US854222A - Mechanism for separating sheets. - Google Patents

Description

PATENTED MAY 21, 1907. J. P. KNAPP. I

MECHANISM FOR SEPAIiATING SHEETS.

APPLICATION im my 16. 1902.

a sums-41mm 1.

PATENTED MAY 21, 1907. J. P. KNAPP.

MECHANISM FOR SEPARATING SHEETS.

APPLICATION FILED HAY 16. 1902.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2 WITNESSES:

' PATENTED MAY 21, 1907.

J. P. KNAPP. MEGHANISMFOR SEPARATING SHEETS.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 16. 1902.

IN VENTOH M 4 4% B) K a ATTORNEYS mu. M S M H W operatic UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE;

JOSEPH PI KNAPP, O'FBELLPORT, NEW YORK.

MECHANISM- FOR Specification of Letters lPatent.

SEPARATING SHEETS.

Patented m 21, 1907.

Application filed May 15,1902. Serial N e-107,603.

To all whom it may concern.-

'Be. it known that I,J0sEPH P. KNAPP, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the city of Bellport, county of Suffolk, and 'State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Mechanism for Separating Sheets, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to mechanism for separating sheets of paper or similar material.

The special objects of my inventions are to provide mechanism whereby the sheets may be separated from a pile rapidly and with great precision and advanced to a paper manipulating machine, such as a printing press, folding machineand the like, uniformly and accurately at a predetermined period in the operation of the machine and always one at a time without any skip or intermission in ,serve, in connection with the description herein, to explain the principles of the invehtion and the best mode in which Ihave contem lated applyingthose principles.

0? the drawings Figure 1 is a vertical section taken on the line A A on Fig. 5 and lookingin the direction of the arrows; Fig. 2 is a similar view taken on the line BB on. Fig. 5, looking in the direction of the arrows; F1 3 is a view similar toy that shown in Fig. 1' ut illustrating the positions the parts occupy ata different period of the operation of the ma chine; Fig. 4 is a side elevation of'the machine'as seen from the right in Fig'.' 5; Fig. 5 is a plan view of the machine certain parts being removed to more clearly show the construction; and Fig. 6 1 is a sectional view illustrating a detail. a

Like reference numerals refer to like arts wherever they occur throughout the ra in s. Tn accordance with my invention anumber of the sheets of a pile of paper. or similar resilient-material are bent or flexed and then released successively, one of the sheets from drawings, which are re- I which the others are partly separated their elasticity, being retained and withdrawn from the pile. Preferably the sheets at or near the surface 'of the pile are flexed and the surface sheet is retained and removed after being separated from the other sheets by a suitable blast of,air. Inraccordancewith the best mode of carrying the method of separating sheets into effect, the

" sheets are engaged at their edges and each sheet is alternately flexed and released a number of times before it is finally retained and withdrawn.

-A. mechanism constructed in accordance with my invention comprises, in combination, means for flexing a number of sheets successlvely and means and releasing them for retaining one of the sheets'from which the others are partly separated by their elasticity. Means are also provided for withdrawing the retained sheet. A pneumatic suction device is preferably used for retain-' ing the sheets and the means for withdrawing the retained sheet preferably acts on the said retaining means so that the sheet is not transferred from one holding device to another before it is withdrawn from the pile.-

In the best embodiment of the machine the neumatic suction devicehas a convex surace arranged in frcnt of the pile near one edge thereof and the means for flexing the sheets engages the edges of the sheets near thesurface of the ile and bends them toward and around t e convex surface of the retaining device, and then permits them to spring back successively and thus separate themselves from the surface sheet which adheres to the retainin device. When the .machine is to be use for separating lar e sheets of paper means are provided for 1- rectinga blast. of air between the surface sheet and the other sheets and mechanism is provided for holding the ad'acent sheets while the surface sheet is wit drawn, .said

mechanism preferably including holding devices for boththe rearward andforward edgsiiof the pile.

Is, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, the pile from which the sheets are separated is arranged with the sheets resting on edge in a nearly vertical position, it is .to be understood that the machine will operate equally as well -when the ile is arranged With'the sheets in a horizonta position or at an. intermediate angle. Where large sheets or very thin sheets are being manipulated, a horizontal or nearly horizontal position is preferable.

Referring now to the drawings in detail: Numerals 1 and 2 representa pair of side frames in which the various parts of the mechanism are mounted, said side frames being connected by suitable cross girders or by tie rods not shown.

3 .represents a support for a pile 4 of paper which, in the embodiment of my invention illustrated, is arranged on 'edge,-5 being a sulitable follower to support the back of the p1 e. c. 1

Any suitable form of sheet retaining device may be used. In the machine shown the retainingdevice consists of a pneumatic suction tube 6 which, when in position to receive the sheet, is horizontally arranged in front of the pile near the forward edge thereof and preferably extends from one side of 'the pile to the other. The tube is connected as hereinafter described to a suitable air exhausting apparatus and itis provided with one or more rows of perforations 7 on the side which is adjacent to the pile.

Any suitable means may be rovided for bending or flexing a number'o sheets near the .suface of the pile around the surface of the tube 6 so as to cover the perforations therein. As shown, the means-for thus flexing the sheets consists of. a series of fingers 8 which are pivotally connected at their rear 7 ends to a corresponding series of arms 9 fixed.

at intervals along the shaft 10 which is located in a horizontal position above the pile, thesame being journaled at itsop osit'e ends in the said frames 1 and 2.- T e shaft is given an intermittent rocking motionso as to move the fingers 8 across the forward edge of thepile to and from the tube 6 by any suitable means, those shown consisting of an arm' 1.].fixed to one end of the shaft 10 which is connected by means of a link 12 with one arm of a lever 13. See Fig. i 4. As shown the lever 13 is pivoted on a stud 14 carried by the side frame 1 and its opposite end is provided with an anti-friction roller adapted .to engage a suitable cam 15 carried by the main shaft 1.6. For the purpose of lifting the fingers 8 when at the inner limit of their movement, as required to release the sheets and allow them to successively spring back away from the "curved surface of. the tube 6, a movable support is provided for the fingers. In the structure shown this support consists of a shaft 17 horizontally arranged above the pile and provided with a series of eccentric surfaces on which the fingers 8 are adapted to rest. The fingers are preferably held in contact with the eccentric surfaces of the shaft 17 by the springs 18 which surround the pivots of the fingers 8 and bear at their op osite ends on said fingers and the arms 9, ass own. The shaft 17 is rockedat the right instant to lift the fingers 8 by means of an arm 19 affixed to one end of the shaft 17 and connected by means of a link- 20 with one end of a lever 21 which, as shownin Fig. 4, is pivotally mounted onthe stud 14 and is provided at its opposite end with an antifriction roller adapted to engage a cam 22 affixed to the shaft 16.

Any suitable means may be provided for withdrawing the sheet which is retained by the suction tube 6 and from which the other sheets are partly separated by their elasticity. Preferably and in accordance with the structure shown, the sheet is withdrawn by moving the tube 6 away from the pile and then releasing the sheet and delivering it to a suitable sheet forwarding mechanism. To this end the tube ,6 is mounted near the circumference of a suitable carrying cylinder 25, mounted on a shaft 26, horizontally j ournaled in front of the forward portion of the pile 4. One end of the shaft 26 is bored out to form a passage between the pipe 27 which is connected to a suitable exhausting apparatus and the pipe 28 which communicates at one end with the bore of the shaft 26 and at the other end with the tube 6. In

order that the tube 6 may be at rest when the sheets are bent into contact therewith the cylinder 25 isgiven intermittent rotation.

This rotation mayv beproduced by any suitable mechanism, that shown consisting of a segment gear 29 "carried by the shaft 16 which is adapted to mesh with a pinion 30 mounted on a stud 31 in position to mesh with a gear 32 affixed to one end of the cylinder 25. For the purpose of locking the cylinder in a fixed position while the blank portion of the ear 29 is passing the pinion 30, a-disk 33 aving e gear29 is rov'ided, said disk being secured in a fixe relation to the segment gear a high concentric portion 34 correspend ng in length to the blank portion of t 29, and the pinion 30 is provided with a disk 35 having a recessed portion 36 adapted to be engaged by the high ortion 34 of the disk 33, the said two disks, ormi ng in effect the mechanical movement known as the Geneva stoIp motion.

order that the position of the tube 6 when at rest may be adjusted with relation to the forward edge of the pile, the gear -32'is preferably adjustably connected to the cylmder'25, as by means of a bolt 37 tapped into the cylinder head and adapted to enage a slot 38 in the gear. The tube 6 may %e further adjusted so as to vary the relative arrangement of the perforations 7 and the forward edge of the pile 4, by so mounting the tube 6 in the cylinder that it maybe ad- Q justed in a circumferential direction around its own axis. In accordance with the construction shown the tube is journaled in the op(posite heads of the cylinder and is prov1 ed with a slotted segment by means of which and a screw 39 the tube may be this atter adjustment the pi e 28, ereinbefore referred to, is made of exible material.

' is provided in the pipe 27 and the operating With the end in view of enabling the air to be exhausted from the tube'6 ,at the proper instant to retain the sheet thereon, a valve 40 arm 41 of the valve is connected by a link 42 to an arm 43. The arm 43 is 'ournaled on a stub shaft 44 which is 'journaled in the side frame 1 and is rovided at its opposite end with an arm 45 aving at its freeend an antifriction roller adapted to engage a cam 46 carried by the shaft 16.

the proper instantto release thesheet in any suitable'way. As shown, the tube 6 is carried through one of the heads of the cylinder 25 and is rovided with'a valve mechanism shown in ig. 6. This mechanism as shown consists of a sleeve 47 which is clamped within the end of the tube by a collar 48 which is threaded on the end of the tube, as shown. A puppet valve '49 is seated on the inner end of the sleeve 47, the stem 50 of the valve being mounted in suitable guides 51 and 52 carried by the sleeve .47 and the collar 48, re-

spectively. The valve is normally held to its seat by means of a compression spring 53 which is arran ed between the guide 51 and a collar 54 on .t e stem 50. For the purpose of o en ing the valve to release the sheet at the esired oint in the revolution of the cylinder 25, a ever 55 is pivoted at one end to the stem 50 and at the opposite end' to a stud 56 carried by the 'head ofthe cylinder 25, said lever being provided at an intermediate 6 point with a friction roller 57 which is adapted to engage a suitable stationary 'cam 58.

- erably provided, the same be 6o In order that the pointat which the vacuum .is released may be adjusted, the cam 58 is preferably adjustably mounted concentrically with the shaft26 of the cylinder 25. This is accomplished in the construction shown by mounting the cam 58 on a sleeve which is clamped on the frame 1 by the ca 59 andforms one of the journals of the sha t 26. Asthe sheet is releasedfrom the tube 6 it may be received and advanced by any suitable mechanism. As shown, the forward edge of the'sheet is delivered between. the upper and lower guides 60 and61 respec- 'tively, which act to directit between apair of suitable forward' rollers 62 and 63, the latter beingmounte and 0 rated in any To insure" t e roper en- 61 a series of sheet (am 64 are'p'refs mounted on arock shaft 65 which is'journa ed in the opposite ends of the cylinder 25 and is provided at one end with an arm'66 adapted to engage a stationary cam67 carried on the frame 2- as shown inFig. 5. The free ends of the fingers 64 are preferably curved to adapt them to frames.

rest in suitable recess formed in the tube 6 between adjacent perforations therein, and thus 'normally form a continuation of the surface 'of said tube. When the sheet has reached the forward ed e of the guide 61 the fingers 64 are-slightly ifted so as to release the sheet from the tube 6 and direct it above the guide 61.

Any suitable mechanism may be provided for holding the adjacent sheet or sheets while the surface sheet is being withdrawn from thepile. Means are preferably provided however for holding both the forward and rearward edges of the pile and the means he vacuum in the tube may be broken at for holding the rearward edge of the pile are preferably arranged toenga e the pile at successive points beginning at the rearward edge 'of the pile after the surface sheethas been partly withdrawn and advancingtoward the forward edge of the pile as. the surface sheet recedes. As shown, the device for holding the forward edge of the pile consist of a blade 70 mounted on a series of 'arms 71 fixed on the shaft 72 which is horizontally arran ed above the pile 4, the same being journale at its opposite ends in the frames 1 and 2. The

blade 70 is preferably curved concentrically with the shaft 72 so that it may be moved as closely as possible to the surface of the cylinder 25, and in-order :that the blade 7 Q may be intermittently moved out of contact with the paper, so as not to interfere with the operation of the fin ers8, the shaft 72 is provided at one end with an arm 7 3 which is connected by a link 74 to'an arm 75 pivoted at one end to a stud 76 on the frame 1, and provided at its free end with an anti-friction roller adapted to engage a cam 77 carried by the shaft 16.

The mechanismfor holding the rearward edge andthe front of the pile consists, in the machine shown, of a, series-of fingers 80, 81

and 82, which are carried by a series of transverse bars 83, 84 and 85 respectively. These bars are supported by a pair of upright bars or links one at each side of the machine, one of these bars being numbered 86 in the drawings." The bars 86 are carried by lllllppei andf one 0 lower pairs of arms 87 and 88, o y each pair being shown. The pair; of arms 87 are pivotally mounted on the studs 89 carried by the side frames 1 and 2, and the lower pair ofarms are fixed to the opposite ends of a rock shaft'90 journaledin the opposite side arm 91 to the free end of which is pivoted a The shaft is. provided with an link 92 which is bifurcated'at its u per end so as to embrace-and be guided by t e shaft 16 and a is provided with 7m anti-friction roller 93 adapted toengag'e a suitable cam 94 carried by the shaft 16.

The fingers 80, 81 mounted with rel'ationto'the bars 83, 84 and 85 that they will bear upon the surface ofthe pile with a yield in pressure. In the construction shown t is accomplished by V 1 2 5 and 82 are preferably so mounting the fingers in suitable housings 95, 96 and 97 so that they can slide therein in directions substantially at right angles to the anti-friction rollers at their free ends, if de-" sired. The upper pair of arms 87 are preferably made somewhat shorter than the'lower "contact with the they may be acted upon with the pile.

arms 88 and the two pairs of arms are so connected to the bars 86 that when thefingers are moved toward the surface of the pile the lower set of fingers 80 will be brought into pile first and the upper set of fingers 82 last.

For the purposeof advancing the sheets near the front of the pile slightly with relation to the other sheets in the pile, so that reater certainty by the fingers 8, a series of are fixed to the lower horizontal bar 83 and the ends'of these fingers are 'bent forwardly so as to lie to the rear of the rearward edge of When the frame formedby the bars 83, 84, 85 and 86 is moved forwardly and outwardly by the action of the cam 94,

the fingers 103 will engage the rearward edge of the pile and advance the sheets slightly, as

v shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

With the object in view of enabling the surface sheet to be readily withdrawn from the surface of the pile by the pneumatic suction tube 6, means are preferably provided f for directing a blast of air between the surface sheet and the adjacent sheets to complete I the artial separation of the sheets affected by t e fingers 8. In the construction shown this is accomplished liy means of a series of blast tubes 104 which are carried by the arms 71 and arranged to discharge through suitable openings near the loweredge of the blade 70. The blast tubes 104 are connected by a series of flexible ipes 105 to an air supply pipe 106 arranged orizontally 'in a fixed position above the shaft 72. In order that the blast of air may be delivered intermittently and only at the instant required, the supply pipe 106 is provided with a valve 107 which 7 is normally closed by a tension spring 108.

For the purpose of intermittently opening the valve 107., a link 109 is connected by a slot in one end to the operating arm of the valve and is pivoted at the other end to a arm 110' carried bythe shaft 72.

The operation of the machine is as follows:

The main shaft 16 is set in motion in any suitable way, as by means of a chain and sprocket connection with the machine to be supplied fingers 103 4 with sheets; such a chain and sprocket connection being shown at the left in Fig. 5. During the period of .restof the cylinder 25, the fingers 8 are moved inwardly so as to move the forward edges of. the sheets near the surface of the pile toward the suction tube 6 and force them around the curved surface of said-tube. The shaft 17 is then operated so as to lift the fingers 8 forwardly away from the sheets and permit the latter to spring back successively away from the surface sheet which will be retained on the surface of the tube by the partial vacuum therein, the valve 40 in the suction pipe 27 having been o ened during the time that the sheets are he d on the surface of the suction tube. The blade will now be moved inwardly between the surface sheet and the other sheets, the-fingers 8 during-this movement being returned to their normal position. At this instant the holding fingers 80, 81 and 82 will be moved away from the surface of the pile and a blast of air will be admitted through the tubes 104. This position of the parts is illustrated in Fig. 2. The segment gear 29 then co-operates with the pinion 30 to give the cylinder 25 a complete revolution. As the tube 6 approaches the lower guides 61 the valve 40 will. be closed and the valve 49 will be opened so as tobreak the partial vacuum in the tube 6. The lifting fingers 64 will then be operated to direct the forward edge of the sheet between the guides 60 and 61 and as the cylinder 25 continues to revolve the sheet will be delivered between the forwarding rollers 62 and 63. For the purpose of insur ing the adv ancing movement of the sheet from the time it is released by the suction tube 6 till it reaches the forwarding rollers 62 and 63,

a series of rollers 11 1 may be arranged to bind the sheet on the surface of the c linder 25. As the rear end of the surface sleet is advanced along the surface of the pile 4, the holding fingers 80, 8]. and 82 are brought into operation successively, said fingers thus acting to prevent the adjacent sheets from being advanced with the surface sheet, and where the pile is arranged in an upright position as shown, the fingers also prevent the sheets near the surface of the pile from buckling and dropping away from the pile. When the cylinder 25 has completed its revolution the blade 70 is moved outwardly to release the upper edge of the ile and the blast of air is cut off from the tu es 104. The machine is then in position to repeat the above cycle of operations.

It will be seenthat, by reason of the dey scribed action of fingers 8, each of the sheets will be repeatedly fiexedand released before it reaches the surface of the pile and is separated and withdrawn from the other sheets. In this way the sheets are thoroughly loosened from each other and are certain to have between them when they reach-the surface of the pile, a sufficient quantity ofairtopermit the sheets near the surface-sheet to freely separatethhmselves'from the surface sheet.- by their elasticity the Withdrawal of two or *more sheets at a time being thus prevented.

' 1 When heavy, stiff paper is being manipulated the} tube 6is so adjusted with relation to the forward edge of the pile that the paper is bent a lessdistance around'the surface of the tube by the fingers 8. While when a thinner and 'less resilient paper is used, the operative p05 1 sition of the tube 6 will be further from the forward edge of the pile and the perforations Q is "l the length of the fingers or the arms or both, the fingers and arms, to this end, preferably being made in two sections which are ad'ustj 2:5

ably secured together, as indicated. herr small sheets are used the means for supplying the blast of air for separating the surface sheet from the other sheets may not be necessary.

On the other hand, where very large sheets Zare tobe separated, it may be desirable to r arran e the machine so that the surfaceof the pi e will be horizontal, or-nearly horizontal. My invention, in its broad aspects, is not limited to the precise construction shown,

nor to theparticular construction by which i it may be carried into effect, as many changes other than those herein sug ested may be made in the construction wit out departing from the main principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

1 by Letters Patent is:

I which the others are partlly ss What I claim as new and desire to secure u lv I o 1. A sheet separating mechanism compris- 111g, in combination, means for flexlng a number of sheets and releasing them successlvely, and means for retaining one of the sheets from" which the others are partly separated by their elasticity. 3

2. A sheet separating mechanism eompris.

ing, in. combination, means for flexing a number of sheets and releasing them successively, means for retaining one of the sheets-from separated by their elasticity, and means r withdrawing the retained sheet.

3. A sheet separating mechanism comprising, in combination, means for flexing a numher of sheets and releasing them successively, .means for retaining one of the sheets from which the others are partly separated by their elasticity, and means acting nn'said retaining means for withdrawing the retained r sheet.

.4. Asheetse and a constructed and operated to ing in combination, means for flexing a number of sheets and releasing them successively, means for retaining one of the sheets from which the others are partly separated by their elasticity, means actingion said retaining means for withdrawing. the retained sheet, and mechanism for receiving and forwarding the separated sheets. for separating sheets from 5; In a machine apile, the combination with mechanism for flexing a number of sheets, said mechanism being constructed to engage the sheets at their edges andto release them successively, of mechanism f'or retaining the surface sheet from which the others are partly separated by their elasticity, said sheet retaining mechanism being constructed and operated to withdraw the sheet so separated.

6. A sheet separating mechanism comprisis ing, in combination, means for'flexing a number of sheets and releasing them successively,

pneumatic suction device for retaining one of the sheets from which the others are partly separated by their elasticity.

7 A sheetseparating mechanism comprising, in combination, means for flexing a number of sheets and releasing them successively,

a pneumatic suction device for retaining one of the sheets from which the others .are partly separated by their elasticity, and means actin on said pneumatic suction de vice for'wit drawing theretained sheet.

r 8. In a machine for separating sheets from a pile, the combination with mechanism for flexing a number of sheets, the said mechan ism being constructed to engage thesheets at their edges and to release them successively, of a'pneumatic suction device for retaining the surface sheet from which the others are partly separated by their elasticity, and means for withdrawing the sheet retained by the pneumatic suction device.

9. In a machine for separating sheets from I apile, the combinatlon with mechanism for flexing a number of. sheets,

the said mechanism being constructed to engage the sheets at their. edges and to release them successively, of a pneumatic suction device for retaining the surface sheet from which the others are partly separated by their ei as ticity, said pneumatic suction device being withdraw the sheets so se arated.

10. A sheet separating device comprising,.",

in combination, mechanism for retaining the sheets and-withdrawing them singly, andmeans whereby each sheetis flexed and released before it is separated and is brought into c o-operativerelation with the retaining,

, mechanism while in a flexed condition.

11. A sheet retainin device comprising,

in. combination, means or repeatedly flexing a numb er of sheets and releasing-them sufc cessively, and means for reta ning one of panting mechanism compris- [the sheets during each releasing operation, 1 c

' 12. A sheet separating device comprising,

in combination,- means for repeatedly flexing a numbertof sheets and releasing them'successively, means -for retaining one of the sheets during each releasing operation, and

means acting on said retaining means for withdrawing the retained sheet.

13. A sheet separating device comprising,

' in combination, a pneumatic suction device whereby each sheet is flexed .and -released beforeitis separated and isbrought into so- I operative relation with the-retaining mechamsm-while in a flexed condition.

14. A sheet separating device comprising, in combination, a'pneumatic SUCtIOII device '--for retaining the sheets and with-drawing them singly *and means whereby each sheet is repeatedly flexed and released'before it is separated and is brought-into co-operative -relationwith the retaining mechanism while 1n a flexed condition, said means being constructed'to engage the sheets at their'edges and to'release them successively. 15. A sheet separating device comprising,- in combination, means for repeatedly flexing a number of 'sheets, said means being 'constructed to-engage the sheets at their edges and to release them successively, andmeans retaining oneof the sheets during eachre leasing operation, and means-acting onsaid retaining means i for withdrawing the 're-.

tained sheet.

17 'A sheet retainin device'comprising,

in'combination, means or repeatedly flexing a number ofsheets-and releasing them suce cessively, and pneumatic suction means for IGlJHJIIlIIgOIIG of the sheets during each'releasing operation.

'18. A sheet separating devicecomprismg,,

in combination, means-for repeatedly flexing a number of sheets and'releasing themsuccessively, and .pneumaticsuct-ion meansfor retaining one of the sheets during each re leas ng operation, and-means actingonz-said ritammg means for withdrawing the retained s eets.-

. 19. A sheet separatin fi in combination, means for repeatedlyflexing a number of sheets, said means being constructed to engage the sheets at their edges- "and to. release them successively, and'pneumatic suction means for retaining one of the sheets-during each releasing operation.

- 20'. A sheetseparatingdevice comprising,

in combination, means for repeatedly flexing a number of sheets, said, means bemgconstructed to engagethe sheets at their edges and to release them successively, pneumatic around .saidsurface, said means being constructed to engage the edges of-the sheets and to permit them to spring back successively.

device, an means for bending a number of n i suction means for retaining one of the sheets during each releasing operation, and means acting on said retaining means for withdrawing the retained sheet.

21. A, mechanism for separating sheets comprislng, in combination, a sheet retaimng device, and means for bendin a number of sheets so' asto bring one of the sheets into co-operative-relation with the retaining device and permitting them to spring back successively. p

22. A mechanism for separating sheets comprising, in combination, a sheet retaining device, and means for bendin a number of as to bring one of the sheets into 80.

sheets so co-operative relation with said retaining device, said means being constructed to engage the edges of Ithesheets and to permit them to springback successively.

23. A mechanism for separating sheets-8 comprising, combination, a sheet retaining devicehaving a curved surface, and means for bendin a number ofsheets around said surface; an permitting them to spring back successively. go

24. A mechanism for separating sheets comprising, in combination, asheet retaining device having a curved surface,and means for bending a number ofsheets around said surface, said means being constructed to en- "g5 .gage the edges of the sheets and' to permit them to spr ng back successively,-

25. A mechanism for separating sheets comprising, in combination, a neumatic' suction sheet retainin device, an means for bending a number of s eets so as to bring one of;the sheets into co-operative relation With spring back successively.

.the'retaining device and permitting themto 26. A machine, for separating sheets com- 1 prising, in combination, a pneumatic sheet 1 retain ng device having a curved suction surface, and means for bending a number of sheets around said surface. and permitting them to spring back successively. I

27. A machine for separating sheets comprising, in combination, 'a pneumatic retainmg device having a curved suction surface, and means for bending a number. of sheets '28. A mechanism for separating sheets comprising{ in combination, a sheet retaining sheets-toward the retaining device and permittingthem to spring back successively, said-sheet retaining devlce bein constructed and o erated' iJO WlthdIitW the s eet retained therey.

29. A mechanism for separating sheets comprising,in combination, a sheet retaining device means for-bendmg a number of sheets toward the retaining device and permitting them tospring bac' I successively, a'devic'e no for holding the sheets thus separated by their elasticity from the sheet on the retaining device, and means for Withdrawing the retained s eet.

5 30. A mechanism for separating sheets comprising, in combination, a sheet retaining device, .means for bending a number of sheets toward the retaining device,v said 1 means being constructed to engage the edges of the sheets and to'permit them to spring back successively, a device'for holding the sheets thus se arated by their elasticity from the sheet'on t fie'retaining device, and means for withdrawing theretained sheet. I

31. A mechanism for separating sheets comprising, in combination, .a pneumatic sheet retaining'device having a curved suction surface, means for bending'a number of sheets around said surface and permitting them to spring back successively, a device for holding the sheets thus separated by their elasticity from the sheet on the'retaining device, and means for withdrawing the retained sheet. A i

2 5 32. In a machine for separating sheets from a pile, the combination with mechanism for flexing a number of sheets, said mechanism being constructed to engage the sheets at their edges and to'release them successively', of mechanism for retaining the surface sheet from which the others are partly separated by'their elasticity, meansfor withdrawing the surface sheet and mechanism for holding the other sheets while the surface 35 sheet is being withdrawn. I

-. v 33. In a machine for separating sheets from a pile, the combination with mechanism for flexing a number of sheets saidmeehanism being constructedto engage the sheets 0 at their edges and to release them successively, of mechanism for retaining the surface sheet from which the others are partly separated by their elasticity, means for 'withdrawing the surface sheet and mechanism for 5 holding the other sheets while the surface sheet is being withdrawn, said holding mechanism including means constructed and arranged to engage the rearward-portion of the pile after the surface sheet has been partly 5o withdrawn.

34. 'In a machine for separating sheets from a ile, the combinationwith mechanism for exing a number of sheets, said mechanism being constructed to engage the sheets 5 5 at their edges and to release them successively, of mechanism for retaining the surface sheet from which the others are partly separated bytheir elasticity, means for withdrawing the surface sheet and mechanism for holding the other sheets while the surface sheet is being withdrawn, said holding mech anism including means constructed and arranged to engage-the pile at successive points beginning at the rearward portion of the pile H 6 5 after the surface sheet has been partly withdrawn and advancing toward the forward portion of the pile as the surface sheet recedes.

35. In a machine for separating sheets from a ile, the combination with mechanism for ezring a number of sheets, said mechanism being constructed to enga e the sheets at their edges and to release t em successively, of mechanism for retaining the surface sheet from which the others are partly separated by their elasticity, means for withdrawing the surface sheet and mechanism for holding the other sheets while the "surface sheet is being withdrawn, said holding mechanism bein constructed and arranged to engage both t e forward and rearward portions of the ile. 7

36. n a machine for separating sheets .for flexing a npmber of sheets,'said mechanism being constructed to engage the sheets at their edges and to release them successively, of mechanism for retaining the surface sheet from which the others-are partly separated 'by their elasticity, means for withdrawing,

the surface sheet and mechanism for holding the other sheets while the surface sheet is being withdrawn, 'said holding mechanism in cluding a device for holding the forward portion of the pile and means constructed and arranged to engage the rearward portion of the pile after the surface sheet has been partly withdrawn.

37. In a' machine .for separating sheets from a pile, the combination with mechanism for separating and withdrawing the surface sheet of the pile, of nechanism for holding the other sheets'while the surface sheet is being withdrawn, said mechanism being constructed and arranged" to engage the for-' ward endiof the pile before the sheet is withdrawn and to engagethe rearward portion of the part y withdrawn.

38. In a machine for'separating-sheets from a pile, the combination with mechanism for separatmg and. withdrawing the surface sheet from .Lthe-pile, of mechanism for holding the other sheets while the surface sheet is being w'thdrawn, sai'd mechanism being constructe 'an d. arranged to engage the pile at successive oints beginning at the rearward portion of t e pile aftef the surface sheet has been partly withdrawn and advancing toward the forward portion of-the pile as the surface sheet recedes.

39. In a machine for separating sheets from a pile, the combination with mechanism for separating and withdrawing the surface sheet of the pile, of mechanism for hold ing the other sheetsv whilethe surface sheet is being withdrawn, said mechanism being con structed and arranged to engage both the forward and the rearward edges of the pile and to engage the pile at an intermediate ile. after the surface-sheethas been point after the sheet has been further withdrawn. 1 v

40. In a machine for separating sheets from a pile, the combination with mechanism for separating and withdrawing the surface sheet of the pile, of mechanism for holding the other sheets while the surface sheet is being withdrawn, said mechanism including number of sheets and releasing them successively, means for retaining one of the sheets from which the others are partly se arated by their elasticity, and means for recting a blast of air between the retained sheet and the other sheets.

42. A sheet separating mechanism comprising, in combination, means for flexing a number of sheets and releasing them successively, means for retaining one of the sheets from which the others are partly separated by their elasticity, means for directing a blast of air between the retained sheet and the other sheets, and means for withdrawing the retained sheet.

43. In a machine for separating sheets from a pile, the combination with mechan ism for flexing a number of sheets, said means being constructed to engagethe sheets at their edges and to release them successively, of mechanism for retaining the surface sheet from'whicli the others are partly separated b their elasticity, and means for directing a lilast of air between the retained sheet and the other sheets, said sheet retaining mechanism being'constructed and operated to withdraw the sheets when separated.

44. A sheet separating mechanism comprising, in combination, means for .fiexing a number of sheets and releasing them successively, a neumatic suction device for retaining one o the sheets from which the others are 'artly separated by their elasticity, and means or directing a blast of air between the retained sheets and the other sheets. v

'45. In a machine for separating v sheets from a pile, the combination of mechanism for flexing a number of the sheets, said mechanism being constructed toengage the sheets at their edges and to release them successively, a pneumatic suction device for re-" taimng the surface 2 sheet from which the, others are partly separated by their elasticity,-; means for directing a blast of air between the retained sheet and the other sheets, 'and means for withdrawing the sheet retained by the neumatic suction device.

46. sheet separating device comprising, in combination, means for repeatedly flexing a number'of sheets and releasing them successively, means for retaining one of the sheets during each releasing operation,

means for directing a blast of air between the retained sheet and the other sheets, and

means for withdrawing the retained sheet.

47. A mechanism for separating sheets comprising, in combination, a sheet retaining device, means for bending'a number of sheets toward the retaining device and permitting them to spring back successively, a device for holding the sheets thus separated by their elasticity rom the sheet on the retaining de, vice, means for directing a blast of air between the retained sheet and the other sheets, and means for withdrawing the retained sheet.

48. A mechanism for separating sheets I comprising, in combination, a pneumatic sheet retaining device having a curved sue: ti on surface, means for bending a number of sheets around the said surface andpermitting them to spring back successively, a device for holding the sheets thus separated by their elasticity from the sheet on the retain- 9o ing device, means for directing a blast of air between the retained sheet and the other sheets, and means for withdrawing the retained sheet.

49. In a machine for separating sheets from a pile, the combination with mechanism for flexing a number of sheets, said mechanism being constructed to engage the sheets at their edges and to release them successively, of mechanism for retaining the surface sheet from Whichthe others are partly separated by their elasticity, means for directing a blast of air between the retained sheet and the other sheets, means for withdrawing the surface sheet, and mechanism for holdin the other sheets While the. surface sheetis eing withdrawn.

'50. In a machine for separating sheets from a pile, the combination with means for,

combination of a sheet retaining device consisting of-a pneumatic suction tube, a rotary carrier for said tube, and means for bendin a number of sheets toward the retaining device While it is in position to receive them and permitting them to spring back successively.

52. combination. of a sheet retaining device consisting of a pneumatic suction tube, a rotary In a machine for separating sheets, the

carrier for said tube,means for intermittently rotating said carrier, a series of fingers for bending a number of sheets toward the retaining device while it is at rest, said means being constructed to engage the sheets at their edges and to permit them to spring back successively.

53. In a machine for separating sheets, the combination of a sheet retaining device consisting of a pneumatic suction tube, a rotary carrier for sa1d tube, means for ntermittently rotating said carrier, a series of fingers for bending a number of sheets toward the retaining device while it is at rest, said means being constructed to engage the sheets at their edges and to permit them to spring back successively, means for creating a partial vacuum in the suction tube while the sheets are in contact therewith and means for releasing the vacuum during the rotation of said carrier.

54. In a machine for separating sheets, the

'cpmbination of a sheet retaining device consisting of a pneumatic suction tube, a'rotary carrier for said tube, means for intermittently rotating said carrier a series of reci rocating fin ers for bendin a number of s eets aroun said tube whi c it is stationary and permittin them to spring back successively, means or creating a partial vacuum in said tube while the sheetsv are in contact therewith, and means for breaking the vacuum in said tube during the rotation'of the carrier. s

55. In a machine for separating sheets, the combination of a sheet'retaining device con- .slsting of a pneumatic suction tube, a rotary carrier for said tube, and means for intermlttently rotating said carrier.

56. In a machine for separating sheets, the combination of a sheet retaining device consisting of a pneumatic suction tube, a retary carrier for said tube, and means for intermittently rotating said carrier, said pneumatic suction tube being adjustable circumferentially around its own axis on said carrier.

57. In a machine for separating sheets, the combination of a sheet retaining .device conslsting of a pneumatic suction tube, a rotary carrier for said tube, means for intermittently rotatin said carrier, said pneumatic suctlon tube Iieing adjustable circumferentlally around its own axis on said carrier, means for creating a partial vacuum in said tube While it is stationary, and means for breaking said vacuum during the rotation of the carrier.

58. In a machine for separatingsheets, the combination of a 'sheet retaimng device, means for bending a number of sheets toward said retainin device while it is in osition to rece1ve t em and ermitting t em to sprmg back successive y, a sheet holding b ade, and means for moving said blade be tween the retained sheet and the other sheets.

59. In a machine for separating sheets, the combination of a sheet retainlng device, means for bending a number of sheets toward said retaining device while it is in position to receive them and ermitting them to s ring back successive y, a sheet holding bIade, means for moving said blade between the retainedsheet and the other shects'and a series of blast nozzles carried with saidblade.

60. In a machine for separating sheets, the combination of a sheet retaining device, means for bending a number 'of sheets toward said retaining device and permitting them to spring back successively, a sheet holdin blade and means for moving said blade etween the retained sheet and the other sheets, a series of blast nozzles carried with said blade, and means for admitting air to said nozzles when the blade is in its operative position. v i

61. In a machine for separating sheets from a pile, the combination with means for supportmg the pile on ed e, of'a sheet retaining device located in ont of said pile near its upper edge, means for bending a number of sheets toward the retainin device while it is in position to receive t cm, said means being constructed to engage the sheets at their upper edges and to permit them to spring bac successively.

, 62. In a machine for separating sheets from a pile, the combination with means for supportlng the pile on edge, of a sheet retaining device located in front of said pile near its upper edge, means for bending a number of sheets toward the retaining device while 7 it is in position to receive them, said means being constructed to engage the sheets at their upper edges and to permit them to spring back successively, and means for withdrawing the retained sheet.

' 63. In av machine for separating sheets from a pile, the combination with means for supporting the pile on edge, of a sheet retaining device located in front of said pile near its u per edge, said retainingvdevice consisting oi a neumatic suction tube and rotary carrier or said tube, means for bending a number of sheets toward the retaining device, said means being constructed'to engage the sheets at their up r edges and to permit them to spring bac successively.

64. In a machine vfor separating sheets from a pile, the combination with m'eans for supporting the pile on edge.of a sheet retaining device located in front of said pile near its upper edge, said sheet retaining device conesisting of a pneumatic suction tube, a rotary 4 carrier for said tube, means for intermittently rotating said carrier, and means for bendin a number of sheets around said suction tu e while it is stationary, said means being constructed to' engage the sheets at their upper edges and to permit them to spring back successively.

65. In a machine for separating sheetssisting of a pneumatic suction tube, a rotary carrier for, said tube, means for intermittently rotating said carrier, means for bending a number of sheets around said suction tube while it is stationary, said means being constructed to engage the sheets at their upper edges and to permit them to spring back successively, "means for creating a partial vacuum in said suction tube while it is stationary, and means for breaking said vacuum during the rotation of said carrier.

66. In a 'machine for separating sheets from a pile, the combination with means for supporting the pile on edge of a sheet retaining device located in front of said pile near its upper edge, said sheet retainingdevice consisting of a pneumatic suction tube, a rotary carrier for said tube, means for intermittently rotating said carrier, means for bendin a number of sheets around said suction tu e while it is stationary, said means being constructed to engage the sheets at their upper edges and to permit them to spring back successively, and means for holding the up per edge of the pile during the rotation of said carrier. l

67. In a machine for separating sheets from a pile, the combination with means for supporting the pile on edge of a sheet retaining device located in front of said pile near its upp er edge, said sheet retaining device consisting of a pneumatic suction tube, a rotary carrier for said tube ,means for intermittently rotating said carrier, means for bending a number of sheets around said suction tube while it is stationary, said means being constructed to engage the sheetsat their upper edges and to permit them to spring back successively, means for holding the upper edge of the pile during the rotation of said carrier, and means for directing a blast of air between the surface sheet and the other sheets.

68. In a machine for separating sheets from a pile, the combination with means for supporting the pile on edge of a sheet retaining device located in front of said pile near its upper edge, said sheet retaining device consisting of a pneumatic suction tube, a rotary carrier for said tube, means for intermittently rotating said carrier, means for bending a number of sheets around said suction tube While it is stationary, said means being constructed to engage the sheets at their upper edges and to permit them to spring back successively, means for creating a partial vacuum in said suction tube while it is stationary, means for breakingsaid vacuum during the rotation of said carrier, and means for directing a blast of air between the surface sheet and the other sheets.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

- JOSEPH P. KNAPP.

Witnesses:

GEo. H. BARNES, W, P. TEN EYoK.

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