Pick off device

Abstract

An improved pick off device adapted to transfer open mouth hook type work supports (e.g., hangers) from an extended length screw conveyor onto a branch support member (e.g., a slide rod), the support member branching off from the screw conveyor at an angle relative thereto. In preferred form, the improved device includes a helix concentrically fixed in place to the screw conveyor, the major diameter of the helix being substantially greater than the major diameter of the screw conveyor's threaded rod. A pick off finger is positioned generally longitudinally of the screw conveyor, and is positioned between the helix and the conveyor's threaded rod. The pick off finger is pivotally connected at one end to the branch support member, that pivotal connection permitting the finger's free tip to move between a pick off position where same is closely adjacent the surface of the conveyor's threaded rod and a pass-through position where same is elevated above that surface. When the pick off finger is in the pick-off position, work supports being conveyed along the screw conveyor are driven by the helix in a positive manner onto the pick off finger, and then onto the branch support member, thereby positively moving the work supports from the screw conveyor onto the support member. When the pick off finger is in the pass-through position, the work supports simply pass through the helix section of the screw conveyor without engaging the pick off fingers, thereby permitting the work supports to continue past the branch support member while remaining on the screw conveyor.