Method and apparatus for singularizing stacked X-ray films or the like

摘要

The leaders of successive topmost sheets of a stack of sheets are lifted by a set of aligned suction cups which move each leader into a horizontal plane including the nip of two advancing rolls. The suction cups insert the leading edge of each leader into the nip and continue to adhere to the leader while the latter is advanced by the rolls so that the leader pulls the suction cups against the opposition of a weak spring tending to move the suction cups and their mobile support to a starting position. The drive for the advancing rolls is thereupon arrested for an interval of time which suffices to ensure the collapse of suction in the cups by arresting the suction pump and by simultaneously opening a valve which connects the interior of each cup with the atmosphere.