Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for transferring workpieces to a stack from an endless conveyor having a plurality of forward traveling flights in a defined path. The conveyor being composed of a series of flights spaced at intervals there along. Each flight being constructed for carrying one of the workpiece 3. The apparatus and method include using a stacking mechanism for supporting a stack of limp materials removed from the forward advancing flights positioned below the path of the traveling flights. The stacking mechanism works in combination with a holding mechanism which determines the position of the upper most ply in the stack. A transfer mechanism is used for removing each ply from a forward advancing flight of the conveyor for transfer to the stack supported by the stacking mechanism. The transfer mechanism includes a rotatable engaging mechanism for engaging individual workpieces against the upper surface of a forward moving light so that the rotational speed of the rotatable engaging member substantially assumes the longitudinal speed of the forward advancing flight. At a predetermined time, a braking mechanism is used for stopping the rotation of the rotatable fabric engaging mechanism for stopping the forward movement of the workpiece as the forward moving flight continues out from under the for dragging it onto the supported stack.

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First Claim