Abstract: A method and apparatus for formation of duct from preformed pieces. A number of ductwork pieces are formed out of sheet material, the pieces having edge configurations adapted to interlock with each other to form a seam of a completed duct. The individual pieces are fed into an edge interlocking machine and are acted upon by the machine to form a duct having a predetermined length. The machine includes a stationary frame member, guide rails elongated in the direction of ductwork movement through the machine, rollers associated with at least some of the guide rails for effecting interlocking of the edge configurations of the duct work pieces to form duct seams, and structure for mounting the guide rails to the frame member. The guide rails are relatively movable with respect to the frame member and to each other to form ducts of different sizes and so that transition ducts can be formed as well as straight duct.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acting on angle irons or the like. A vertical stack of angle irons is provided and the angle irons are fed one at a time to a punching position. At the punching position a hole of selected size is punched in the angle iron, and the angle iron is fed from the punching position in a linear direction of movement to a cutting position. The length of the angle iron to be cut is determined by measuring the length of angle iron in the direction of movement past the cutting position, and the angle iron is cut at the cutting position. Each cut angle iron is removed from the cutting position in a direction normal to the linear direction of movement of the angle iron to the cutting position. A computer may be provided for controlling operation of all motors to affect selection of punch sizes and cutting blades, and to affect operation of all the power mechanisms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically cutting wrappers or the like from metal sheets. A metal sheet is conveyed in the x-direction to a cutting position wherein a pair of cutting blade (i.e., shears) assemblies cut edge portions from the metal sheet to form a cut wrapper or the like having longitudinal edges. The cutting assemblies are movable in the y-dimension--transverse to the x-direction--and are also angularly movable. From the cutting position the cut wrapper is continuously conveyed to a notching position wherein notching assemblies also movable in the y-dimension may form notches in the longitudinal edges of the cut wrapper. At a further point in the x-direction, an edge deforming position may be provided including edge deforming apparatus that also is movable in the y-dimension. Flexible elongated members or the like support the metal sheet spaced from its conveyor during conveying to prevent damage to the conveyor by the cutting or notching assemblies.

Abstract: A shearing cutting tool that may be either hand or machine operated. The tool includes an upper blade, a lower blade, a device for moving at least one of the blades with respect to the other blade, an arm mounting the lower blade below a sheet of material to be cut, and a ball bearing mounted on the arm. The ball bearing has a portion thereof extending upwardly from the arm, and is mounted adjacent the trailing edge of the lower blade for engaging the bottom surface of a sheet to be cut. The ball bearing allows easier pivoting of the cutting tool during cutting to change the direction of cutting.

Abstract: A band saw and a saber saw are both provided on the same table top working surface, and both are operable at the same time so that a pair of parallel cuts (either arcuate or straight) may be made in a workpiece at the same time. The saber saw blade has a vertical position thereof which is parallel to the vertical plane of the band saw blade, and the saber saw is adjustable with respect to the band saw to provide for cutting pieces of material of different widths. The saber saw blade is also pivotal from the vertical position thereof to a horizontal position wherein it is below the table top working surface, so that the band saw alone may be used. A workpiece resting member associated with the saber saw allows for pivoting of a workpiece with respect thereto to have an arcuate cut made therein by the band saw when the saber saw blade is in its horizontal position.

Abstract: A continuous welder automatically moves from one joint to the next along a pipeline of pipes to be welded together, and automatically adapts to pipes of different diameter. At each joint, a wire-fed welding nozzle revolves around the pipes to weld the pipes together, the welding nozzle making a root pass, an overlap pass, and a wash pass, to complete a permanent weld at the joint. During each pass the welding nozzle is oscillated in a different path by selectable oscillating apparatus therefor, the particular oscillating apparatus utilized being automatically changed on each pass. The welding nozzle revolves around the pipes under the power of rotating planetary gear sets which are engaged with mounting rings for the gear sets.

Abstract: Pattern cutting of sheet metal is effected automatically. Conveyors move a metal sheet into a pattern cutting position, the sheet being guided exactly into position. The sheet is clamped securely in pattern cutting position and a cutting tool begins cutting the pattern from the sheet. The cutting tool is movable in x, y, and .alpha. directions so that any type of pattern may be cut thereby. The tool may comprise a scissors-like shearer, one blade being provided above the horizontal sheet being cut, and another blade being disposed below the sheet. Supporting tips are mounted on the conveyor to support the metal sheet in cutting position while preventing damage to the conveyor during cutting. A notcher is also provided movable along each side edge of the metal sheet the notchers being adjustable with respect to each other to accommodate sheets of different widths. The x, y, .alpha., and notcher motors are all controlled by a computer.