US3770266A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Handling sheet material
Assignee: Billco Manufacturing Inc
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Filing: 1971-08-23
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Granted: 1973-11-06
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Expires: 1991-08-23
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for handling sheet material, such as glass sheets, is disclosed. A stack of sheet material is supported for movement in a generally upward direction towards driven friction rollers. The top sheet of the stack is separated from the next underlying sheet by a jet of fluid, such as air, coming from a nozzle arranged outside one of the edges of the top sheet. The jet of fluid is directed such that the edge of the top sheet will move upwardly and fluid will then flow between the two sheets to raise the top sheet upwardly until it engages the rollers. The top sheet is then transported by the rollers while riding on the cushion of fluid. Control means are provided for moving the stack of sheet material to position the top sheet of the stack for separation by the jet of fluid.
Inventors
- 👤 R Wehr
- 👤 E Rearick
- 👤 Bride L Mc
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 20:05
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G49/00; B65G49/05; B65G49/06; B65G49/063; B65G49/064; B65G49/065; B65G49/068
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
189 words
Apparatus for handling sheet glass comprising: elevator means for supporting a stack of sheet glass and for selectively moving the stack in an upward direction; transport means comprising a series of spaced-apart rollers defining a gEnerally horizontal path above and away from said elevator; fluid injection means constructed and arranged for directing a stream of fluid towards the leading edge of the top sheet of glass in the stack in such a manner that the top sheet will be separated from the rest of the stack and fluid will flow between the top sheet and the sheet directly below to lift the entire top sheet upwardly against the lower surfaces of the rollers positioned above the stack; fluid cushion producing means disposed along said generally horizontal path below the rollers of the transport means to support the top sheet of glass as it is transported horizontally away from the stack by said transport means; and control means for intermittently actuating the elevator means to raise the stack of glass to a level at which the fluid stream is directed at the leading edge of the top sheet of glass.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
189 words
Apparatus for handling sheet glass comprising: elevator means for supporting a stack of sheet glass and for selectively moving the stack in an upward direction; transport means comprising a series of spaced-apart rollers defining a gEnerally horizontal path above and away from said elevator; fluid injection means constructed and arranged for directing a stream of fluid towards the leading edge of the top sheet of glass in the stack in such a manner that the top sheet will be separated from the rest of the stack and fluid will flow between the top sheet and the sheet directly below to lift the entire top sheet upwardly against the lower surfaces of the rollers positioned above the stack; fluid cushion producing means disposed along said generally horizontal path below the rollers of the transport means to support the top sheet of glass as it is transported horizontally away from the stack by said transport means; and control means for intermittently actuating the elevator means to raise the stack of glass to a level at which the fluid stream is directed at the leading edge of the top sheet of glass.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said control means include means for intermittently actuating the elevator means to raise the stack of glass when the sheet of glass being transported reaches a predetermined downstream location along said horizontal path.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-11-05 | 1977-05-07 | 1977-11-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-05 | 1981-05-07 | 1981-11-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-05 | 1985-05-07 | 1985-11-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |