Jack A Armstrong

US Patent:

45236739, Jun 18, 1985

Filed:

Dec 9, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/448260

Inventors:

John R. Vessey - Linden MI
Chandrakant M. Patel - Flint MI
Jack Armstrong - Fenton MI

Assignee:

Excel Corporation - Fenton MI

International Classification:

B65G 2500

US Classification:

198486

Abstract:

A device is disclosed for transferring workpieces from an entry station and to a predetermined position on a continuously moving conveyor. The device comprises a housing wherein at least a portion of the conveyor extends through and is movable along a predetermined path of movement through the housing. A carriage assembly is movably mounted to the housing along the path of movement and is movable from a first position in which the carriage assembly is aligned with the entry station and a second position which is spaced from its first position along the path of movement. The carriage assembly includes arms which engage and receive a workpiece from the entry station. Thereafter, a coupling member on the carriage engages an abutment member on the conveyor so that the carriage assembly and conveyor move in unison with each other. The carriage assembly arms release the work onto the conveyor when the carriage assembly reaches the second position and an air spring thereafter returns the carriage assembly to its first position for receipt of a subsequent workpiece.