Rotational assemblies for transferring discrete articles

A rotation assembly for a transfer member of a transfer assembly, wherein the transfer member is configured to transfer a discrete article from a first rotating carrier member to a second rotating carrier member, wherein the transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a first rotation axis, wherein the transfer member rotates about the first rotation axis, wherein the rotation assembly rotates a portion of the transfer member about a second rotation axis, wherein the first rotation axis extends in a first direction, and wherein the second rotation axis extends in a second direction that is generally orthogonal to the first direction, the rotation assembly comprising:

• a torque transmitting assembly operably engaged with a portion of the transfer member;
• a follower member operably engaged with the torque transmitting assembly;
• and
• a track positioned on the frame and surrounding the first rotation axis, wherein the track extends from a plane orthogonal to the first rotation axis, and wherein the follower member is movably engaged with the track and circumnavigates about a path in correspondence with the track while the transfer member rotates about the first rotation axis;
• wherein the follower member is moved radially relative to the first rotation axis by the track as it circumnavigates about the path to transmit torque through the torque transmitting assembly, and wherein the torque causes the portion of the transfer member to rotate between a first position and a second position.

A method of transferring discrete articles from a first rotating carrier member to a second rotating carrier member using a transfer assembly comprising a frame defining a first rotation axis and a transfer member comprising a transfer surface configured to receive one of the discrete articles, the method comprising:

• rotating the transfer member about the first rotation axis;
• selectively varying the radial distance of the transfer surface relative to the first rotation axis as the transfer member rotates about the first rotation axis;
• and
• rotating the transfer surface about a second rotation axis between a first position and a second position using:
• a track that surrounds the first rotation axis;
• and
• a follower member engaged with the track and circumnavigating about a path in correspondence with the track while the transfer member rotates about the first rotation axis, wherein the follower member moves radially relative to the first rotation axis during circumnavigation about the path to rotate the transfer surface between the first position and the second position.

A rotation assembly for a transfer member of a transfer assembly, wherein the transfer member is configured to transfer a discrete article from a first moving carrier member to a second moving carrier member, wherein the transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a first rotation axis, wherein the transfer member rotates about the first rotation axis, wherein the rotation assembly rotates a portion of the transfer member about a second rotation axis, wherein the first rotation axis extends in a first direction, and wherein the second rotation axis extends in a second direction that is generally orthogonal to the first direction, the rotation assembly comprising:

• a torque transmitting assembly operably engaged with a portion of the transfer member;
• a follower member operably engaged with the torque transmitting assembly;
• and
• a track positioned on the frame and surrounding the first rotation axis, wherein the track extends from a plane orthogonal to the first rotation axis, and wherein the follower member is movably engaged with the track and circumnavigates about a path in correspondence with the track while the transfer member rotates about the first rotation axis;
• wherein the follower member is moved radially relative to the first rotation axis by the track as it circumnavigates about the path to transmit torque through the torque transmitting assembly, and wherein the torque causes the portion of the transfer member to rotate between a first position and a second position;
• wherein the transfer member comprises a transfer surface, and wherein the transfer surface is rotated between about 75 degrees to about 105 degrees between the first position and the second position.

A rotation assembly for a transfer member of a transfer assembly, wherein the transfer member is configured to transfer a discrete article from a first moving carrier member to a second moving carrier member, wherein the transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a first rotation axis, wherein the transfer member rotates about the first rotation axis, wherein the rotation assembly rotates a portion of the transfer member about a second rotation axis, wherein the first rotation axis extends in a first direction, and wherein the second rotation axis extends in a second direction that is generally orthogonal to the first direction, the rotation assembly comprising:

• a torque transmitting assembly operably engaged with a portion of the transfer member;
• a follower member operably engaged with the torque transmitting assembly;
• and
• a track positioned on the frame and surrounding the first rotation axis, wherein the track extends from a plane orthogonal to the first rotation axis, and wherein the follower member is movably engaged with the track and circumnavigates about a path in correspondence with the track while the transfer member rotates about the first rotation axis;
• wherein the follower member is moved radially relative to the first rotation axis by the track as it circumnavigates about the path to transmit torque through the torque transmitting assembly, and wherein the torque causes the portion of the transfer member to rotate between a first position and a second position;
• wherein a portion of the transfer member is movably engaged with a second track positioned on the frame and surrounding the first rotation axis and the track, and wherein the second track is configured to selectively vary the radial position of the transfer member relative to the first rotation axis as the transfer member circumnavigates about a path in correspondence with the second track.