Automated uncoiling apparatus

An apparatus for uncoiling coils of strip stock wound in either direction and feeding the strip stock into a strip processing line, comprising:

• a) means for supporting coils successively in a takeoff position and a feeding position;
• b) means for uncoiling a leading portion of a coil wound in either direction supported in the takeoff position and holding the uncoiled leading portion in a predetermined position;
• and
• c) means for receiving the uncoiled leading portion and propelling strip stock from a coil in the feeding position into the processing line whereby said means for uncoiling a leading portion and said means for propelling strip stock may operate simultaneously.

A method of uncoiling and feeding coils of strip stock successively into a continuous strip processing line, comprising the steps of:

• a) positioning a coil of strip stock in a first coil support means;
• b) partially uncoiling said coil of strip stock to form a free leading end;
• c) guiding said leading end into a selected position in an associated holding means, and securing said leading end in said holding means;
• d) moving said first coil support means and respective holding means to a position adjacent the processing line;
• e) feeding the leading end from said holding means into the processing line, uncoiling said first coil as it is fed into the processing line;
• f) positioning a second coil of strip stock in a second coil support means;
• g) partially uncoiling said second coil of strip stock to define a second free leading end;
• h) guiding said second leading end into a selected position in an associated holding means;
• i) securing said second leading end in said associated holding means;
• and
• j) moving said second coil support means and respective holding means to said position adjacent the processing line and returning said first coil support means to its original position and repeating steps a) through i).