Method and apparatus for the automatic loading of an article onto a printing machine

Abstract

A new apparatus and methods for automatically loading an article onto a printing surface of a printing machine, and preferably provide a completely reproducible placement of the textile on the printing machine. In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus includes a first support structure having a surface including a first area and a second area, and adapted to support at least one textile thereon. A second support structure is also provided proximate the second area of the first support structure, having a textile lifting mechanism and a textile transfer mechanism. The first support structure in one embodiment is a conveyor table having a primary textile indexing mechanism, such as a laser created line, a vertical stop, or a compact table with angled side edges. The indexing mechanism may be contoured to approximate a periphery of a portion of the textile. Supplemental or secondary indexing mechanisms may also be used, including lasers or the like. The textile lifting mechanism includes at least one adjustable pick-and-place mechanism, which may be either pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, or electronic, arranged individually, in pairs, or groups of three or more. Similarly, the textile transfer mechanism includes at least one adjustable pick-and-place mechanism, which may be either pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, or electronic, arranged individually, in pairs, or groups of three or more. Preferably, the second support structure is a metal frame and the textile lifting mechanism and the textile transfer mechanism are mounted to the frame.