Device for correcting tape twist in a machine for continuously manufacturing a tape strip folded about a ring

A device for correcting a twist of a tape while the tape is continuously drawn into a tape traveling path from a tape supply section, comprising:

• (a) a rectangular tubular body in which a tape passageway adapted to be positioned in alignment with the tape traveling path is defined, the rectangular tubular body comprising an upstream end directed towards the tape supply station;
• and
• (b) the upstream end of the rectangular tubular body being connected to a downstream end of a tape inlet, the tape inlet comprising an opening generally similar in width and in alignment to said tape passageway, the tape inlet further comprising an upstream end that is narrower than the downstream end of the tape inlet, the tape passageway extending from the opening and through the tape inlet and rectangular tubular body.

A method of straightening twisted tape so the tape being drawn from a tape supply section is oriented along a predetermined tape traveling path, the method comprising the following steps:

• (a) providing a tape straightening device comprising a rectangular tubular body comprising a tape passageway adapted to be positioned in alignment with the tape traveling path is defined and a tape inlet in the shape of a generally equilateral triangle with its bottom side generally similar in width to said tape passageway and its apex adapted to be directed upstream of the tape traveling path, the tape passageway passing through the rectangular tubular body and the tape inlet;
• (b) inserting an end of the tape through the tape inlet;
• (c) engaging the tape with the apex of the tape inlet causing the tape to become aligned with the tape passageway.