APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING SHEETS

摘要

Apparatus and method for dispensing individual sheets from a stack of sheets (10). A support (30) is provided for accommodating the stack of sheets in overlying parallel relationship. A suitable pickup device (20) overlying the support and having blowing means (62) is provided for producing airstreams over one end (A) of the upper sheet of the stack, such as to curl up this end and separate a portion of the upper sheet including this end from the stack. The pickup device also provides a holding force (60, 66), typically in the form of a suction force (60, 66) such as to hold at least part of this portion abutted against said pickup device, whereupon the airstreams may be terminated. A peeling mechanism (50) is also provided, having a clamping mechanism (70) for clamping the separated portion of the upper sheet, and adapted for displacing at least part of the sheet in a peeling motion in a direction substantially away from the original position of the end and/or the stack.