Patent GB-364768-A (GB)
Title: A method of and mechanism for mechanically separating individual sheets, sections or the like from a stack
IPC: B65H3/30
Filed: 1930-11-28
Abstract: 364,768. Feeding sheets &c. POLLAK, J. E., 20, Holborn, London.-(Brehmer Geb.; Plagwitz, Leipsic, Germany.) Nov. 28, 1930, No. 35875. [Class 100 (i).] Pile - supports ; sheet separators. - Folded sheets, book sections, and the like are separated from a stack and fed to a machine for operating on them by means of a reciprocating separating member 10, which is moved in a plane adjacent to the plane of the sheet to be separated and is formed with a slot 13 into which the edge of the sheet to be separated is passed by means of a suction or like separator 4, which is moved into and out of contact with the sheet. This separator 4 comprises a suction separator 28 and tensioning member 29 as described in Specification 358,660, and the separating- member 10 is constructed of a rectangular frame 11 on the horizontal sides of which parallel bars 12 are arranged which are spaced apart to form the slot 13. The sheets 2 to be fed are stacked on edge in an adjustable hopper formed of fixed-bars 7 and an adjustable front support 5 and side bars 6. Sheet-retaining members 41, 43 are provided at the bottom of the supports 5, 7 and are formed of rake-like members which operate in the spaces between the bars 12, and act to release these edges to permit of the separation of the sheet. The member 41 permits the folded edge of the bottom sheet to be drawn through the slot 13 by the pivotal movement of the separator 4 after the right edge of the slot passes beyond the folded edge of the sheet. The extent of movement of the frame 11 is adjustable, and it is stopped when the folded edge can be drawn down through the slot 13 to permit the bars 12 to pass between the partially separated sheet and the rest of the stack on the return movement of the frame 11. Prior to the completion of this return movement, the separator 4 lowers the rear edge of the sheet by a movement perpendicular to the bottom plane of the pile, and the front edge is released from the retainer 43, and falls on to a conveyer 42 which engages the open edges of the sheet before the folded rear edge is released from the suction separator, and the open edges of the sheet are pulled together and remain closed during their transport. The operation of the devices is effected by a shaft 17 which is fitted with an adjustable crank 16 and an adjustable connecting-rod 18 for reciprocating the frame 11, the rod 18 being connected to an oscillating segmental gear 19 which drives pinions 21 in gear with racks 22. The suction separator 4 is carried by a rack 36 which is reciprocated by an oscillating segmental gear operated by lever-mechanism from a cam 32 on the shaft 17. The oscillating movement of the separator 4 is also obtained from a cam on the shaft 17, as is also the oscillating movement of the sheetretaining members. In a modification, Fig. 7, the frame 11 is reciprocated by a link 65 and an oscillating lever 63, which is operated by an adjustable crank 16 and connecting-rod 18. In a further modification, the reciprocating mechanism for the frame 11 comprises an oscillating lever with a curved slot in which is adjustably secured a link pivoted to the upper end of the frame 11. Several sheet separating mechanisms as described may be arranged to work in unison for feeding sheets from a bank of containers.