Device for automatically separating a photosensitive sheet from an original for copying apparatus

For use to produce copies of originals, on copy sheets having a practical curling limit not greater than a predetermined value, with copying apparatus wherein an original and a copy sheet are delivered together along a common path, a device for separating an original from a copy sheet, comprising

• a. suction means, disposed adjacent the path on one side thereof in position to face an original advancing therealong, for drawing an original therefrom, said suction means having a convexly curved suction surface facing said path and including at least one conveyor belt movable along said suction surface;
• and
• b. a stationary guide plate, disposed adjacent the path on the opposite side thereof from, and in facing relation to, the suction means and in position to face a copy sheet advancing along the path between the suction surface and the guide plate, said guide plate having a guide surface facing said path and said suction surface for engaging and guiding an advancing copy sheet to a predetermined locality beyond said guide plate;
• wherein the improvement comprises
• c. said guide surface of said guide plate being curved concavely with a degree of curvature greater than said predetermined value;
• and
• d. said suction surface having a degree of convex curvature greater than the degree of concave curvature of said guide surface.