Abstract: A sheet feeder includes: air blowing device which blows air from a direction of side edges of a stack of sheets loaded in a predetermined location, paper feed device which separates one sheet from the stack of sheets to which air is blown by the air blowing device and which feeds the thus-separated sheet from the predetermined location, and air flow regulation device which is provided in an elevated position above the stack of sheets loaded in the predetermined location and which regulates the passage of the air flow blown toward the stack of sheets from the air blowing device.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for separation from a stack of sheets a block of a predetermined number of sheets, the method including moving the stack in a forward direction, directing an air stream across one corner of the forward portion of the stack to spread the corners apart, sensing and counting the number of spread sheet corners that pass a predetermined location, and separating the group of sheets from the remainder of the stack when the sensed and counted sheets reach a predetermined number. Further directing a thin plane of air toward the corner and center of the sheets at said location to cause a greater space between the sheets in the group and the next sheet in the stack. Also, vacuum nozzles are provided to remove unwanted air from above and below the stack and group. With the group so formed, separation includes imparting lateral force on the group edges.

Abstract: A photoplotting apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises an internal drum plotter and a media sheet handling apparatus for sequentially delivering a photosensitive media sheet to the photoplotter for exposure from a stack of such sheets. The photoplotter has reduced turbulence within the drum during exposure of the media sheet, and the sheet handling apparatus includes means for separating the sheets in the stack from interleaves disposed between adjacent sheets in the stack.

Abstract: A method of separation from a stack of sheets a block of predetermined number of sheets, the method including retaining the stack so that a portion of one edge of each consecutive foremost sheet is free to bend away from the stack, directing a plane of air flow sequentially on to the foremost surfaces of a predetermined number of foremost sheets to bend at least a portion of the free edge of each of the predetermined number of foremost sheets away from the stack, separating the bent predetermined number of foremost sheets into a block and removing the block from the remaining sheets in the stack. Preferably, the plane of the air flow intersects the plane of the sheets in the stack in the range of 5.degree.-10.degree.. The plane of the air flow can be directed to bend the free edge or just the corners of sheets in the block to be separated. In one example, the stack foremost end is inclined downward and the air flow is directed upward.

Abstract: Auxiliary device for assisting in singling or separating sheets in an upper region of a sheet pile provided for single-sheet transport in a sheet transport direction within a sheet processing machine, a respective top sheet of the sheet pile being removable therefrom at a given time by at least one singling or separating device including at least one sheet trailing edge blasting or blowing device for feeding the sheet to the sheet processing machine, includes at least one feeler rod disposed at a location transverse to the sheet transport direction for measuring the height of the sheet pile, and respective fanning or loosening blowers disposed laterally of the sheet pile upstream of the feeler rod, as viewed in the sheet transport direction.

Abstract: Device for facilitating sheet separation in an upper region of a feeder pile, whereat a separating device is disposed for removing a respective uppermost sheet from the pile and feeding it to a further processing unit, includes a turnable bushing having a guide, and a blower having a vertically adjustable blower body mounted with preloading on the turnable bushing.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus to control the injection quantity of air to a document bundle and to allow a stable supply of paper regardless of the document size, document quantity or curling of the document. In the case where air is blown by a separation air injection unit against the front edge of a document loading unit, document-floating sensors are provided protruding upward from a sheet feeding belt. The floating sensors can be for example contact-type sensors such as microswitches to set that injection amount of air to an optimum injection amount of air when the state of the floating sensors, changes compared to their initial state.

Abstract: A printing press for printing an image on sheets of printing stock can generally have a sheet feeder for separating and at least initiating start of transport of the separated sheet into the printing press. Such a sheet feeder can have a device for controlling feeder blowing air and feeder suction air, wherein the control device can have respective valves for accurately controlling the amount of blowing air and suction air. In addition, the amount of blowing air can be essentially exactly adjustable via the control console of the machine.

Abstract: A printing press feeder capable of sheet feeding from the rear, sheet feeding from the front, or stream feeding from the rear, using tracks above a stock support for the feeder, the sheet feeder head being movably mounted on these tracks, and a movable drive connection from a power source to the sheet feeder head for driving of the sheet pickup advancers in the different head positions. The sheet feeder has first and second alternate drive mechanisms, on opposite ends of the transverse drive shaft, the first drive mechanism having a variable speed drive for sheet feeding individual sheets and slowing feed of each sheet as the sheet approaches the print cylinder, and the second drive mechanism having a constant speed drive for stream feeding overlapping sheets to the print cylinder. The press has nonprint lift cylinders engaging the squeegee mount and actuable to lift the squeegee out of print position, but still within the stencil screen frame, to allow the stencil screen frame to cycle without printing.

Abstract: A front stop for a feeding device has a planar lower surface connected to a round part and is provided with a bore, which is connected to a fluid source and has channels extending to the planar flat surface to enable a flow of fluid between a blank being fed under the stop and the next following blank of a pile of blanks in the feeder. This flow of air creates a cushion which reduces damage to the surfaces of the blanks, such as printed surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding flexible sheets singly from the top of a stack of sheets comprises a pick-up device which includes a gas deflector and gas supplying holes for directing a stream of gas at the topmost sheet on the stack to cause the sheet to separate from the stack. One of the gas supplying holes also directs a further gas stream at the gas deflector, with this further gas stream attaching itself to the gas deflector by the Coanda effect and entraining the topmost sheet into contact with the gas deflector.

Abstract: Recording papers stacked up on a tray are conveyed as being attracted in vacuum by the conveying belt located above or beneath. To convey the recording papers one by one, air flow is blown to the front edge of the recording papers to separate. Accordingly, plural nozzles are disposed in the widthwise direction of the recording paper, and the air flows from the nozzles are directed to converge at the upstream side in the conveying direction front the front edges of the recording papers. By setting this converging position near the both ends in the widthwise direction of the recording papers, the recording papers may be separated securely and stably.

Abstract: A pick-up tool or pick-up head is provided for picking up semiconductor objects. The active face of the pick-up tool is provided with an outer plenum which extends around the peripheral edges of the object to be picked up and further includes an inner plenum formed in the center of the pick-up tool over the object to be picked up. A partial vacuum is applied to the inner plenum and compressed air is supplied to the outer plenum which flows over a support ridge separating the inner plenum from the outer plenum. The air flowing over the ridge generates a thin air film supporting layer so that the object being picked up by the pick-up tool is supported on the air film and levitated separate and apart from the pick-up tool.

Abstract: A sheet feeder of a sheet-fed rotary printing press is provided with loosening blowers having controllable blowing power and being disposed so as to be adjustable in height on a frame of the sheet feeder behind and at the sides of a pile of sheets and including a plurality of fans for directing an air flow against a side face of the pile of sheets, the air flow being adjustable angularly with respect to the side face.

Abstract: A sheet feeder in a sheet-processing machine, comprising first blower nozzles for fanning and separating a top sheet of a sheet pile, the blower nozzles being directed at least at a rear edge of the top sheet in the sheet pile, a separating device for lifting the top sheet from the sheet pile, second blower nozzles for blowing supporting air under the top sheet in synchronism with an operating cycle of the sheet feeder, central blast-air supply system for the sheet feeder being connected to the first blower nozzles, and a blast-air source separate from the central blast-air supply system connected via a control valve to the second blower nozzles for supplying blast air thereto for supporting the sheet, and a device for operating the control valve in synchronism with the separating device.

Abstract: A non-contact conveying device for lifting and/or supporting wafer-like articles without physical contact with the articles. The device has a pickup head with a cuhsion-vacuum room fully opened at its bottom and has an ejector opening located at the center of its upper wall and communicating with the cushion-vacuum room of the pickup head. The ejector opening is coupled to a positive pressure gas supply. The pickup head has an operating surface at the bottom of the side wall which is positioned adjacnet to an article to be lifted. In the case of a wide clearance existing between the operating surface and the article, the non-contact conveying device works as an ejector and the pressure within the cushion-vacuum room is decreased since the cushion-vacuum room acts in the manner of a vacuum room of an ejector and the space formed between the operating surface and the article acts in the manner of a diffuser of an ejector.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and unloading x-ray film cassettes of various sizes, using an air jet to release a sheet of film from a pivotally open upper cassette part, the air jet nozzle being carried by a lever arrangement such that the nozzle is moved upwardly with the upper cassette part as the latter moves to its open position.

Abstract: An unpackaging apparatus for packaged sheets is disclosed. The apparatus automatically takes out sheets by unpackaging a packaging sheet containing the packaged sheets used for a printer or the like. The packaging sheet is carried from a packaging sheet loading unit to a transfer unit by adsorptively holding the packaging sheet with a carrier mechanism. The packaging sheet is guided to a predetermined position of an unpackaging unit with a guide mechanism provided in the transfer unit. The front and side faces of the packaging sheet are cut off to vertically expand the packaging sheet. The sheets are removed from the packaging sheet and rearranged by a sheet rearranging mechanism. The sheets are loaded in a housing unit. The empty packaging sheet from which the sheets have been removed is discharged from a part vicinal to the unpackaging unit by a discharge mechanism.

Abstract: A thin film peeling apparatus in which a portion of a thin film adhered to a base plate is initially lifted and subsequently peeled therefrom. The film peeling apparatus includes a conveying device for conveying the base plate along a base plate conveyance path, a first thin film conveyance device for conveying the lifted portion of the thin film and a second thin film conveyance device for subsequently conveying the thin film. The first thin film conveyance device is disposed so that the thin film is peeled in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of conveyance of the base plate. The second thin film conveyance device includes at least one fluid ejector for ejecting fluid against the thin film such that the thin film is conveyed in a direction parallel to the surface of the base plate and substantially perpendicular to the direction of conveyance of the base plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating, delivering, and depositing material blanks, for use in the textile industry or the like which improves heat transfer to the gripping surface in a device in which the heating device is arranged in such a way that it is protected from external forces. The device comprises a heatable gripping plate, which has a gripping surface and an expansion chamber adjacent thereto, in which a refrigerant is able to expand and thus cool the gripping plate to below the freezing point so that a material blank will freeze onto said gripping surface.

Abstract: A gripping device for nappy workpieces which is capable of handling both small and large pieces of textile materials. A gripping device is provided having a base part and a slidable part, between which is provided a substantially closed hollow to which pressurized gas is supplied through a series of slots. The slidable part is moved in such a manner that the slots are squeezed together and the gripping device grips the nap of the upper piece of textile material. Pressurized gas is led through the upper piece to the piece lying immediately below to ensure efficient separation of the upper piece from the piece below, and avoiding the inadvertant lifting of more than one piece at a time.

Abstract: In a device for unloading X-ray film cassette a nozzle is provided, positioned at a front side of the cassette to be unloaded, for blowing air into a gap between a slightly open lid and the remaining part of the cassette. The nozzle is switched on for short intervals to ensure blow air stream which generate vacuum under the film stuck to the lid to pull the film back towards the bottom of the cassette so that a reliable separation of the film by a sucker is ensured.

Abstract: A device for lifting a limp sheet member is disclosed. This device comprises a first tubular sleeve member which encloses an elongated interior region extending along a reference axis. The sleeve member has substantially planar, circular, aperture-defining rim disposed about and coaxial with the reference axis at the distal end of the interior region. The proximal end of the interior region is coupled to a region of relatively low pressure. The device also comprises structure for defining a composite airflow path from a region of relatively high pressure, through the first rim and interior region to the low pressure region, and includes vanes, grooves or sleeves for establishing an airflow vortex in the composite airflow path substantially at the first rim and disposed about the reference axis.

Abstract: A separating apparatus for sheet material in which the sheet material is conveyed in stacks via a stack transporting system to a stack holder including a stack manipulator for effecting selective mechanical manipulation of the stack going through the separation process in the event that a deviation from the proper separation process is detected. In addition, a stack tester may be provided for testing the geometric and physical condition of the stack of sheet material before and during separation. An irregularity occurring during separation can be combatted by instituting a stack manipulation procedure which appears best suitable for automatically eliminating the disturbance of the separation process.

Abstract: A device is provided for the removal of the lowermost sheet from a stack of sheets in a tray wherein part of the tray consists of a removal element having a top surface with a first set of grooves through which an air stream can be blown to produce a static partial vacuum and a second set of grooves outside the air stream, each connected to at least one of the grooves in the first set. As a result of the air stream in the first set of grooves, the lowermose sheet is drawn against the top surface of the removal element and air is sucked out of the second set of grooves, the sheet thereby being more forcibly sucked against the removal element. By moving the removal element away from the stack, the lowermost sheet is removed from the stack using only a small amount of air in the air stream.

Abstract: A sheet separating machine automatically separates and removes a sheet of a dry nonextendable film from a printed circuit panel. The machine comprises a plurality of feeding rollers carrying the panel with the films attached to either or both sides thereof through the machine. The stop lever interrupts a movement of the panel at a predetermined location for a selected time interval. An edge separator for loosening a film edge during the interval rides along the film edge and separates the film edge from the panel by utilizing pressure wheels and turbulent air flow. Knife means breaking a bondage between the panel and the film force the film to completely separate from the underlying panel. The separated film is conveyed by the guide means toward a film accumulator.

Abstract: A separating apparatus, to which the sheet material is transported in stacks via a stack transporting system, comprises a movable retaining means which reduces the separating gap before the stack is fed and is restored to its original width immediately before separation begins. This allows for the prevention of sheets being wedged in the separating gap, which would otherwise lead to a disturbance of the separation process. The design of a stationary retaining element having an integrated second, movable element allows for the formation of a stopping surface which protrudes beyond the stopping surface of the stationary part and is hit by the leading edges of the sheets in the stack. A toothed design of the new stopping surface allows for the leading edge of the stack of sheet material to be influenced selectively.

Abstract: A lamina retrieval device for storing microfiche, holograms and other flat, sheet-like materials. A stack of laminae are retained in a cage formed by a plurality of guides, with the guides being so mounted as to retain the laminae in an angularly displaced disposition, with each lamina in a group of laminae being angled with respect to an adjacent lamina. To allow for the removal of a lamina, the guides may be formed as split pins so that part of each pin is movable to form an opening in the cage. The device can include fingers for holding a stack of laminae apart to allow removal of the desired lamina. Removal is accomplished in one embodiment through an airflow.

Abstract: A release mechanism for a side opening x-ray cassette uses an air jet to release the x-ray film from sticking and facilitating its removal from the cassette.

Abstract: A machine for separating single plies of fabric from a stack of fabric plies uses a roller provided with a fabric ply engaging mechanism. The roller engages the top ply of fabric and removes it with a rolling action. The engaging mechanism comprises a pivotable rod mounted on the roller and provided with protruding pins which engage the top ply of fabric from the stack as the rod is pivoted. The machine can be arranged to sort alternate plies of fabric from one stack into separate stacks. The machine can be provided with an adjustable support for holding the stack and with a detector for detecting the presence of a single fabric ply on the roller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding sheets, particularly fabrics, from a stack comprises an arrangement for: engaging the opposite edges of the upper sheet of the stack by a pair of restrainer members, bringing a pick-up head into engagement with the upper sheet of the stack while producing air streams from the pick-up head directed outwardly across the opposite edges of the upper sheet of the stack, lowering the pick-up head to depress the stack below the restrainer members whereby the air streams cause the opposite edges of the upper sheet of the stack to curl upwardly to clear the restrainer members, lifting the upper sheet from the stack, and permitting the stack to rise so as to bring the next sheet into engagement with the restrainer members.

Abstract: A sheet feeder of a printing machine has sheet separating and conveying facilities and a stack table which raises a stack of sheets by means of a controlled lift drive so that a respective uppermost sheet of the stack is in an operating position for the sheet separating and conveying facilities, the sheet separating facility including separating suckers for raising, in timed sequence, a respective trailing sheet end, as viewed in sheet conveying direction through the feeder, a suction line connecting the separating suckers to a suction source, a pressure measuring device connected in the suction line for determining an actual instant of time at which a respective sheet is sucked up by the separating suckers, a comparator device for comparing the actual suction instant of time with a nominal suction instant of time generated in synchronism with rotation of the printing machine to determine a difference value, a comparator device for comparing the difference value with a value corresponding to an optimum height

Abstract: A system for handling discrete sheets including a nozzle for simultaneously lifting the sheet from a surface by suction and propelling the sheet in a direction generally corresponding to the plane of the sheet.

Abstract: An automatic sheet feeding mechanism adapted to separate a single sheet from a stack of sheets and transfer the single sheet via airjets to the exposure platen of an exposing apparatus. After airjet positioning and exposure, the single sheet is lifted from the platen and delivered to an exit port also via airjets.

Abstract: An apparatus for unstacking or destacking sheets of material from a stack of such sheets is disclosed. The apparatus includes an arrangement for directing air against the stack of sheets in order to entirely separate at least one uppermost sheet of the stack from the remaining sheets by floating that sheet on a layer of air. A pusher mechanism is provided for moving the separated sheet out of registry with the remaining sheets, and into a roller mechanism which displaces the separated sheet from above the remaining sheets of the stack. The apparatus also includes an indexing mechanism for indexing the stack of sheets upwardly in order to float the next sheet of the stack and present it to the pusher mechanism. A sensing mechanism is provided for determinig the position of the uppermost one of the remaining sheets of the stack as the stack is indexed upwardly.

Abstract: A rigid airfoil surface and the exposed portion of the bottom sheet of a stack of flexible sheets in a magazine, form opposite passage walls of a venturi flow passage into which a flow of air is directed from a nozzle member. Collapse of the passage wall formed by the flexible bottom sheet is induced by the static suction pressure created at the throat of the venturi passage resulting in deflection of the exposed portion and separation of the bottom sheet from the stack in preparation for withdrawal by a gripper mechanism.

Abstract: A work table is divided at least into a spreading station and a cutting station, has a flat, substantially smooth upper surface and a plurality of apertures extending through the top of the table for passage of air currents therethrough. A reversible pump generates and delivers the air current to said apertures through a plurality of separate conduits connected to each of the apertures. A spreading device, which spreads, cuts, and stacks individual layers of fabric is provided with a plurality of air jets for selectively applying a thin film of air over the top of the fabric layers as they are spread. While the stack is being formed, the pump draws air through the fabric stack and down through the work table surface to hold the stack in place. When the stack is completed the pump is reversed so that a positive air pressure creates a cushion of air between the stack of fabric and the work table to move the stacked material to the cutting station.

Abstract: A high speed feeder for cartons being fed into a cartoner includes both mechanical and fluid flow environments for precisely delivering cartons. A preferably inclined conveyor receives cartons stacked on their edges and in a generally vertical orientation. A rotating metering wheel at the downstream end of the conveyor engages the top edges of the cartons and separates them one at a time from the incoming stack. A blower is provided to direct air onto the cartons adjacent the metering wheel to (a) blow the cartons against the metering wheel, (b) blow air between the first and second cartons of the stack as the metering wheel separates the first from the second, and (c) blow the cartons down to a horizontal attitude. Horizontal feed chains having feed lugs receive the horizontal cartons and advance them one at a time into the cartoner. Vacuum nozzles are provided to aid in controlling carton placement on the feed chains and lugs throughout a broad range of feed speeds. Methods are included.

Abstract: An electrophotographic copying apparatus includes a photosensitive surface capable of retaining an electrostatic latent image for at least two cycles of the surface so a first copy of an original can be made upon scanning the original and the latent image can be recycled to produce a second copy of the same original during the return of the scanning mechanism. The apparatus includes an improved mechanism for driving the scanning mechanism, as well as improved developing and transfer stations.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for implementing a technique of shingling a stack (10) of cut sheets using fluid jets. Air (34), or other fluid under pressure, travels through a drum having exit holes arranged about its periphery. The passage of the air causes the drum (30) to self-propel. As each fluid jet contacts the uppermost sheets in the stack, a roll-wave is created. Continued rotation of the drum causes a fluid jet to describe a linear path relative to the stack surface.

Abstract: Automated handling of fabrics and similar materials is accomplished by an apparatus which includes a first and second container. A pair of hollow and flexible needles are fixed within the first container and a pair of grooves for guiding movement of the needles are located within the second container. The second container is screwably attached to the first container. By screwing the two containers towards one another the points of the needles from the first container will be brought into the grooves or passageways of the second container and eventually will protrude outwardly from the bottom of the second container and extend into one or more layers of material to be separated or removed from a greater number of such layers.

Abstract: A case (1) comprises a pile of bank notes (2). An air supply circuit (13, 14, 15) forms a jet of air (16) in the vicinity of an edge of the first note (2a).In order to separate the note (2a) from its pile (2) in a simple manner, a succession of states of pressure and of reduced pressure is created downstream of the edge (d) of the opening (17). The interruption in profile creates a reduced pressure over the face of the note (2a) in the vicinity of this opening (17). The edge of the note is then raised and enters the jet of air (16). A change of state occurs and a pressure applies the note (2a) against the moving rollers (5) while holding the following note applied against the pile (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding individual substrates from the top of a stack upon demand includes an air nozzle that directs air along the bottom surface of an airfoil located above the front end of the stack. The combined effect of air pressure from the nozzle and the shape of the airfoil serves to lift the leading edge of the top sheet in the stack above a restraining member. A paddle wheel drives the separated sheet away from the stack.

Abstract: A low noise air nozzle system for fanning and separating stacked sheet to facilitate single sheet pick-up. The system employs nozzles which are provided with a diverging air ejection channel which terminates at the nozzle face in an orifice slit 0.025" wide.

Abstract: A contactless air film lift-up device constructed to utilize the pressure-velocity relationship expressed in the Bernoulli principle to provide a desired pick-up action, while at the same time generating a lateral restraining force through a further utilization of the Bernoulli principle.

Abstract: Elements are supplied to a work station with the elements being arranged in a row. The elements are releasably retained at the work station. The articles to which the elements are to be transferred are moved through the work station with the row of elements at the work station extending in the same direction as the direction of article movement. Each of the elements is transferred to an associated article as the articles are moved through the work station. The elements are sequentially transferred with the most downstream element always being the next element to be transferred.

Abstract: A system for presenting documents to a xerographic exposure station includes a first fluidic storage station in which a rack for storing documents is located. The rack includes a plurality of pockets in each of which a document may be stored, the rack being movable in a vertical direction. A fluid stream is used to move a document in a pocket out of the storage apparatus through an opening and into orthogonal registration at the exposure station. Exposed documents are fluidically moved to a second fluidic storage station which is similar to the first, the exiting direction being generally transverse to the path followed by a document in entering the exposure station. Vertical movement of the racks at the first and second storage stations is used to serially feed documents to the exposure stations and to provide a pocket for each of the exposed documents.

Abstract: A pickup head, which is of the type referred to in the art as a Bernoulli pickup head, is used to lift and/or transport a semiconductor wafer. The head is provided with a central positive pressure gas coupled orifice or port and at least three auxiliary positive pressure gas coupled orifices disposed symmetrically about the central orifice. The gas flow from the central orifice effects the main lifting force and the gas flow from the auxiliary orifices effects additional restoring torque to correct for any wafer tilt, if present. Thus, the integrity of the non-contacting relationship between the head and wafer surface is enhanced and/or preserved and this is particularly advantageous on lift-off.

Abstract: A hopper loader delivers a shingled stream of signatures to a hopper from which the signatures are fed. The hopper loader apparatus is portable and comprises a generally horizontal first conveyor belt section for receiving an array of side-abutted signatures on edge. The apparatus also includes an inclined second conveyor belt section for engaging the side of the signatures and for feeding the signatures from the array in an overlapped stream toward the hopper. The apparatus includes a means for adjusting the speed of the first belt section relative to the second belt section. Also the apparatus includes a presser belt construction which cooperates with the inclined section for pressing on the signatures to provide a sufficient frictional force between the belts and the signatures so that the signatures will be properly moved up the inclined belt section.