Document separation/detection technique

A method for use in an item processing apparatus, for separating multiple planar items from single like items, these transported along a track wherein the items are first subjected to opposed vacuums to separate them;

• by a vacuum-generating system;
• then, their state, whether single or multiple, is determined with pressure-sensing means by measuring and analyzing the resulting pressure differentials within said vacuum-generating system;
• said system, in turn, being provided with cyclonic filter/suction pump means for removing and storing dust and debris entrained within the vacuum-forming air flow, this cyclonic filter/suction pump means providing a constant vacuum-airflow regardless of the nature or quantity of debris removed and collected;
• the said vacuum-generating system being also provided with pressure sensor means to indicate whether single or multiple items are passing;
• and wherein said pressure sensing means is further provided with variable damping means both mechanical and electronic.

A method for use with an item processing apparatus, for separating multiple like items from one another as they are transported along a track, said method comprising:

• subjecting the items to opposed vacuum forces from a suction system to separate them;
• then detecting whether they are single or multiple items by measuring and analyzing the resulting pressure differentials within the vacuum-generating suction system with pressure-sensing means;
• providing suction means to generate said vacuum forces, and supplementing this suction means with cyclonic separator means to help generate said vacuum forces and to help provide a constant vacuum-airflow regardless of the nature or quantity of debris in said airflow or whether any debris is to be removed at all;
• and wherein said pressure sensing means is further provided with variable damping means both mechanical and electronic.

A method in a system differentiating and separating multiple overlapped like documents from single like items, transported along track means, this method comprising:

• subjecting said documents to opposed vacuum forces from suction means to separate them at a separation-station;
• then determining the state of the documents, whether single or multiple with pressure-sensing means by measuring and analyzing the resulting pressure differentials within the suction system;
• while providing this system with cyclonic filter means for removing and storing dust and debris entrained within the suction-conducting air flow, said cyclonic filter means and suction means being designed and adapted to provide a relatively constant vacuum-generating airflow regardless of the nature or quantity of debris removed;
• said pressure sensing means being further provided with variable damping means both mechanical and electronic.