Abstract: Copper sheets are fed singly in one direction to a stop. A pair of flat straps are placed in nested positions spaced from the sheet. A suspension bar is fed transversely into position over the mid-portions of these straps. The straps are bent around the bar so that their ends extend toward the sheet. The subassembly comprising the bar and straps are fed toward the sheet until the strap end portions overlap the sheet. Punching and clinching dies then secure the straps to the sheet. The assembly is removed in a transverse direction. A machine is disclosed for performing this process including a carriage for the subassembly, hinge assemblies which convert straight-line piston motion into successive movements to bend the straps, and ramps for permitting the straps to clear a conveyor chain and the die section.

Abstract: Cathode plates with suspension bars are advanced in close formation on a pair of spaced parallel rails. At the same time, a multi-tiered bolster is moved on rollers and positioned beneath the rail. When the rails are full, they are lowered until the suspension bars rest on successive tiers of the bolster. The bolster is then rolled away and the rails lifted.