Methods of and apparatus for indexing a repetitively patterned strip past a plurality of work stations

Apparatus for indexing a repetitively patterned strip past a plurality of work stations, which comprises:

• means for sensing the position of a pattern in the strip relative to a desired position of such pattern with respect to a first work station of the plurality of work stations;
• means for determining whether there is a deviation of the sensed position of such pattern from such desired position of the pattern with respect to such first work station;
• means for feeding the strip by an indexing movement said strip feeding means including two travel limit stops for determining the extent of the indexing movement;
• means, selectively operable upon determination of the existence of any such deviation, for adjusting the position of said travel limit stops of the strip feeding means by an increment in a direction to decrease any such deviation of the sensed position of such pattern;
• and
• means, operable simultaneously with said means for adjusting said travel limit stops, for adjusting the position of at least one second work station of the plurality of work stations located along a path of said strip in the same direction and by an increment of the same magnitude along the path of said strip as the increment of adjustment on said travel limit stops.

Apparatus for indexing a repetitively patterned strip past a plurality of work stations, comprising:

• a base adapted to support the plurality of work stations in sequential alignment;
• means for guiding the strip along a path along the base into working relationship with said plurality of work stations;
• a feed head movably mounted to the base and adapted for reciprocating movement along the path of the strip, the feed head including means for selectively engaging and disengaging the strip within a cycle of such reciprocating movement to index the strip in a desired direction;
• means, mounted to the base, for reciprocatably driving the feed head, such driving means having motion transfer element in engagement with the feed head, such motion transfer element having a free, linear excursion along the path of reciprocating movement which exceeds the desired increment for advancing the strip;
• means, mounted to the base, for arresting the reciprocating movement of the feed head in both directions of travel after a predetermined distance of travel, to thereby determine the increment for advancing the strip during each cycle of reciprocating movement by the feed head;
• first sensing means for sensing the position of a pattern in the strip relative to a desired position of such pattern with respect to a first work station of a plurality of the work stations;
• means, responsive to such first sensing means sensing a deviation in the position of the pattern from such desired position with respect to such first work station, for adjusting the position of the arresting means with respect to the base in a direction opposite to such deviation, whereby the pattern in the strip becomes relocated toward a desired alignment with respect to such first work station;
• and
• means, responsive to said first sensing means sensing a deviation in the position of the pattern from such desired position with respect to such first work station, for adjusting the position of at least one second work station of the plurality of work stations in the same direction as that of the adjustment of the arresting means.