High speed plate pick up device

Abstract

A system for removing an interleaf sheet contacting a plate sheet used in an imaging system, comprised of a substantially horizontal member; an assembly comprising at least two elements configured to directly contact and pick up the interleaf sheet, a portion of said assembly connected to said member; a motor configured to move said member in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the interleaf sheet as positioned prior to contact; and a first sensor system that generates a signal indicating when said member is a first predetermined distance from the interleaf sheet; and a second sensor system comprised of a second sensor that generates a signal indicating that the sheet beneath the second sensor is an interleaf sheet; said motor utilizing the first predetermined distance to move said member a second predetermined distance from the interleaf sheet, the at least two elements not contacting each other at the second predetermined distance, said motor moving said member in a direction toward the first predetermined distance to a position where at least a portion of the interleaf sheet is interposed between the at least two elements.

1 . A system for removing an interleaf sheet contacting a plate sheet used in an imaging system, comprising:
 (a) a substantially horizontal member;   (b) an assembly comprising at least two elements configured to directly contact and pick up the interleaf sheet, a portion of said assembly connected to said member;   (c) a motor configured to move said member in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the interleaf sheet as positioned prior to contact; and   (d) a first sensor system that generates a signal indicating when said member is a first predetermined distance from the interleaf sheet;   (e) a second sensor system comprised of a second sensor that generates a signal indicating that the sheet beneath the second sensor is an interleaf sheet;   said motor utilizing the first predetermined distance to move said member a second predetermined distance from the interleaf sheet, the at least two elements not contacting each other at the second predetermined distance, said motor moving said member in a direction toward the first predetermined distance to a position where at least a portion of the interleaf sheet is interposed between the at least two elements.   
   
   
       2 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said system further comprises a third sensor that generates a signal when said interleaf sheet is disposed between said at least two elements. 
   
   
       3 . The system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said system is comprised of a first spring plunger. 
   
   
       4 . The system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said system is comprised of a second spring plunger. 
   
   
       5 . The system as recited in  claim 4 , further comprising a disposal roller assembly that that receives said interleaf sheet from said at least two elements. 
   
   
       6 . The system according to  claim 5 , further comprising a rail assembly configured to move said at least two elements to a position where said disposal roller assembly receives said interleaf sheet. 
   
   
       7 . The system according to  claim 6 , further comprising a member that is aligned beneath the each of said at least two elements. 
   
   
       8 . The system according to  claim 7 , wherein the each of said at least two members comprises a roller. 
   
   
       9 . The system according to  claim 7  wherein said horizontal member is lowered in a direction toward the disposal roller assembly. 
   
   
       10 . A system according to  claim 9 , wherein as said horizontal member is lowered in the direction toward said disposal roller assembly, each of said at least two elements engages one of said at least two members. 
   
   
       11 . The system according to  claim 10 , wherein as said horizontal member continues to move in the direction of said disposal roller assembly, said at least one spring plunger directs said interleaf sheet to said disposal roller assembly. 
   
   
       12 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein as said horizontal member continues to move in the direction of said disposal roller assembly, each of said at least two elements engaging said at least two members cause said at least two elements to release said interleaf sheet to said disposal roller assembly. 
   
   
       13 . A method for removing an interleaf sheet contacting a plate sheet used in an imaging system, comprising:
 (a) providing a substantially horizontal member;   (b) providing an assembly comprising at least two elements configured to directly contact and pick up the interleaf sheet, a portion of the assembly connected to the member;   (c) moving the member in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the interleaf sheet as positioned prior to the at least two elements contacting the interleaf sheet;   (d) generating a first signal indicating the member is above an interleaf sheet   (e) generating a second signal indicating when the member is a predetermined distance from the interleaf sheet;   (f) using the first predetermined distance to move the member to a second predetermined distance from the interleaf sheet, the at least two elements not contacting each other at the second predetermined distance;   (g) moving the member in a direction toward the first predetermined distance to a position where at least a portion of the interleaf sheet is held between the at least two elements; and   (h) generating a third signal indicating that the interleaf sheet is in place between the at least two elements.