Handling sheet material
OwnerMark Williamson, Leslie Theophilus Bainesinventors
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for handling stretchable sheet material, to form a stack of leaves of such material. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention concerns the handling of dough sheets in the manufacture of biscuits or other baked foodstuffs. A first conveyor carries leaves of the material which are transferred to a second conveyor where the leaves are transported in a stacked configuration. Transfer is accomplished by use of an overhead permeable, suction surface movable between the first and second conveyor.
Claims16
Apparatus for handling stretchable sheet material to form a stack of leaves thereof, said apparatus comprising a first supply conveyor (5) for supplying leaves (4) of stretchable, sheet material, a second transport conveyor (7) for transporting a stack of said leaves thereon, and a transfer device (102;6) for transferring said leaves from the first conveyor (5) to the second conveyor (7) in stacked disposition, wherein the transfer device (102;6) comprises an overhead fluid permeable suction surface (104;8) movable along a transport run (106;9) between a first position at which leaves are picked up from the first conveyor (5) and a second position at which said leaves are dropped therefrom onto the second conveyor (7), and pressure means (10) is provided to establish suction at said surface (104;8) to hold each leaf by reduced pressure to said surface (104;8) throughout the whole of said transport run between the flint and second position characterised in that a displacement device (118;12) is provided which is operable to apply a downward force to each leaf at the said second position to effect said dropping of the leaves onto the second conveyor (7) and further characterised in that said surface (104;8) has individual perforations or apertures (110;18) through which suction is applied wherein the perforations or apertures (110;18) are bounded by projections, said projections being inverted frustoconical or frustopyramidal shaped cups or sleeves or dimples (112,114;11).
A method of handling a stretchable sheet material to form a stack of leaves thereof, wherein said leaves are received by a transfer device from a first supply conveyor and are transferred by such device to a second transport conveyor to be deposited thereon one on top of another, wherein the transfer device comprises an overhead movable, fluid permeable suction surface and pressure means is provided for establishing suction at said surface to pick up and retain said leaves, characterised in that the leaves are displaced off the suction surface on to the second conveyor by operation of a displacement device which applies a downward force to each leaf and wherein the overhead movable suction surface has individual perforations or apertures through which suction is applied wherein the perforations or apertures are bounded by projections.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.