Patent ID: 7637492
Filing Date: 2009-12-29
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for separating flat objects from a stack, the flat objects for separating including first and second objects being provided substantially in pairs differing from one another in terms of at least one of weight per unit area and flexibility, the apparatus comprising: at least one suction element for attracting the objects by suction; a drive apparatus for moving said suction element; and a control apparatus for controlling said drive apparatus, said control apparatus driving said drive apparatus such that said suction element is moved to a first position, in which the first object having at least one of a lower weight per unit area and a greater flexibility than the second object is attracted by said suction by said suction element, the first position being at a minimum distance from a stack surface; wherein said control apparatus controls said drive apparatus such that said suction element is moved at a third speed from a starting position to a position making contact with the stack surface, said suction element is then moved at a second speed to a second position at a second distance from the stack surface, said suction element is then moved at a first speed from the second position to the first position at a first distance from the stack surface, the second distance being greater than the first distance and the third speed being at least one of higher than the first speed and higher than the first and second speeds.