Patent ID: 6585252
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
A sheet separating assembly for breaking down multifeeds of two or more overlapping sheets into separate sheets, the separator comprising:(a) a sheet path along which a multifeed of at least two sheets can be passed, the multifeed having first and second opposed outside surfaces; (b) an advancing drive positioned to engage and drive the first surface of the multifeed in a feed direction along said sheet path; (c) a plurality of rotatable separator rollers each adapted for rotation by the second surface of the multifeed, said plurality of rotatable separator rollers each being mounted for independent rotation in the feed direction and the counterfeed direction; (d) a plurality of recoil mechanisms each associated with a respective rotatable separator roller of said plurality of rotatable separator rollers, each of said plurality of recoil mechanisms for accepting rotational energy, for biasing said respective separator roller to rotate in the counterfeed direction, when said respective separator roller is rotated in the feed direction by advancement of the second surface of the multifeed in the feed direction; and (e) a drag to resist rotation of said plurality of separator rollers in the feed direction responsive to forward movement of said multifeed.