Loop distributor for reforming station

In an apparatus for receiving a series of loops descending along a vertical path from a delivery device, and for accumulating the thus received loops in the form of an annular coil, a device for horizontally distributing the loops as they descend into the apparatus, said device comprising:

• a) means defining a circular path surrounding said vertical path;
• b) a guide member having a three dimensionally curved guide face formed as a segment of the interior surface of an inverted hollow cone, said guide face having:
• (i) a top edge extending from a front end to a rear end along a segment said circular path;
• (ii) a trailing edge extending downwardly from said rear end to a lower end;
• and (iii) a leading edge extending upwardly from said lower end and angularly with respect to said trailing edge to said front end, said guide face being arranged to be contacted by and to horizontally deflect the descending loops away from said circular path;
• and
• c) means for rotating said guide member around said circular path to circumferentially distribute the thus deflected loops around the axis of the accumulating annular coil.