Transfer mechanism

Abstract

An apparatus for the high speed transfer of workpieces in a multi-station machine. The stations are located in a common plane, in axial alignment and are equidistantly spaced. The apparatus utilizes a carrier assembly, which incorporates a pair of parallel barrels with a shaft received within the bore of each barrel. A series of confronting openings, which expose the shafts, are formed in the barrel walls at intervals which correspond with the spacing of the machine stations. A pair of gripping fingers are located at each barrel opening. A first finger is affixed to the barrel, extending outwardly therefrom, while a second finger which is affixed to the shaft, extends through the barrel wall opening to cooperate with the first finger. By pivoting the barrels in unison, with respect to the shafts, which are rotatably locked, the fingers can be caused to assume either a gripping or releasing attitude. A drive pivots the barrels and cooperatively reciprocates the carrier assembly to advance the workpiece from station to station in synchronization with the operation of the machine.