Abstract: A device (I) for separating an uppermost sheet (S1) from a supply stack (S), for the purpose of grasping the separated uppermost sheet and feeding it, wherein air blowers (3.1) for spreading apart several sheets of an upper sheet stack area (SR) and air blowers (3.2) for separating the uppermost sheet (S1) and holding back an adhering sheet (S2), are located downstream in front of the supply stack and transverse to a sheet transport path (42), and wherein air jets with different pressures, directions, and diameters may be generated by the air blowers (3.1; 3.2) supplied from an air pressure source (6) with at least one air nozzle (31) located in the area of a center line (Y, Z) of the stack (2) and the transport path (42) and with several air nozzles (32) located on both sides of the center line.

Abstract: A method of separating a sheet of print media from a stack of sheets, the sheets being porous, includes blowing fluid on to a top surface of a topmost sheet of the print media on the stack so that the fluid passes through at least the topmost sheet of the stack and capturing at least a part of the topmost sheet for conveyance to a printing station of a printer.

Abstract: A sheet feeding method for plate-shaped members is disclosed. In a sucker unit, suction nozzles are move down from respective original positions toward a bottom plate of a cassette at a fixed speed, and time t1 until the bottom plate is detected by a contact sensor, and an amount by which the suction nozzles move, &Dgr;y, until the suction nozzles suction adhere to the bottom plate after the bottom plate is detected by the contact sensor are measured. Subsequently, separation positions of the suction nozzles with respect to the original positions are set based on an interval between the bottom plate of the cassette and separation plates, and an interval required by the photopolymer plate being bent between the suction nozzles and the separation plates at an appropriate curvature. Based on the result of the setting, the photopolymer plate is reliably taken out from the cassette.

Abstract: A vacuum system is provided including a vacuum source and plurality of suction cups coupled to the vacuum source, wherein at least one of the suction cups is coupled to the vacuum source using a non-constricted fitting, and wherein at least one of the suction cups is coupled to vacuum source using a fixed orifice fitting. The vacuum system is configured to pick a top printing plate from the stack of printing plates, such that each suction cup coupled to the vacuum source using a non-constricted fitting is configured to always engage the top printing plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a sheet of print media from a stack of porous sheets includes a sheet conveyor for conveying a topmost sheet of print media which has been separated from the stack to a printing station of a printer. A separator is associated with the sheet conveyor for separating the sheet of print media from the stack. The separator includes a fluid delivery arrangement for blowing fluid on to a top surface of the stack for effecting separation of the topmost sheet of print media from the stack. A capturing arrangement is carried by the sheet conveyor for capturing at least a part of the topmost sheet and for facilitating conveyance of the topmost sheet by the sheet conveyor to the printing station.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a flat product from a pile of flat products includes a sucker mechanism. The sucker mechanism has a sucker cup, a sucker tube and a vacuum device for generating a vacuum. The sucker tube has a first and second end, the sucker cup being coupled to the sucker tube at the first end of the sucker tube and the vacuum device being coupled to the sucker tube at the second end of the sucker tube. The second end of the sucker tube is movable arranged in the vacuum device so as to vary the sucker stroke of the sucker cup.

Abstract: A method of operating a vacuum corrugated belt feeder, which may or may not have a positive air pressure separator, during non-feed cycle time. “The result being” to separate a sheet from a sheet supply stack, which method comprises agitating the top sheets in the stack by actuating the vacuum and/or the positive air pressure separator during non-feed cycle time.

Abstract: A handling device is proposed, in particular for handling boards and foils, with a number of suction grippers located in a plane. A suction plate (10) is provided which is made of a porous material or sintered material and a suction pressure can be applied to said suction plate, where said suction plate is equipped with openings (19) permitting passage of the suction grippers (18). In addition, positioning means (23) are provided so that in a first position setting, the suction grippers (18) extend past the suction surface (15) of the suction plate (10) and so that in a second position setting, the suction grippers (18) are set back into the openings (19) in such a manner that they no longer extend past the suction surface (15) of the suction plate (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for separation and application of thin objects of a non-porous material or of a material of low porosity on a surface. The invention also relates to a package for the thin objects. With the aid of a pick up and lay down head on an application means a vacuum is applied on a part, preferably the middle, of the uppermost object in a stack of thin objects being in a recess of a package. The recess of the package for receiving the objects is at least areawise somewhat smaller than the exterior dimensions of the objects. With the aid of vacuum in the pick up and lay down head the uppermost object is lifted out of the package. The underlying objects in the stack remain in the package by the friction and scrape effects towards the interior walls of the package. Then the pick up and lay down head of the application means is lowered down so that the object is brought into contact with the surface.

Abstract: A tagging apparatus for placing tags into a container includes a support surface for holding at least one container, a tag insert assembly frame, a tag holder, and a tag handler mounted to the tag insert assembly frame. The tag handler includes an arm and a guide. The arm is configured for reciprocal movement between a first position in which the arm is positioned for grabbing a tag from the tag holder and a second position in which the arm is positioned for inserting the tag into a container supported on the support surface. The guide provides lateral support to the arm when the arm is moved between its first and second positions and, further, defines a path of movement for the arm between its first and second positions. The tagging apparatus also includes a driver for moving the arm between its first and second positions.

Abstract: An automated tool that can handle a sheet. The tool may include a flexible membrane that is attached to a frame. The flexible membrane may include a vacuum opening that is adapted to pull the sheet into the membrane. The vacuum opening may pull the outer edges of the sheet out of a tray when the membrane is deflected to a flat position. The tool may then move away from the tray wherein the outer edges of the membrane and sheet are pulled from an adjacent sheet. This effectively “peels” the sheet out of the tray.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus for feeding a compilation of sheets in a process direction to a process station, including: a sheet tray for holding the compilation of sheets; an air plenum, positioned above the compilation of sheets, the plenum including a corrugated surface having a first set of ribs at a first height and a second set of ribs at a second height; and a blower for generating a vacuum force in the air plenum to drive one of the compilation of sheets into contact with the corrugated surface.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus for feeding a compilation of sheets to a process station, including: a sheet tray for holding the compilation of sheets; an air plenum, positioned above the compilation of sheets, the air plenum including an outer perimeter, a seal around said outer perimeter and a blower for generating a vacuum force in the air plenum to drive one of the compilation of sheets into contact with the air plenum and the seal.

Abstract: A sheet feeding method for plate-shaped members is disclosed. In a sucker unit, suction nozzles are move down from respective original positions toward a bottom plate of a cassette at a fixed speed, and time t1 until the bottom plate is detected by a contact sensor, and an amount by which the suction nozzles move, &Dgr;y, until the suction nozzles suction adhere to the bottom plate after the bottom plate is detected by the contact sensor are measured. Subsequently, separation positions of the suction nozzles with respect to the original positions are set based on an interval between the bottom plate of the cassette and separation plates, and an interval required by the photopolymer plate being bent between the suction nozzles and the separation plates at an appropriate curvature. Based on the result of the setting, the photopolymer plate is reliably taken out from the cassette.

Abstract: A feeder device for removing folded or unfolded signatures from a stack of signatures in an adjacent signature magazine and feeding a production line with the signatures. The device includes a conveying rotor having an approximately circular circumference and being rotatable in a conveying direction. The conveying rotor includes a recess at the approximately circular circumference for holding a front edge, in the conveying direction, of a printed product removed from the stack of signatures. A conveying belt partially rests against the circumference of the conveying rotor, and is drivable in the same direction as the conveying rotor, and together with the conveying rotor forms a conveying gap through which the signatures are conveyed to the processing line. At least one synchronously driven separating element includes a control device comprising a pivotal control shaft arranged parallel to the rotational axis of the conveying rotor.

Abstract: The apparatus for separating a flat product from a pile of flat products, has a sucker mechanism with an upper and a lower part. The upper part is connected to a first link joint of a central lever and the lower part is connected to a second link joint of the central lever. The central lever is rotatable about an axis which extends through the central lever. The axis is movable along the central lever, in order to change the position of the pivot point of the central lever.

Abstract: A film supply system for use within a photosensitive film imager. The film supply system includes a cartridge receiving apparatus and a film pick-up mechanism. The cartridge receiving apparatus includes a tray, a guide frame and an elevator mechanism. The guide frame is configured to be disposed within an imager housing. The tray includes a floor and extending walls for maintaining a film cartridge and is pivotably received by the guide frame. The tray further defines a cartridge insertion passage and moves between an elevated position and a retracted position relative to the guide frame. In the elevated position, the cartridge insertion passage is normal to a film travel path of the imager. Finally, the elevator mechanism is disposed within the imager housing and drives the tray between the elevated position and the retracted position. The film pick-up mechanism includes a retention frame, a drive frame, a drive means, a heel plate, and a cup plate.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus has a sheet supporting device for supporting a plurality of sheets, a sheet absorb device for absorbing by air suction the uppermost of the sheets, and a convey device for conveying the absorbed sheet. A contact preventing air blowing device injects air between the uppermost sheet absorbed by the sheet absorb device and the next sheet to keep the next sheet from being conveyed while the absorbed sheet is being conveyed, and an air adjusting device increases or decreases an amount of air injected from the contact preventing air blowing device during conveyance of the sheet.

Abstract: A flexible sheet to which manufacturing processes are to be applied is tensioned within a carrying fixture having tacky surfaces to which the flexible sheet is fastened. One version of the fixture includes an "L"-shaped attachment surface on a frame member and two tensioning members deflected toward the frame member in mutually perpendicular directions. When the flexible sheet has been fastened to the carrying fixture, the tensioning members are allowed to return toward their undeflected positions while applying tensioning forces to the flexible sheet. Another version of the fixture includes "L"-shaped attachment surfaces on both a frame member and a tensioning member. A loading station includes a stack of unprocessed flexible sheets, a fixture for deflecting tensioning member(s) within the carrying fixture, and a robot arm moving a transport fixture capable of carrying a flexible sheet and a carrying fixture.

Abstract: A recording/reading apparatus includes a recording/reading device for recording or reading information on sheets, a suction cup for picking up an object by suction, with the suction cup having an air outlet hole, a container having an inner space that is closed except for an opening for connection with the air outlet hole. The container has a flexible portion, and the volume of the inner space is variable through deformation of the flexible portion. Also provided is a driving device for deformation-driving of the container and a hollow member for connecting the opening for connection with the air outlet hole of the suction cup.

Abstract: A sheet supply device of a sheet-fed machine, in particular a printing press, includes a sheet guide element that is adjustable lengthwise and crosswise to a sheet format. Strips that guide the top leading region of a sheet rising on an air cushion extend above a sheet stack downward from a suction head at an incline relative to the surroundings toward a transfer point to the sheet-fed machine. The bands are rolled up onto winding rollers that are acted upon by a restoring force, so that the bands are kept wound or are always kept under tension. In another version, the bands are constructed as elastic bands. At sides of the transfer point, outer bands are mounted on a lateral stack stop and inner bands are mounted on mounts which are adjustable crosswise of the sheets. When the suction head and the lateral stack stops are adjusted, the bands shorten or lengthen in accordance with the adjustment, so that for each format the sheet is guided over its full width.

Abstract: A flat heald drawing method and apparatus that draws an arbitrary flat heald out of a number of stacked flat healds. To the method a drawing pin of a magnetic head is inserted into a guide hole of a front-side ring portion of the lowermost flat heald while the flat healds are vertically stacked. The front-side ring portion of the lowermost flat heald is magnetically attracted to a tip end portion of the magnetic head. The magnetic head is moved horizontally, drawing the lowermost flat heald while hooking the flat heald on the drawing pin. The apparatus includes a magnetic head is located below a guide hole of a front-side ring portion of the lowermost flat heald and a drawing pin which is extended from a tip end face of the magnetic head. The draw pin is inserted into the guide hole of the front-side ring portion of the lowermost flat heald. A driving device holds the magnetic head and moves the magnetic head horizontally.

Abstract: The primary function of the optional handler is to make plates available on demand to the imaging engine. A multitude of plates are stored inside cassettes and these cassettes are loaded into the handler. There may be up to four cassettes residing in the handler. Inside a cassette there may be a protective interleaf sheet, sometimes called a slip sheet, between each plate which is removed by the handler and discarded. The handler receives commands from the engine control sequencer which provides instructions as to what cassette needs to be accessed to make a plate available to the picker mechanism so the plate may be conveyed to the imaging engine. Conversely the handler provides status information to the engine to make full interaction with the system possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transferring thin sheet material which comprises: a face, a spine which is positioned adjacent to the face, a plurality of ribs which radiate away from the spine and are used to support the face, an apparatus for connecting the device to a machine arm, and a mechanism for providing vacuum over a substantial portion of a thin sheet material, wherein the face is configured in the same shape as the thin sheet material.

Abstract: Photographic film sheet picking-up device in a feeding apparatus for feeding such sheets from a station containing at least one sheet to a following station, such as a transport or processing station where the film sheets are to be processed one at a time, wherein such sheet picking-up device comprises rubber suction cups containing at least one antistatic compound selected within the group consisting of a) a metal salt selected within the group consisting of perfluoroalkylsulfonylmethide compounds and perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide compounds, b) a perfluoroalkyl(ene)polyoxyethylene non-ionic type surfactant, c) a modified polyoxyethylenepolysiloxane type surfactant, and a mixture of such compounds.

Abstract: A paper feeding apparatus of uncomplicated structure which can be easily controlled and does not require the necessity of a large motor is implemented at low cost without undergoing the lowering of an attracting force, air leakage and paper contamination. To the outer circumferential surface of a drum-shaped cylinder with air holes are attached, ring-shaped collar having respective air holes and following conveyance elements. The cylinder is inserted through the ring-shaped collars and the following conveyance elements. Each following conveyance element includes a bearing covered with a cover to prevent paper contamination. The bearing is secured to the cylinder by the securing action of the collars.

Abstract: In sheet separating apparatus suitable for use in an automated teller machine (ATM), sheets, such as banknotes, are removed singly from a stack (14) using reduced pressure derived from a vacuum pump (86). An air filter (72) is provided in the vacuum supply line (16) from the vacuum pump (86). A pressure sensor (68) senses the pressure in the vacuum supply line (16) and when this rises to a threshold value, causes the vacuum pump to supply reverse air flow through the air filter (72) to transport any dust particles impeding the operation of the air filter (72) to a dust collection container (106).

Abstract: A ceramic green sheet for a laminated ceramic capacitor is formed on an upper surface of a carrier film and carried onto a surface plate while maintaining adhesion between the carrier film and the ceramic green sheet. Thereafter a cutting line having a closed outline is defined in the ceramic green sheet and a sheet cut enclosed by the cutting line is taken out by a pickup apparatus having a punching edge in its periphery and provided with a suction head in a portion enclosed by the punching edge.

Abstract: An exposed and developed photographic film is moved through a copying machine between a fixedly mounted lower guide member and an upper guide member which is movable up and down away from and toward the lower guide member. The confronting surfaces of the guide members have raised portions which surround registering windows of the guide members and engage a film all the way around a film frame which is aligned with the windows when the film is brought to a halt. Once the imaging of the frame which is aligned with the windows is completed, several springs lift the upper guide member, and ports in the raised portions of the confronting surfaces discharge jets of compressed air which cause the film to levitate between the two guide members during advancement of the next film frame to a position of alignment with the windows. This reduces the likelihood of scratching of and/or other damage to the film during transport.

Abstract: By means of a lever mechanism a suction head periodically connectable to a vacuum source is moved along a closed orbit between a pick-up point and a delivery point. At the pick-up point the suction head grips the respectively uppermost product in a stack and brings it to the delivery point, at which the product is released. The drive shaft of the lever mechanism is driven by a drive device at a varying speed in such a manner that the suction head is moved along its movement path at a speed which is minimal in the region of the pick-up point during the carrying along of a product immediately after it has been gripped, and then increases. Faultless gripping of the printing products is thereby achieved and the next printing product is prevented from being carried off with it by the action of suction.The drive device may be an intermediate or superimposition transmission unit which is driven at constant speed of rotation on by a drive motor and which for example is in the form of a rotating slider crank.

Abstract: A paper feed suction apparatus includes a cylindrical guide nozzle, a cylindrical intermediate nozzle with a collar, a tension coil spring, a bottomed-cylindrical suction port member, a compression coil spring, and a stopper. The cylindrical intermediate nozzle is supported on a frame side and has an inner hole connected to an air source. The cylindrical intermediate nozzle with the collar is fitted on an outer circumferential surface of the guide nozzle to be vertically movable. The tension coil spring has an upper end portion fixed on the guide nozzle side and a lower end portion fixed on the intermediate nozzle side, and biases the intermediate nozzle upward. The bottomed-cylindrical suction port member is fitted on an outer circumferential surface of the intermediate nozzle to be vertically movable and has a suction hole in its lower end face. The compression coil spring is interposed between the suction port member and the guide nozzle, and biases the suction port member downward.

Abstract: A printed sheet monitoring assembly utilizes a suction box with a planar lower suction surface to hold a printed sheet to be monitored in a crease-free manner. An area array image sensor is positioned beneath the suction box and is actuated by a trigger device to scan the printed sheet. The sheet grippers on an endless conveying chain are arranged on the chain to be in vertical alignment during scanning of the printed sheet.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device for picking up and feeding sheets accommodated in an accommodating portion by movable suction disks. The accommodating portion has concave portion on the bottom so that the suction disks are inserted thereto and retracted therefrom, and a cleaning member is arranged within the concave portion to clean the suction disks when no sheet is present in the accommodating portion.

Abstract: In a resilient lifting nozzle and tracer bearing for sheet feeders, the upward and downward oscillating movements as well as the resilient pressure of the cam roller against the cam plate are provided by rubber-metal bushings.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating sheets of material. The apparatus includes: a device for supporting adjacent sheets of material; a vacuum cup for acquiring one of the adjacent sheets of material, the vacuum cup having a circumferential inner wall with an opening adjacent the one sheet of material and a circumferential outer wall coaxial with and surrounding but spaced from the inner wall, wherein the inner wall closes the end of the outer wall adjacent the one sheet of material, and wherein the outer wall includes a flexible, corrugated section enabling the outer wall to collapse in the axial direction; and a device to create separate vacuums within the inner wall and the outer wall, wherein the vacuum within the inner wall causes the vacuum cup to acquire the one material sheet and the vacuum within the outer wall causes the cup to collapse and move away from the supporting device to thereby separate the one material sheet from its adjacent sheets.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for holding by suction and conveying, making use of a suction pad for holding a work by suction. The apparatus is characterized in that the suction pad comprises a root part to be connected to a vacuum and suction source and a skirt part provided integrally with the root part, and a cushioning part is provided integrally between the root part and the skirt part.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mechanism for locking the angular movement of a suction pad. The mechanism comprises a tubular body fitted to a root part of the suction pad and having a flange; a cover member attached to a moving assembly for displacing the suction pad; a first bush having a slide resistance lower than the tubular body and fitted to the flange of the tubular body; and a second bush having a slide resistance lower than the cover member and fitted to the inside of the cover member. The first bush and second bush are engaged with each other in such a manner that alternating concavities and convexities of the first bush are meshed with alternating convexities and concavities of the second bush, respectively, whereby the displacement of the suction pad in its axial direction is guided, and the angular movement of the suction pad is prevented.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a suction pad for attracting and holding a work, which comprises a suction base coupled via a connector to a vacuum suction source, a suction skirt integrally provided in continuation with the base, and a vacuum chamber which is defined inside the suction pad and communicates with the inside of the skirt. In addition, the suction pad includes a plurality of smaller-diameter through holes which cause the vacuum chamber to communicate with a suction surface of the skirt, and partition walls for surrounding the through holes. The partition walls define a number of small vacuum chambers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a suction pad for attracting and holding a work, which comprises a suction base coupled to a vacuum suction source, a suction skirt integrally provided in continuation with the base, and a rib provided in a position near a circumferential end of the suction skirt, the rib being brought into contact with the work when the suction pad attracts and holds the work.

Abstract: Apparatus for shifting X-ray films in a magazine wherein films having different sizes form a stack and which as a straight or corner-shaped internal stop for properly oriented films. The apparatus has a frame which is reciprocable toward and away from the magazine and carries two or more pivotable links each of which supports one or more driven wheels movable into frictional engagement at least with the outermost film of the stack to shift the engaged film toward and against the stop. Properly oriented films are withdrawn from the magazine by one or more suction cups which share the movements of the links relative to the magazine. The wheels are rotated by a common prime mover.

Abstract: An apparatus for the fault-free receiving and issue of sheets has guide rollers which are arranged on a carriage and which engage into belts to alter the geometry of the belts when the carriage is displaced on a rail over a stack by means of a drive. In the receiving or issue operation the sheet to be stacked or a top sheet to be issued rolls, without sliding, around one of the outer guide rollers, on the stack. Disposed between the outer guide rollers on a roller shaft are rotatable suction rollers whose suction cap sucks up the top sheet by means of reduced pressure at the beginnning of an issue cycle. A control arrangement is adapted to trigger off apparatus receiving and issue cycles and establishes predetermined positions of the carriage on the rail.

Abstract: A currency note picking apparatus includes pick mechanisms for picking notes from stacks of notes held in associated currency cassettes. Each pick mechanism includes pivotally mounted pick arms connectable via an electrically operated valve to a diaphragm pump which generates, continuously, a reduced pressure. During a relevant pivotal movement, the pick arms of a selected pick mechanism pick part of an end note out of the associated cassette by applying a suction force to this note. A timing disc rotates in synchronism with the pivotal movement of the pick arms, and an associated optical sensor generates timing signals which are indicative of the position of the pick arms relative to the cassette. The timing signals control the operation of the respective valve so as to enable the pump to communicate with the pick arms during the relevant pivotal movement thereof.

Abstract: A cash dispenser unit includes note transport means (74, 78, 86) driven by an electric motor and including first (74) and second (78) sets of rolls which are arranged to grip therebetween a note (18'), partly withdrawn from a currency cassette (14) by associated pick arms (36), for the purpose of removing the note (18') from the cassette (14). The first (74) and second (78) sets of rolls are respectively mounted on first (76) and second (80) shafts, the first shaft (76) being mounted so that one end thereof is movable away from the second shaft (80). For the purpose of protecting the transport means (74, 78, 86) from damage in the event of the occurrence of a gulp feed of notes, said one end of the first shaft (76) is operatively associated with a microswitch, whereby movement of said one end away from the second shaft (80) by more than a predetermined amount operates the microswitch so as to deenergize the motor.

Abstract: A detecting device is provided for detecting carry-out of a last glass sheet from a stacking stand. The detecting device comprises a suction cup releasably attached with a suction force to the last glass sheet, and a sensor for detecting attachment and detachment to and from the last glass sheet and producing electrical signals representative thereof. The signals from the sensor are supplied to a robot or the like for the above carry-out for stopping the robot or the like when the sensor detects detachment of the suction cup from the last glass sheet.

Abstract: Device for scanning lengths of sheets in a sheet-processing machine, wherein the sheets travel with a leading and a trailing edge, including suction-air measuring nozzles alignable with the trailing edges of the sheets and connected to a suction-air source via control elements connected in an electrical circuit of the machine drive, a feeder for aligning the sheets to be processed at stops for the leading edges of the sheets, lift-type suckers for lifting the sheets individually off a pile of sheets, and have structure defining a scanning hole in at least one of the suction-air measuring nozzles, the one nozzle being disposed in the feeder and being directed towards the trailing edge of an uppermost sheet disposed on a pile of sheets, a suction-air connecting line connecting the one nozzle to the suction-air source, and a differential pressure-measuring valve connected in the line and cooperatively associated with the control elements.

Abstract: A sheet delivery mechanism for delivering a sheet such as a stimulable phosphor sheet from a sheet storage unit such as a cassette or a magazine to a sheet feed system, includes suction cups movable toward and away from the sheet stored in the sheet storage unit for removing an end of the sheet from the sheet storage unit, and a feed roller pair movably disposed between the suction cups and the sheet feed system, the feed roller pair being movable toward the suction cups for holding the end of the sheet removed from the sheet storage unit, and then operable to feed the sheet to the sheet feed system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for moving sheets from substrates without substantially moving the substrate and, specifically, where the sheets are sheets of X-ray film and the substrates are screens found in conventional X-ray cassettes or other sheets in a closely packed stack of sheets. The method and apparatus use at least one suction cup for curling and, thereby, lifting a portion of a sheet near an edge thereof allowing air to partially enter underneath the sheet. The suction cup has a sheet contacting face with a recess extending into the face where the recess is defined by an inner conical surface, a first planar surface and a second planar surface.

Abstract: A vacuum drum is located in close proximity to the lowermost flat workpiece in a stack of workpieces in a hopper for applying a suction to remove the bottommost workpieces one at a time from the hopper for passing on to a conveyor to a printing press. The drum is mounted on a reciprocably rotatable hollow-cored shaft for reciprocable rotation therewith and has multiple sets of vacuum outlets which can be selectively positioned in vacuum communication with the hollow bore of the shaft for feeding vacuum from the shaft bore to a selected one of the multiple sets of vacuum outlets so that the drum can be used for a variety of workpieces.

Abstract: A device for gripping and decollating a bottom blank comprises a rotary shaft with a flat outer peripheral portion. Suction orifices in the shaft extend through the flat surface portion and communicate with suction cups carried by the shaft. Free outer edges of the suction cups contact the bottom blank, whereupon the application of suction causes the suction cups to contract. The suction orifices include enlarged outer portions for receiving the contracted suction cups such that the bottom blank is pulled flush against the flat surface portion of the shaft for a more effective application of suction forces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the manipulation of at least one layer of porous fabric. Fluid flow through a portion of the porous fabric fluid-couples a layer or a plurality of layers of fabric to a movable flow locator having a plurality of flow openings defined therethrough. The operating parameters of the appratus may be adjusted such that many types of fiberglass cloth, woven or continuous strand mat may be sequentially manipulated by the apparatus to form a laminate structure.