Abstract:
An improved machine for forming one or more helical grooves in the walls of glass tubes in which the glass tubes are automatically transferred from one processing area of the machine to the adjacent processing area. Lifters for engaging the open ends of the glass tubes are attached to a movable carriage assembly which provides for the transfer of the tubes from one area of the machine to an adjacent area during its forward travel and provides for the grooving of the tubes during its reverse travel. A positioning mechanism insures that the lifters are properly aligned over the open ends of the tubes prior to engagement. An arrangement is also disclosed for transferring two tubes in tandem to increase the machine''s processing speed.