GB873719A - Sheet separator device - Google Patents

Abstract

873,719. Feeding and delivering sheets. AMERICAN PHOTOCOPY EQUIPMENT CO. April 13, 1959, No. 12408/59. Class 100(1) Apparatus for separating one sheet from two or more superimposed sheets, wherein one sheet has its leading edge projecting beyond the other sheet or sheets, comprises a member mounted for movement to either of two alternative positions and adapted to be moved from a first position to the second position when the said projecting edge engages the member, the member being so shaped that the sheet with the projecting edge is guided for movement in one direction and the other sheet or sheets is or are guided for movement in another direction. As shown in Fig. 1, two superimposed sheets L, T, which have been fed or have issued from a photocopy, or reproducing machine, are guided by rollers 25, 26 to impinge upon a separator member 28 which is freely pivoted on a shaft 27 and retained, against the action of gravity, in a first position by an adjustable stop 30. The leading sheet L strikes the face 35, is directed into a notch 36, and then rocks the member 28 counter-clockwise, whereby the sheet L is directed upwardly, and the sheet T is directed downwardly by a lip 38 along a camera surface 39. In modifications (a) the sheets L, T are fed by a feed belt and cooperating roller and between a pair of guide plates towards the separator member, and the operating face of the latter is shaped differently; (b) the separator member is rocked downwardly against the action of a return spring. Fig. 9 shows a separator member comprising a flat spring-steel or other resilient plate 333 secured to a fixed support 331, and secured to the free end thereof is a plate which is curved at 328 and has a straight portion 329. The leading edge of the sheet L engages a notch 336 between the parts 328, 329, then bends the plate 333 upwardly, whereby the sheet L follows the contour of the part 335, and the sheet T then passes below the edge of the part 329. As shown in Fig. 12, the separator member 628 is slidably mounted within a fixed tube 634, against the action of tension springs 625. Sheets L, T are fed between guides 640, 641, and the leading edge of sheet L engages a notch 620 to depress the separator 628, whereupon the sheet L is guided by a face 622 for movement between the guide 640 and a guide 642, and the sheet T is diverted by a face 623 for movement between the guide 641 and a guide 643.