Patent ID: 6203005
Filing Date: 2001-03-20
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
A sheet feeder comprising:(a) a skimmer for engaging and removing a sheet from one end of a stack of sheets and feeding the engaged sheet edgewise along a feed path, said skimmer comprising a first friction element including a generally cylindrical endless rotating peripheral surface carried on a support defined at least in part by a rotating shaft;(b) a separator spaced downstream along the feed path from the skimmer for advancing the engaged sheet while retarding any adjacent sheets; and(c) a first guide plate extending between said skimmer and said separator substantially parallel to said feed path to guide the engaged single sheet substantially along the feed path, preventing buckling of the engaged single sheet perpendicular to the feed path, wherein said first guide plate is supported at least in part by and mounted to be pivotable independent of the rotation of said rotating shaft with respect to said support.