Patent ID: 6068253
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
Apparatus for separating blanks of sheet material comprising,a backing roller adjustably rotatably supported in a frame member,conveying means supported in said frame member for moving a group of overlapping blanks toward said backing roller at a preselected speed wherein the group of overlapping blanks includes a first blank having a leading edge in contact with said backing roller,a segment roller rotatably supported in said frame member adjacent to said backing roller,said segment roller including a pull-out segment radially positioned thereon,said pull-out segment including selectively operable vacuum sheet engaging means for engaging the leading edge of the first blank in the group of overlapping blanks,drive means for rotating said segment roller and advancing said conveying means,said segment roller rotating at a speed greater than said preselected speed of said conveying means for separating the overlapping blanks into spaced relation,said backing roller being adjustable between a first position and a second position,said backing roller first position including said pull-out segment frictionally engaging the leading edge of the first blank in contact with the backing roller and forcing the first blank away from the group of overlapping blanks to separate the first blank from the group of overlapping blanks,said backing roller second position including said pull-out segment being spaced apart from the leading edge of the first blank, andsaid vacuum sheet engaging means being activated to engage the leading edge of the first blank and convey the first blank away from the group of overlapping blanks to separate the first blank from the group of overlapping blanks.