A linear unit for transferring objects, particularly for removing workpieces from a linear conveying track, comprising vertically and horizontally movable grippers for grasping the objects and comprising a gripper carriage which is movable between a pick-up position and delivery position and having first and second carriage parts, wherein the movement sequence of the grippers for receiving the objects in the pick-up position and for depositing the objects in the delivery position is effected due to relative movement of the second carriage part with respect to the first carriage part.

A linear motion device particularly usable for providing a lateral movement stroke with vertical lifting and dropping performed at the extreme limits of movement of the lateral stroke which includes a base, two vertical shafts fixedly secured to the base and extending upwardly therefrom, a yoke movably secured to the vertical shafts to be vertically movable with respect thereto. The yoke member including a yoke pin extending outwardly therefrom into a lift cam which is circular and rotatably driven by being fixedly secured to a drive shaft, the lift cam achieving selective vertical movement of the yoke member responsive to the profile of the cam therein. The device further including a crank being reciprocally movable and secured to the drive shaft wherein the crank includes a pin at the outward section thereof which is radially movable toward and away from the axis of the drive shaft, the pin selectively rotatable within the channel of a plate cam at one end and in the channel of a vertical orientation device at the other end, the vertical orientation device secured to horizontally extending members which themselves provide the X and Y stroke of the movement, lateral movement achieved by the movement of the crank pin within the plate cam channel and vertical movement of the horizontal members achieved by the rotation of the plate cam with the yoke pin extending into the channel thereof.

A parts transfer apparatus for progressively advancing workpieces through successive work stations. A frame is movably mounted within a surrounding, rigid, support structure. Workpiece engaging devices are mounted on the frame for engaging a workpiece in each work station. Pairs of cams are fixedly mounted on the support structure and disposed on opposite sides of the frame to define a reciprocal path of movement for the frame. Cam followers mounted on the frame engage and move along the pairs of cams. A drive mechanism, preferably in the form of opposed acting fluid cylinders, is coupled between the support structure and the frame for reciprocatingly driving the frame between the first and second ends of the support structure.