Patent ID: 7562871
Filing Date: 2009-07-21
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A sheet supply system, comprising: a sheet supply roll for supplying successive upstream and downstream sheets; a sheet supply passage located downstream of the sheet supply roll for receiving the sheets from the sheet supply roll; a retard roll arrangement located downstream of the sheet supply passage for receiving the sheets from the sheet supply passage and slowing the rate of advancement of the sheets, including the downstream sheet, relative to the upstream sheet; a pick roll located adjacent the sheet supply roll for engaging the trailing end area of the downstream sheet and moving the trailing end area of the downstream sheet outwardly as the leading end area of the upstream sheet is advanced into an overlapping relationship relative to the trailing end area of the downstream sheet; and a pressurized gas supply arranged to introduce pressurized gas into an area downstream of the pick roll and upstream of the sheet supply passage, wherein the pressurized gas supply functions to separate the trailing end area of the downstream sheet from the leading end area of the upstream sheet.