Sheet feeder and transfer apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for feeding and transferring the top sheet from a stack of sheets. The apparatus includes a frame; a first member mounted on said frame for controlled movement in a vertical direction from a predetermined substantially horizontal first position; and a stationary second member mounted on the frame at a predetermined elevation above the first member when at the first position. The first member subtends and supports a stack of sheets. The second member is provided with an opening which is in vertical alignment with the supported stack of sheets. Opposed first perimetric segments of the opening are provided with upwardly convergent surfaces which frictionally engage corresponding peripheral portions of the top and adjacent sheets of the stack, when the first member has moved the stack upwardly a predetermined amount. The frictional engagement causes the top sheet to be upwardly distorted within the opening. Air-circulating means are positioned along perimetric segments of the second member opening and cause air to flow across the underside of the distorted top sheet to effect partial separation of the top sheet from the adjacent sheets of the stack. A third transfer member is provided which is disposed above the second member and moves towards and away from the opening thereof and engages the distorted top sheet and draws same completely through the opening and away from the remaining sheets of the stack.