Patent ID: 6086061
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
An automatic product loader adapted for loading flat sheet products into a hopper of a friction sheet feeder, upon demand, the sheet feeder being of the type having front guides and a pair of spaced-apart vertical side plates defining said hopper, comprising:(a) a frame supporting an elongated, generally horizontal bed at an elevation that is adjustable relative to a floor surface, the bed having a rear end and a forward end;(b) at least one endless belt having an upper and a lower flight, the upper flight supported by the bed and adapted to move the flat sheet products there along;(c) means for driving the endless belt with the upper flight of the endless belt moving in a forward direction toward said hopper; and(d) first and second elongated side guide members adjustably mounted on and projecting vertically upward from the bed on opposite sides of the endless belt, each of the side guide members having a forward edge adapted to engage a rear edge of the vertical side plate of the sheet feeder without a sheet product engaging transition.