Abstract: A launcher for launching pieces of sheet metal into a roll former is disclosed. The launcher includes laterally spaced conveyor belts having parallel upper reaches which support the piece of sheet metal and transport it to a launch position. While located in the launch position, opposed pushers engage opposite edges of the sheet and move it laterally into a predetermined lateral location in which it is centered and aligned with the roll former. Thereafter, longitudinally spaced gripper rolls engage and grip the opposite sides of the sheet at longitudinally spaced locations. The gripper rolls operate to feed the sheet and maintain gripping thereof until substantially the entire sheet enters the roll former. Therefore, proper alignment is maintained and uniform roll forming is produced. The pushers along one side of the sheet move to a fixed position to precisely locate the adjacent edge of the sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling magnetic serpentine coils on a magnetic sheet includes a carriage movable vertically and horizontally and supporting on its lower side a plurality of elongated electromagnets. Permanent magnets are arranged to have an upper surface engageable with the electromagnet and a lower surface having indentations to conform with the tubing. The movement of the carriage and the energization of the electromagnet are controlled so that the electromagnet is energized with a first polarity to attract the permanent magnet members and the serpentine tubing to lift the tubing from a predetermined position and, by movement of the carriage, pick up the tubing, transfer it horizontally to the sheet, and vertically deposit it on the sheet. The electromagnets are then reversed in polarity to cause the permanent magnets to separate from the electromagnets and clamp the tubing on the sheet so that the tubing can be fastened by other methods.