Patent Abstract:
An article is selected and spread from a load of articles. A first clamp moves along a run to remove an article. By changing orientation of the run, articles may be removed from different locations. A second clamp rotates while holding the article. The rotation generally flattens out the article. A third clamp grabs a portion of the article and further spreads the article. This process may detangle or untwist the article. The untwisted article is dragged over a belt. The belt adjusts the amount of overhang on each side. A plate lifts a resulting edge. The article is clamped at that edge and dragged over a roller. The roller moves into contact with a conveyor. The conveyor conveys the article to find a leading edge. The article is then conveyed in a spread position.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to automated laundry spreaders. In particular, a spreader for laying articles of laundry, such as towels or sheets, out flat is provided. 
         [0002]    Many processes in laundries are automated. For example, machines in hotels spread out, iron and fold sheets without operator intervention. To begin the automated process, the operator identifies either corners or an edge of the sheet and places the corners or edge into the first machine. Since sheets have large dimensions with thin fabric, the sheets are often tangled together, necessitating either an automated separator machine or an operator for locating the edges or corners. 
         [0003]    Since towels are smaller and thicker, towels may be less likely tangled after removal from a washing or drying machine. However, in typical towel processing, an operator still grabs individual towels and places them on folding machines. Where possible, automated processes may save money over a time. 
         [0004]    Machines for automatically grabbing articles of laundry from a load of articles and spreading the articles have been attempted, but find little commercial success. Typically, these machines attempt to isolate diagonal corners and then opposite corners. Such isolation can be difficult and inconsistent when implemented with a machine. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0005]    By way of introduction, the preferred embodiments described below include apparatuses and methods for spreading an article of laundry from a load of articles of laundry. A first clamp moves along a run towards and away from the load to remove the article from the load. By changing an orientation of the run, articles may be removed from different locations, increasing the chance of grabbing an article when the number of articles in the load decreases. A second clamp rotates while holding the article until the article contacts a stop. The rotation generally flattens out the article. A third clamp grabs a portion of the article and further spreads the article for a fourth clamp to grab the article between the second and third clamps. This process may detangle or untwist the article. The untwisted article is dragged over a wheel or belt. The wheel or belt adjusts the amount of overhang on each side, making an edge of the article more horizontal. A plate lifts the edge up for clamping. The clamped article is dragged over a long roller. The roller moves into contact with a conveyor. The conveyor conveys the article to find a leading edge. The article is then conveyed in a spread position. Different features or components described above may be used separately or in combination. 
         [0006]    In a first aspect, an apparatus is provided for spreading an article of laundry. The apparatus includes a first clamp connected with a frame. A rotatable and the first clamp are operable to move relative to each other such that the article of laundry held by the first clamp drapes over the rotatable support. A first drive is operable to rotate the rotatable support. The rotation alters the lengths of the article of laundry hanging from each side of the rotatable support. 
         [0007]    In a second aspect, a method is provided for spreading an article of laundry. The article of laundry is clamped adjacent or at a corner. A first portion of the article of laundry spaced from the corner is clamped. A second portion is clamped between the corner and the first portion. The corner and the first portion are released. A first part of the article of laundry is dragged by the second portion over a rotatable support. A hanging of the article of laundry is rotatably adjusted with the rotatable support. An edge of the article of laundry is clamped. 
         [0008]    In a third aspect, an apparatus is provided for separating a first article of laundry from a group of articles of laundry. A pick-up area has the group of articles of laundry. A first clamp connects with the frame and is operable to move towards and away from the pick-up area. A drive connects with the frame and is operable to alternatingly orient the first clamp to a first portion of the pick-up area and a second portion of the pick-up area. The first and second portions are at least horizontally spaced apart. 
         [0009]    In a fourth aspect, an apparatus is provided for spreading an article of laundry. A first clamp is operable to clamp the article of laundry at or adjacent to a corner. A drive is operable to rotate the first clamp and the article of laundry clamped by the first clamp. A stop is positioned to contact the article of laundry during the rotation. A second clamp is operable to clamp a portion of the article of laundry spaced away from the corner and the first clamp. The second clamp clamps while the first clamp is clamped and the article of laundry is adjacent the stop. 
         [0010]    In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided for spreading an article of laundry. A roller is adjacent a conveyor. A first drive is operable to position the roller against and spaced away from the conveyor. The article of laundry is deposited on the roller in the spaced away position. A sensor is operable to detect an edge of an article of laundry between the roller and the conveyor. A controller is operable to control the first drive to position the roller against the conveyor with the article of laundry in a nip between the roller and the conveyor, and convey the article of laundry such that the edge is adjacent the nip formed by the roller and the conveyor. 
         [0011]    In a sixth aspect, a method is provided for spreading an article of laundry. The article of laundry is deposited on a roller. The roller is positioned against a conveyor. The article of laundry is conveyed so that an edge is adjacent a nip formed by the roller and conveyor. The article of laundry is conveyed away from the roller on the conveyor. 
         [0012]    In a seventh aspect, an apparatus is provided for spreading an article of laundry from a group of articles of laundry. A pick-up area has the group of articles of laundry. A first clamp connects with the frame and is operable to move towards and away from the pick-up area. A first drive connects with the frame and is operable to alternatingly orient the first clamp to a first portion of the pick-up area and a second portion of the pick-up area. The first and second portions are at least horizontally spaced apart. A second clamp is operable to transfer the article of laundry from the fist clamp to a pair of first rollers forming a first nip. The pair of first rollers is operable to suspend the article of laundry from a first corner or adjacent edge. A third clamp is operable to clamp the article of laundry at or adjacent to the first corner. A second drive is operable to rotate the third clamp and the article of laundry clamped by the third clamp. A stop is positioned to contact the article of laundry during the rotation. A fourth clamp is operable to clamp a first portion of the article of laundry spaced away from the first corner and the third clamp. The fourth clamp clamps while the third clamp is clamped and the article of laundry is adjacent the stop. A fifth clamp is operable to clamp the article of laundry at a second portion between the third and fourth clamps. A rotatable support connects with the frame. The fifth clamp and rotatable support are operable to move relative to each other such that the article of laundry held by the fifth clamp drapes over the rotatable support. A third drive is operable to rotate the rotatable support where the rotation altering lengths of the article of laundry hanging from each side of the rotatable support. A second roller is adjacent the conveyor. A sixth clamp is operable to clamp a first edge of the article of laundry on the rotatable support and operable to deposit the article of laundry on the second roller. A fourth drive is operable to position the second roller against and spaced away from the conveyor. The article of laundry is deposited on the second roller in the spaced away position. A sensor is operable to detect a second edge of an article of laundry between the second roller and the conveyor. A controller is operable to control the fourth drive to position the second roller against the conveyor with the article of laundry in a second nip between the second roller and the conveyor, and convey the article of laundry such that the second edge is adjacent the second nip formed by the roller and the conveyor. 
         [0013]    In an eighth aspect, a method is provided for spreading an article of laundry from group of articles of laundry. The article of laundry is clamped while in the group. A first location of the article of laundry is transferred to a rotatable clamp. The rotatable clamp rotates such that the article of laundry contacts a stop. A second location spaced from the first location is clamped. A third location between the first and second locations is clamped. The first and second locations are released. A first part of the article of laundry is dragged by the third location over a rotatable support. A hanging of the article of laundry is rotatably adjusted with the rotatable support. A first edge of the article of laundry is clamped. The article of laundry is deposited by the edge on a roller. The roller is positioned against a conveyor. The article of laundry is conveyed so that a second edge is adjacent a nip formed by the roller and conveyor. The article of laundry is conveyed away from the roller on the conveyor. 
         [0014]    The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on those claims. Further aspects and advantages of the invention are disclosed below in conjunction with the preferred embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The components and the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a front view of initial stages of a linen spreader in one embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a side view of middle stages of the linen spreader in one embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a top view of part of the middle stages of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a front view of one of the middle stages of  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a back view of another one of the middle stages of  FIG. 2 ; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the middle stage of  FIG. 5  and a final stage. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0022]      FIGS. 1-6  show various aspects of one embodiment.  FIGS. 1-6  show an apparatus and represent the method for spreading an article of laundry. Various stages and aspects of the embodiment may be altered or changed based on now known or later developed devices and methods. Different stages or components may be used independently of other stages or components in alternative embodiments. Additional, different, or fewer components than described below may be used. 
         [0023]    The spreader isolates a towel, sheet or other article of laundry from a load of articles of laundry and spreads the article out flat for subsequent processing. For example, a towel is output to an automated towel folder, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,300,007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the spread article is output to an operator or stacked for further use. 
         [0024]    The linen spreader described herein is adapted for isolating and spreading rectangular or square towels, sheets, or other linens of various sizes, including bath towels, beach towels, and hand towels. For example, terry cloth bath towels of any size are processed. Larger towels or smaller towels may also be processed, such as square washcloths or cotton shop towels. Articles with thinner material, such as woven or knit pillowcases, pillow shams, or other laundry articles may also be processed. Other articles of laundry, such as sheets or blankets, may also be spread, in part or total, using one, more or all of the stages described herein. 
         [0025]      FIGS. 1-6  show one apparatus positioned within a single frame structure. One example portion of the frame structure is represented at  21  for connecting with a drive  22 . The frame structure includes beams, plates, mounts, legs, covers, and/or other components. The clamps, drives, or other components described herein connect directly or indirectly with the frame. Bolts, welding, clamps, screws, pins, and/or other connectors may be used. 
         [0026]    Different portions of the apparatus are shown in different views to illustrate the components and operation of various stages for spreading a linen. In one embodiment, the stages are built together within the framework in as small a space as possible while providing sufficient volume for spreading. Various plates for safety and preventing operators from entanglement within the spreader are included, but not shown. Electrical, hydraulic, and/or air pressure cables and hoses interconnect various components for controlling and operating spreading. These cables and hoses are configured and routed as is known in the art or later developed. One or more controllers, such as a processor, coordinate the movement and operation of the various components. These components are not shown to avoid complicating the Figures. Instead, the components operating on the article of laundry are shown and described. 
         [0027]    The components include clamps and drives. Different clamps may have the same or different structures, such as a chuck, scissor clamp, two opposing plates, jaws, pinch roller, pinch plates, pinching belts, or other structure operable to hold a article of laundry. In one embodiment, the clamp includes two metal plates separated by a space for one jaw and an opposing metal jaw operable to move between the two plates of the other jaw. The article is clamped between the two jaws. In another embodiment, the clamp includes two prongs or plates operable to press together or one prong operable to press against another. In yet other embodiments, a cylinder or actuator extends against a plate or surface for clamping. One or more of the jaws may be toothed or coated in rough or gripping material. 
         [0028]    The different clamps discussed below may be of one of the embodiments above or a different embodiment, such as a now known or later developed embodiment. One embodiment may be used below to describe a particular clamp, but other embodiments may be used. 
         [0029]    The clamping motion, rotation, linear movement, or other movement of the clamps, rollers, runs, or other components are performed by drives. The drives include one or more pneumatic cylinder or cylinders, electric servos, air driven cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic actuators, extending screw devices with an electric motor or other mechanism, combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed force applying device. The drives connect with the component being forced. For example, one or more jaws of a clamp are actuated by a pneumatic cylinder through a push/pull rod. Other drive structures may be provided, such as a pulley and motor with an endless belt or chain. For example, a timing belt with an inverter is used. As another example, a guide or run is provided for movement of a clamp between two locations. The drive includes an actuator long enough to extend to and retract from the two locations. Other now known or later developed drives and associated structures may be used. 
         [0030]    The different drives and structures discussed below may be one of the embodiments above or a different embodiment, such as a now known or later developed embodiment. One embodiment may be used below to describe a particular drive or structure, but other embodiments may be used. Similarly, rotation or linear motion may be described below, but other motions may be provided. 
         [0031]    The clamping and driving are controlled by a controller. The controller is a processor, computer, or other device for receiving inputs and generating outputs. In response to sensors, such as contact, infrared, light beam and detector, or other sensors, the controller causes the clamps to clamp, the drives to move, or other action. Any now known or later developed controller and sensors may be used. One embodiment may be used below to describe a particular controller and/or sensor, but other embodiments may be used. 
         [0032]    Metal, plastic, wood, fabric, and/or other materials may be used for any component. The various components use materials now known or later developed, such as aluminum, steel, or other metal. 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  shows a bin  12  for holding a load of articles  14 . The bin  12  is a pick-up area for holding a group of articles of laundry. The bin  12  is of various sizes or shapes. For example, the bin  12  is a wheeled laundry truck. The bin  12  has sides to contain the laundry, but may be a flat surface without walls, such as a conveyor or floor. In one embodiment, the bin  12  tapers towards one location at the bottom of the bin  12 . As articles are removed from the bin  12 , remaining articles migrate towards the location for clamping. In alternative embodiments, conveyors, vibration, tilting mechanisms, troughs, or other devices are provided for continually positioning articles near a clamping position. In other embodiments, no extra guidance is provided for the articles  14  in the bin  12 . 
         [0034]    The bin  12  is fixed to the frame. Alternatively, the bin  12  is releasable from the frame, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,890, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. In another embodiment for use with a wheeled cart, a tapered plate  15 , rail, or other structure is provided to hold the bin  12  in place relative to the frame during operation. The bin  12  is wheeled over the plate  15 . The frame and plate  15  prevent the bin  12  from moving away from a clamp  18 . 
         [0035]    For grabbing articles of laundry  16  from the bin  12 , the clamp  18  operates on a clamp run  20 . The clamp  18  is movable along the clamp run  20 . In one embodiment, the clamp  18  has two jaws coated or textured for gripping articles of laundry. The jaws are narrow plates that press together at the ends or along a portion of the plates. The clamp  18  is actuated by a pneumatic cylinder or other drive. One or both jaws of the clamp  18  connect with the pneumatic cylinder or a plurality of cylinders. The article  16  is clamped between the two jaws. For example, the clamp  18  is positioned on top of or in the load  14 . The article  16  of laundry is clamped while in the load  14 . 
         [0036]    The clamp run  20  is a drive, guide, timing belt, toothed gear, chain, drive shaft, or other structure for moving the clamp  18  towards and away from the bin  12 . In one embodiment, the clamp run  20  is a pulley and motor with an endless belt or chain. For example, a timing belt with an inverter is used. The clamp  18  connects to the endless chain to clamp in a downward direction. The clamp run  20  may include a telescoping portion for further range of motion of the clamp  18 , such as the belt and pulley being on one portion operable to move relative to another portion. 
         [0037]    The clamp run  20  mounts to the frame at a pivot point at any location. The clamp run  20  is moveable. In the embodiment shown, the clamp run  20  is generally vertical in one position, but may be rotated away from vertical as represented by the dashed lines. Alternatively, the clamp run  20  is fixed relative to the frame. 
         [0038]    The clamp  18  is moved downward to a bottom of the clamp run  20 . A sensor, gravity, or interference by the load  14  may be used to determine where to stop the clamp  18  relative to the load  14 . The clamp  18  clamps one or more articles  16 . The clamp  18  is sized to most likely select a single article, such as by having jaws that extend only about one or a few inches. The clamped article  16  and clamp  18  are moved away from the load  14 , such as upwards.  FIG. 1  shows the same clamp  18  at two different example locations. The clamp run  20  includes only a single clamp  18 , but may include multiple clamps. 
         [0039]    The load  14  may be unevenly distributed or may not shift as articles or laundry are removed from a same location by the clamp  18 . By reorienting the clamp run  20 , the clamp  18  may be positioned into different horizontally spaced locations relative to the load  14 . Two or more different locations may be used. 
         [0040]    The drive  22  connects with the frame  21 . The drive  22  includes a rod for extending and withdrawing. By operating the drive  22 , the clamp  18  and clamp run  20  are oriented at different locations or portions of the pick-up area. In the example shown, the clamp run  20  is vertical for clamping articles at a front of the bin  12  and at an angle from vertical for clamping articles at a back of the bin  12 . The angle results in the clamp run  20  being more horizontal than the vertical orientation. In alternative embodiments, the clamp run  20  and/or drive  22  operate to position the clamp  18  at different locations within the bin in other ways. For example, the clamp run  20  is always vertical, but the drive  22  moves the clamp run  20  relative to the bin  12  along a guide. As another example, the clamp run  20  is fixed relative to the frame, and the article of laundry  16  are moved under the clamp run  20 . 
         [0041]    The clamp  18  repetitively clamps articles of laundry  16  from a same location. A sensor  19  detects whether an article is clamped during each attempt. Any sensors may be used, such as weight or light beam sensors. If an article is not clamped, the controller actuates the drive  22  to reorient the clamp  18 . In a next attempt, the clamp  18  will contact the load  14  at a different location. In alternative embodiments, the orientation of the clamp run  20  is changed for additional or alternative reasons than failure to clamp, such as changed periodically regardless of failure to clamp. The orientation may be changed due to failure to clamp or a number of attempts at one orientation. 
         [0042]    The clamped articles of laundry  16  are positioned along the clamp run  20  near the top for clamping by the clamp  24 . In one embodiment, the clamp  24  is a pass-by scissors clamp with one serrated jaw passing between two serrated plates of the other jaw and a sensor for detecting clamping. The clamp  24  clamps near the pivot point so that clamping occurs at a same location regardless of the orientation of the clamp run  20 . Alternatively, the clamp  24  rotates about a pivot point to align with the orientation of the clamp run  20 . In another alternative, the clamp run  20  rotates to vertical for clamping by the clamp  24 . Combinations of these embodiments may be used. 
         [0043]    In response to timing on a timing chain of the clamp run  20  and/or electric eyes indicating that the article  16  is positioned on the upper location, the clamp  24  is activated to move and/or rotate to the article of laundry. For example, the clamp  24  moves laterally and rotates to clamp. The clamp  24  clamps the article  16  of laundry just below the clamp  18 . In one embodiment, a sensor is provided to detect contact of the clamp  24  with the article  16 . In other embodiments, the clamp  24  is positioned to where a article  16  should be positioned. In response to the closing of clamp  24 , the clamp  18  releases the article  16 . The clamp  24  grabs the article  16  just below the clamp  18  or at another location anywhere on the article  16 . 
         [0044]    The clamp  24  moves laterally to transfer the article  16  of laundry. The clamp  24  is shown in two different example positions in  FIG. 1 . The two positions correspond generally to the extent of the lateral movement. One or more clamps  24  may be used. The clamp  24  moves the article of laundry from the clamp  18  to a pair of rollers  26 ,  28 . Plates, guides, and/or brushes may be used to contact the article  16  of laundry during transfer to the rollers  26 ,  28 . For example, a plate is provided at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) to guide the article to the rollers  26 ,  28 , reduce drag from the article  16  of laundry during operation of the rollers  26 ,  28 , or guide discarded articles  16  back into the bin  12 . Brushes along the sides may assist in aligning the article of laundry to fall between the rollers  26 ,  28  at a centered location. 
         [0045]    The rollers  26 ,  28  are clutch rollers, but other rollers may be used. Solid rollers, belts, conveyors, or other structures may be used for the rollers  26 ,  28 . In one embodiment, the roller  28  is moveable to and away from the other roller  26 . Brackets supporting the roller  28  rotate to move the roller  28 . A drive positions the roller  28  spaced away from the roller  26  for receiving the article  16  of laundry. The clamp  24  releases the article  16  of laundry over the gap between the rollers  26 ,  28 . Such a gap is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0046]    Upon release by the clamp  24 , the roller  28  is rotated against or to contact the article  16  of laundry adjacent the roller  26 . A nip is formed between the rollers  26 ,  28 . In alternative embodiments, the roller  26  moves or both rollers  26 ,  28  move relative to each other. 
         [0047]    The roller  28  is not a driven roller, but the roller  26  is driven. Both rollers  26 ,  28  or the roller  28  may be driven. The roller  26  drives the article of laundry between the rollers  26 ,  28 . For example, the article  16  of laundry is driven downwards as shown in  FIG. 2 . The roller  26  continues rotating until a corner or last portion of the article  16  of laundry is between the rollers  26 ,  28 . A sensor detects the trailing portion of the article  16  of laundry just above the nip formed by the rollers  26 ,  28 . Once the trailing portion is between the rollers  26 ,  28 , one or both of the rollers  26 ,  28  are braked to hold the article  16 , such as suspended in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0048]      FIGS. 2 and 3  show further processing of the article  16  of laundry. The article  16  of laundry is transferred from the rollers  26 ,  28  to a rotatable clamp  30 .  FIG. 2  shows the rotatable clamp  30  in two positions from a side view, and  FIG. 3  shows the rotatable clamp  30  in two positions from a top view. Only one rotatable clamp  30  is used, but multiple rotatable clamps  30  may be provided. In one embodiment, the rotatable clamp  30  is a pass-by scissors clamp with one serrated jaw passing between two serrated plates of the other jaw. The clamp  30  rotates in a horizontal plane, but may rotate vertically or out of the horizontal plane. 
         [0049]    In one embodiment, the rotatable clamp  30  includes a drive for rotating about a pivot location  32  and a separate drive  34  for lateral movement. The clamp  30  may be on an arm or otherwise extend from the pivot location  32  to provide the desired range of motion and centrifugal force. The rotatable clamp  30  moves laterally while rotated to clamp the article  16  of laundry suspended from the rollers  26 ,  28 . The article  16  of laundry is clamped adjacent to or just below the corner held by the rollers  26 ,  28 , but other locations may be clamped. In one embodiment, a sensor is provided to detect contact of the clamp  30  with the article. In other embodiments, the clamp  30  is positioned to where an article should be positioned. In response to the closing of clamp  30 , the rollers  26 ,  28  release the article. 
         [0050]    Upon release, the clamp  30  and arm rotates. Any amount of rotation may be used, such as 180 degrees. The clamped article  16  of laundry is rotated with the clamp  30 . The rotation has sufficient force to cause part of the article of laundry to extend away from the clamped corner by centrifugal force. For example, the article  16  of laundry rotates sufficiently quickly that a corner extends outward relative to the clamped corner. The short edge is common to the clamped corner and the corner extending outward due to the rotation. Greater or less centrifugal force may be applied. Lateral movement of the clamp  30  during, before, or after rotation may or may not also be provided. Plates, rubber stoppers, other stoppers, pneumatic cylinders or other devices may be used for limiting the rotation. Alternatively, the operation of the drive is used to limit the rotation. In alternative embodiments, rotation is not provided or is slow enough to have little effect on spreading the article  16  of laundry. 
         [0051]    The clamp  30  rotates and/or moves such that the article  16  of laundry contacts a stop  36 . The stop  36  is a bar, plate, or other structure at least partially interfering with movement of the article  16  of laundry. The stop  36  is smooth or textured, such as for limiting sliding of the article  16 . The stop  36  is positioned to contact the article  16  of laundry during the rotation in one embodiment. The stop  36  is sufficiently long to catch at least part or all of a width of the article  16  of laundry. By contacting just a portion of the width, the article of laundry may more likely spread out or be maintained spread out. The article  16  of laundry may extend from the clamp  30  to the end of the stop  36  with only one or no folds, such as a short edge or fold by the short edge extending from the stop  36  to the clamp  30 . The stop  36  is positioned at any level or height relative to the clamp  30 . In one embodiment, the top of the stop  36  is about ¼-½ the length of the article  16  below the clamp  30 . 
         [0052]    In one embodiment, the stop  36  is fixed. For example, the clamp  40  drags the article  16  of laundry over the stop  36 . In other embodiments, the stop  36  rotates, slides, or otherwise moves. For example, the stop  36  blocks the article  16  of laundry during rotation or at the end of rotation, but moves to limit or avoid interfering with the article  16  of laundry while being moved by the clamp  40 .  FIGS. 2 and 3  show the stop  36  able to rotate downwards to avoid interference and rotate upwards to horizontal to block. In one embodiment, the stop  36  rotates downward as or after the clamp  38  grabs the article  16  of laundry. 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , a clamp  38  clamps the article  16  of laundry while the clamp  30  clamps but after rotation. The clamp  38  rotates downward and to the side to clamp a portion of the article  16  of laundry spaced away from the corner clamped by the rotatable clamp  30 . Due to the rotation, the clamp  38  likely clamps an edge or single fold of the article  16 , but spaced away from the corner portion clamped by the rotatable clamp  30 . For example, the clamp  38  clamps two-to-ten inches lower than the rotatable clamp  30 . 
         [0054]    After clamping, the clamp  38  rotates away and upwards to spread the article  16  of laundry.  FIG. 4  shows the article  16  of laundry with a portion spread apart between the clamp  38  and the rotatable clamp  30 . After or during spreading, the stop  36  may move away from the path of travel of the article  16  of laundry. 
         [0055]    In an alternative embodiment for spreading sheets, an additional clamp, similar to clamp  38  but opposite clamp  38  relative to clamp  30 , operates in sequence with the clamp  38 . While held by the clamp  30  and clamp  38 , air is used to clean any wrinkles. The opposite clamp grabs the sheet and the clamp  38  releases the sheet. Clamp  30  continues to hold the sheet. The clamp  38  then grabs the sheet again for clamping by the clamp  40 . Other combinations of release and grabbing sequences may be used. 
         [0056]    After spreading, the clamp  40  moves to clamp the article  16  of laundry. The clamp  40  has two plates for jaws to clamp an elongated region of the article  16  of laundry between the clamp  38  and the rotatable clamp  30 . The elongated region is wider than the portions clamped by the clamp  38  or rotatable clamp  30 , but may be the same or less. Multiple clamps or clamping a non-elongated region may be used. 
         [0057]    The clamp  40  clamps between the clamp  38  and rotatable clamp  30  while held by both. The region may be on a similar level as the clamp  38 , the rotatable clamp  30 , and/or both, or a different level, such as a few inches below. 
         [0058]    On the opposite side of the article  16  of laundry, an air jet  41  blows on the article  16  of laundry to more likely position the article  16  between the jaws of the clamp  40 . The air jet  41  rotates or moves into position. For example, the air jet  41  connects with the drive  34  or structure supporting the moveable clamp  30 . The rotatable clamp  30  rotates the article  16  of laundry around the air jet  41 , and the air jet  41  moves laterally with the rotatable clamp  30 . Alternatively, the air jet  41  is spaced away from the path of travel of the article  16  of laundry, but directed to jet air or other gas at the article  16  of laundry. 
         [0059]    Once the clamp  40  clamps the article of laundry, the clamp  38  and rotatable clamp  30  release the article  16  of laundry. After release, the clamp  40  moves laterally with the article  16  of laundry. The clamp  40  drags the article  16  of laundry over a rotatable support  42 . The clamp  40  moves above the rotatable support  42 , dragging a part of the article  16  of laundry over the rotatable support  42 . Less than the entire article  16  of laundry is dragged past the rotatable support. For example, about ⅓-½ or other amount of the article length is dragged over the rotatable support  42 . Keeping the distance low for larger articles may allow articles of different sizes to be spread by the same apparatus. In alternative embodiments, the rotatable support  42  moves to drag the article  16  of laundry while the clamp  40  is stationary or also moving. 
         [0060]    The rotatable support  42  is a wheel, roller, belt, or other device. In the embodiment shown, the rotatable support  42  includes a belt with two pulleys or wheels. In other embodiments, a single wheel or three or more wheels with or without a belt may be used. 
         [0061]    The rotatable support  42  is positioned to provide rotation around an axis extending along the direction of relative movement of the clamp  40  and the rotatable support  42 . The rotatable support  42  is shown as being a generally vertical belt, but angled (see  FIG. 2 ) to ease dragging (i.e., more vertical than horizontal). Other angles may be provided. The angle tensions the article  16  between the clamp  40  and the rotatable support  42  to avoid loss of traction and undesired sagging (too much vertical) and jamming (too much horizontal). 
         [0062]    The rotation of the rotatable support  42  causes the article of laundry to have more or less material hanging on a given side of the rotatable support  42 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the article  16  of laundry drapes over the rotatable support  42  while held by the clamp  40 . After dragging, the article  16  of laundry includes a portion near or at a short edge held above and to one side of the rotatable support  42 . The rotatable support  42  is at a middle or other region lengthwise, with a portion of the article hanging to each side and the remainder of the length hanging off that has not been dragged over the rotatable support  42 . Different amounts or a same amount of the width of the article  16  of laundry hang from each side. Depending on the draping and where the clamp  40  clamps the article  16 , the edges hanging from the sides of the rotatable support  42  may or may not be horizontal. 
         [0063]    One or more sensors  45  detect an extent of the article  16  of laundry hanging from one or both sides of the rotatable support  42 . For example, a sensor  45  detects whether the article  16  of laundry hangs in front of the sensor about 6-24 inches down from the rotatable support  42 . The sensor  45  senses an edge of the article  16  of laundry. If blocked, the edge is below the sensor  45 . If not blocked, the edge is above the sensor  45 . 
         [0064]    A drive rotates the rotatable support  42 . For example, an electric motor rotates a pulley, which rotates the belt. The direction of rotation depends on input from the sensor  45 . Alternatively, the direction of rotation is fixed. The rotatable support  42  is rotated to bring the edge up or down to the sensor  45 . Once the edge is detected, such as being no longer blocked or now being blocked, the rotation is stopped. The rotation may occur after dragging and/or during dragging. For example, the rotation occurs during dragging to prevent the article  16  of laundry from falling off the rotatable support  42  and occurs after dragging to align the article for further processing. 
         [0065]    The rotation alters the lengths of the article of laundry hanging from each side of the rotatable support  42 . The hanging of the article  16  of laundry is rotatably adjusted such that an edge of the article  16  of laundry hanging from the rotatable support  42  is reoriented. For example, the edge may be shifted to be more horizontal. The rotation adjustment more likely results in a length of the article  16  on one side within a desired range. 
         [0066]    In an alternative embodiment, two rotatable supports  42  face each other on opposite sides of the movable platform  44 . The two rotatable supports  42  create a v shape, but other relative orientations may be used. The clamp  40  may release the article  16  for rotation by both rotatable supports  42 . The wanted edge can be rolled evenly to within inches of the tops of each rotatable support  42  from either side, on clamps  48  side or the opposite side of rotatable supports  42 . The clamps  48  can retrieve the wanted edge at the top location. 
         [0067]    A plate  46 , brush, or other structure may rotate towards and away from the moveable plate  44 . The plate  46  helps remove any improperly placed articles of laundry  16  to clear the move able plate  44  and the rotatable support  42  for subsequent articles of laundry  16 . The plate  46  moves to the position shown in  FIG. 5  while the article  16  of laundry is dragged over the rotatable support  42 . Once the article  16  of laundry is being removed from the move able plate  44 , the plate  46  rotates one end away from the moveable plate  44 . 
         [0068]    The moveable platform  44  is a plate, prongs, bars, and/or other structures. In one embodiment, the moveable platform includes two slots for clamping, such as providing three plates or two prongs and a center plate. The slot or slots extend into a portion of the plate  44  or along an entire length of the plate  44  (e.g., forming two or more separate plates separated by the slot(s)). The slots allow the clamps  48  move through, adjacent to, or into the slots to clamp the edge of the article  16  of laundry laying across the slots. The moveable plate  44  is metal, wood, plastic, fiberglass or other material. The movable plate  44  is sized to hold the edge spaced away from a center of the article  16 . The moveable plate  44  is square, rectangular, oblong, circular or other shape. 
         [0069]    Pneumatic, chain, gear, air or other drive mechanisms may be provided to move the moveable plate  44 . For example, a hydraulic or electric actuator acts as a release. The actuator allows gravity to move the moveable plate  44  downwards. Alternatively, the actuator powers or drives the moveable plate  44  downwards. The actuator  44  is also operable to move the plate back to the substantially horizontal position. 
         [0070]    The movable platform  44  is positioned adjacent the rotatable support  42 , such as extending generally along the axis of rotation of the rotatable support  42  or the direction of dragging. The move able platform  44  is between the rotatable support  42  and the clamp  40 . As the clamp  40  drags the article of laundry  42  over the rotatable support  42 , the article  16  of laundry is on or suspended over the moveable platform  44 . 
         [0071]    The moveable plate  44  begins in a downward position, such as the vertical position shown in solid lines of  FIGS. 2 and 5 . In response to the edge detection by the sensor  45 , the moveable plate  44  is rotated against the article  16  of laundry. After the edge is adjusted by the rotatable support  42  and before clamping by a clamp  48 , the edge is lifted. Part of the article  16  is lifted to a substantially horizontal position as shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 5 . The movable plate  44  raises an edge of the article  16  of laundry hanging from one side of the rotatable support  42 . 
         [0072]    A minor or major portion of the article  16  of laundry rests on the moveable plate  44 , including part of an edge. The edge is generally parallel with the axis of rotation of the moveable plate, but may be at a substantial angle. By lifting part of the article  16  of laundry from a vertical position hanging down from the rotatable support  42  and the clamp  40  to a horizontal position, the moveable plate  44  positions the article  16  of laundry for clamping by the clamps  48 . 
         [0073]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the clamps  48  are two clamps operating together and connected together. In one embodiment, the clamps  48  are metal cylinders extending from separate drives against plates. The clamps  48  are spaced apart by a same distance as slots in the moveable plate  44 , such as 4-20 inches. The clamps  48  are sized and spaced to clamp different locations on the edge of the article  16  of laundry. The clamps  48  may or may not spread apart to tension the article  16  between the clamps  48  after clamping. While two clamps  48  are shown, 1, 3, or other numbers of clamps may be used. 
         [0074]    Both clamps  48  move laterally from the moveable plate  44  over a roller  50  and are shown in two locations in  FIG. 6 . One or multiple groups of clamps  48  may be used. The clamps  48  are positioned against the article  16  of laundry as the article  16  of laundry rests on the moveable plate  44 . The clamps  48  are movable in a horizontal position towards and away from the article  16  of laundry and the moveable plate  44 . An electric eye or other detector may be used for determining when the clamps  48  are positioned against the article  16  of laundry. For example, the clamps  48  move towards the back of the moveable plate  44  until the article  16  of laundry is detected by sensors at both clamps  48 . Alternatively, the clamps  48  are positioned at a given location under the assumption that the article  16  of laundry is positioned at that location. The clamps  48  grab an edge of the article  16  of laundry. The edge is clamped in a middle portion of a long side, but may be clamped in other portions of the edge. 
         [0075]    After the clamps  48  grab the edge of the article  16  of laundry, the clamps  48  are moved laterally to drag the article  16  of laundry over the roller  50 . The rotatable support  42  may rotate in the direction of movement to assist in dragging the article  16  off the rotatable support  42 . During the dragging, a smoothing beam  56  rests by gravity or is driven against the top of the article  16  of laundry. The smoothing beam  56  presses the article  16  of laundry against the roller  50 . In one embodiment, the smoothing beam  56  is plastic or fiber, but may be other materials. The smoothing beam  56  rotates to allow passing of the clamps  48  and positioning of the smoothing beam  56  on top of the article  16  of laundry while being dragged. The smoothing beam  56  is positioned to contact adjacent the end of the roller  50  closest to the moveable plate  44 . 
         [0076]    The roller  50  is sufficiently long to be longer than the longest short edge of the type of articles of laundry to be processed, but a shorter roller may be used. The roller  50  is not driven or braked, but may be a clutch roller or driven roller in alternative embodiments. The ends of the roller  50  are supported by beams or other structure. The beams or structure include bearings, pins, or other devices allowing the roller to be rotated against and away from the conveyor  52 . In an alternative embodiment, the roller  50  is a conveyor, such as the transfer apparatus  67  described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,515,627, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The clamps  48  deposit an edge into the transfer apparatus. The conveyor  52  is not provided. 
         [0077]    A drive  53  connects with the beams supporting the roller  50 . The drive  53  is operable to position the roller  50  against and spaced away from the conveyor  52 . For depositing the article  16  of laundry from the clamps  48 , the roller  50  is spaced away from the conveyor  52 . The clamps  48  hold the article  16  of laundry on each side, but above, the roller  50 . A sensor detects a leading or trailing edge of the article  16  of laundry and/or a position of the clamps  48  to cause release of the article  16  of laundry by the clamps  48  onto the roller  50 . 
         [0078]    Once deposited, the drive  53  positions the roller  50  adjacent the conveyor  52 . The roller  50  and one end of the conveyor  52  are at a same height, but may be at different heights, such as the conveyor  52  being slightly lower than the roller  50  when positioned against each other. The roller  50  and the conveyor  52  have a same or similar lateral extent, but one may be wider than the other. 
         [0079]    The conveyor  52  includes one or more belts or straps tensioned over two or more rollers or pulleys. The conveyor  52  includes a platform beneath the straps in between the rollers in one embodiment, but embodiments may be provided without a platform. The conveyor  52  is driven by a gear, belt or chain connected from a motor to one or both of the rollers or pulleys. One of the rollers of the conveyor  52  is at the end for supporting the belts against the article  16  of laundry while being pressed by the roller  50 . The drive  53  uses sufficient force to allow transfer of rotation force from the conveyor  52  to the roller  50 . 
         [0080]    The conveyor  52  rotates the upper run towards the roller  50  and article  16  of laundry. Since the article  16  of laundry contacts the conveyor  52 , the article  16  of laundry feeds downward through the nip formed by the roller  50  and the conveyor  52 . 
         [0081]    A sensor  55  is positioned to detect an edge of the article  16  of laundry at or in the nip. The sensor  55  detects the edge. In response, the conveyor  52  reverses direction, preventing the article  16  of laundry from being discarded. Air jets  54  and/or force from conveying cause the detected edge to lay on the conveyor  52  as the article  16  of laundry is conveyed upward. For example, one or more air jet  54  blow the edge onto the conveyor  52 . The conveyor  52  continues conveying to provide the entire article  16  of laundry in a laid out and spread position for further processing. 
         [0082]    The controller controls the drive  53  to position the roller  50  against the conveyor  52  with the article  16  of laundry in the nip between the roller  50  and the conveyor  52 . The controller controls the conveyor  52  based on the input from the sensor  55  to convey the article  16  of laundry such that the edge is adjacent the nip formed by the roller  50  and the conveyor  52  and to convey the article  16  of laundry away from the roller  50  on the conveyor  52 . 
         [0083]    While the invention has been disclosed above by reference to various embodiments, it should be understood that many changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, any number of additional stages may be provided. Different clamp, conveyor, sensor, actuator or drive structures may be used, including now known or later developed structures. As another example, clamps may release, components may rotate or move in opposite directions, or other actions may occur to remove a caught or misaligned article  16  of laundry. Blowers and/or sensors may be used to assist in control and/or transfer of the article between components. 
         [0084]    It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be understood as an illustration of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and not as a definition of the invention. It is only the following claims, including all equivalents that are intended to define the scope of this invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 3