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 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: 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 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 forming circular, oval and irregularly shaped connectors and other curved or arcuate members from stock material. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a pair of pinch rollers mounted on a support structure and defining a gap therebetween, an adjustment mechanism to selectively vary the gap between the pinch rollers to vary the amount of compression force being exerted on at least a portion of the stock material, and a containment roller positioned proximate the gap between the pinch rollers. The compression force exerted on at least a portion of the stock material causes the stock material to bend thereby forming the curved or arcuate connector or other member. Adjustment of the pinch rollers controls the amount of compression force applied to the stock material which controls the degree of curvature in the finished product.

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: 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: 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: 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.