In a photoreceptor method and assembly for a photocopy apparatus of the type employing a flexible endless photoreceptor belt, a shuttle mechanism is located between the imaging and processing stations of the photocopy apparatus which simultaneously stores and dispenses portions of the photoreceptor belt to enable the photoreceptor belt to be stopped at the imaging station during imaging and then rapidly removed from that station at high velocity after imaging is completed, while the velocity of the photoreceptor belt at the processing station may be maintained substantially constant.