Elevator/lowerator

A work transfer device for vertically transferring workpieces comprising a series of vertically spaced stations supported on a base, a vertically disposed transfer bar having work holders thereon at successive vertically spaced locations whose vertical spacing corresponds to the vertical spacing of said stations, a drive supported on the base and operatively coupled with said transfer bar for causing the transfer bar to repeatedly execute an operating cycle wherein the workpieces are vertically advanced one station per cycle, said drive comprising means for causing each operating cycle to comprise (1) an initial vertical upward component of motion wherein the work holders on the transfer bar lift the workpieces off the stations followed by, (2) a first horizontal component of motion to vertically clear the workpieces of the stations and (3) a second horizontal component of motion to vertically realign the workpieces with the stations including (4) during the time between the beginning of the first horizontal component of motion and the end of the second horizontal component of motion a vertical component of motion which vertically advances the workpieces so that at the end of the second component of motion the workpieces are directly over their next stations followed by, (5) a downward vertical component of motion wherein the workpieces are deposited on these next stations, followed by, (6) a third horizontal component of motion to vertically clear the transfer bar work holders of the workpieces and (7) a fourth horizontal component of motion to vertically realign the transfer bar work holders with the workpieces including (8) during the time between the beginnining of the third horizontal component of motion and the end of the fourth horizontal component of motion a vertical component of motion which vertically retracts the transfer bar so that at the end of the fourth horizontal component of motion the transfer bar is in position where it is poised to begin the initial vertical upward component of motion of the next operating cycle and wherein said stations comprise vertically spaced cradles for supporting the workpieces and the transfer bar work holders comprise cradles for supporting the workpieces during transfer, the drive is disposed adjacent the transfer bar and wherein two or more of horizontally disposed members extend from the drive and are connected to the transfer bar at vertically spaced locations and wherein the drive comprises means for imparting motion to at least one of said horizontally disposed members corresponding to the motion of the operating cycle, and in which the drive comprises a vertical guide means, carriage means vertically shiftable on said guide means, means supporting said horizontally disposed members on said carriage means and motive means for imparting horizontal motion to the transfer bar by shifting at least one of said horizontally disposed members on said carriage means and vertical motion by shifting said carriage means on said guide means.