Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

This invention provides a rotary transfer device or apparatus for the pickup, transfer and deposit of articles. The rotary transfer device has a drive source, a frame structure and an article pickup and deposit mechanism that travels in a predetermined, but changeable, path which has at least two apex positions of travel. The rotary transfer device includes a first stationary gear mounted to the frame structure which provides a first rotary motion for the articles transferred by the device. A first planetary gear is provided for rotation about the first stationary gear, and structure for rotating the first planetary gear about the first stationary gear is provided to produce the rotation. A second stationary gear mounted for rotation with the first planetary gear is provided to produce a secondary motion effect for the articles to be transferred by the device. A second planetary gear is provided for rotation about the second stationary gear and second structure for rotating the second planetary gear about the second stationary gear is provided to provide the secondary rotary motion. An article transfer mechanism with structure to pickup and deliver articles for rotation with the second planetary gear is provided so that the rotary transfer device or apparatus permits the article transfer mechanism to transfer articles from and to a plurality of positions in a plurality of paths to facilitate the size, shape and location of articles to be transferred.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim