Abstract: Stacks of generally dish-shaped, nested plastic articles are gripped and transferred from elevated, horizontally adjacent chutes comprising circumferentially disposed, axially extending supports, which are open at both ends to permit articles to be both fed thereto and removed axially therefrom, to a conveyor disposed at a lower level. A transfer arm, mounting stack gripping receivers, which pivot on the transfer arm, is swung in an arcuate path and the receivers are moved relative to the transfer arm, responsive to swinging movement of the transfer arm, such that the receivers travel from a first position, horizontally axially aligned with said chutes and axially intermeshed with the supports, in a path having a first axially linear increment, then a downward arc to rotate said stacks substantially 90.degree., and finally a vertically linear path to deposit the stacks on the conveyor.

Abstract: A differential pressure forming machine with upper and lower mold members for forming cup-like articles in a web of thermoplastic material includes a mold assembly in which two separable die members, when in their closed position cooperatively form an article defining mold cavity which extends through one member and into the other. The two die members, when opened, are spaced from each other by a distance greater than the depth of the formed article. An endless chain of carrier members is located with one run extending between the two die members. Each carrier member has an opening smaller than the circumference of the formed article. Closing of the die members expands the carrier member opening outwardly of the periphery of the die cavity and closing of the entire mold assembly in the forming operation effects a severing of the formed article from the web.

Abstract: A trim press is provided with a remotely controlled adjustment by means of which the end limit of the feeding stroke of the feeding mechanism may be precisely adjusted relative to the die of the trim press while the machine is in operation. Oscillating and reciprocating members of the prior art trim presses are replaced by continuously rotating members to enable a higher rate of operation.