PLATEN FOR CUT SHEET FEEDER

摘要

A platen structure to facilitate the transport of stacked sheet material conveyed along a transport deck of a sheet feeing apparatus. The platen structure comprises first and second segments connected by means of a compliant coupling. The first segment of the platen is operative to engage a face of the stacked sheet material and apply a stabilizing normal force thereon. The second segment of the platen is operative to engage and travel synchronously with a moving surface of the transport deck. Furthermore, the first and second segments are connected by means of a compliant coupling which is operative to facilitate the relative angula r displacement of the first and second segments about at least one axis while maintaining t he relative linear displacement therebetween about at least one of the other axes. The platen structure ensures reliable sheet material run-out by compensating for a reduction in sheet material weight as the final or last sheets of the stack are singulated/separated. Furthermore, the compliant coupling enables the various segments of the plat en structure to conform to the contour of the stacked sheet material, i.e., a cantilevered delivery profile.