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US 4,381,168 AGranted
Method and apparatus for separating a layer of flexible material from a surface
AssigneeBeckman Instruments, Inc.
InventorsWayne S. Johnson, Vincent C. Tangherlini
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for removing a flexible layer from a substantially flat mold or other surface. A curvilinear removal head, including a vacuum manifold holding one end of the flexible layer, pivots to peel the flexible layer from the mold.
Claims2
A device for separating a layer of flexible material from a substantially flat surface comprising:
- a removal head mounted adjacent said surface for relative movement with respect thereto;
- said removal head including a curvilinear face on at least a portion of said removal head;
- a vacuum manifold rotatably mounted on said removal head adjacent to said curvilinear face;
- means for moving said curved removal head and said flexible material away from said surface;
- and whereby, when said removal head is moved away from said surface and said vacuum head is rotated, said layer is separated from said removal head.
2 more elements
Method for separating a layer of flexible material from a surface comprising the steps of:
- placing a vacuum manifold on which is rotatably mounted a curved removal head in contact with a portion of said flexible material;
- holding said portion of said flexible material against said vacuum manifold;
- rolling said curved removal head in the direction of a portion of said flexible material which is not held against said vacuum manifold;
- moving said curved removal head and said flexible material away from said surface;
- rotating said vacuum manifold to separate said flexible material from said curved removal head;
- and
- releasing said portion of said flexible material from said vacuum manifold.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.