Patent ID: 6325201
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: B65B,B65H

Abstract:
Apparatus for handling blanks comprising a magazine for receiving a stack of blanks and including means for supporting the stack, endless conveyor means for receiving successive lowermost blanks from the stack, said conveyor means including at least one blank pick-up device arranged to receive and convey blanks from the stack, and support means carried by the endless conveyor means for at least partly supporting the stack between pick-up operations of said pick-up device, wherein the endless conveyor means carries a plurality of spaced pick-up devices between which are arranged a plurality of spaced support members, wherein the endless conveyor means comprises a rotary member rotatable about an axis which is parallel to a plane in which the lowermost blank in the stack extends, and wherein said support members include laterally-spaced regions having leading edges which are spaced in the direction of conveyance, so as to accommodate different levels of parts of the lowermost blank corresponding to said regions.