Load/unload apparatus for disc-like workpieces

Claim 1

Apparatus for loading and unloading discs from a receptacle containing a plurality of discs organized in a predetermined disposition to one another comprising: (a) means insertable within said receptacle for supporting at least one of said discs along the inner peripheral edge of a central hole through said disc; (b) means for vertically reciprocally conveying said disc support means relative to said receptacle comprising: (1) a first member fixedly coupled and slidably mounted to said disc support means along a predetermined vertical path of travel, (2) a second member having a roller coupled thereto and in movable supporting relation to said first member, (3) means for reciprocally rotating said second member and said roller between a first angular position and a second angular position thereby raising and lowering said disc support means along a vertical axis relative to said receptacle, (c) means for horizontally reciprocally conveying said vertical conveyor means comprising: (1) a driven sprocket, (2) an idler sprocket, (3) an endless notched belt coupled to and trained around said driven and idler sprockets, (d) a third support member supporting said vertical conveyor means and coupled to said endless notched belt, whereby said vertical conveying means is caused to reciprocally move along a horizontal axis as said endless belt revolves about said driven and said idler sprockets; and (e) means coupled to said disc support means for selectively rotating each of said discs supported by said support means about an axis passing through the body of the disc as it is transported to and from said receptacle.