Sprocket drive and stripper arrangement for computer form feeder

Abstract

A sprocket drive device for a computer form feeder for transporting a computer printout web having predeterminedly spaced apertures along the edges thereof along the upper and lower surfaces and about a free end of a copyboard overlying the copy platen of a copying machine, including a pin chain assembly mounted on spaced driven sprocket and idler wheels. The pin chain assembly includes a plurality of predeterminedly spaced pins extending therefrom for receipt in the spaced apertures of the web. The pins travel along an endless path between the wheels spaced from the upper and lower surfaces of the copyboard, respectively. A guide and stripper member is provided on the sprocket drive for guiding the web from the pins to the copyboard surface and vice-versa while avoiding the tearing of the web material about the apertures. The guide and stripper member includes upper and lower central portions extending between the wheels for guiding the web along upper and lower planes passing through the base of the pins. End guide portions are provided which are inclined predeterminedly between the central portions and a corresponding copyboard surface spaced from said central portion to lift the web off the pins as the web is moved from the sprocket device to the copyboard and to guide the web onto the pins as the web is moved from a copyboard surface to the sprocket device. A roller is provided at the free end of the copyboard about which the web passes is mounted for movement toward and away from the end of the copyboard. Switch actuator means engaged by the roller as it is moved toward the free end of the copyboard due to the slackening in the web engages the armature of the switch mounted adjacent thereto in response to the movement of the roller toward the free end of the copyboard.