Abstract: An apparatus is provided for selectively shearing angle iron and flat stock. The apparatus has a frame defining a receiving station for separately receiving angle iron or flat stock. The receiving station includes a stationary shear blade assembly having two shearing edges extending from a vertex to define a generally 90.degree. angle inside corner. A first arm is pivotally mounted to the frame about a first pivot axis. A second arm is pivotally mounted to the first arm for pivoting movement about a second pivot axis. The second arm includes a movable shear blade assembly having two shearing edges directed outwardly to define a generally 90.degree. angle outside corner. An actuator is mounted on the frame for pivoting the first arm about the first pivot axis between open and closed positions. The second arm defines a guide way, and the frame has a guide member which is selectively positionable relative to the first axis for slidably engaging the guide way to pivot the second arm about the second pivot axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for cutting an elongate workpiece. A conveyor is provided for supporting the workpiece lengthwise along an X-axis in a mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z-axis coordinate system. An X-axis positioner is provided for moving the workpiece along the X-axis on the support conveyor. A torch is mounted on a guide ring with the flame in an orientation to impinge upon the workpiece along the cutting path. The torch revolves on, or with, the guide ring at least partially around the workpiece to position the torch in a selected orientation. The guide ring is also movable along the Z-axis and along the Y-axis by means of linear positioning tables.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for removing slugs from punch presses. A vacuum system is provided for the die portion of a punch press used to punch the upper flange of a beam. The vacuum system carries the slugs to a remote deposit location. A collection pan is provided for collecting slugs form a lower flange punch press and from a web punch press. A vacuum removal system carries the collected slugs from the pan to the remote deposit location.

Abstract: An assembly of punch presses is provided for punching holes in first and second opposed flanges joined by a web in a structural beam. The first and second punch presses are arranged in a first pair to punch the first flange from a first side of the beam. A second pair of first and second punch presses are arranged to punch the second flange from a second side of the beam. The first punch press of each pair is arranged in a configuration offset from the second punch press of the pair along both the adjacent beam flange width and length. The offset configuration of the second pair has an opposite hand relationship with the first pair to permit the punch presses of the first pair to be positioned in an overlapping relationship with the punch presses of the second pair.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for gripping and advancing a workpiece for processing. The apparatus includes a flexible tension member and guide pulleys for supporting the tension member. The tension member is entrained about the guide pulleys for movement on the guide pulleys in a workpiece advancing direction and in a direction opposite thereto. A gripping assembly is provided for gripping the workpiece, and the gripping assembly is operably connected to the tension member for operation between an open position and a closed position. A tensioning mechanism is provided for selectively tensioning and untensioning the tension member for operating the gripping assembly from between one of the open and closed positions and the other of the positions. A drive arrangement is provided for selectively moving the tension member on the guide pulleys to move the gripping assembly selectively in the advancing and opposite directions.

Abstract: A flame cutting apparatus is disclosed which has been particularly configured for coping the end portion of a structural steel I-beam workpiece. The apparatus includes a roller conveyor for receiving the workpiece, and a frame positioned in association with the conveyor. A first carriage is provided which is movable along the frame in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece. A pair of second carriages are provided on the first carriage, and are movable therewith, with the second carriages further being movable relative to each other in a horizontal direction transverse to the workpiece. Each of the second carriages is provided with a pair of flame cutting torches, with arrangements provided for further moving the torches vertically with respect to the workpiece. Associated automatic controls operate the apparatus such that movement of the cutting torches along three axes is effected for coping the workpiece.

Abstract: A punch press having a self-adjusting stripper member is disclosed whereby stripping of the press punching tool from a workpiece is automatically effected attendant to effecting a return stroke of the press actuator. The construction includes a press frame upon which is mounted a double-acting fluid actuator, with the actuator being mounted for limited relative movement with respect to the frame. A piston rod of the actuator carries a punching tool for effecting punching of a workpiece. Notably, a stripper member is operatively connected to the housing of the actuator for movement therewith with respect to the press frame, with the stripper normally positioned to provide a large running clearance relative to the workpiece.