Method and apparatus for transferring relatively flat objects

Apparatus for transferring a relatively flat object from a work station along a transfer path, comprising:

• means located within the work station for locating the object into a ready position by causing an upper surface of the object to adhere to said locating means, whereby the object is unsupported along a lower surface thereof;
• orifice defining means located adjacent to said ready position for defining an orifice directed toward said ready position;
• supply means connected to said orifice defining means for connecting said orifice defining means to a source of pressurized gas;
• valve means disposed within said supply means for initiating and discontinuing flow of pressurized gas through said orifice defining means;
• and
• control means for controlling said valve means to a direct stream of pressurized gas through said orifice defining means prior to location of an object in said ready position, whereby the transfer of said object in free flight from the work station is caused as the object is released at said ready position.

A method for transferring a relatively flat object from a work station along a transfer path, comprising the steps of:

• locating the object within the work station in a ready position by securing an upper surface of the object, whereby the object is unsupported along a lower surface thereof;
• prior to locating the object in said ready position, initiating flow of pressurized gas through orifice means located adjacent to and directed toward said ready position, thereby causing the transfer of said object in free flight from the work station when the object is released at the ready position;
• and
• discontinuing flow of pressurized gas through said orifice means when the object has traversed the transfer path.