Abstract:
A method and apparatus for reorienting the material of a layer of plastic, paper, or a multiplicity of natural or synthetic threads, tapes or filaments such that the longitudinal axis of the layer, which initially coincides with its direction of travel, is eventually at right angles to its direction of travel. In accordance with the method and apparatus of the invention, a plurality of belts move over a stationary mandrel in a helical path. The layer is wrapped about the belts and stationary mandrel such that the longitudinal axis of the layer and its direction of movement is at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the belts. Gripper cables cooperate with the belts to grip the layer just prior to its being cut as it leaves the mandrel. The result is a newly formed layer comprising reoriented abutting pieces of the material held together by the belts and gripper cables. These pieces are as long as the width of the newly formed layer, but the longitudinal axis of the pieces is now at right angles to the direction of movement of the new layer.