摘要 |
<p>A machine loads and unloads containers with articles arranged in rows by transferring articles between a first station outside the containers and a second station inside a container. It comprises a vertical support adjacent the first and second stations and an arm on this support which pivots through 90 DEG C. between a first position over the first station and a second position over the second station. Chains around four pulleys on the arm are paid out and wound in synchronously by the rotation of the pulleys. The chains extend to one end of the arm and then downwardly through respective apertures in the arm. The chains are attached to a platform moveable vertically which carries suckers for manipulating the articles, through chain tension detector and centering means on the platform which operate with the platform in its highest position. Further chain tension detector means on the path of the chains monitor the tension in the chains.</p> |