US1546184A

US1546184A - Feeder

Info

Publication number: US1546184A
Application number: US677721A
Authority: US
Inventors: Lester K Aldrich
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1923-11-30
Filing date: 1923-11-30
Publication date: 1925-07-14
Anticipated expiration: 1942-07-14

Description

July 14, 1925. 1,546,184

L. K. ALDRICH FEEDER Filed NOV. 30, 1925. -2 Sheets-Sheet l LESTER K. ALnmcH.

amm/Lug L. K. ALDRICH FEEDER Filed Nov. so, ,1925 2 sheets-smet *2.

July 14, 1925.

5a LESTER K. ALDRIcH.

r`zontal cross section. prise

suitable sides

10 and 11, connected by Patented July 14, 1925.

LESTER K.`ALDRICH, 0F SIDNEY, OHIO.

FEEDER.

Application led November 30, 1923. Serial No. 677,721.

To all. whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, LESTER K. ALDRICH, a citizen of the United States of America, and a residentfof lSidney, in t-he county of Shelby and State of Ohio, havelinvented a new and useful Improvement iii a Feeder, of which the following is a specification.

An object of my invention provides an automatic feeder for sheet material and the like, that is readily adaptable to operation upon sheet material of various thicknesses and stiiinesses, and is simple in construction and eiiicient in operation.

Another object of my invention is to provide a device of the type described that is .positive in its action of separating the sheets, preparatory to feeding ofthe sheets.

These and other objects are attained by the means described herein and disclosed by the accompanying drawing, in which,

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of the device.

embodying my invention. v

Fig. 2is a side elevation of the device, showmgF ig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view on line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the device shown in Fig. 2. v t

F 5 is a rear elevation of the device shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view on line 6 6 of F1g. 1. y

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of line 7-7 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a fragmental sectional view on line 8*8 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmental view of parts shown in Fig. 2.

. Fig. 10 is an enlarged plan view of an air valve forming a detail of my invention.

-- The device of my -invention comprises a frame 9 of a substantially rectangular hori- The frame may comcross bars 12 and the like. A vertically reciprocable table 13 is provided for supporting a stack ofA sheets 14, that are to be fed. The table is fed upwardly for advancing the Vstack 14 toward a nozzle 66, that Ais employed for removing individual sheets from the stack and feeding the individual sheets from the device. Any suitable means may be employed for advancing the stack 14. As shown herein said advancing means comprises al shaft 16 supported by the side 10 and extending rearwardly of the machine.

.The shaft 16 carries a suitable hand wheel 17 and a worm 18. Theworm 18 drives a worm wheel 19, mounted on `a shaft 20, which shaft 20 carries a sprocket 21. A chain 2 2 extends about .the sprocket and supports at its one end,'the table 13 and carries at its other end, a weight or counterbalance 23. An automatic advancing means is provided for the table 13. This automatic advancing .means comprises a ratchet wheel'2i4, mounted on the shaft 16 and en- 'gaglng a pawl 25, carried by the ratchet y plate 26, mounted for oscillation on shaft 16. The ratchet plate 26 extends transversely of the frame 9, and is weighted at its inner end, as shown at 27, and carries a headed pin 28 at its other end, that is received inoan elongated slot 29, formed in a link 30, depending from said ratchet plate.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the weight 27 serves to move the ratchet plate, as shown in 3, in a counterclock wise direction, while the upper end of the wall of the slot 29 limits such counterclockwise movement of the ratchet plate. The lower end of the link 30, is pivotally connected to the forward end of an arm 31.

The arm 31 may be actuated about its pivotal mounting 32 on the frame, in any suitable manner, for actuating the link 30.- The frame carries adjacent the weighted end of the ratchet plate, a limiting means controlling the rotation ofthe shaft 16 by the ratchet mechanism. This limiting means comprises a pivotally mounted bracket 33 provided with a finger. 34 for engagement u'pon the upper surface 35 of the stack 14, and with a second finger 36 that may assume a position below the weight 27 for receiving the weight 27 and precluding the ratchet plate 26 from movement although the link 30 may reciprocate relative'to said ratchet plate. From the-foregoin it will be' apparent 'that the movement o? the link 30 will have no effect on the advancing of the stack 14, unless the finger 36 is moved to the left of the weight 27, as shown in Fig. 3.

The arm- 31 carries an. upwardly projecting extension 37 carrying `a rearwardly eX- tending fingerQ 38 and upon which linger is The roller. is con-y mounted a rollerl 39. tained within a way 40, formed in the cam 41. From the foregoing it will be apparent im that the movement of the cam serves to-'actuate thearml 31 and varlous mechanisms connected to said arm. The camvlnturn is actuated from the motor 42 by way of belts 43 and 44,

shafts

45 and 46,

pulleys

47 and 48 and 49 and crank 50 carried by 4shaft 46 and pivotally engaging one end of a link 51. The other end of the link 51 is pivotally connected with the cam 41. The shaft 45 is associated with a compressor that receives air by way of the pipe 52, whereby there is a tendency toward a vacuum within` the pipe 52. The air under pressure is directed into tank 53 by way of pipe .connections 54. The tank 53 drscharges by way of pipe 55. A valve 56 is controlled by the rear end lof the arm 31 whereby to modify the degree of the vacuum tendency within the pipe 52. The valve 56 comprises' a shutter 57 that is mounted means of a pivot 58 upon the block 59' with which the bore of the pipe 52 communicates. The block is provided with a port 6() for which the shutter serves as a closure. The rear end of the shutter 57 carries a pin 61 ,that is disposed within an elongated aperture 62 formed in the upper end of an upright` extension 63, formed on the rear end of the arm 31. The shutter is practically balanced on its pivot 58 and is actuated in opposite directions by the wall of the aperture 62 and the depending extension 710` on the arm 71. The upper end of the pipe 52 carries a cap 64 that serves .as a valve, for. modifying the suction or vacuum tendency wit-hin the pipe 52. The purpose thereof will be explained hereafter. The pipe 52 communicates by way of a hose 65 with an oscillating nozzle 66, formingpart o-f the pick up device for picking up individual sheets from the stack 14. The nozzle 66 is fiXedly mounted upon a shaft 67 extending transversely and at the top ofthe frame. The shaft is supported by brackets 68 and .69 mounted upon a shaft 70. The shaft 7 0l is rotatably supported by the sides 10 and 1`1. A roller arm 71 isfixedly mounted at one end of the shaft 70 and carries a roller 72 that engages the cam 41. From the foregoing it will be apparent that as the roller carrying the lend of the arm 71 is raised and lowered, the brackets 68 and 69 will raiseand lower the shaft 67 together with the nozzle 66. It should be observed that when the nozzle is in position ,to pick up a sheet from the 4stack 14, for example as shown in Fig. 2, the. shaft -67 is slightly below theshaft 7 0, consequently, when the shaft67v is moved upwardly, the said shaft also moves slightly forwardly of the frame,

and this slight forward movement ,is used for a purpose that will be explained hereafter. It is essential that this slight movement be understood in order that the operation of the device be fully appreciated. The shaft 67 is rotatably supported by the brackets 68 and 69 and hasfxedly mounted at its one end, a crank arm 73 that is pivotally connected with a link 74. The link 7 4 has a pivotal mounting upon the upper end of the extension 37. From the foregoing it will be apparent that thel nozzle may'have imparted to it, bothvan'oscillating motion about the shaft 67 and an oscillating motion about the shaft 7 0. By reference to Figs. 6 and 7, it will be apparent that the nozzle 66 is pr vided with1 a pl-urality of suction mout-

hs

75, 76, 77 and 78. It is preferable to provide a small rib 79 at the surface of said mouths to avoid distortion of the sheets. The several mouths communicate by way of ducts or passages formed in the nozzle 6.6 with ports 80, 81, 82 and 83 inthe side of the nozzle. .The ports 80 to 83 inclusive may be brought intol communication with the hose 65 for employing the ,suction or air pressure, resultant from the action of the stem 85 is supported by a bracket 88 carried J by a shaft 70 and against which bracket, a spring 89 mounted upon shaft 70 abuts. this way the block 86 is held in yielding engagement -upon the side of the nozzle 66. The bracket 88 may be secured lto the shaft 70 in any suitable manner, such as by a set screw and the like.

At the rear of the machine, the stack of sheets 14 abut a safety sto-p '90 that may be mounted upon the frame in any suitable manner and may be adjustable with the frame. The upper end of the safety stop is angular and extends upwardly and rearv wardly. In the normal operation of my device thelower end of said angular extension of the safety stop is at some distance above the normal upper level of the sheets 14. To t-he rear of the inclined upper edge of thc safety stop 90 are

disposed rollers

91 and 92 for receiving a sheet and passing same from the device. These rollers may be mounted in any suitable manner and may be driven in any suitable manner. For example, as shown herein. the roller 92 is supported from the frame by brackets l93 mounted =upon shaft 94 extending transversely of the device. The roller 91 is mounted upon a shaft 95 having bearings upon the sides 10l and 11 and driven from the shaft 46 by a belt 96.,T Adjacent the safety stop' 90 are disposed

airv discharge nozzles

97 and 98 that may be adjusted about a vertical axis and that may also be adjusted vertically off the device. These nozzles are provided with vlo11g ,it11clinz1lly eX- aimeriez bar or abutment block 99. It should bte) noted tha-t a Y co-n ects

hose

100 and 101 with the pipe 55, lich hose ,in turn are connected with the

nozzles

97 and 98. By

'providinga Ystructure, an even distribution of pressure from said nozzles is effeeted. o. The duet extending between the mouth 75 and the port 83 may be provided with a small vent 105 for elfecting a reduction of the vacuum operative upon the'upper sheet, when theI nozzle 66 is first brought into engagement with thestack 14.

The operation of my device is as follows: A stack of sheets 14 is placed upon the table 13 and is confined between the safety stop 90 and'the block 99. The hand wheel 17 is then actuated to bring the stack of papers to the proper level. Should the motor be started, the cam would then actuate the nozl zel 66 for bringing same downwardly into engagement with the uppermost sheet and for sealing the port 60. This movement would be about the shaft 70 as the axis. The communication of oney of the ports in the nozzle 66 with the hose 65 would cause air pressure-to affix the upper sheet of paper to the curved lower face 102 of the nozzle. The

parts are so related that, altho, at this time the port is covered, the mouth 75 engages the upper sheet, and the vent 105 permits only enough air pressure or suction to operate upon the upper sheet that the up er sheet only is hel-d by the nozzle 66. he shaft is then actuated through the cam 41 for elevating the shaft 67. Whereas the shaft 67 is below the lane of the horizontal diameter of the shaflt 70, this raising motion ott-he shaft 67 serves vto move the n per sheet of paper toward the forward en or front of the device, thereby throwing an upward bulge or bend into the upper sheet of paper, which serves toseparate the upper sheet of paper from the sheet below. During this time the exhaust air from the

nozzles

97 and 98 is blowing upon the stack 14 and as soon as the slight upward bulge is Adeveloped in the upper sheet, this air rushes under the upper sheet and separates same throughout its under area from the sheet next below. The movement of lthe oscillating nozzle 66 in opposite directions while holding a sheet of paper, serves to throw a wave into the sheet held by the nozzle, said wave moving throughout the sheet and aecomplishing the same result as is attained by al pressman when manually feeding large sheets of paper. pressnian when feeding large sheets of paper will grasp the uppermost sheet and will quickly raise and lower his hand While holding the'` sheet paper thereby causing a wave to pass throughout the sheet of paper. This is ordinarily and generally referred to as winding the sheet and serves to detach the sheet grasped by the pressman, from the sheet next below; Unless the sheet is winded it is practically impossible for the pressman to move the sheet to be fed from the stack of sheets to Y the mechanisms that receive the sheets from the pressmans hand. The structures disclosed herein 'and their co-operation issuch that there is attained by mechanical means this same winding action utilized by a pressman for separating the uppermost sheet of paper from the stack. The next action resultant from the cam is the counter clockwise movement of the nozzle 66 (see Figs. 2 and 6) whereby to bring other of the ports of the nozzle 66 into communication with the pipe 52 for causing other of the mouths at the curved face 102 of the nozzle to grasp the upper 4sheet for precluding said upper sheet from settling back upon the stack. As the succeeding

mouths

76, 77 and`78 engage the sheet, a greater vacuum operates on the sheetfor holding same. The movement of the nozzle 66 is continued until the end of the upper sheet toward the rear of the machine, is passed between

rollers

91 and 92, whereupon the sheet is fed from my device by said

rollers

91 and 92 and the extension 63 actuates shutter 57 for opening port 60 and releasing the sheet from the nozzle. Attention is called to the fact that at the time when the nozzle 66 moves in said counter clockwise direction, the nozzle has been raised sufiiciently high that the end of the upper sheet toward the rear of the device, is raised upwardly beyond the lower edge of the inclined upper end 104 of the safey stop 90. After the upper sheet has been lifted from the sheet nextl below, greater air ressure is brought into play for retaining tie upper sheet in engagement dipen the face 102 of the nozzle 66, thereby precluding separation of said sheet from the nozzle. It should be noted that the original suction employed is weak. to preclude the picking up of a plurality of sheets.

After the nozzle has fed the upper sheet of paper to the

rollers

91 and 92, the suction is cutoil, as previously explained. For bringing the nozzle into position for feeding the second sheet, the cycle 1s such that the oscillation of the cam' 41 returns the parts to position for repeating the described action. les the arm 31 is oscillated about its pivotal mounting 32, the ratchet mechanism is actuated for automatically advancins.7 or lifting the stack of sheets 14. After the stack of sheets are elevated to such extent that the linl; 30 continues te reciprocate without bringing the ratchet mechanism into play, the further advancing or lmit the finger 36 to move from below the chine.

weight 27, the ratchet mechanism is again brought into play for advancing the table ..13.

\ When devices embodying my invention are to be employed `with folders, presses and similar machines, the crank shaft 51 may be disconnected from the crank 450 andl may be connected with such folders, -presses and similar machines, whereby the feeder will'v operate in synchronism with such other mar1`he motor would continue to 0perate in order to provide the necessary draft and vacuum, as well as for actuating the rollers 91 an-d 92. 1n this regard it ispointed out that Whereas all of the mechanisms are operated from a single cam, there is no opportunity for the vario-us mechanisms to be moved out of synchronized relationship.

The valve 64 is actuated for attaining the desired suction in view of the nature of the sheets to be fed. For example, with tissue sheets, the valve 64 may be opened to its limit, while with heavy cardboard sheets the valve wouldbe closed.

What 1 claim is:

1. In a feeder of the class described, the combination of oscillating means for ,picking up a sheet, for moving the sheet in one direction and then advancing the sheet in an opposite direction longitudinally of the ,picked up sheet for forming an undulation in the picked up sheet and causin said undulation to move longitudinal y of the sheet, and means for receiving the advanced sheet from the oscillating means, and for carrying the sheet from the oscillating means.

2. A. feeder device o f the class described comprising means for supporting a stack of sheets, means for picking up a sheet from the stack of sheets, for moving the picked.

up sheet in a given direction for vpositively separating the picked up sheet from the sheet next below, and for then moving said sheet in the opposite direction longitudinally of the sheet for creating`an undulationn the sheet and causing said nndulation to move longitudinally of said sheet for separating thepicked up sheet from the stack.

3. A feeder of the class described comprising a table for supporting a stack of sheets, abutment means disposed at opposite ends of the sheets and extending above the upper level of the stack of sheets, and means for removing sheets from the top of the stack and comprising a nozzle for pick-- ing up the upperl sheet, for moving the4v picked up sheet toward one of said abutments for forming a loop or fold in said picked up sheet and :for then carrying the picked up sheet in thev opposite direction over the second abutment and causing the loop to move from the picked up end .of the sheet to the end of the sheet disposed adjacent said irst abutment.

4. A feeder of the class described comprising a table for supporting a stack of sheets, abutment means disposed at opposite ends of the. sheets and extendingabove the upper level of the stack of sheets, means for removing sheets from the top of the stack and comprising a nozzle for picking up the upper sheet, for moving the picked up sheet against one of said abutments for forming a loop or fold in said picked up sheet and for then carrying the picked up sheet in the opposite direction over the second abutment for causing the loop to move from the end thereof adjacent the first mentioned abutment to the end thereof disposed adjacent the second abutment, and means for direct- `ing air,under pressure below the fold or loop developed in the upper sheet for separating the 'upper sheet from .the sheet next below. i

5. 1n a feeder ofthe class described, the combination of means for supporting a stack of sheets to be fed, a sheet feeding means comprising a suction nozzle mounted for oscillation about two distinct and spaced axes, means for moving the nozzle relatively to said axes for bringing thenozzle into engagementwith the top of the stack of sheets and for disposing one axis in an horizontal plane below the second axis, means for moving the nozzle about the second axis and Araising the iirst axis, whereby to move a sheet carried by the nozzle in a given direction and means for actuating the nozzle about the 4first axis for moving said sheet in the opposite direction 6.1n a feeder of the class described, the combination of means for supporting a stack of sheets to be fed, an abutment means for engaging one end of the stack of sheets supported by said stack supporting means, a sheet feeding means comprising a suction nozzle mounted for oscillation about two disltinct and spaced axes, means for moving `the nozzle relatively ,to sald axis for bring- 7 In a feeder of the class described, the i combination of means for supporting a stack of sheets to befed, 4an abutment means for engaging the opposite ends of the stack of sheets supported b said stack supporting means, a sheet fee ing means com rising a suction nozzle mounted for oscillation about two distinct and spaced axes, means for moving the nozzle relatively to said axes for brmging the nozzle into engagementwith the top ofthe stack of sheets and for disposing one axis in an horizontal plane below the second axis, means for moving the nozzle about the second axis and raising the first axis, whereby to move a sheet carried by the nozzle against oneC abutment means for forming a fold or loop in said picked up sheet, and means for actuating the nozzle Y about the first axis for moving said sheet in the opposite direction above the other abutment means; y

8. In a feeder of the class described, the combination of means for supporting a stack of sheets to be fed, abutment means for engaging opposite ends of the stack of sheets supported by said stack supporting means, a sheet feeding means comprising a suction nozzle mounted for oscillation about two distinct and spaced axes, means for moving the nozzle relatively to said axes for bringing the nozzle into engagement with the top of the stack of sheets and for disposing one axis in an horizontal plane below the second axis, means for moving the nozzle about the second axis and raising the first axis, whereby to moven a sheet carried bythe nozzle against one abutment means for forming a fold or loop in said picked up sheet, means for actuating the nozzle about the first axis for moving said sheet in the o-pposite direction above the other abutment means, and

" means for directing air under pressure beneath the loop formed in the picked up sheet.

9. In a feeder of the class described, the combination of means for supporting a stack of sheets to be fed, abutment means at the opposite ends of the stack of sheets, a suction nozzle mounted for movement about two distinct, spaced and relatively fixed axes, means for moving the nozzle about the first of said axes for bringing the nozzle int-o engagement with the top of the stack of sheets, and for disposing said first axis f a horizontal plane below the second axis, means for moving the nozzle and the first axis about the second axis whereby to move a sheet carried by thenozzle from the top of a stack of sheets against one of said abut-, ments for forming a'loop or fold in said picked up sheet and means for actuating the nozzle about the first axis for moving the sheet in the opposite direction and over the second abutment. V

10. In a feeder of the class described, the combination of means for supporting a stack of sheets to be fed, abutment meansrat the opposite ends of the stack of sheets, a suction nozzle mounted for movement about two distinct, spaced and relatively fixed axes, means for moving `the nozzle about the first of said axes for bringing the nozzle into in the picked up sheet.

engagement with thetop of the stack lof sheets, and flxdisposing said first axls in. a horizontal plane below the second axis,

means for moving the nozzle and the first y axis about the second axis whereby to move a sheet carried by the nozzle from the top of a stack of sheets against one Ofvsaid abutments for forming aloop or fold in said picked up sheet,means for actuating the nozzle about the first axis for moving the sheet in the opposite direction and over the second abutment, and means for directing air under pressure below the fold formed 11. In a feederof the class described, the combination of means for sup-porting a stack of sheets to be fed, abutment means at the opposite ends yof the stack of sheets, a suction nozzle mounted for movement about two distinct, spaced and relatively fixed axes, means for moving the nozzle about the first of said axes for bringing the nozzle of sheets, and for disposing said first axis in a horizontal plane below the second axis,

means for moving the nozzle and the first axis aboutothe second axis whereby to move a sheet carried by the nozzle from the top of a stack of sheetsu against one of said abutments for forming a loop or fold in said picked up sheet, means fory actuating the nozzle about the first" axis for moving the sheet in the opposite direction and over the second abutment, an automatic means for advancing the stack of sheets to the nozzle, and means for directing air under pressure below the fold formed in the picked up sheet.

12. In a feeder of the class described, the combination of means for supporting a stack of sheets to be fed, sheet feeding means cornprising a suction nozzle, mounted for oscillation about two distinct and` spaced axes, means for moving the nozzle relatively to said axesufor bringing the nozzle into engagement with the top of the Stack of sheets and for disposing one axis in an horizontal plane below the second axis, means for moving the nozzle about the second axis and raising the first axis, whereby to move a sheet carried by the nozzle in a given direction, means for actuating the nozzle about the first axis for moving said sheet in the opposite direction, and means for increasing the suction operative through the nozzle upon the picked up sheet, upon movement of the sheet in the second direction.

13. -In a feeder of the class described, the combination of means for supporting a stack of sheets to be fed, an abutment means for engaging one end of the stack of sheets supported by said stack supporting mea-ns, a sheet feeding means comprising a suction nozzle, mounted for oscillation about two distinct and spaced axes, means for moving the nozzle relatively to said axes for bringl of the sheet in the second direction.

14. In a feeder of the cla-ss described, the combination of means for supporting a stack of sheets to be fed, an abutment means for engaging one end of the stack of sheets supported by said stack supporting means, a sheet feeding means comprising a suction nozzle mounted for oscillation about two distinct and spaced axes, means for moving the nozzle relatively to said axes for bringing the nozzle into engagement with the top' of the stack of sheets and for disposing one axis in an horizontal plane below the second axis, means for moving the nozzle about the second axis and raising the first axis, whereby to move a sheet carried by the nozzle *against the abutment means for forming a fold or loop in said picked up sheet, means for actuating the nozzle about the first axis for moving said sheet in the opposite direction above the abutment means, and means for increasing the suction operative through `the nozzle upon the picked up sheet upon movement of the. sheet in the second direction.

^ 15. In a feeder of the class described, the 'combination of means for supporting a stack of sheets to be fed, abutment means for engaging 'opposite ends of the stack of sheets supportedby said stack supporting means, alsheet feeding means comprising a suction nozzle mounted for oscillation about two distinct and spaced axes, means or moving the nozzle relatively to said axes for bringing the nozzle into engagement with the top of the stack of sheets and for disposing one axis in-an horizontal plane below the second axis, means for moving the nozzle about the second axis and raising the first axis, Whereby to move a sheet carried by the nozzle against the one abutment means for forming a' fold or loop in said picked up sheet, and means for actuating the nozzle about the first axis for moving said sheet in the oppositedirection above the other abutment means, means for directing air under pressure beneath the loop formed in the picked 'up sheet, and means for increasing the suetion operativo through the nozzle upon the picked up sheet upon movement of the sheet in the second direction. Y

16. Inha feeder of the class described, the

5 combination of means for supporting a. stack of sheets to be fed, abutment means for engaging opposite ends of the stack of sheets supported by said stack supporting means, a sheet feeding means comprising a suction nozzle mounted for oscillation about two distinct and spaced axes, means for moving the nozzlerelatively to said axes for bringing the nozzle into engagement with the top of the stack of sheets and for disposino' one axis in an horizontal pla-ne below t 1e second axis, means for moving the nozzle about the second axis and raising the first axis, whereby move a sheet carried by the nozzle against one abutment means for forming a fold or loop in said picked up sheet., and means for actuating the nozzle about the first axis for moving said sheet in the opposite direction above the other abutment means, air-automatic means forC advancing the stack of sheets to the nozzle, and means for increasing the suction operative thro-ugh the nozzle upon the picked up sheet upon movement of the sheet in thesecond direction.

17. In a feeder of the class described, the combination, of means for supporting a stack of sheets to be fed, abutment means for engaging op-positeerlds of the stack of sheets supported by said stack supporting means, a sheet feeding means comprising a suction nozzle mounted for oscillation about two distinct and spaced axes, means for moving the nozzle relatively to said axes for bringing the nozzle into engagement with the top of the stack of sheets and for disposing one axis in an horizontal .plane below the second axis, means for moving the nozzle about thesecond axis and raising the first axis, whereby to move a sheet carried by the nozzle against one "abutment means for forming a fold or loop in said picked up sheet, and means for actuating the nozzle about the first axis for moving said sheet ,in the opposite direction. above the ,other abutment means, means for directing air under pressure beneath the loop formed in the picked up sheet, and means for increasing `'the suction operative .through .the nozzle upon the .picked up sheet upon movement of the sheet in the second direction.

18. In a feeder the combination of a suction nozzle for moving sheets in opposite di- LESTER KQALDRICH.