Separating device
AssigneeFuture Alignments Limited
InventorsRobert Stephen, David Wilkie
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention relates to a separating device (1, 100) that includes a wedge (30, 130) that extends between first and second plates (10, 110, 20, 120). At least one of the plates (10, 110, 20, 120) is supported by a support device (e.g. a bar 31). The support device supports the or each plate (10, 110, 20, 120) whilst the device (10, 110, 20, 120) is in use so that the plate(s) (10, 110, 20, 120) are substantially prevented from bending or twisting due to the forces applied to the plate(s) (10, 110, 20, 120).
Claims21
A separating device having a wedge member (30, 130) movable between first and second plates (10, 110, 20, 120) to separate the plates (10, 110, 20, 120), and a support device (31, 131) to support at least one plate (10, 110, 20, 120) when the wedge member (30, 130) is moved.
A separating device according to either preceding claim, wherein the support device (31, 131) supports the first plate (10, 110).
A separating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the support device comprises a bar (31, 131).
A separating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the support device (31, 131) protrudes beyond at least one edge of the first plate (10, 110).
A separating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the support device (31, 131) supports the first plate (10, 110) along its length while the wedge member (30, 130) is moving.
A separating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the support device (31, 131) extends parallel to a sloping face (30s,130s) of the wedge member (30, 130).
A separating device according to claim 12, wherein the device includes a body (24, 124) that supports the first plate (10, 110).
A separating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first plate (10, 110) is constrained to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the wedge member (30, 130) by a first pin and slot arrangement (17, 16).
A separating device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the plates (10, 110, 20, 120) is slidably coupled to the wedge member (30, 130) by a second pin and slot arrangement (18, 118, 33, 133).
A separating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second plate (20, 120) remains stationary relative to the body (24, 124), and the first plate (10, 110) moves relative to the body (24, 124).
A separating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the support device (31, 131) can slide relative to the first plate (10, 110).
A separating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device (1, 100) includes a third pin and slot arrangement (150, 156).
A separating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device (1, 100) includes a drive mechanism for the wedge member (30, 130).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.