Security apparatus for the passage of objects

Apparatus for rotary transfer of objects, of the kind comprising a fixed frame and a rotary element mounted for rotation relative to said frame about a vertical axis, said rotary element comprising a cavity for receiving the objects to be transferred, means for stopping and locking the rotary element relative to the frame in two diametrically opposite stop positions, said rotary element defining an opening for access to said cavity, and said frame defining corresponding diametrically opposite openings which are respectively juxtaposed with said opening of the rotary element in said two stop positions, whereby said cavity is accessible for the transfer of an object alternatively from opposite sides of said frame, said stop and locking means comprising at least one abutment on the end of the rotary element and, projecting into the circular path of this abutment, at least one abutment on the corresponding end of the frame, characterised in that the means for stopping and locking 20, 20a, 17, 23, 22 the rotary element 5 relative to the frame (1) comprise leaf spring means 22, also projecting into the circular path of said at least one abutment 20, 20a of the rotary element (5) and mounted on the end 8 of the frame (1), said leaf spring means presenting at least one locking edge for engaging said at least one abutment of the rotary element whereby to lock said rotary element in said stop positions, and at least one ramp surface inclined to the horizontal whereby said at least one abutment can ride over said leaf spring means as said rotary element rotates towards said stop positions, and damper means for damping rotation of said rotary element towards said stop positions.