METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING RELATIVELY FLAT OBJECTS

摘要

An apparatus for transferring a relatively flat object from a work station along a transfer path includes an upper tooling (32) within the work station for locating the object in a ready position by causing an upper surface of the object (58) to adhere to the tooling. The object is thus unsupported along its lower surface. A manifold (70) forming at least one orifice or nozzle (106) is located adjacent to and directed toward the ready position, and is connected to a source of pressurized gas. A valve (71) initiates and discontinues flow of pressurized gas through the orifice. A control system controls the valve to direct a stream of pressurized gas through the orifice as or before an object is located in the ready position, thereby causing the transfer of the object in free flight from the work station.