An article transfer device is provided with a funnel-shaped structure and a high pressure air supply pipe. The funnel-shaped structure is provided with an upper end opening adapted to receive the articles being dropped in from above and a lower end opening adapted to allow the articles to drop through to the form-fill-seal machine. An inner space is defined within the funnel-shaped structure between the openings. The upper part of the inner space has a greater cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of the lower part of the inner space. A plurality of air ejection holes are formed in an inner peripheral surface of the funnel-shaped structure surrounding the inner space. The plurality of air ejection holes are arranged with respect to one another defining a helical shape pattern about the funnel-shaped structure. Gaseous material is spouted out from the high pressure air supply pipe and into the inner space through the plurality of air ejection holes.