Document feeder with positive document removal from imaging platen

Abstract

A document reproduction system with a first large imaging platen on which documents are scanned by moving an imaging system thereunder, and an automatic document feeding system (ADF) for sequentially feeding documents to a directly adjacent smaller second (removable) imaging platen where the same imaging system may be stationarily positioned. A recess is provided between the opposing edges of the first and second platens extending substantially below their upper surface. The ADF has a document lead edge member extendable down into this recess to positively catch and deflect documents away from the upper surface of the second platen after the documents have been moved over this surface and imaged. The first and second platens are abutting at their lower surfaces, below the notch, to define a contiguous lower surface. The recess may be formed by an inclined beveled end of the first platen. The imaging station is preferably not centrally of the second platen, and the second platen reversible, to change the position of the imaging station thereon. The first and second imaging platens have coplanar upper and lower surfaces and are comonly mounted. The ADF has two trays which overlie the first platen and one another.