Patent · US Active

Linen spreader apparatus and method

US7827709B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
55References
32Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJun 4, 2007
Grant dateNov 9, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 4, 2028

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
  • CPC primaryD06F67/04
  • WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

An article is selected and spread from a load of articles. A first clamp moves along a run to remove an article. By changing orientation of the run, articles may be removed from different locations. A second clamp rotates while holding the article. The rotation generally flattens out the article. A third clamp grabs a portion of the article and further spreads the article. This process may detangle or untwist the article. The untwisted article is dragged over a belt. The belt adjusts the amount of overhang on each side. A plate lifts a resulting edge. The article is clamped at that edge and dragged over a roller. The roller moves into contact with a conveyor. The conveyor conveys the article to find a leading edge. The article is then conveyed in a spread position.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.