Merging of information in a copier-printer system

Abstract

Non-coded and coded information are merged in a copier-printer system by copying the non-coded information onto one or more sheets of paper during a first pass of the sheets of paper through the system and thereafter selecting the sheets of paper with the non-coded information copied thereon from the secondary or duplex paper trays of the system for a second pass through the system during which coded information may be printed on the sheets of paper. Selection of the sheets of paper having non-coded information copied thereon is integrated with sheets of paper from the primary tray which are to contain exclusively coded information. Copying of the non-coded information and printing of the coded information is carried out under the control of mag cards indicating the pages and page locations within a given document where the non-coded information is to be copied and in some cases containing coded information to be integrated with the non-coded information. In one method, non-coded information is copied on sheets of paper which are then electronically collated and inverted before being removed as a stack from the exit tray and placed upside down in the secondary tray for subsequent integration with sheets from the primary tray as coded information is printed. In an alternative method, the sheets of paper having non-coded information copied thereon are collected in the duplex tray with each sheet then being cycled through the system without copying or printing thereon so as to be inverted upon return to the duplex tray in preparation for printing of coded information. In a further alternative method, sheets of paper onto which the non-coded information has been copied are removed from the exit tray and thereafter selected from the secondary tray to make a complete set of copies which is thereafter used as originals to make further sets of copies.