Abstract:
An apparatus for aligning the ends of elongated elements moving laterally along a given path. The apparatus includes a first alignment head on one side of the path, and an elongated draw bar extending transversally in relation to the path. A second alignment head is arranged in opposed relationship to the first alignment head and is adjustably positioned along the length of the draw bar to accommodate batches of elongated elements which have previously been cut to different lengths. A drive is connected to and operates to impart opposite reciprocal motion to both the first alignment head and the draw bar, thereby causing the first and second alignment heads to reciprocally move towards and away from each other to contact and align the ends of the laterally moving elongated elements.
Abstract:
An apparatus for gathering product rings into a cylindrical coil and for thereafter pivotally transferring the coil to an adjacent transport device. The coil is formed within an enclosure by depositing product rings over a mandrel extending vertically through a plate. Upon completion of the coil forming operation, the mandrel and plate are pivoted through a side opening in the enclosure, thereby carrying the coil to an intermediate position overlying the transport device. The mandrel and plate are then axially retracted to deposit the coil on the transport device.
Abstract:
An apparatus for conveying, compacting and strapping cylindrical rod coils. Each coil is moved along a horizontal support surface to a compacting and strapping station, which station includes an overlying vertically adjustable platen with strapping machines on either side of the path of coil movement. The strapping machines each include vertically adjustable strap track sections which cooperate with stationary track sections in the support surface to guide retaining straps issued by the strapping machines around the coil after the latter has been compacted by lowering the platen. After the strapping machines have been cycled to tighten, crimp and cut the retaining straps, the platen and vertically adjustable strap track sections are raised to free the compacted and strapped coil for continued movement along the horizontal support surface.