Patent ID: RE40677

Claim:
A facsimile machine comprising: a printer unit for printing out data having a predetermined format; and interface means, coupled to said printer unit, for converting facsimile image data into recording data having a format in which said printer unit can input the recording data, and for supplying the recording data to said printer unit, wherein said printer unit comprises: a printing portion for printing recording data; and data supply control means, coupled to said interface means and said printer portion, for supplying the recording data from said interface means to said printing portion at predetermined printing intervals , wherein said data supply control means comprises: input means for inputting a predetermined character data at the predetermined printing intervals; gate means for gating the recording data from said interface means so that the recording data is supplied to said printing portion when the predetermined character data is supplied thereto from said input means; and signal output means for outputting a control signal when said input means inputs the predetermined character data, the control signal being supplied to said interface means, and said interface means supplying the recording data to said printer unit every time said interface means receives the control signal .