 comes into engagement with the trip finger I22, at which time the pawl is disengaged-from 'the ratchet wheel 12 andthe mechanism is returned to its starting position. Simultaneously with the return of the mechanism to the starting position, the knob I40 is moved an amount equivalent to one ratchet step on the ratchet wheel I42, and

- the pawl I00 is again re-engaged with the ratch- If, however, the last desired scanningoperation has been performed when the cable drum 10 is returned to its initial starting position and the pawl I00 is caused to engage the operating arm I52, the shaft I50 will be rotated to advance the ratchet wheel I 42 one step, which will then bring the notch I50 in alignment with the slide bar I 80 so that the slide bar may engage the-notch I 50 and thereby permit the rod I50 and the lever I48 torotate through more than the usual angle.

I This increased rotation of the rod I50 likewise permits the operating arm I52 to be'rotated by the pawl I00 a corresponding amount, and by reason of this increased permissible rotation of the rod I50, the pawl I00 'is not re-engaged with the ratchet 12. The inertia of the cable drum and the force of the spring I06 instead of being absorbed by the operating arm in to cause ento re-e age the pawl I04 with the ratchet 12, the scan g drum 20 is then normally removed and a new copy attached thereto. After the drum has been installed in the machine and brought up to proper operating speed and phase relationship with respect to the recording drum, the mechanism is then in condition'to operate, which naturally requires an engagement of the pawl I00 with the ratchet 12. This is accomplished by merely setting the knob I40 to the desired numbenof copies by rotation in a counter-clockwise direction. This rotation shifts the slide bar I50 and simultaneously rotates shaft counter-clockwise direction, with the result that the operating arm I52 causes engagement of the pawl I00 with the ratchet 12. If only a single facsimile copy is desired (1. e., one scanning cycle) the pawl I00 may be engaged with the ratchet 12 by manually rotating the operating knob I10 and,

the shaft I50 in a counter clockwise direction (see Figures 3 and 4) which causes a corresponding may be'rotated in a clockwise direction by the" operating arm I52 when the rotation of the operating arm I52, with the result that the pawl I00 is caused to engage the ratchet 12 by reason of the motion of the operating arm I52. q

As soon as the pawl- I00 is engaged with the ratchet 12, the scanning operation begins. -The knob I40 may thenbe set at the desired number of copies (if it has not been previously so set) by rotating the knob counter-clockwise through 360 degrees less an amount equivalent to the amount that the knob will be rotatedthrough the action of the pawl I when the desired number of copies has been scanned. Naturally, the knob I40 can- 1 not be rotated in a clockwise direction at any time because of the action of the spring I54 which retains the pawl I46 in engagement with the ratchet wheel .I42, the sprin g I54 being also strong enough to likewise rotate the shaft I to a normal position counter-clockwise, so that it pawl I00 engages the operating arm.

The scanning operation will then continue untilthe desired number of scanning operations has been performed, and until the desired number of copies has been made, at which time .the slide bar I50 is again permitted to enter the notch I 58 inv the .notched cam I44 to stop any further action by preventing re-engagement of the pawl I00 with the ratchet, 12.

gagement of the pawl I00 with the ratchet 12,

is instead absorbed by a stop member I50 secured to the lower support plate 05. A cooperating post I60 is secured to the cable drum 18 in thevicinity of the region where the pawl I00 is secured.

Therefore, when the last desired scanning operation has been performed, the inertia of themechanism, together with the force of the spring I06 is overcome by cooperation of the pin I50 with the stop I06 so that the pawl I00 isnot forced into engagement with the ratchet 12, with the result that the scanning mechanismremains stationary even though-the ratchet 12 continues to rotate. l r

The upper end of the rod I50 is provided with an operating knob I10forinitially engaging the pawl I00 with the ratchet 12. After the last desired copy has been scanned, as explained above, I

and the shaft I50 is permitted to rotate through in: block I14 more than the usual angle, resulting in a failure 75 could also The operating knob I10 may also be used to,

manually advance the veniently moved longitudinally with respect tothe scanning drum 20, a stationary rod I10 "is positioned on the scanner parallel to thescanning drum. This rod may be supported by the scanner proper by means of a plurality of screws or posts I12, best shown In Figure 7. These posts are preferablyof afsmaller diameter than the rod I10 so that a cooperatassociated with the scanner head :Il may surround the rod I10 by more than A reduction in the number of copies an increased number P to bring the notch I50 is then placed in tial starting position, the pawl bar I50,

prevent any possibility of the scanner head being lifted from engagement with the rod. This assures that the front end of the scanner head I0, i. e., the end most adjacent the scanning drum, will not move in .a direction other than along a line parallel to the axis of the scanning drum 20. The back edge of the scanner head I0, 1. e., theend adjacent the light source I4, is provided with a flange member I10, to which is attached a roller I10. The roller is arranged to cooperate with a track I80 to support the back end of the scanner head, and to permit the scanner to be moved longitudinally with respect to the scanning-drum.

The operation of the scanner will now be briefly described.

After the scanning drum 20 has been loaded with a document or paper of which a number of duplicatecopies are desired, the scanning drum the machine and is brought up to speed'by operation of the clutch 22, and is properly phased with respect to the printing drum 20 by reason of the action of the special clutch 22 and tail stock assembly 24, shown and described in detail in the above referred to Artzt application. Inasmuch as the motor for driving the entire mechanism is permitted to continuously operate, the gear 50 and the ratchet I2 continuously rotate in a by the arrows in the various figures.

In order to begin the scanning operation, and in order to advance the scanner head I along the length of the scanning drum, the pawl I00 is engaged with the ratchet I2-by a counter-clockwise rotation of knob I40 or knob II0. Rotation degrees to thereby of either of these knobs causes the operating arm I52 to toggle the pawl into engagement with the ratchet. The cable .drum the direction indicated by the arrows at a relatively slow rate, to cause the scanner head to move longitudinally with respect to the scanning drum, in order to produce the scanning operation. After the cable drum .18 has rotated througha predetermined angle, the pawl I00 then engages the trlpfinger I22, with the result that the pawl I00 is disengaged from the ratchet I2. The position or the trip finger I22 may be changed in accordance with the length of the particular document or material being scanned. Y

Disengagement of the pawl I00 from the ratchet 12 frees the cable drum with the result that the spring I00 which was stressed during the scanning operation, causes reverse rotation of the cable drum. This reverse rotation, together with the return stroke of the scanner head, is prevented from returning too rapidly by action of the wind vane governor 00.

When the cable drum I0 has returned to its ini- I00 engages the operating arm I52, with the result that the shaft I50 is rotated an amount sufflcient to advance the ratchet wheel I42 and the knob I40 by one step. Rotation of the rod I50 beyond such an amount is prevented bythe action of the slide nd its cooperation with the peripheral edge of the notched cam disc I42. The fact that the rod I50 is only permitted to rotate through a predetermined angle causes the operating arm I52 to exert sufficient back pressure on the pawl I00 to re-engage the pawl with the ratchet wheel 12. This 're-engagement then causes the cable drum I8 to rotate'in a forward direction to begin the second scanning cycle.

After the desired number of scanning operadirection indicatedtions has been performed, the slide bar I00 will' then be permitted to drop into the notch I58 in the notched cam wheel I44, with the result that the arm I52 and the rod I50 will be permitted to rotate through more than the usual angle. The back pressure normally exerted by the operating arm I52 will then be absent, and the inertia of the mechanism will be absorbed by the stop pin I88 ratherthan the operating arm I52. Further rotation of the operating arm I52 by reason of the presence of the notch I58 prevents re-engagement of the pawl I00 with the ratchet wheel I2, and the scanning operation is discontinued even though the driving motor, the scanning drum 20 and the printing drum 26 continue to rotate.

If it is desired to change the distance scanned along the scanning drum 20 by reason of a change in the length of the document scanned, it is only necessary to depress the knob I80 to disengage gear the shaft I20 may be rotated to-thereby rotate the trip finger I22 through action of gears I24 and I25. The trip finger I22 may thereby be positioned at any location around the periphery of the cable drum, so that the entire length of the scanning drum may be scanned or any smaller part thereof. Naturally, the scanning operation always begins at the clutch end of the scanning drum, so that when the copy is positioned on the scanningdrum, any part of the scanning drum not covered bythe document should be left wholly at the tail stock end of the scan- I8 is then rotated in from the ratchet I2,

ning drum,

From the above it may be seen that the present invention provides various desirable features in a facsimile scanner or transmitter, the features being particularly desirable in a facsimile duplicator. By means of the present invention it is possible to perform a series of successive scanning operations of a single document without any attention on the part of the operator whatsoever, after the scanningoperation has been begun and after the machine has been set to perform the desired number of scanning operations.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the scanning operations will be discontinued as soon as the desired number-0f scanning cycles has been completed. The invention also provides mechanism whereby it is unnecessary to scan the entire length of the scanning drumduring each scanning cycle, since in many instances the entire drum wouldnot be covered by the particular material being scanned. Since it would be a waste of time to scan the entire length of the scanning drum, provision has been made in the present invention whereby the scanner head I0 may be returned to its initial scanning position immediately after any desired distance along the scanning drum has been scanned. This scanning distance is immediately and readily adJustable, and may be conveniently altered to suit any scribed in considerable detail, it is to be understood that various alterations and modifications of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the arrt, and it is desirable that any and all such modifications and alterations be considered within the purview of the present invention except as limited by the hereinafter appended claims.

Having now described my invention, what I claim is:

1. A facsimile transmitter comprising a scanning drum and a scanner head, means for rotat- I82 from stationary gear I34, so that in: the scanning drum at apredetermined a means for moving the scanner head in one direction at a relatively slow rate-of speed along the scanning drum in a direction parallel to the axis of .rotation of the scanning drum thereby to scan a predetermined distance along the drum, means for moving the scanner head in the opposite direction at a relatively fast rate of speed after the scanner head has moved a predetermined distance in said one direction, adjustable mechanical means-for determiningthe distance scanned'along the drum, means for repeating the scanningoperation a predetermined adjustable number of times, and means for discontinuing .the scanning operation after the predetermined number of scanning operations have been performed.

2. A facsimile transmitter comprising a scanning drum and a scanner head, means for rotatingthe scanning drum at a predetermined speed, means for moving the scanner head in one direction at a relatively slow rate of speed along the scanning .drum in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the scanning drum thereby to scan a predetermined distance, along the drum, means .for moving the scanner head in the opposite direction at a relatively fast rate of speed after the scanner head has moved a predetermined distance in said one direction, means for repeating the scanning operation'a predetermined adiust of the scanner head being along the scanning means for moving the scanner head in one direction at a relatively slow rate of speed coming the scanning drum at a predetermined speed,

mensurate with the speed of rotationoi the scanning drum, the direction of movement of. the

' scanner head being parallel to the axis of rotation of the scanning drum to thereby scan a predetermined distance along the drum, means for moving the scanner head in the opposite direc:

tion' at a relatively fast rate of speed after the scanner head has moved a predetermined dis tance in said one direction, and adjustable me chanical means for determining the distance scanned along the drum. I e

6. A facsimile scanner comprising a scanning drum and a scanner head, means to continuously rotate the scanning drum at a predetermined speed, ratchet means associated with the scanning drum and rotated at a relatively slow speed by said first named means, a cable drum associated with said ratchet means, means to mechanically connect the cabledrum to said continuously rotating ratchet means to thereby rotate the cable drum, means to couple the cable drum to the scanner head to cause the scanner head to move at ,a relatively slow rate of speed in one direction along the scanning in a path parallel-to the axis of rotation of the scanning drum to thereby scan a predetermined distance along the drum, means-to mechanically disconnect the cable drum from the ratchet means, and means associated with said cable drum for moving the scanner head in the opposite direction at awela- 'tively fast rate of speed after the scanner headv has moved a predetermined distance in said one direction. a

drum and in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the scanning drum to thereby scan a predetermined distance along the drum, adjustable mechanical means for determining the distance scanned along the drum, means responsive to the action of said adjustable mechanical means for moving the scanner head in the reverse direction at a relatively fast rate of speed after the scanner head has moved the predetermined dis-- tance in said forward direction, means for repeating the forward and reverse movements of the scanner head a predetermined adjustable :numberof times to repeat the scanning operation,

and means for discontinuing the scanning operation after the predetermined number-of scanning operations have been performed.

4. A facsimile transmitter comprising a scanning drum and a scanner head, means for rotating the scanning drum at a predetermined substantialiy constant speed, means for moving the scanner head in one direction at a substantialLv constant relatively slow rate of speed along the scanning drum in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the scanning drum to thereby scan :a predetermined distance along thedrum, means for moving the scanner head inthe opposite direction at a relatively fast rate of speed after the scanner head has moved a predetermined distance in said one direction. adjustable mechanicafmeans for determining the distance the scanning operation a predetermined adj table number of times. i

7. Apparatus such i as defined in claim 6,"

wherein said means to disconnect the cable drum fromthe ratchet means comprises a trip finger, 5 and means for adjusting the position of the trip finger relative to the cable drum whereby vari- V scanned along the cue adjustable lengths may be scanning drum.

8.v A facsimile scanner comprising a scanning drum and a scanner head, motor means for rotating the scanning drum at a predetermined substantially constant speed, a ratchet wheel,

means to rotate said ratchet wheel at arelatively slow speed by said motor means, a cable drum and paw] positioned to cooperate with said ratchet wheel, means including said pawl for mechanically connecting the cable "drum to said 'rotating ratchet wheel to thereby rotate the cable drum, means for coupling the cable drum to the scanner head to cause the scanner head to move at a relatively slow rate of speed in one direction along the scanning drum in a path parallel to the axis of rotation of the scanning drum to thereby scan a predetermined distance alonl the drum, means to operate said pawl to mechanscanned along the drum, and means for repeating v ically disconnect the cable drum from the ratchet wheel, and means associated with said cable drum for moving the scanner head in the oppositedirectionat a relatively fast rate-of speed after the scanner head has moved a predetermined distancein said one direction.

9. Apparatus such as deiined in claim 8, where in said means to operate said pawl to mechanically disconnect the cable drum from the ratchet wheel. comprises a trip finger, and means to ad- Just the position of the trip finger relative to the cable drum whereby the pawl may be operated i Q 5. A facsimile transmitter comprising a scan- -ning,drum and a scanner head, means for rotatdrum and a scanner head, motor means for rotating the scanning drum at a substantially constant speed, a ratchet'wheel, means to continuously rotate said ratchet wheel at a relatively slow speed by said motor means, a cable drum associated with said ratchet wheel, a pawl for mechanically connecting the cable drum to said continuously rotating ratchet wheel to thereby rotate the cable drum, a cable to connect the cable drum to the scanner head to cause the scanner head to move in a forward direction at a relatively slow rate of speed along the scanning I drum when the cable drum is rotated by the ratchet wheel to thereby scan a predetermined distance along the drum, means to operate the pawl to mechanically connect the cable drum to the ratchet wheel, means to operate the pawl' to mechanically disconnect thecable drum from the continuously rotating ratchet wheel, and a spring means associated with said cable drum for moving the cable drum and scanner head in the reverse direction at a relatively fast rate of speed after the cable drum and ratchet wheel have been I mechanically disconnected. I

11. Apparatus such as defined in claim '10, wherein said means to operate the pawl to mechanically disconnect the cable drum-from the ratchet wheel comprises a trip finger positioned in the path of movement of the pawl, and means to adjust the position of the trip finger relative to the path of movement of the pawl whereby any predetermined distance may be scanned along the scanning drum..

12. A facsimile scanner comprising a scanning drum and a scanner head, a clutch mechanism associated with the scanning drum, driving means for continuously rotating the clutch mechanism at a predetermined:relatively high rate of speed, ratchet means mechanically connected to said driving. means and continuously rotated thereby at a relatively slow rate of speed as compared to the speed of rotation of the clutch mech-,

anism, a drum and pawl positioned to cooperate with said ratchet means, means associated with said drum and connected to the scanner head for moving the scanner head in one direction or another depending upon the direction of rotation of said drum, means for causing engagement of the pawl with the ratchet means to thereby rotate said drum in one direction to move the scanner head in a forward direction at a relatively slow rate of speed along a path parallel to the axis 'of rotation of the scanning drum to thereby produce a scanning operation, a trip finger positioned to cooperate with the pawl so that after said drum has been rotated'through a predetermined angle by the ratchet means the pawl will engage the trip finger to mechanically disengage said drum from the rotating ratchet means, means for adjusting the position of the trip finger to alter the angle through which the drum is permitted to rotate so that different ad- .head to an initial starting position when said drum is mechanically disengaged from the ratchet means, means for governing the rate of return of the scanner headto the initial starting position, and means to cooperate with said pawl to re-engage the drum with the ratchet means as defined in claim 12, said pawl to re-engage the drum with the ratchet means includes a counter mechanism for counting the number of complete scanning cycles, and means for. preventing re-engageme'nt of the drum with the ratchet means after a predetermined number of scanning cycles have been performed.

14. A facsimile scanner comprising a 80211-3 ning drum and a, scanner head, a clutch mechanism associated with the scanning drum, driving means for continuously rotating the clutch mechanism at a predetermined relatively high rate of speed, ratchet means mechanically connected to said driving means and continuously rotated thereby at a relatively slow rate of speed as compared to the speed of rotation of the clutch mechanism, a cable drum and pawl positioned to cooperate. with said ratchet means, means associated with the cable drum and connected to the scanner head for movingthe scanner head in one direction or another depending upon thedirection of rotation of the cable drum,

- means for causing engagement of the pawl with the ratchet means to thereby rotate the cable drum and pawl in one direction to move the scanner head in a forward direction at a relatively slow rate of speed to thereby produce a .scanning operation, a normally stationary trip finger positioned to cooperate with the pawl so that after the cable drum has been rotated through a predetermined angle by the ratchet means the pawl will engagethe trip finger to mechanically disengage the pawl from the retating ratchet means, means associated with the cable drum for rotating the cable drum in the opposite direction and for returning the scanner head to an initial starting point when the pawl is mechanically disengaged from the ratchet means, and means to re-engage the pawl with the ratchet means when the scanner head has returned to its initial starting point.

15. Apparatus such as defined in claim 14, wherein said means to re-engage the pawl vwith the ratchet means includes a counter mechanism for counting the number of complete scanning cycles. and means for preventing re-engagement of the pawl with the ratchet means after a predetermined number of scanning cycles have been performed. i

'- justable distances along the scanning drum may V ning drum and a scanner head, a clutch mechanism associated with the scanning drum, motor means for continuously rotating the clutch mechanism at a predetermined relatively high rate of speed, a ratchet wheel mechanically connected to said driving means and rotated at a relatively slow rate of speed as compared to the speed of rotation of the clutch mechanism, a

cable drum and pawl arranged to cooperate with said ratchet wheel, meansassociated with the cable drum and connected to the scanner head for moving-the scanner head in one direction or another depending upon the direction of rotation of the cable drum, means to engage the pawl with the ratchet wheel to thereby rotate the cable drum in one direction to move the scanner head in a forward direction at a rela tively slow rate of speed to thereby perform a scanning operation, a trip finger positioned to engage the pawl after the cable drum has rotated through a predetermined angle to disenease the pawl from the rotating ratchet wheel. 1"v

means to adjust the position of the trip finger to alter the angle through which the drum is permitted to rotate so that difierent adjustable distances along the scanning drum may be scanned, and means associated with the cable drum for rotating the cable drum in the opposite direction and for returning the scanner head to an initial starting pointwhen the pawl is mechanically disengaged from the rotating ratchet wheel.

17. Apparatus such as defined in claim 16, wherein said means to engage the pawl with the ratchet wheel includes a counter mechanism for counting the number of complete scannin cycles. 18. A facsimile scanner comprising a. longitudinally movable scanner head, a ratchet wheel, driving means to continuously rotate said ratchet wheel at a relatively slow rate of-speed, a cable drum and pawl positioned to cooperate with said ratchet wheel, means associated with the cable drum and connected to the scanner head formoving the scanner headin one direction or another depending upon the direction of rotation of the cable drum, means for causing engagement of the pawl with the ratchet wheel to altering the position of the trip finger to vary the angle through which the drum is permitted to rotate before the pawl contacts the trip finger so that different distances may be traversed by the scanner head, means associated with the cable drum for rotating the cable drum in the opposite direction and for returning the scanner head to an initial starting pointwhen the pawl and cable drum are mechanically disengaged from the rotating ratchet wheel, and means for.

re-engaging the pawl with the ratchet wheel when the scanner head has returned to its initial starting point.

19. Apparatus such as defined in claim 18,

wherein said means for re-engaging the pawl thereby rotate the cable drum, means for coupling the cable drum to the scanner head to cause the scanner head to move longitudinally in one direction at a relatively slow rate of speed to thereby perform a scanning operation, means to mechanically disconnect the pawl and cable drum from the ratchet wheel after the scanner head has moved a predetermined distance in saidone direction, and means associated with said cable drum for moving the scanner head in the opposite direction at a relatively fast rate of speed after the pawl and cable drum have been disconnected from the ratchet wheel.

ALBERT BLAIN.

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