Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively forming metal stud and track members from sheet material, the apparatus including a stud forming assembly capable of transforming the sheet material into a stud member as the material exits the stud forming assembly, and a track forming assembly capable of receiving the stud member as it exists the stud forming assembly and thereafter transforming the stud member into a track member. The track forming assembly is selectively moveable between an operative position wherein the track forming assembly is coupled to the stud forming assembly to receive the stud member as it exits the stud forming assembly, and an inoperative position wherein the track forming assembly is positioned such that it cannot receive the stud member as it exits the stud forming assembly. The apparatus may also include punch and shear mechanisms for performing various operations on the sheet material.

Abstract: A duct assembly for transporting pressurized fluid therethrough. The assembly includes first and second duct sections. Each of the duct sections has sides extending between opposite ends. Each of the sides join an adjacent side and has a flange extending laterally outward from each end. The first and second sections are positioned in end-to-end relation so that the flanges extending outward from one of the ends of the first section face the flanges extending outward from one of the ends of the second section to define flange pairs. The assembly also includes a plurality of connector pairs. Each of the connector pairs are positioned at one of the ends of the duct sections. Each of the connector pairs includes a first connector spanning adjacent flanges of the first duct section and a second connector spanning adjacent flanges of the second duct section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively forming metal stud and track members from sheet material, the apparatus including a stud forming assembly capable of transforming the sheet material into a stud member as the material exits the stud forming assembly, and a track forming assembly capable of receiving the stud member as it exists the stud forming assembly and thereafter transforming the stud member into a track member. The track forming assembly is selectively moveable between an operative position wherein the track forming assembly is coupled to the stud forming assembly to receive the stud member as it exits the stud forming assembly, and an inoperative position wherein the track forming assembly is positioned such that it cannot receive the stud member as it exits the stud forming assembly. The apparatus may also include punch and shear mechanisms for performing various operations on the sheet material.

Abstract: A duct assembly made from multiple duct sections for transporting pressurized fluid therethrough which can be formed simply by laborers at a building site or elsewhere and has a strong joint resistant to leakage. The joint rigidizes each duct section and the duct assembly, permitting duct assemblies including a greater number of joined duct sections to be put together and lifted into place The joint is formed by passing fasteners through a corner flange connection member associated with one duct section, through integral flanges of the one duct section and other duct section arranged in end-to-end relation with the one duct section, and through a corner flange connection member associated with the other duct section. The act of installing the fastener tightly pulls together the integral flanges and makes and integral connection between them.

Abstract: A straightener device for substantially removing the “coil set” from a sheet of coiled material including a base frame assembly and a head assembly rotatably mounted thereto, the head assembly including a pair of feed rollers and an idler roller, the pair of feed rollers being positioned relative to each other for receiving the sheet material therebetween, the idler roller being positioned adjacent the feed rollers so as to engage the sheet material as the sheet material passes between the feed rollers, and the head assembly being rotatable about an axis of rotation such that the direction of travel of the sheet material as it exits the head assembly can be varied relative to a horizontal plane. At least one of the feed rollers is selectively adjustable relative to the other feed roller so as to vary the space therebetween depending upon the thickness of the sheet material, and the idler roller is selectively positionable relative to the feed rollers.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting a corner member into channel-shaped flanges of a duct. The corner member has first and second legs. The duct includes longitudinally extending duct panels. The channel-shaped flanges of the duct extend laterally from at least one end of the duct panels. The apparatus a corner member support mechanism adapted for supporting the corner member, a duct moving mechanism, and a pressing mechanism. The duct moving mechanism has a duct pusher moveable between a first position and a second position. The duct pusher imparts a moving force against the duct upon movement of the duct pusher from its first position to its second position.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting a corner member into channel-shaped flanges of a duct. The corner member has first and second legs. The duct includes longitudinally extending duct panels. The channel-shaped flanges of the duct extend laterally from at least one end of the duct panels. The apparatus a corner member support mechanism adapted for supporting the corner member, a duct moving mechanism, and a pressing mechanism. The duct moving mechanism has a duct pusher moveable between a first position and a second position. The duct pusher imparts a moving force against the duct upon movement of the duct pusher from its first position to its second position.

Abstract: A method of inserting a corner member into channel-shaped flanges of a duct. The corner member has first and second legs. The duct includes longitudinally extending duct panels. The channel-shaped flanges of the duct extend laterally from at least one end of the duct channels. The method comprises supporting the corner member, moving the duct toward the corner member into a position in which adjacent flanges of the duct are in registration with the legs of the corner member, and pressing the corner member into the duct flanges.

Abstract: A machine is described for performing a draw-down operation in which a carriage for supporting a scraper is mounted on the base so as to travel along it, an electric motor is coupled to the carriage for moving it and a scraper is pivotally mounted on said carriage with a means for pushing the scraper against the top of the base with a selectable force.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a first angle plate from a stack of angle plates and inserting the first angle plate in channel shaped flanges of a duct. The first angle plate is the bottom-most angle plate of the stack before it is removed from the stack. The stack includes a second angle plate which is the next to bottom-most angle plate of the stack before the first angle plate is removed from the stack. The apparatus comprises a duct holding mechanism configured for holding the duct in a fixed position, a separating mechanism, and a plate advancing mechanism. The separating mechanism has at least one support member engageable with the second angle plate in a manner for supporting the second angle plate. The separating mechanism is configured and operable for vertically separating the first and second angle plates from one another.

Abstract: Rectangular sheet metal duct sections with integral outwardly-and-rearwardly formed end flanges are conventionally made from coiled strip metal to lengths provided by the width of the coil stock, ordinarily slightly less than five feet. As is common practice, outward-and-reverse facing flanges are formed on both ends of each wall of the duct section. The spaces between the flange ends at the corners of the duct section are filled by heavier cornerpieces having arms projecting at right angles. Crimping the outstanding flanges over the corner arm portions completes a duct section. According to the present invention, a linear array of embossed surface portions is formed in the duct wall close to each outwardly projecting flange portion and beneath its reverse-facing portion.

Abstract: Modifying that type of integral flange outstanding from a sheet metal duct characterized by an outstanding first width of sheet metal and a second substantially equal width bent reversedly back to extend at 180.degree. from the first, in the present flange a sheet edge margin is bent reversedly back and inwardly between the second and first such widths. As compared to prior art flanges, this results in substantially lessened deflections under internal duct pressures without appreciable increase in sheet metal used. An added advantage is that the sheet metal edge is positioned so that it cannot endanger workmen's hands.

Abstract: For closing Pittsburgh-type rectilinear seams, as in conventional sheet metal heating and air conditioning ducts. The present machine, with only a single seaming roll, closes seams through 45.degree. to 90.degree. on an advancing stroke, and burnishes them on the return stroke. The machine functions without adjustment throughout substantially the entire range of sheet metal thicknesses normally utilized. Of particular advantage in manufacturing duct sections having integral end flanges, only an initial short length of seam need be peened manually before the duct elements to be seemed are clamped in place for completion. Workplace noise is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A progressive rollformer machine is readily adjustable, without removal of rolls or use of spacers, to produce sheet metal workpiece margin flanges of variable depth. The machine includes a gear train housing having perpendicularly extending spindle shafts and idler gear shafts, and two forming roll housing sections, with their rolls mounted outboard. One of these, conventionally fixed relative to the gear train housing, provides one reference line of forming. The other forming roll housing section provides a second reference line of forming--it may be positioned at a variable distance from the gear train housing, at a spacing adjustable by a screw drive. Tracking throughout all roll stations is made possible by using the adjustable-position forming roll housing first in line of flow, with supplemental tracking rolls mounted onto the ends of the spindle shafts.

Abstract: Integral transverse flanges on duct sections made up, for example, of two L-shaped work pieces, are readily assembled into permanent rigid section-joining frames. At the frame corners, the interfitted flanged ends of corner pieces are trapped, adjacent to the integral flange webs, behind an outward-turned ridge on a surface of the duct and beneath an inward and backward turned spring margin having a progression of lanced projections. Tabs, extending across the lines of juncture of the L-shaped pieces along the outward turned ridge, are peened over to seal the joints of the work pieces positively and prevent the escape of air. Easily applied clips hold the flanges of the adjacent duct sections tightly against each other, and may be used also to retain narrow reinforcing bars likewise behind the out turned ridge and beneath the spring margins.

Abstract: A cleat-former machine, of the type which utilizes two rotating wipers, permits removal of formed cleats sideward from either end of the bending blade, and can be used with workpieces whose length exceeds that of the wipers. L-shaped side plates, which support between them a bending blade and a wiper arm mechanism adjacent the aft bending edge of the bending blade, have cutouts provided in their upper edges in registration with the ends of the bending edge. A rocker-arm clamping assembly, rotatably mounted on a shaft above and aft of the bending blade, is rotated to clamp and unclamp a sheet metal workpiece relative to the blade by a tilt lever outward of the side plate, aft of the cutout, at their level, and operated off the aft side of a circular cam supported outward of said side plate and rotated by the gear train. Side access to the ends of the blade bending edge is thereby provided. In the method of the present invention, especially useful in fabricating L-shaped duct workpieces, 180.degree.

Abstract: A compact machine for measuring, cutting and applying insulation blanket material onto sheet metal workpieces as they flow along a conveyorized lower line. The blanket material flows along an upper path. A flying shear mechanism, which travels a short distance along this path, is driven downstream when the trailing edge of a workpiece is sensed. Rack and sector mechanism brings the shear to an incisive stop at its downstream cutting position when the shear blade strikes its cutting block; hence the kinetic energy of the downstream movement is utilized for shearing. The shear remains in downstream position, to serve as a gage for starting the blanket material, until a sensor in the lower flow path senses the leading edge of the next sheet metal workpiece; this raises the shear blade and moves the shear mechanism to upstream position. A pneumatic system accurately times the cut-off mechanism to match the shearing of the blanket material to the length of the workpiece, leaving a margin if desired.

Abstract: In that type of sheet metal shear having upper and lower rotary cutters to which power is supplied, both to cut a sheet of metal overhanging a work table edge and to propel the shear along the line of cut, unexpected capacity is achieved. The upper and lower cutters are powered each with separate motor. The cutters are driven through bevel gear sets; the upper motor is positioned with clearance above the work table, with its shaft slanting downward to the bevel gear intersection. Using the separate upper motor eliminates the transmission of power along and across the upward slanting bridge portion of the frame aft of the cutters. With this function eliminated, the bridge portion may be lower, requiring less power to deflect the scrap being cut off. With this saving of power added to the saving from using the efficient bevel gear sets, heavier gauge sheets are slit with less power than heretofore required for thinner sheets.