Workpiece transfer device

A device for transferring workpieces from a first station to a second station comprising a support, guide means on said support extending between said stations, a workpiece carrier movable on said guide means between said stations, a workpiece gripper on said carrier and movable therewith, means for actuating said gripper to a work gripping position when the carrier is adjacent said first station and thereby grip a workpiece at said first station for transfer to the second station, means for actuating said gripper to a work-releasing position when the carrier reaches the second station to release the workpiece at said second station, a track fixed on said support and extending along a path generally parallel to said guide means, a follower mounted on said carrier for translatory movement therewith, said follower being operatively connected with the work gripper and shiftable by said actuating means between a first position wherein the work gripper is actuated to the work-gripping position and a second position when the work gripper is actuated to the work-releasing position, said follower when in said first position being engagable with said track upon movement of the carrier from said first to said second station and in said second position being disengaged from said track upon movement of the carrier from said second to said first station, said follower being locked against shifting movement when engaged with said track to retain said work gripper in said work gripping position.