Copying machine

A xerographic copying machine (100) has a circulating endless belt photoreceptor (1). A toner image is transferred from the photoreceptor (1) to a copy sheet (26) at the transfer region (5). The sheet (26) is fed to the transfer region (5) by a pair of coacting rolls (26) driven by a variable speed stepper motor. The rolls (26) feed the leading portion of the copy sheet at approximately the same speed as the photoreceptor. When the copy sheet (26) contacts the photoreceptor (1) the feed rolls (26) are driven at a faster speed for a short interval to generate a buckle (B) in the copy sheet just before the transfer region. The speed of the feed rolls (26) is then returned to its initial value so that the buckle size remains constant while the remainder of the sheet is fed. The buckle (B) provides sufficient surplus in the copy sheet to prevent it being pulled taut in the transfer region (5). This prevents smearing the unfused toner image. Also, the buckle (B) bears against the concave guide surface of guide member (18) which acts to stiffen the copy sheet in the process direction at the transfer station. this helps to reduce the tendency for any post-transfer lead-edge "shocks" from propagating back to the transfer station which can also cause image smear.