Diazo photocopy machine with automatic sheet separator

A copy machine for making a copy of an original tracing comprising:

• a source of light sensitized copy paper;
• exposure means disposed substantially directly below said paper source and having a sheet receiving entrance and a sheet outputting exit, said exposure means being adapted for light imaging said copy paper in accordance with said original tracing;
• feed means responsive to the insertion of said original tracing automatically supplying the copy paper and the original tracing in superimposed relation to the sheet receiving entrance of said exposure means and with the leading edge of said copy paper advanced relative to the leading edge of the original tracing by a programmable amount, said superimposed sheets also being provided at the exit of said exposure means with the leading edge of the copy paper advanced relative to the leading edge of the original tracing;
• sensing means for developing a control signal in response to the detection of said copy paper or original tracing at the exit of said exposure means;
• separating means comprising roller means receiving said superimposed sheets from the exit of said exposure means, said roller means temporarily assuming a non-rotating mode in response to said control signal for directing the copy paper along a downward path to a developer and the original tracing along an exit path out of the front of said machine, said roller means thereafter initiating rotation in a first direction for feeding the copy paper and original tracing along said downward and exit paths respectively;
• and
• second sensing means for developing a second control signal in response to the absence of said original tracing along said exit path after exiting said exposure means, said roller means being responsive to said second control signal for reversing its direction of rotation for redirecting both said copy paper and said original tracking from said downward path to said exit path.