Patent ID: 6227352
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: B29C,B65G

Abstract:
An article retrieval apparatus for removing a plurality of articles formed by a manufacturing apparatus upon ejection therefrom, the article retrieval apparatus comprising:support means positioned adjacent the manufacturing apparatus;a bearing tube assembly comprising an inner bearing tube fixedly attached to the support means, the inner bearing tube having a plurality of plastic bearing strips longitudinally positioned on an outer surface thereof, each one of the plurality of plastic bearing strips flat in cross section and extending substantially the entire length of the inner bearing tube, the bearing tube assembly further comprising a non-metallic outer bearing tube arranged for sliding engagement with the plastic bearing strips on the inner bearing tube, each of the inner and outer bearing tubes having a cross section that represents a closed geometric shape;a retrieval tube assembly positioned parallel to and in close proximity to the bearing tube assembly such that it is supported by the bearing tube assembly, the retrieval tube assembly comprising an inner retrieval tube fixedly attached to the support means, the inner retrieval tube having a plurality of plastic bearing strips longitudinally positioned on an outer surface thereof, each one of the plurality of plastic bearing strips being flat in cross section and extending substantially the entire length of the inner retrieval tube, the retrieval tube assembly further comprising a non-metallic outer retrieval tube arranged for telescoping engagement with the plastic bearing strips on the inner retrieval tube, each of the inner and outer retrieval tubes having a cross section that represents a closed geometric shape like that of said inner and outer bearing tubes;drive means, controllably coupled for driving the outer bearing tube and the outer retrieval tube between predetermined first and second stop positions; anda plurality of article capture devices, mounted on the outer retrieval tube, the plurality of article capture devices being positioned to be proximate the locations of the plurality of formed articles as they are ejected from the manufacturing apparatus when the outer retrieval tube is in the second stop position and to be clear of the manufacturing apparatus when the outer retrieval tube is in the first stop position.