GB536725A - Improvements in means for transferring sheet material such as metal sheets from a stack or pile to a conveyor or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

536,725. Feeding sheets. ARNOLD, C. (Aetna-Standard Engineering Co.). Sept. 19, 1939, No. 26194. [Class 100 (i)] A sheet-feeding apparatus which is especially applicable to feeding metal sheets S from a pickling tank T, Fig. 2, comprises a number of suction cups 35 mounted on curved arms 27 by a support which can yield against the action of springs 37, and which are given combined reciprocating vertical and horizontal movements obtained from a piston 43, Fig. 4, reciprocated by means of compressed air, steam, &c. supplied from a tank P under control of a sliding valve 49 connected by a rod 80 to a lever 72 which is freely mounted on an oscillating shaft 71 and is capable of being held by a spring- pressed lever in positions corresponding to the supply of fluid to the two ends of the compressed air &c. cylinder 42. The piston is connected by a rod 38 and links 39, 40 to the frame supporting the suction cups 35 and guide channels 17, 18, 19, 20 guide the frame so as to direct the separated sheets to forwarding rollers 129, 130. The speed of travel of the cups can be hand-controlled by an adjustable dashpot device comprising a pair of reciprocating pistons 94, 95 moving in cylinders 92, 93 immersed in a bath of oil 90 and having outlets 104, 105 and 112 controlled by adjustable valves, and inlets 106, 111, controlled by check valves. The air pressure in the cups 35 is controlled by a valve sliding in a casing 134 which is operated by a rod 148 connected to a lever 153, Fig. 2, capable of being held by a spring-pressed roller or a lever in positions corresponding to connections to atmosphere or to a suction pump. This lever can also be held in a mid-position which traps air in the cups as they pass into contact with an immersed plate, and so prevents liquid from being drawn through the cups. Should, however, any liquid be drawn in, it acts on a valve 178, Fig. 16, which rises to cut off connection with the suction manifold. In a modified form the suction cups are arranged to move transversely to the motion of the final conveyer which advances the separated sheets.