Patent ID: 7347637
Filing Date: 2008-03-25
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A hybrid paper supply module comprising: at least one automatic-feed cassette mechanism units for containing one or more recording media for recording an image at least one image forming unit of at least one image forming apparatus at least one manual-feed mechanism units permitting the placement therein or thereon of one or more of said recording media by one or more users; wherein said at least one automatic-feed cassette mechanism unit and said at least one manual-feed mechanism unit comprises a single module; and further comprises, at least one common feed mechanism selectively permitting one or more of said recording media to be fed from either at said at least one of the automatic-feed cassette mechanism unit or said at least one manual-feed mechanism unit; said at least one common feed mechanism being arranged so as to permit switching between, a first transport mode wherein one or more of said recording media is fed from said at least one automatic-feed cassette mechanism unit and is transported to-said at least one of the image forming unit, a second transport mode wherein one or more of said recording media is fed up from said at least one manual-feed mechanism unit and is transported to said at least one of the image forming unit, and a third transport mode wherein one or more of said recording media id fed from said at least one manual-feed mechanism unit and is delivered to said at least one automatic-feed cassette mechanism unit.