Automated system for loading lowermost segments from a shingled stack of limp material segments.

摘要

A system for selectively loading the lowermost segment of a shingled stack (360) of limp material segments, where each segment includes one or more adjacent layers of said limp material, and wherein adjacent segments (362-367) of said stack are laterally offset along a reference axis. The system includes a substantially planar surface (301-305) adapted to support the shingled stack thereon, in a position so that the leading edge of the lowermost segment (362) is adjacent to a reference point along the reference axis. A selectively operable extractor (320) transports the lowermost segment in the direction of the reference axis and away from the stack. The extractor includes one of more sets of hinged jaws (328) positioned for movement in the direction of the reference axis between the reference point and a point displaced from the reference point along the reference axis. The sets of jaws are adapted to selectively grip a portion of the leading edge of the lowermost segment when that leading edge is adjacent to the reference point.