US3476632A

US3476632A - Multi-seal press

Info

Publication number: US3476632A
Application number: US471000A
Authority: US
Inventors: Victor W Cornelius
Original assignee: VICTOR W CORNELIUS
Current assignee: VICTOR W CORNELIUS
Priority date: 1965-07-12
Filing date: 1965-07-12
Publication date: 1969-11-04
Anticipated expiration: 1986-11-04

Description

Nov. 4,1969 v. w. CORNELIUS MULTI-SEAL PRESS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 12. 1955 FIG.2

Nov. 4, 1969 v. w. CORNELIUS 3,476,632

MULTI-S EAL PRESS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 12 1955 FIG.3

FIG. 4

Nov. 4, 1969 v. w. CORNELIUS 3,476,632

MUL'I I-S EAL PRESS Filed July 12 195s s Sheets-Sheet s United States Patent Ofi ice 3,476,632 Patented Nov. 4, 1969 US. Cl. 156-366 7 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A method and machine for producing menus having thermosetting adhesive backed cutouts depicting food dishes at pre-selected positions on a printed menu. The machine includes a carriage movable along a pair of rails and carrying a heated vacuum pick-up head for each cutout. The carriage is movable from a cutout delivery station where a set of support stools are raised against the vacuum pick-up heads, to a menu support station, the top menu of a stack is pressed upwardly against the cutouts carried by the pick-up heads to aifix the cutouts to the top menu. The top menu is then transported to the final receiving station by the carriage as the carriage returns to the delivery station.

This invention relates generally to the printing art, and more particularly relates to a machine for applying one or more small adhesive backed sheets at predetermined locations on a larger sheet.

As is well known in the printing art, it is customary in the restaurant trade for each restaurant to have a distinctively designed menu. The appearance of a menu can be enhanced by color pictures of selected dishes of the house. for example, a color picture of a steak might be positioned adjacent the list of steak entrees, a picture of a sandwich next to the sandwich entrees, a fish platter adjacent the seafood entrees, etc. It is, however, considerably more expensive to print such a menu, when compared to a more standard menu having merely a list of the entrees printed in a single color such as black, because of the cost of preparing the food dishes, taking and developing color pictures, preparing the color printing plates with the different pictures in the proper position, and finally printing the pictures in color. Then the standard printing procedure must be followed to print the list of entrees. Since each restaurant can normally use only a relatively small number of menus, the increased cost per menu becomes very significant.

In an attempt to reduce the cost of menus, it has become common in the trade to use the same photographs of rather standard dishes for a large number of restaurants. This substantially reduces the cost of the photographs, but still requires special plates if a distinctive, customized layout is desired because it will normally be necessary to locate the pictures at different positions on the menu. The cost can be further reduced by printing large numbers of standardized blanks having selected pictures at predetermined locations. The list of entrees for each restaurant can then be printed in the appropriate related blank spaces on the standard format. Of course, this considerably limits the degree of freedom which may be exercised in laying out the menu to attain the desired distinctiveness for each restaurant.

An important object of this invention is to provide a method for more economically producing menus having color pictures of various selected dishes representative of those served by the restaurant.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine for automatically applying a large number of small cutouts or seals to a single large sheet at a relatively high rate of speed.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a machine for applying such cutouts by a thermosensitive adhesive.

Still another object is to provide such a machine which can accurately apply the cutouts to substantially any preselected position on the larger sheet.

Still another object is to provide such a machine wherein the positions of the smaller sheets on the larger sheets may be determined very quickly and simply, yet with considerable precision.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a machine which is relatively simple and inexpensive to construct and yet which operates with precision.

In accordance with one important aspect of this invention, a set of restaurant menus or the like is prepared by first photographing a number of different food dishes. Each of the photographs is then reproduced in quantity by conventional printing processes. Each .individual picture is then cut out to produce a quantity of separate picture cutouts of each dish. The list of entrees for the menu of a particular restaurant is then laid out and printed on each of a number of menu sheets so as to leave space on each sheet for one or more of the picture cutouts. The picture cutouts are then bonded to the appropriate spaces on the menu sheets. In accordance with a more specific aspect of the invention, the picture cutouts are in color.

In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, a machine is provided for automatically applying the picture cutouts to the preselected positions on menu sheets which comprise a number of delivery stools located at selectable positions at a delivery station, the selected positions corresponding to the locations where the respective cutouts are to be bonded to the menu, a carriage means having a corresponding number of correspondingly positioned pick-up heads for lifting one cutout at a time from each delivery stool, means for holding a stack of menu sheets at an application station, means for moving the carriage means from the delivery station to the application station, and means for moving the cutouts on the delivery stools and the pick-up heads on the carriage into engagement to transfer a cutout to each pick-up head and for moving the stack of sheets and the cutouts carried by each pick-up head into engagement with the stack of larger sheets to apply the cutouts to preselected positions on the top menu sheet of the stack.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for moving the delivery stools and the pick-up heads into engagement and for moving the stack of sheets and the pick-up heads into engagement comprises a delivery pallet supporting the delivery stools, and means for moving the delivery pallet toward the pickup heads of the carriage means when the carriage means is at the delivery station to bring the delivery stools into engagement with the pick-up heads; and an application pallet for supporting the stack of sheets, and means for moving the application pallet toward the pick-up heads when the carriage means is at the application station to bring the top menu sheet on the stack into contact with the cutouts carried by the pick-up heads.

In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, the delivery stools may be moved substantialy at random to selectable positions on the delivery pallet, and the pick-up heads may be moved to corresponding positions on the carriage so that the cutouts can be applied to substantially any preselected positions on the menu sheets.

The invention also contemplates a novel delivery stool for retaining a stack of cutouts which is comprised of a support disk for the stack of cutouts, a plurality of guide pins reciprocally extending through the support disk to retain and properly orient the stack of cutouts on the support disk, and means for biasing the guide pins through the support disk whereby as the delivery stools engage 3 the pick-up heads, the guide pins will be reciprocally retracted through the suport disk to permit the pick-up head to move in close proximity to the stack of cutouts. The invention further contemplates that the pick-up heads will be vacuum operated and will include a heating element such that a thermally sensitive adhesive may be used to bond the cutouts to the larger sheet. Also, a spacing means is provided to maintain the vacuum pickup heads spaced from the uppermost cutout of the stack and means is provided to direct an air jet transversely of the stack to insure that only one cutout is retained by the vacuum pick-up head during each delivery operation.

The novel features believed characteristic of this invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as other objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an ilustrative embodiment, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a machine constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a rear elevational view of the machine of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an end elevational view of the right-hand end of the machine illustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a top view of the delivery pallet of the machine of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a top view of the carriage of the machine of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 6 is a side elevational view of a delivery stool for suporting a stack of adhesive backed picture cutouts or the like and of the pick-up and bonding head; and

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view of the delivery stool and pick-up head of FIGURE 6 which serves to illustrate the operation of the devices.

Referring now to the drawings, a machine constructed in accordance with the present invention is indicated generaly by the reference numeral 10. The machine 10 has a generally rectangular support frame with four upright corner posts 12-15. The upper ends of the corner posts are interconnected by longitudinally extending

angle iron members

16 and 17 and by a pair of end members, only one of which is shown at 18. The lower ends of the corner posts are interconnected at points a short distance off the floor by longitudinally extending

angle iron members

20 and 21 and by end members which are disposed at the same height but are not illustrated.

A pair of

elongated rails

22 and 24 are supported by

blocks

26 and 28 and extend generally parallel for the length of the frame. A delivery station indicated generally by the reference numeral 30 is located at one end of the

rails

22 and 24, and application station indicated generally by the reference numeral 32 is disposed at the opposite end of the

rails

22 and 24, and a final receiving station indicated generally by the reference numeral 34 is disposed between the delivery and

application stations

30 and 32. These stations will now be described in detail.

The delivery station 30 includes a transverse support channel 40 (see FIGURE 3) which is supported at its opposite ends by upright channel members 42 and 44 (see FIGURES l and 2) which in turn are supported on

longitudinal members

20 and 21, respectively. The cylinder of a fluid linear actuator 46, such as an air cylinder and piston, is mounted at the center of the cross channel 40. The piston rod of the linear actuator is connected to raise and lower a pallet indicated generally by the reference numeral 48. The pallet 48 is comprised of a rectangular

frame including members

50 and 51 which interconnect

side rails

52 and 53 and a perforated layout board 54 which is slidably received in

channels

56 and 58 formed by the

members

52 and 53. A block 55 is used to lock the perforated layout board 54 in place and when the block is removed, the layout board 54 can be easily removed from the pallet assembly 48 for layout purposes which will hereafter become more evident. A

pair of

guide rails

60 and 62 extend from the tops of the

upright channels

42 and 44, respectively, to the upper

longitudinal members

16 and 17, respectively, and receive suitable projections (not illustrated) on the edges of the pallet to guide the pallet as it is raised and lowered by the fluid actuator 46.

A plurality of delivery stools for holding a stack of adhesive backed picture cutouts are positioned at selectable locations on the layout board 54 of the pallet 48. Four delivery stools 64, 65, 66 and 67 are illustrated. Each of the stools is substantially identical and accordingly only the stool 64 illustrated in FIGURES 6 and 7 will be described in detail. The stool 64 is comprised of a base plate 68 which rests on the layout board 54 and is bolted in position thereon by bolts 70'. An upright tubular stem 72 extends from the plate 68. A sleeve 74 is slidably disposed around the stem 72 and a second disk 76 is affixed to the upper end of the sleeve 74. A coil spring 78 is disposed between the disk 76 and an annular flange 80 on the sleeve 74 to urge the sleeve and disk 76 upwardly. A snap ring 82 is positioned at the upper end of the stem 72 to limit the upward movement of the disk 76.

A rod 84 is reciprocally disposed inside the tubular stem 72 and rests on a coil spring 86 disposed within the stem. A support disk 88 is connected to the upper end of the rod 84 and a plurality of apertures 90 are formed in the disk 88. A guide rod 92 passes through each of the apertures 90 and rests on the disk 76. A spacing sleeve 94 is positioned around each rod 92 and rests on the disk 88. A guide rod 96 is threaded into the base plate 68 and is locked in place by a nut 98. The rod 96 extends through apertures in the disk 76 and in the support disk 88 to prevent rotation of the disks. The rod 96 terminates well below the upper end of the spacing sleeves 94 when the guide rods 92 are depressed during the pickup action as will hereafter be described in greater detail.

The apertures 90 and therefore the rods 92 and sleeves 94 are so positioned on the disk 88 as to orient a stack of picture cutouts 100. Each of the cutouts 100 is typically a cutout color picture of a particular food dish and will usually be of round or an irregular shape so that the guide rods 92 may be spaced differently on the several stools. In the embodiment described, each of the cutouts is backed with a thermally sensitive adhesive.

The cutouts 100 are fluttered during the pickup by air jets directed transversely through the stack by a plurality of orifices 102 in an upright air pressure manifold 104 disposed adjacent each of the stools. Each manifold 104 may comprise merely a closed end tubular member which is threaded into a T 106 which in turn is threaded onto a stern 108. The stem 108 is provided with a threaded bolt 110 extending from the lower end through an aperture in the layout board 54 and secured in place by a wing not 112. A flexible air line 114 is connected to the T 106 and extends to a pressure manifold 116. The manifold 116 is secured to and moves with the pallet 48. A separate valve 118 controls air to each of the flexible lines 114.

Referring to FIGURE 4, it will be noted that the apertures 102 are oriented to form a grid so that one or more of the delivery stools and the associated air jet manifold for fiufling the cutouts may be located at substantially any predetermined positions on the layout board 54.

A carriage assembly, indicated generally by the reference numeral 120, is comprised of a rectangular frame formed by longitudinally extending

members

122 and 124 and transversely extending

members

126 and 128, as can best be seen in FIGURE 5. Each of the frame members is provided with a plurality of tapped apertures 130 at spaced points around the periphery thereof, The frame is disposed between the

rails

22 and 24 and is suspended at each of the four corners from upright plates 132 and rollers 134 which ride on the

rails

22 and 24. A plurality of arms 136439 are connected to the

frame members

126 and 12 8 by bolts 135 which are passed through elongated slots in the bars and threaded into the tapped apertures 130. Thus it will be appreciated that the arms 136- 139 may be adjusted so that the ends thereof are in substantially any position relative to the layout board 54 and that additional arms may be supplied as required. Each of the arms 136-130 supports a heated vacuum pickup head assembly indicated generally by the reference numerals 1.40-143, respectively. Each of .the pick-up heads is of identical construction and only the head 140, which is illustrated in FIGURES 6 and 7, will bedescribed in detail. The'pick-up head 140 has a hollow metal vacuum head 146 having a fiat base 148. The vacuum head 146 is supported by a tubular stem 150 which is in fluid communication with the interior of the vacuum head 146 and with a flexible vacuum line 152. A plurality of small orifices 154 are provided in the face 148 so thaf'a paper cutout will be picked up by the head when a vacuum is drawn on the flexible line 152. An electrical heating element 156 having a suitable conventional resistance heating filament is disposed on the vacuum pick-up head 146. A conventional automatic temperature control system (not illustrated) maintains the vacuum pick-up head at a preselected temperature. The tubular stem 150 is reciprocally disposed in the arm 136. The downward movement of the stem is limited by a stop 160, and rotary movement of the stem is limited by the guide pin 162 which extends from the stop 160 through a bore in the arm 136. The head 146 is biased into the downward position by a coil spring 164 which acts between a lower sleeve 166 and an upper sleeve 168. The lower position is illustrated in FIG- URE 6. 1

Two

more arms

184 and 186 are adjustably connected to the carriage frame member 128.

Resilient suction cups

188 and 190 are suspended from the

arms

184, 186, respectively, .by tubular members each indicated by the reference numeral 192. The purpose of the

suction cups

188 and 190 is to lift a completed menu from the application station and transfer it to the final station as will hereafter be described in greater detail.

A control panel indicated generally by the reference numeral 200 is supported by uprights 202 on the carriage 120. The control panel 200 includes the automatic temperature control and power source heretofore mentioned for the heating elements on the respective pick-up heads. The temperature control includes a temperature indicating dial 204, temperature control knobs 206, and a plurality of electrical sockets 208 for receiving the electrical leads to the respective heating elements 156. Switches 210 control these electrical outputs.

As can best be seen in FIGURE 3, a pair of separate air manifolds 212 and 214 are mounted on the supports 202 and therefore move with the carriage 120. Flexible conduits 191 from the two

suction cups

188 and 190 are connected to the upper manifold 212, and the flexible conduits 152 from the vacuum pick-up heads 140-143 extend to the lower manifold 214.

The carriage 120 is moved along the

rail

22 and 24 by means of a fluid linear actuator 230, such as an air cylinder and piston. The cylinder of the actuator is pivotally connected to the frame at pivot pin 232, and the piston rod is pivotally connected to an arm 234 by a pivot pin 236. The arm 234 is pivotally connected to the lower longitudinal frame member 21 by a pivot pin 238. A fixed pin 240 at the upper end of the arm 234 is slidably disposed in a slot in an arm 242 which is rigidly fixed to the carriage frame. Thus when the piston rod is retracted into the cylinder 230, the arm 234 is pivoted into position 234a shown in dotted outline in FIGURE 2 to move the carriage 120 into position 120a shown in dotted outline. A pneumatic bumper 244 engages a stop (not illustrated) on the carriage to arrest the carriage in the proper position over the application station 32, and a suitable stop 245 is provided to arrest the carriage in the proper position at the delivery station 30 on the return of the carriage.

The application station 32 includes a transverse support similar to the transverse support 40, which is sup ported by

uprights

250 and 252 from the longitudinal

lower members

20 and 21, respectively. The cylinder of a fluid linear actuator 254 is supported on the cross member and the piston rod (not illustrated) is connected to raise and lower a pallet 256. A pair of

guide channels

258 and 260 extends from the upright supports 250 and 252 to the upper

longitudinal frame members

16 and 17 and guide the pallet 256 as it is raised and lowered by the linear actuator 254.

Stops

262 and 264 are connected to the

guide channels

258 and 260 to limit the downward movement of the pallet 256. A pair of

side boards

266 and 268 and end

boards

270 and 272 are provided to hold a stack of blank menu sheets 274 in predetermined position on the pallet 256.

The final receiving station 34 is comprised of a fixed pallet 280 which is suspended by four rods 282-285 from the flange of the upper

longitudinal frame members

16 and 17. A pair of

side boards

286 and 288 and a pair of

end boards

290 and 292 are provided on the pallet to contain the completed stack of menu sheets.

A pneumatic system for operating the machine 10 is comprised of an air pump assembly, indicated generally by reference numeral 300, which may be conveniently supported on a frame (not illustrated) extending transversely between the two lower

longitudinal frame members

20 and 21. The pneumatic system is comprised of an electric motor-driven air pump which provides both a vacuum at its intake and air pressure at its output. The output of the air pump is connected through suitable electrically controlled valving to drive the fluid linear actuators 4 6, 230 and 254 and is also connected to the manifold 116 to supply air pressure to the upright fluffing manifolds 104. The manifolds 212 and 214 are alternatively connected to either the input or output of the air pump by suitable electrically controlled valves so that either vacuum or pressure may be applied to the pick-up heads -1-43 or the vacuum cups 188 and 190. A suitable automatic timing means, such as a multicam shaft driven by a timing motor, may be conveniently located in the box 310 for automatically controlling the sequential operation of the machine 10 a will presently be described. Limit switches may be employed for various control functions such as for switching from a vacuum on the

suction cups

188 and 190 to a. positive pressure as the carriage passes over the receiving station on its return from the application station to the delivery station.

OPERATION When using the machine 10 to print a menu using the process of the present invention, a number of photographs of different food dishes are made and a supply of adhesive backed cutouts made from each of the photographs. The layout artist uses a master sheet which has a series of numbered circles which are in the precise locations of the apertures 102. These circles are identified in a suitable manner, such as by numbering the rows from top to bottom with the characters of the alphabet and the columns from left to right with numerals. The layout artist then selects one or more of the picture cutouts appropriate for the list of entrees for the set of menus which he is laying out. The entree lists and the picture cutouts are then positioned such that the proper balance and aesthetic appeal is attained, with the picture cutouts always being centered over one of the reference circles.

Next, the layout board 54 is removed from the frame of the pallet 48, and the delivery stools for the picture cutouts selected are centered over the holes 102 in the layout board which correspond to the circles on the layout sheet over which the color pictures are centered, and the stools are secured in place by the bolts 70. A stack of the appropriate picture cutouts are placed on the re spective stools between the spacer sleeves 94 such that the cutouts will be substantially centered over the reference hole. The layout board 54 is then returned to the frame of the pallet 48, the flufiing manifolds 104 connected in position on the layout board, and the flexible line 114 for each manifold 104 connected to the manifold 116. Next the arms 136-139 are adjusted such that the pick-up heads 140-143 are centered over the respective stools. A stack of blank menu sheets are then placed on the pallet 256 and the vacuum heads heated to the desired temperature. The machine is then ready for operation.

At the beginning of a cycle, the carriage 120 is centered at the delivery station 30. The timing control system 310 then applies air to the linear actuator 46 to raise the pallet 48. As each stool rises into contact with the corresponding pickup head, the rods 92 are first depressed against the force of the spring 78 until the head contacts the spacing sleeves 94, as illustrated in FIGURE 7. The spacing sleeves 94 insure that the heated vacuum head 146 does not compress the stack of cutouts 100 and activate the heat sensitive adhesive. The pallet 48 continues to move upwardly a short distance to insure a firm contact between all vacuum pick-up heads and the respective stools. The

springs

164 and 86 permit this additional movement. During retraction of the guide rods, the

rods

96 and 162 maintain the members properly aligned. After the vacuum pick-up head 146 has contacted the upper ends of the rods 92, air is jetted out from the apertures 102 to flulf the stack of cutouts 100 and a vacuum is applied to the manifold 214 and thus to the respective vacuum pick-up heads so that only one cutout will be held by the vacuum against each of the pick-up heads. The jet of air from the orifices 102 then terminates and the pallet 48 is lowered to its original position.

Next the carriage 120 is moved to the application station 32 by operation of the linear actuator 230 and the pivoted arm 234. After the carriage has been properly centered over the application station, the linear actuator 2S4 raises the pallet 256 until the top menu on the stack supported by the pallet 256 is pressed firmly against the bottoms of the cutouts carried by the several pick-up heads 146. The springs 164 provide the proper loading to press the cutouts firmly against the uppermost blank menu of the stack of menus, regardless of the height of the stack. The pick-up heads are continuously heated to the preselected temperature so that the heat sensitive adhesive on the cutouts is activated and the cutouts are securely bonded at the appropriate position on the menu blank. While the blank menu is still pressed against the pick-up heads, the vacuum is reversed to pressure on the pick-up heads 146 and a vacuum is applied to the manifold 212 and thus to the

suction cups

188 and 190. Then as the pallet 256 is lowered, the uppermost menu on the stack to which the cutouts have just been applied hangs suspended by one edge from the suction cups. As soon as the pallet 256 has lowered sufiiciently, the carriage 120 is then moved back toward the delivery station 30 by the linear actuator 230 and as the carriage 120 passes the final receiving station 34, the vacuum on the suction cups is reversed to a positive air pressure so that the menu with the cutouts applied is dropped onto the pallet 280 within the confines of the side boards. The carriage then continues, without stopping, to the delivery station 30 and the cycle is repeated.

The entree list may have been printed on the menu blanks prior to the application of the picture cutouts, or the entrees may be printed after the application of the cutouts.

From the above detailed description of the method of this invention as carried out by the machine of the invention, it will be appreciated that a customized menu can be printed with a minimum of expense. A relatively larged number of different pictures may be printed in quantity, then used as required to provide greater fiexibility in designing a set of menus. A machine for carrying out the invention on an economical basis has also been described. The machine can be quickly set up to apply any set of picture cutouts in any desired position on the menu with considerable precision and minimum effort. It is to be understood, however, that the method and particularly the machine is useful for purposes other than the printing of menus.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it is to be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a machine for applying a plurality of adhesive backed cutouts to preselected positions on a larger sheet, the combination of:

a delivery station having a plurality of delivery stools at preselectable spaced positions, each delivery stool including means for holding a stack of adhesive backed cutouts,

an application station including pallet means for holding a stack of larger sheets,

a receiving station for receiving the stack of larger sheets,

elongated track means extending over the delivery station, the application station, and the receiving station,

a carriage movable along the track means over the delivery station, the application station and the receiving station having a plurality of pick-up heads, selected pick-up heads being positioned to engage selected delivery stools, each pick-up head being adapted to retain a single cutout from the respective delivery stool upon contact therewith, and selected pick-up heads being positioned to retain a sheet moved into contact therewith,

means for moving the delivery stools into engagement with the respective pick-up heads when the carriage is positioned at the delivery station whereby a cutout will be transferred to each pick-up head,

means for moving the carriage from the delivery station to the application station to the receiving station, and back to the delivery station,

means for moving the pallet means toward the pick-up heads when the carriage is positioned at the application station until the uppermost sheet of the stack on the pallet means is pressed against the cutouts carried by the pick-up heads whereby the cutouts will be bonded to the preselected positions on the sheet by the adhesive, and

means for causing the pick-up heads to retain the sheet pressed against the pick-up heads at the application station and to cause the pick-up heads to release the sheet as the carriage passes over the receiving station.

2. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein each of the pick-up heads is a vacuum pick-up head and is heated to activate a thermally sensitive adhesive on the cutouts.

3. The combination defined in claim 1 further characterized by:

control means for operating the machine to automatically, and in sequence, move the delivery stools upwardly against the pick-up heads, lower the delivery stools, move the carriage from the delivery station to the application station, move the pallet means upwardly toward the pick-up heads, lower the pallet means, and move the carriage from the application station over the receiving station back to the delivery station.

4. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein:

each of the pick-up heads is vacuum operated, and wherein the combination is further characterized by control! means for operatingthe machine to automatically, and in sequence move the delivery stools upwardly against the pick-up heads and place a vacuum on the selected pick-up heads adapted to retain the cutouts, lower the delivery stools, move the carriage from the delivery station to the application station, move the pallet means upwardly against the pickup heads, place a vacuum on the selected pick-up heads for retaining the top sheet on the pallet, lower the pallet means, move the carriage past the receiving station to the delivery station, and reverse the vacuum on the selected pick-up heads for retaining the top sheet as the carriage passes the receiving station.

5. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein:

the pick-up heads are vacuum operated and each delivery stool is comprised of: a

a support plate for supporting a stack of cutouts,

guide means extending from the support plate for laterally confining the stack of cutouts, the guide means being positioned to engage the respective pick-up head and prevent the pick-up head from engaging the stack of cutouts, and

means for directing a jet of air transversely through the stack of cutouts after the guide means has engaged the pick-up head whereby only one cutout will be taken by the pick-up head.

6. The combination defined in claim 5 wherein:

the guide means is comprised of a plurality of rods which extend through the support plate,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,665,013 1/1954 Socke 2141 2,827,178 3/1958 Pagdin 214-1 XR 2,858,009 10/1958 Bainbridge 214-1 XR 1,327,665 1/1920 Dun Lany 156560 XR 2,147,262 2/1939 Mandel 156564 2,247,623 7/1941 Von Hofe 156-572 2,651,429 9/1953 Von Hofe 156572 2,797,010 6/1957 Neer 156-561 XR HAROLD ANSHER, Primary Examiner G. W. MOXON II, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R.