Hybrid paper supply module and image forming apparatus equipped with such hybrid paper supply module

A hybrid paper supply module comprising:

• at least one automatic-feed cassette mechanism units for containing one or more recording media for recording an image at least one image forming unit of at least one image forming apparatus
• at least one manual-feed mechanism units permitting the placement therein or thereon of one or more of said recording media by one or more users;
• wherein said at least one automatic-feed cassette mechanism unit and said at least one manual-feed mechanism unit comprises a single module;
• and further comprises,
• at least one common feed mechanism selectively permitting one or more of said recording media to be fed from either at said at least one of the automatic-feed cassette mechanism unit or said at least one manual-feed mechanism unit;
• said at least one common feed mechanism being arranged so as to permit switching between,
• a first transport mode wherein one or more of said recording media is fed from said at least one automatic-feed cassette mechanism unit and is transported to-said at least one of the image forming unit,
• a second transport mode wherein one or more of said recording media is fed up from said at least one manual-feed mechanism unit and is transported to said at least one of the image forming unit, and
• a third transport mode wherein one or more of said recording media id fed from said at least one manual-feed mechanism unit and is delivered to said at least one automatic-feed cassette mechanism unit.