Apparatus for separating a sheet from an array of sheets

An apparatus for separating a selected sheet from a spaced array of sheets substantially aligned on a first conveyor in rows transversely across said first conveyor and in lanes longitudinally along the movement direction of said first conveyor comprising:

• the first conveyor having a plurality of belts moveable from an entrance end to an exit end of said first conveyor, each of said belts having perforations in a top surface thereof in fluid communication with a vacuum source for retaining said sheets, said belts positioned with spaces therebetween such that at least two belts are adapted to support each sheet;
• a controller for determining when a sheet from the array of rows and lanes is to be separated therefrom based upon preselected criteria;
• a plurality of diverters aligned transversely to said first conveyor and positioned in the spaces between said belts, at least one diverter aligned with each sheet in a row, said diverters connected to said controller so as to be individually responsive to said controller for diverting only the selected sheet in a row away from the top surface of said belts in a direction that separates the selected sheet from the array;
• and
• a second conveyor having a belt moveable from an entrance end to an exit end thereof, said entrance end of said second conveyor spaced near the first conveyor and adjacent the aligned diverters such that said diverters are disposed directly beneath a bottom surface of said belt, the belt of said second conveyor having perforations in the bottom surface in fluid communication with a vacuum source for retaining said selected sheet, said bottom surface facing the top surface of said first conveyor so as to receive the selected sheet, when diverted away from said first conveyor, and transport said selected sheet away from said first conveyor to the exit end of said second conveyor.