Abstract: The specification discloses a method of forming a self sustained cladding panel 10 for use in a cladding panel system for a building using a resilient metal or metal alloy sheet material. The panels have a central visible portion 12 and longitudinally extending side edges 14, 16. The central visible portion has, in its relaxed state, a shape which is significantly different from the intended final shape and the panel is subsequently formed so that its central visible portion is resiliently formed into the final shape, with a resilient deformation taking place within the elastic range of the sheet material. The panel is then retained in this final shape by interconnecting the longitudinally extending side edges 14, 16 either continuously or by spaced elements such as clips.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for mechanically assembling a venetian blind in which at least two ladders 30 each having laterally spaced side members 42 and cross rungs 44 are spaced apart by a predetermined spacing and fed intermittently along a direction lengthwise of said side members 42, by a pair of side member guides 46 for each ladder. The guides of a pair being spaced by a predetermined spacing to hold at least a portion of said side members apart, spreading means being provided to hold apart two adjacent rungs 44 at the location of said portion of the side members to define the shape of the associated opening 45 in each ladder. Slat material guides 36, 38 are positioned relative to the side member guides 46 so that the slat material is fed at an angle other than 90.degree. to the plane including the longitudinal sides of the slat material as it is guided along the defined path by a slat material guide.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method of forming a self sustained cladding panel 10 for use in a cladding panel system for a building using a resilient material or metal alloy sheet material. The panels have a central visible portion 12 and longitudinally extending side edges 14, 16. The central visible portion has, in its relaxed state, a shape which is significantly different from the intended final shape and the panel is subsequently formed so that its central visible portion is resiliently formed into the final shape, with a resilient deformation taking place within the elastic range of the sheet material. The panel is then retained in this final shape by interconnecting the longitudinally extending side edges 14, 16 either continuously or by spaced elements such as clips.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mechanically assembling a venetian blind in which at least two ladders 30 each having laterally spaced side members 42 and cross rungs 44 are spaced apart by a predetermined spacing and fed intemittently along a direction lengthwise of said side members 42, by a pair of side member guides 46 for each ladder. The guides of a pair being spaced by a predetermined spacing to hold at least a portion of said side members apart, spreading means being provided to hold apart two adjacent rungs 44 at the location of said portion of the side members to define the shape of the associated opening 45 in each ladder. Slat material guides 36, 38 are positioned relative to the side member guides 46 so that the slat material is fed at an angle other than 90.degree. to the plane including the longitudinal sides of the slat material as it is guided along the defined path by a slat material guide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automatic manufacture of portions of a given length of strip material printed or embossed with a repetitive pattern in a longitudinal strip material, such as venetian blind slats, panels for walls and ceiling coverings and for shutters, awnings and sun louvres, in which the strip material is fed progressively to a cutting unit, first sections are cut, each of said given length, on the strip material, the second sections are cut from parts of the strip material immediately following at least some of the cut-off first sections, in a controlled manner, to allow varying of the length of each of said second sections individually, to provide a controlled positioning of the repetitive pattern along the length of the subsequently cut first sections, the second sections being rejected and the first sections being renewed for further handling.