A transfer apparatus is provided for transferring a workpiece from a moving anvil
to a moving carrier. The apparatus comprises: a support structure comprising a
support member rotatable about a first axis, and a workpiece gripping structure
mounted to the support structure comprising at least one workpiece gripping member
having a workpiece-receiving surface. The gripping member is rotatable about a
second axis substantially parallel to the first axis such that the gripping member
is capable of being rotated about the second axis during transfer of a workpiece
from the moving anvil to the workpiece-receiving surface. The workpiece gripping
member is also rotatable about a third axis substantially transverse to the first
and second axes so as to be capable of rotating the workpiece from a first angular
position at the anvil to a second angular position.