GB1042361A - Improvements in stacking and handling apparatus for flat sheet like objects - Google Patents

Abstract

1,042,361. Delivering sheets. PAPER CONVERTING MACHINE CO. Inc. Jan. 1, 1964, No. 57/64. Heading B6H. Apparatus for stacking sheets or the like comprises a first stack-supporting means movable in a generally vertical path, the lowest point of which is aligned with a conveyer for receiving the stack, and an auxiliary stacksupporting means also movable in a generally vertical path with its lowest point of movement below the upper point of movement of the first means, whereby after transferring a stack from the first means to the conveyer the first means rises so that as the auxiliary means approaches its lowermost point it passes beneath the first means and a partial stack formed thereon is transferred to the first means. Paper towels are delivered to a stack by a rotating suction drum 22. The towels are stripped from the drum and pressed on to the top of a stack 28 by reciprocating fingers 26 co-operating with grooves 23 in the drum. The free ends of the fingers 26 follow a circular path 27. The stack is supported by bars 29, which are lowered as the stack grows to maintain the top of the stack at a predetermined height. When the stack contains a predetermined number of towels, auxiliary support bars 52 are moved beneath the drum to receive the towels, while the bars 29 are lowered to the position shown in dotted outline 30. The completed stack is removed from the bars 29, by an endless conveyer 35 carrying pushers 36. The conveyer moves forward one step for each cycle of movement of the bars 29, to carrying the stacks up an inclined table 37. The stacks are guided by side plates 32. The bars 29 are carried by a cross-bar 42, reciprocated in a slot 41 by linkage 43 and 45 and dwell in their lowermost position 30 until a half-completed stack has been formed on the auxiliary bars 52. The latter are fixed to a cross-shaft 63 attached at each end to a plate 58. Each plate 58 is reciprocated along the upper arm of an inverted L- shaped member 54 by linkage 60 and 61. The members 54 are reciprocated in guides 53 by linkage 55 and 57. The combined motions of the plates 58 and members 54 move the bars 52 in a substantially rectangular path. Thus, the auxiliary bars are lowered as the stack grows, until on moving below the level of the bars 29, they are moved to the left clear of the bars 29. Means are provided to stop the drive of the suction drum 22 in the event of the member 78 not following its intended path.