Abstract: A material engaging apparatus, such as a press brake or shear, has first and second jaw members pivotally mounted together and with coordinating material engaging and working members in the jaw members. An extensible ram positioned along and between the rear sides of the jaw members has one end pivotally mounted to the second jaw member and another end pivotally mounted to a rear end of a lever arm extending from front to rear and spaced adjacent the first jaw member. A front end of the lever arm is pivotally mounted to a front end of the first jaw member. A connecting link extending between the first and second jaw members has a first end pivotally mounted to the lever between the front and rear ends thereof and a second end pivotally mounted to the second jaw member. The connecting link acts as a movable fulcrum for the lever arm and is movable therewith to provide substantially constant leverage as the lever arm moves to urge the first and second jaw members together.

Abstract: A shearing apparatus for cutting metal, sheets, plates, and the like includes a frame having a bed plate extending between opposite ends of the frame and an elongated shearing member having one end pivotally connected to the frame adjacent one end of the frame and the other end of the shearing member is movable between guide members extending upwardly from the bed plate and adjacent the other end of the frame in response to operation of an extensible member having one end thereof pivotally mounted on the one end of the shearing member and the other end thereof pivotally connected to a first pivot point of a crank arm which has a second pivot point having the other end of the shearing member pivotally connected thereto and a third pivot point having one end of a connecting link pivotally connected to the third pivot point and the connecting link has the other end thereof pivotally connected to the other end of the frame and adjacent the guide members.