Abstract: Transfer table for storage and lateral transport of elongated structural members, such as I-beams, having 1/4 inch or greater flanges. The table includes a plurality of longitudinally extending stationary supports defining a lateral carriage for the I-beam flanges. Individual roller carriages are reciprocally supported within at least two adjacent supports, each roller carriage having a plurality of longitudinally extending trains of idler rollers, staggered upon transverse axes atop the carriage. Each roller carriage includes an expansible mid-section, so as to lift the idler rollers and the I-beams supported thereon above the level of the longitudinally extending stationary supports. A conveyor drive attached to each roller carriage then propels the roller carriage and I-beams supported thereon across the transfer table to an axial conveyance.

Abstract: A measuring system and method is disclosed for accurately measuring the linear displacement of a longitudinal object having a straight longitudinal side, such as the displacement of a steel beam moving on a conveyor. The linear displacement of the object is measured by a metering device. The metering device includes a support frame, a plurality of spaced pulleys mounted on the frame, a continuous loop trained for travel around the pulleys with a portion of the path of travel of the loop extending parallel to the straight side of the object, and magnets or the like around the periphery of the loop to releasably attach the loop to the object. The measurement of the linear displacement of the object is provided by converting the movement of the loop to indicate the linear movement of the object. Preferably, two metering devices are positioned on either side of a limit switch.

Abstract: Torch cutting machines of the type embodying a plurality of torches adjustably mounted with respect to a moving conveyor, such that the torches may cut the flange and central web portions of I-beams, structural members and the like. The machine is characterized by the capability of vertically and longitudinally moving the torches upon a pivoted cantilever cutting arm which extends over a cutting area. The cutting torches embody independent vertical and lateral drive means and the cutting arm while in pre-set pivoted mode may be longitudinally and independently advanced with respect to the cutting area, such that complex straight mitre cuts, compound mitre cuts, copes notches and the like may be cut without special handling.

Abstract: A drilling head system for use in simultaneous drilling of a plurality of holes in an I-beam web. The system is characterized by its motor driven control features which permit vertical and horizontal adjustment of a drilling platform and thus the individual drilling spindles with respect to an I-beam supported securely beneath the drilling head.

Abstract: A circular cutting head assembly and centering drill of the type used, for example, in cutting holes in structural members such as I-beam webs, and flanges. The circular drill is characterized by a cylindrical body portion, supporting an inner centering drill plug. The centering drill plug is axially depressable as a centering hole is cut, so as to be pushed out of a mode of cutting registry with the outer cutting head and into a mode of non-registry which permits axial flow of lubricating oil through the body portion and onto the surface being cut within the periphery of the cutting teeth of the outer cutting head.

Abstract: A web centerline locating system which automatically determines the centerline of the vertical thickness of a web in a structural steel member, and the like, and in combination with a gauging system for accurately locating a vertically moveable drilling head, with respect to that centerline. The device further includes a bellis mechanism which is activated by the vertical movements of the probes as they contact the web thickness, so that a center section of the bellis will be referrable to the vertical position of the centerline of the web thickness. The center section of the bellis is directly connected to an indicator means which indicates and references the various vertical positions assumed by the center section to an external standard, for establishing the exact vertical position of the web centerline.

Abstract: A transfer table for storage and lateral transport of elongated structural members, such as I-beams, including a plurality of elongated supports defining a lateral carriage for said structural members and each support having four trains of idler rollers staggered upon transverse axes atop the support. A conveyor drive is rotatably positioned fore and aft with respect to the support and intermediate pairs of the roller trains, such that the I-beam may be easily glided over the rollers.