Apparatus for removing a sheet from a stack of sheets

Abstract

Apparatus is disclosed for removing any sheet selected from a stack of sheets without removing adjacent unselected sheets in the stack. The apparatus includes means for selecting and withdrawing the desired sheet in a forward direction from the lead end of the stack, and support means, such as a plate, arranged adjacent to the stack of sheets. Mounted on the plate are sheet-engaging means in the form of a pair of buckling fingers, which extend alongside the lead end of the stack and are adjacent the stack corners. The buckling fingers extend in a direction perpendicular to the forward direction that the selected sheet is moved upon being withdrawn from the stack. The buckling fingers serve a dual purpose: they are operable to resist the forward movement of the unselected sheets as they are withdrawn with the selected sheet; and they are also operable to apply a force against the sides of the selected sheet to buckle it as it is being withdrawn in the forward direction from the stack by the selecting means and past the buckling fingers. The buckling of the selected sheet overcomes the forces tending to maintain the selected sheet in contact with the adjacent unselected sheets which forces include frictional drag, electrostatic adhesion, and inertia. By overcoming these forces, the selected sheet, when buckled, can be easily withdrawn from the stack without removing the adjacent unselected sheets.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.