Importance

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Abstract

A material transfer apparatus for transferring articles between different vertical levels. The apparatus includes a pair of endless members, such as chains, mounted for travel in parallel generally rectangular paths, each including an upward vertical run, an upper horizontal run, a downward vertical run and a lower horizontal run. At least one carrier is mounted on the chains for free rotation about a horizontal axis and the carrier has a article supporting surface extending horizontally in cantilevered relation from the axis. Articles to be transferred are fed into the path of travel of the carrier by a first conveyer as the carrier moves in the upward vertical run and are elevated from the first conveyer and subsequently lowered by the carrier onto a second discharge conveyer for discharge as the carrier travels in the downward vertical run. Guide members on the carrier engage fixed guide tracks on the supporting structure to maintain the supporting surface in a horizontal attitude as the carrier moves in its path of travel.

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First Claim