Patent ID: 7273343
Filing Date: 2007-09-25
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A rotary transfer apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame structure; (b) a rotatable main shaft supported by the frame structure; (c) a first planetary member coaxially rotatably connected to the main shaft; (d) a plurality of first planetary shafts rotatably connected to the first planetary member and rotating in relation to the main shaft: (e) a plurality of second planetary members, at least one second planetary member being connected to each first planetary shaft and rotating in relation to the main shaft, each second planetary member including a second planetary shaft rotating in relation to a corresponding first planetary shaft; (f) a plurality of article transfer mechanisms, at least one article transfer mechanism being connected to each second planetary member second planetary shaft, each transfer mechanism moving in a non-identical path at two path apexes; and (g) a plurality of rotary offset cam mechanisms rotatably secured to the first planetary member, at least one offset cam mechanism being operatively connected to each second planetary member and providing, by its rotary movement, movement of a corresponding article transfer mechanism in non-identical functionality at two path apexes, wherein each cam mechanism includes a cam structure adapted to rotate with a corresponding primary gear, wherein each cam structure has a cam contour and a cam follower adapted to cooperate with the cam contour of the cam structure, the cam structures are radially offset from the first and second planetary shafts with respect to the main shaft, each primary gear makes one revolution for each revolution of the first planetary member, and each article transfer mechanism path has at least three apexes and each second planetary shaft undergoes one full 360° rotation traveling between successive apexes.