In the preheating area of the forming machine
Referring now to FIG. 1A, the loading area of the helical grooving machine will be described in detail. This section includes a table 10 having a plurality of U-shaped channels 12 secured to the upper horizontal surface of the table to insure the proper positioning of glass tubes T for subsequent movement into the preheating zone. As illustrated in FIG. 1A and 3, U-shaped channels 12 extend longitudinally of the loading area. The engaging and lifting mechanism and the positioning mechanisms which are both mounted on the upper frame of the helical grooving machine above table 10, will be described in detail below.