Abstract: A working station for a machine for processing plate-like elements having a front end. A working tool supported on the machine frame has a trailing end in a feed direction of the plate-like elements. A transverse gripper bar extending across the working station has at least one gripper for seizing the leading edge of the sheet. A drive device at one end of the gripper bar with two flexible drive chains at opposite ends drives the gripper bar. The gripper bar is guided down toward the downstream end of the working tool when the gripper bar crosses the downstream end of the working tool, by transverse link axles connected with the chain, to a cam sensor or follower and a lever arm between axles. A cam surface on the frame contacts the cam sensor as the gripper bar passes the end of the working station and urges the cam sensor, the lever arm and the gripper bar to swivel down toward the working tool. At the end of the cam surface, the cam sensor and the gripper bar are urged upwardly off the working surface.

Abstract: A device for controlling the gripping action of grippers on a plate-like workpiece at the end of the feeding table of a machine that processes sheet-like workpieces has an arrangement for controlling the upper mechanisms for positioning, respectively, the gripper bar, the sheet pull-down appliance, and a stop-carrying tablet and a mechanism for opening the grippers. This device includes a horizontal common axle arranged to extend crosswise to the sheet travelling direction and mounted for rotation around its lengthwise axis so as to be able to be oscillated through a predetermined angle by a single lower drive arrangement consisting of a cam, a lever follower and a pull linkage. Each lateral end of this common axle carries a symmetrical series of articulated arms and cam which actuate the above-mentioned upper mechanisms.