Abstract: An automated assist apparatus is provided in a system for forming a molded article from a composition comprised of a plurality of chopped mineral fibers and a binder applied to at least one portion of a perforated mold and initially held in place by a vacuum drawn through the perforations before undergoing a curing process. The assist apparatus includes at least one device for holding the composition applied to at least one portion of the perforated mold in place prior to and during the curing process and a motive device for automatically moving the holding device from a first retracted position away from the mold to a second position for holding the composition in place. The vacuum is released when the holding device is in the second position. The composition undergoes curing and the holding device is automatically moved to the first retracted position for removing the cured molded article.

Abstract: A moving strand is provided and a size is applied to the strand. A collet is rotated to wind the strand and build a package. The strand is reciprocated with a strand reciprocator to lay the strand at a wind angle on the package surface as the package rotates. A rotatable collet receives the strand to build a package. A strand reciprocator is mounted to guide the strand from edge to edge of the package and to lay the strand in a helical pattern on the package surface as the package rotates. The collet and the cam for the strand reciprocator are driven by motors. A collet inverter drive and a cam inverter drive control the rotational speed of the collet and cam, respectively. A controller is operatively connected to control the collet and cam inverter drives. A memory device such as a computer provides information to the controller of the waywind and wind angle as a function of package buildup time.

Abstract: An automated assist apparatus is provided in a system for forming a molded article from a composition comprised of a plurality of chopped mineral fibers and a binder applied to at least one portion of a perforated mold and initially held in place by a vacuum drawn through the perforations before undergoing a curing process. The assist apparatus includes at least one device for holding the composition applied to at least one portion of the perforated mold in place prior to and during the curing process and a motive device for automatically moving the holding device from a first retracted position away from the mold to a second position for holding the composition in place. The vacuum is released when the holding device is in the second position. The composition undergoes curing and the holding device is automatically moved to the first retracted position for removing the cured molded article.

Abstract: A cam follower includes a radially inner arcuate bearing surface that matches the curvature of the outer surface of the cam. Engagement of this bearing surface with the surface of the cam opposes undesired motion of the cam follower, including motion radially away from the cam, about an axis perpendicular to the cam rotation axis, and/or about an axis parallel to the cam rotation axis. This arcuate engagement also facilitates effective lubrication of the cam follower. The cam housing is formed with arcuate bearing surfaces that define with the cam surface an annular cam follower cavity and that engage a radially outer arcuate bearing surface of the cam follower, maintaining the cam follower in position against the cam surface.