Transfer arm assembly for plate making system

A transfer arm assembly for a plate making device and for transferring an exposed plate on a horizontal film negative drawer to an inverted horizontal position on a belt transfer system which is at a height different from the height of said film negative drawer;

• said transfer arm assembly comprising vacuum cup carrier means having a plurality of spaced vacuum cups for engaging the non-exposed surface of said plate when said plate is on said drawer;
• first, second and third links each pivotally mounted on a common driven shaft;
• said first and second links being connected to said common shaft and being rotatable therewith;
• said third link being rotatable relative to said common shaft;
• latch means for latching said second and third links to force said third link to rotate with said second link when said latch means is engaged;
• first pivotal connections means for pivotally connecting said first link to said vacuum cup carrier means at a first location thereon, and second pivotal connection means for pivotally connecting said third link to said vacuum cup carrier means at a second location thereon;
• and latch defeating means for defeating said latch means before said vacuum cup carrier means reaches the level of said belt transfer system, whereby said vacuum cup carrier means can rotate on a reduced radius.