Method and apparatus for an automated plate handler with slip sheet removal mechanism

An apparatus for automatically selecting a plate for imaging in an automated plate handler, comprising:

• a. means for automatically positioning a plurality of stacks of plates stored in the plate handler and placing a stack of the plate size required for an imaging job in an access position;
• b. means for automatically separating and removing a single plate from the stack of plates in the access position and transferring the single plate out of the plate handler for imaging;
• and
• c. means for automatically removing a slip sheet from on top of the stack of plates in the access position.

An apparatus for automatically selecting a plate for imaging in an automated plate handler and for removing a slip sheet from the plate handler, comprising:

• a. at least one suction tube mounted on a first pivoting shaft mounted for rotation in a bracket secured to the plate handler, said suction tube for attaching to a slip sheet on the top of a stack of plates in the plate handler in a first position;
• b. at least one finger member mounted on a second pivoting shaft mounted for rotation in the bracket, said finger member holding down the slip sheet to the stack of plates in a holding position and allowing the suction tube to lift the slip sheet from the stack of plates when the shaft is pivoted to a retracted position;
• c. at least one nip wheel mounted on a third pivoting shaft mounted for rotation in the bracket;
• and
• d. a driven roller supported for rotation in the bracket, said nip wheel pivotable to be in rolling contact against said driven roller in order to transfer the slip sheet between the nip wheel and the driven roller and thereby remove the slip sheet completely from the stack of plates.