Abstract: A shaping machine has upper and lower shaping tools movable vertically between an open position spaced apart and spacedly flanking a shapable strip passing between them in a generally horizontal travel direction and a closed position gripping the strip and also movable horizontally parallel to the strip between an upstream tool position and a downstream tool position. Upper and lower clamp plates offset horizontally from the shaping tools are also movable vertically between an open and closed positions and movable horizontally between upstream position and downstream clamp positions. Respective drives connected to the tools and plates alternately move the tools and the plates between their open and closed positions. This drive also move the tools and plates downstream in the direction substantially only when in the respective closed positions and moves the tools and plates upstream in the direction substantially only when in the respective open positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting and feeding identically shaped small objects has a funnel adapted to hold the objects and having a downwardly open outlet and a housing and a wheel together forming an arcuate passage generally centered on an axis and having an upper inlet end at the outlet and a lower outlet end so that the objects can enter the upper inlet end of the passage and move downward through the passage. The wheel has an outer periphery exposed in the passage and formed with a row of outwardly open pockets of a shape corresponding generally to a shape of the objects. The wheel is rotated such that its periphery moves upward in the passage so that the objects are separated from one another and aligned behind one another in the passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting and feeding identically shaped small objects has a funnel adapted to hold the objects and having a downwardly open outlet and a housing and a wheel together forming an arcuate passage generally centered on an axis and having an upper inlet end at the outlet and a lower outlet end so that the objects can enter the upper inlet end of the passage and move downward through the passage. The wheel has an outer periphery exposed in the passage and formed with a row of outwardly open pockets of a shape corresponding generally to a shape of the objects. The wheel is rotated such that its periphery moves upward in the passage so that the objects are separated from one another and aligned behind one another in the passage.