Patent ID: 6168149
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
A method of feeding blanks to a user machine, the method comprising the steps of withdrawing blanks (2) from a pickup station (S1) by means of a transfer device (9) having at least one pickup head (10) movable cyclically through the pickup station (S1) and through an unloading station (S2), the pickup head (10) having a flat conveying surface (28) and at least one push tooth (30) projecting from the flat conveying surface (28), and the blank (2) adhering by suction to the flat conveying surface (28) and being arranged with a respective first lateral edge (40) projecting from the flat conveying surface (28) and with a respective second lateral edge (39) contacting said push tooth (30); engaging the first lateral edge (40) of the blank (2) against a stop element (18) of a conveying pocket (8) movable continuously along a user path (P1) of the user machine (3) extending through said unloading station (S2); detaching the blank (2) from said flat conveying surface (28); and pushing the blank (2), by means of the push tooth (30), against the stop element (18) to secure the blank (2) between the stop element (18) and the push tooth (30) and maintain a flat configuration of the blank (2) until the blank (2) is fully inserted inside said conveying pocket (8); the step of detaching the blank (2) from said flat conveying surface (28) being performed by engaging at least one end portion (41) of the blank (2) along respective engaging means (34) located alongside said user path (P1) at said unloading station (S2); wherein the method comprises the step of guiding the blank (2), during insertion of the blank (2) inside the respective conveying pocket (8), by engaging said second lateral edge (39) in sliding manner by means of guide means (33) facing said engaging means (34) at said unloading station (S2).