Automatic feeder for workpieces of limp material
US5174558A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 22, 1991 |
| Grant date | Dec 29, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 22, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2301/4233
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for automatically feeding workpieces of limp material one at a time and one after another from a stack thereof to a device for operating thereon, e.g. for feeding plies of fabric from a stack of plies to sewing apparatus, comprising an endless conveyor having spaced flights and gaps. The stack is held under an upper reach of the conveyor on a table. The space between the gaps is substantially less than the dimension of the table in the direction of travel of the upper reach of the conveyor. A pick-up is operable through the gaps to grasp the top workpiece of the stack and pick it up with the workpiece extending down in a gap. The bottom surface of the workpiece is engaged by the oncoming flight of the conveyor to complete the separation of the workpiece from the stack and to bring it to lie generally flat on the oncoming flight.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.