Picker device and method for handling planar objects having an aperture therein
OwnerHamid R. Assadianinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A picker device for engaging the topmost one of a stacked plurality of media having center apertures formed therein includes a resilient spring slidably supported within a support base at its upper edges. A spreader mechanism is supported between the resilient spring to selectively broaden or narrow the spring. The picker is operative by inserting the spring downwardly into the center apertures of the stacked disk media in its narrowed configuration and thereafter expanding the spreader device to force the legs of the V-shaped spring against the interior edge of the topmost disk element of the stacked array.
Claims21
A picker device for use in engaging the top disk of a stacked plurality of disks each defining a center aperture, said picker device comprising:
- a base;
- a generally tapered spring having upper ends slidably supported by said base and a pair of downwardly extending inwardly angled legs;
- and
- expansion means including a rotatable cam having offset lobes and means for rotating said cam supported by a said base for expanding or narrowing said tapered spring within the center apertures of a plurality of disks causing said tapered spring to engage the aperture of the top disk without engaging underlying disks.
A method of engaging the top disk of a vertical stack of disks each having a center aperture, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a vertical stack of disks;
- proving an expandable pair of angled members;
- moving said angled members to extend downwardly into at least some of said center apertures;
- expanding said pair of members to broaden said members and engage said center aperture of said top disk by inserting an expandable member into said pair of members and causing said pair of members to expand and grip the uppermost of said disks;
- and
- raising said expanded pair of members and top disk.
A picker device for use in engaging the top disk of a stacked plurality of disks each defining a center aperture, said picker device comprising:
- a base;
- a generally V-shaped spring having upper ends slidably supported by said base and a pair of downwardly extending legs joined at a common bottom portion;
- and
- expansion means supported by said base for expanding or narrowing said generally V-shaped spring within the center apertures of a plurality of disks causing said V-shaped spring to engage the aperture of the top disk without engaging underlying disks.
A method of engaging the top disk of a vertical stack of disks each having a center aperture, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a vertical stack of disks;
- providing an expandable V-shaped spring;
- moving said spring to extend downwardly into at least some of said center apertures;
- expanding said V-shaped spring to broaden said spring and engage said center aperture of said top disk by inserting an expandable member into said V-shaped spring and causing said member to expand;
- and
- raising said V-shaped spring and top disk.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.