Method of and apparatus for transferring articles from a fixed position to a moving conveyor

Abstract

Sweepout apparatus ( ) for sweeping an aligned array of glass containers (C) from a deadplate ( ) of a I.S. glass container forming machine to a conveyor ( ) that runs transversely to the array of containers on the deadplate and serves to transfer the containers for further processing. The apparatus comprises a swivel portion ( or ) that is oscillatable in an arc of approximately 90° and a head ( ) that is carried by the swivel portion and is reciprocable relative thereto, the head carrying an elongated bar ( ) with a spaced plurality of pocket-defining fingers ( ) that extend from the bar. The sweepout further comprises independently operatable first and second coaxial reversible electrical motors ( ), an output shaft ( ) of the second electric motor ( ) passing through an annular output shaft ( ) of the first electric motor ( ). Reversible motion imparted to the annular output shaft of the first electric motor causes oscillating motion of the swivel portion of the sweepout apparatus. Reversible motion imparted to the output shaft of the second electric motor axial through a planetary gear ( ) imparts reciprocating motion to the elongated bar relative to other structure of the sweepout portion. The output shafts ( ) are rotatable independently of one another.