Abstract: The tape laying head of a composite tape laying machine is rotatable around the tape laydown surface on circular guideways. The presser shoe assembly is likewise rotatable around the common radius point by means of circular cam faces journalled on cam followers supported by the tape head presser assembly. A feedback transducer signals rotation of the tape presser member while adapting to contour changes, and the signal is employed to effect rotation and realignment of the entire tape head with the presser shoe. The mechanism additionally embodies a brake assembly which is selectively energized to prevent presser shoe rotation at predetermined times.

Abstract: The interior structure of a tape laydown shoe or roller has an axle supporting solid rings, shoe members, and the like on ball joints. Thus, the solid members adapt to surface contour changes to back up an elastomeric facing element. The ball joints provide for force division of the principal tape head force into plural components directed at the contour surfaces.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for compacting a composite tape tail which is formed by making a cut along an oblique line across the tape and manipulating first and second compaction means. The cut, however, severs only the tape while it is adhered to the backing but does not sever the backing or subjacent support (which is usually a strip of paper). The backing is then peeled away from the strip at a location between the first compaction means shoe, blade, or pad) and a second compaction means (preferably a roller) and conveys the discarded portion of tape to storage, disposal etc. The first compaction means bears down on the assembly of tape and backing. The second compaction means engages the tape after the peeling away, hence bears down on only the tail. Only one compaction means is used at a time. The second compaction means compactingly engages the tail not later than the arrival of the tail leading edge at said second means by which time the first compacting means has stopped compacting.

Abstract: An improvement in the ejection means or ejection station of the machine described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,625. The improved structure employs a finger with a resilient (e.g. rubber) face or a similar striking instrument to strike the inside of the cup, tub or other hollow object being made and knock it loose and into a predetermined trajectory so that the product can be recovered with no damage to its finish. In accomplishing this, the finger is mounted on a vertically moving yoke that engages the carrier plate-tip ring assembly to which the product is temporarily adhered. With this construction, the finger strikes the product and knocks it loose during motion of the frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for precision placement of a workpiece onto a transport member. A plurality of workpieces are aligned in a predetermined spacial relationship upon an infeed conveyor. The workpieces are then moved transversely off the conveyor and dropped through a pair of counter-rotating lubricating rollers. An arcuate chute directs the workpieces from the lubricating rollers to a horizontally disposed planar surface where they are realigned by a cooperating scraper positioned intimately above. Relative movement between the scraper and the planar surface causes to workpieces to be discharged from the surface and precisely deposited upon the transport member.

Abstract: A workpiece detection circuit in an article handling apparatus aborts workpieces from the apparatus whenever an unanticipated workpiece presence or absence is sensed. An error signal from either of a pair of parallel gating circuits removes a primary chute from the workpiece flow path and directs workpieces down a secondary or abort chute.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for precision placement of a workpiece onto a transport member. A plurality of workpieces are aligned in a predetermined spacial relationship upon an infeed conveyor. The workpieces are then moved transversely off the conveyor and dropped through a pair of counter-rotating lubricating rollers. An arcuate chute directs the workpieces from the lubricating rollers to a horizontally disposed planar surface where they are realigned by a cooperating scraper positioned intimately above. Relative movement between the scraper and the planar surface causes the workpieces to be discharged from the surface and precisely deposited upon the transport member.