Document feeding apparatus and latching mechanism

Abstract

An apparatus for feeding individual sheets over a support surface such as a transparent viewing platen. The apparatus includes means for feeding the sheets wherein the feeding means is movable between an operable position over the surface and an inoperable position off of the surface. Latching means are provided for locking the feeding means in the operable position. Actuating means are provided for moving the feeding means between the operable and the inoperable positions, and for locking and unlocking the latching means. Means are provided operatively associated with the latching means and the actuating means for unlocking the latching means prior to movement of the document feeder off the surface. The unlocking means preferably comprises a lost motion device. A reproducing machine including the above-noted feeding apparatus is also provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.