Apparatus for removing plate-shaped objects from a stack

Abstract

Apparatus for removing plate-shaped objects (CDs) from a stack, the apparatus having a gripper mechanism, a stack magazine with a vertically arranged shaft that passes through the central openings (O) of the plate-shaped objects of the stack, and a lifting mechanism for the stack. To achieve a compact device structure with a low physical height and secure, simple removal and handling of plate-shaped objects, such as annular disks or information media in the form of compact disks or floppy disks in an automatic environment, the shaft has at its top end an upwardly tapering region, and a mechanism for displacing plate-shaped objects (CD), lifted into this region, in the horizontal direction against the shaft are arranged in such a way that a topmost object of the stack, displaced horizontally, can be gripped by means of the gripper mechanism. In addition, the gripper mechanism and the lifting mechanism are arranged vertically displaceably alongside the stack magazine.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.