Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus for transferring articles such as cans from a receiving station to a stacking platform to form a preselected article array on the platform. The apparatus includes a transfer carriage shiftable along a horizontal path between positions overlying the station and the platform, and a subcarriage mounted on the carriage for vertical shifting relative thereto. Mounted on the subcarriage for shifting in a substantially horizontal path extending transversely of the transfer carriage path are a plurality of carriers, each carrying an article-gripping device which includes a powered assembly mounted for limited vertical displacement relative to the subcarriage, and gripping members operatively connected to the assembly for movement, under the control thereof, between gripping and release positions. A sensor associated with at least one of the assemblies is operable to sense relative vertical movement between the assembly and the subcarriage, to signal a desired can loading or unloading operation.

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First Claim