Title:
SINGULATION MECHANISM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO2002060792
Kind Code:
A3
Abstract:
An improved singulation mechanism is provided for flat articles (62) having significant variations in size, thickness and weight, which mechanism utilizes at least two vacuum chambers (V1, V2) positioned behind a moving perforated belt (34) to feed the articles and selectively controls at least one of pressure and flow for at least one of the chambers to facilitate the feeding of heavier articles, while inhibiting bleed through doubles for lighter articles. A mechanism may be provided which provides a puff of air to at least one of the chambers at the end of the operation thereof to reduce the feeding of doubles and a bent fence may be suitably positioned to both facilitate feeding of shorter articles and to facilitate proper initial alignment of the articles.
Inventors:
BLACKWELL WAYNE
CERA GEORGE C
HANSON BRUCE
CERA GEORGE C
HANSON BRUCE
Application Number:
PCT/US2002/001994
Publication Date:
April 17, 2003
Filing Date:
January 24, 2002
Export Citation:
Assignee:
LOCKHEED CORP (US)
International Classes:
B65H3/12; (IPC1-7): B65H1/02; B65H3/12
Domestic Patent References:
| WO2001024949A2 | 2001-04-12 |
Foreign References:
| US5391051A | 1995-02-21 | |||
| EP0507661A1 | 1992-10-07 | |||
| EP0018057A2 | 1980-10-29 | |||
| US3606305A | 1971-09-20 | |||
| EP1052207A1 | 2000-11-15 |
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