Master processing apparatus with ejector mechanism

A handheld master processing system comprising:

• a frame of a size and configuration to be held in one hand of a user;
• first and second feed rolls rotatably mounted within the frame, the feed rolls carrying respective supplies of first and second stock material, at least one of the stock materials having a layer of adhesive disposed thereon;
• a master processing assembly constructed and arranged such that a master can be inserted into the master processing assembly together with the stock materials unwound from their respective feed rolls and disposed on opposing sides of the master;
• the master processing assembly being constructed and arranged to perform a master processing operation, wherein the master processing assembly causes adhesive bonding between the master and the stock materials being fed into a feed side thereof;
• and
• an input tray having a substrate supporting surface pivotally connected to the frame adjacent a feed opening thereof, the input tray selectively moveable between (a) an operative position in which the input tray extends outwardly from the frame and the substrate supporting surface thereof is positioned to support a master in a substantially flat condition as the master is being fed into the master processing assembly, and (b) an inoperative position in which the input tray is positioned in covering relation to the feed opening of the frame.

A master processing system comprising:

• a frame providing a first lock structure;
• a cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body and first and second feed rolls rotatably mounted to the cartridge body, the first and second feed rolls carrying respective supplies of first and second stock material, at least one of the stock materials having a layer of adhesive disposed thereon, the cartridge body providing a second lock structure and being mountable to the frame such that the first and second lock structures engage with one another to releasably secure the cartridge assembly to the frame;
• a master processing assembly constructed and arranged such that a master can be inserted into the master processing assembly together with the stock materials unwound from their respective feed rolls and disposed on opposing sides of the master;
• the master processing assembly being constructed and arranged to perform a master processing operation, wherein the master processing assembly causes adhesive bonding between the master and the stock materials being fed therein;
• and
• a manually engagable pusher member constructed and arranged to disengage the first and second lock structures to release the cartridge assembly from the frame.