Abstract: A rotary transfer apparatus, comprising: a frame structure; a rotatable main shaft supported by the frame structure; a primary body connected to the main shaft; at least one first planetary shaft rotatably connected to the primary body and rotating in relation to the main shaft; a secondary body connected to each first planetary shaft; a second planetary shaft rotatably connected to each secondary body and rotating in relation to the first planetary shaft; an article transfer mechanism connected to each second planetary shaft; and an in-line cam mechanism. The article transfer mechanism is adapted for picking and placing articles, and has at least one stem connected to the second planetary shaft. Each stem has a distal end whose motion defines a product path about the main shaft. The product path has at least one apex at which point the distal end of the stem moves in an in-line motion. The in-line cam mechanism is adapted for extending the in-line motion at the apex(es) of the product path.

Abstract: An assembling apparatus and process. The apparatus has a conveyor with a pair of parallel and elongated line guides fixed thereabove. Articles are placed onto the conveyor between the parallel line guides and a plurality of line stop mechanisms are provided to momentarily stop articles on the conveyor with respect to the parallel line guides. A plurality of supply magazines are provided for releasably storing elements to stack and assemble the articles. A stream of first articles is provided on the conveyor. The process further includes the steps of stopping the first articles on the horizontal work surface in alignment with each supply magazine and between the elongated line guides, transferring an element from each supply magazine onto the first articles and releasing the first articles for successive movement on the conveyor to each supply magazine.

Abstract: An article placing assembly having a pushing mechanism constructed and arranged to engage and move articles from an article stack. The assembly has opposing pivoting gate members which cooperate to hold and release successive articles. Movable clamps further cooperate to hold the article stack as successive articles are sequentially moved from the article stack. A process is set forth for separating and removing successive articles from an article stack in a magazine.