METHOD, AND APPARATUS AND PLATENS FOR THE UNLOADING OF AN ARTICLE FROM A PRINTING MACHINE

摘要

A new apparatus and methods for automatically unloading or removing an article from a printing machine, and preferably transferring the same to a suitable drying surface is disclosed. New platens (16) for allowing such automatic unloading of a printed article (20) from a support surface of the platen is also disclosed. The disclosed apparatus includes a support frame (12), an extendable gripping means (14) attached to the support frame for engaging the article, and a conventional controller for controling operation of the extendable gripping means. Additionally, at least one platen attached to the printing machine in a manner allowing the extendable gripping means to vertically extend from the support frame to an area of the platen(s) is also disclosed. To permit gripping of the articles, the platen are notched at the area (22) corresponding to the extendable gripping means. The disclosed platen includes a structure for attachment to the printing machine, a support surface, and a gripping area disposed about the support surface to allow an automatic unloader to grip and remove an article from the support surface. The support surface is preferably rectangular having gripping areas proximate to each corner of the surface. The gripping areas are preferably notches within the support surface itself, but may also be in the form of a ledge with notches disposed along a portion of an edge and attached to the support surface.