GB1269568A - Article handling machine - Google Patents

Abstract

1,269,568. Reciprocating conveyers. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORP. 24 July, 1969 [5 Aug., 1968], No. 37189/69. Heading B8A. Apparatus for the transfer of printed circuit card assemblies 11 comprises a transfer table 17, a pusher mechanism 37 and reciprocating means 50 for indexing a magazine 10 carrying the assemblies 11 along the table 17 to an unloading position 30. The pusher mechanism then transfers the assemblies 11 to receiving apparatus 31. For guiding the magazine as it slides along the table 17, a centre groove 23 and guide rails 24, 25 are provided which support shoes 13 attached to channel members 12 of the magazine, Fig. 7. This Figure also indicates how the base 15 for a circuit card 16 of an assembly 11 is received within a channel member 12. The pusher mechanism 37 comprises an extension 47 which moves through the channel members 12 when the pusher is advanced along a guide rod 39 by a cylinder C3. The indexing means 50 comprises a rectangular frame provided with two sets of teeth 51 which project upwardly into apertures 33-36 provided in the table 17. The means 50 is mounted for vertical and horizontal movement in a rectangular pattern and is actuated by cylinders C1, C2 energized in appropriate sequence. The teeth 51, when moving towards the unloading position 30, engage in spaces between the channel members 12 of the carrier. In normal operation, each row of assemblies 11, having reached the position 30, is discharged by the pusher mechanism 37 from the carrier to the apparatus 31. Should the apparatus 31 cease to operate, operation of mechanism 37 is automatically interrupted. Fig. 5 (not shown) represents a pneumatic system for the control and operation of the transfer apparatus.