Apparatus and method for use in manufacture of fed objects

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for use in manufacture of fed objects which is able to handle (e.g., convey and/or array) the fed objects in a soft manner and prevent the fed objects from suffering mechanical damage. A chamber is provided below a perforated plate having a multiplicity of fine holes formed therein and having an upper surface inclined at an angle relative to a horizontal plane. Compressed air is introduced into the chamber through a supply pipe to be ejected from the upper surface of the perforated plate. The ejected air causes fed objects placed on the upper surface side of the perforated plate to float above the perforated plate and moves them due to the inclination of the upper surface. The fed objects thus moved are received one by one into pockets formed in a rotating stopper wall at a periphery of the perforated plate.