Transfer apparatus and method of transferring a plurality of discrete articles
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorMichael J. Davies
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A transfer apparatus (1) for transferring a plurality of discrete articles (3) between a first location and a second location is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a transfer beam (9) comprising at least one article receiving means (10), adapted to be positioned adjacent the first location (7a) to receive at least one article. The transfer beam is also adapted to be adjacent the second location (7b) to discharge the at least one article. First and second bridging conveyors (12a; 12b) are located adjacent the second location and spaced apart such that the transfer beam is movable between the first and second bridging conveyors. A method of transferring articles using such an apparatus is also disclosed. Preferably the articles are abrasive discs.
Claims16
Transfer apparatus for transferring a plurality of discrete articles between a first location and a second location, the apparatus comprising:
- a transfer beam comprising at least one article receiving means, adapted to be positioned adjacent the first location to receive at least one article and adjacent the second location to discharge the at least one article;
- and
- first and second bridging conveyors located adjacent the second location and spaced apart such that the transfer beam is movable between the first and second bridging conveyors;
- wherein the receiving means comprises a locator.
Method of transferring a plurality of discrete articles between a first location and a second location, the method comprising:
- delivering a plurality of discrete articles to a first location;
- positioning a transfer beam comprising at least one article receiving means adjacent the first location, the receiving means comprises a locator;
- receiving at least one article onto the receiving means;
- positioning the transfer beam adjacent a second location;
- moving the transfer beam between first and second bridging conveyors located adjacent the second location, and spaced apart such that the transfer beam is movable between the first and second bridging conveyors;
- discharging the at least one article from the article receiving means onto the first and second bridging conveyors.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.