Plate itemiser from stack - has plate removed from pile to transfer point by series of driving arms

摘要

The plate itemiser draws the topmost plate from a stack to a transfer point parallel to the surface on which the stack is standing. The topmost sheet (38) is gripped in the centre of the rear edge (42) and pushed in the removing direction. After travelling a pre-set distance (b), the sheet is freed at the rear and then re-gripped at two points to the side of the rear point. The plate is then once more pushed in the removing direction to the transfer point. The stack is raised after each withdrawal by an amount equal the thickness of the plate or group withdrawn. A third driver (28) runs onto the topmost plate and lifts it off after the first pushing movement (b). The two other drivers (24,28) then lower onto the plate below (34).