SPRING TRANSFER APPARATUS AND METHOD

Abstract: a spring transfer apparatus is shown generally at . the apparatus comprises a wheel-like placement member which, in use, is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow a about a central hub by a motor (not shown). the placement wheel has a plurality of circumferentially spaced spoke portions defining therebetween a series of spring chambers . a magnetic base plate is arranged beneath the wheel and is arranged to receive a coil spring s which is deposited by a spring forming apparatus (not shown) of a known type, located above the plate . as the wheel rotates, the spring is urged by the spokes along the magnetic base plate towards an arcuate compression stage , comprising a pair of plates and that are axially spaced above and below the spring. the plates initially converge in a chamfer in the direction of rotation of the wheel causing the springs to become partly axially compressed as they transit between the plates. as the springs exit the plates, they are urged by the spokes into positions between a pair of superposed driven endless belts and between which the springs are further compressed and then conveyed to a pocketing station (not shown) where they are inserted into pockets for incorporation into a resilient spring unit, such as for use in a mattress core. the belts are optionally castellated to maintain a good grip of the springs.

Inventor(s): David Clare

CPC Classification: B65G47/848 ({the article-engaging elements being suction or magnetic means})

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