Combined reader-printer

A combined reader-printer apparatus operable in two different, reader and printer modes one at a time for projecting an optical image of an original onto a viewing screen and reproducing the optical image of the original on a photosensitive medium, which comprises, in combination:

• an image forming means for forming the optical image of the original irrespective of the mode in which the apparatus is set to operate;
• first and second reflectors;
• a carriage carrying the first and second reflectors in spaced relation to each other, said first and second reflectors being so arranged and so supported thereby that, when the apparatus is set to operate in the printer mode, the optical image can be guided from the image forming means onto the photosensitive medium after having been reflected by the first reflector and then by the second reflector;
• a guide means for supporting the carriage for scanning movement between start and scanned positions in a direction parallel to an imaginary line drawn between the first and second reflectors;
• means for holding the carriage at a normal position when and so long as the apparatus is set to operate in the reader mode;
• a pivotable reflector supported for pivotal movement between first and second positions, said pivotable reflector when in the first position intercepting an optical path between the first and second reflectors for guiding the optical image, which has been reflected by the first reflector, towards the viewing screen, said pivotable reflector when in the second position being clear from the optical path between the first and second reflectors and also from the path of movement of the carriage, said pivotable reflector being set in the first and second positions respectively when the apparatus is in the reader and printer modes;
• and
• means operable when the apparatus is in the printer mode for driving the carriage reciprocately between the start and scanned positions.