Sheet transfer device and method.

摘要

A device (23) is disclosed for transferring sheets (21) from a sheet stack (24) to a utilization area such as a can pallet (15). A base unit (88) causes pivoting of a beam (27) about a moveable pivot point (81) so that a sheet picked up from the sheet stack is moved upwardly for a substantial distance and then pivoted to a point above a can pallet, after which the sheet is moved downwardly and deposited on the upwardly extending tops of a horizontal layer of cans (16) on the can pallet. Suction is supplied through a plurality of cups (32) brought into engagement with the top sheet of a sheet stack to lift the top sheet from the stack, with the suction being terminated when the sheet is deposited on the can pallet to thereby release the sheet. Upward movement of the sheet from the sheet stack and downward movement of the sheet toward the can pallet is effected by use of a cam follower (111) engaging contoured cam guides (115;116) to force displacement of the pivot point of a transfer beam as needed to obtain the desired movement toward and away from the can pallet and sheet stack.