Abstract: A nibbling machine comprises a workpiece support which is driven by separate drive motors in longitudinal and transverse directions to shift the workpiece during the times at which it is not contacted by a punch which is arranged to reciprocate over the workpiece and to contact it and effect the nibbling thereof. A rotary control member is rotated in timed relationship to the means for driving the punch and it is connected to each of the motors for driving the workpiece support in a manner to start and stop these motors when the punch is raised off the workpiece for feeding the workpiece. The rotary member advantageously drives through an eccentric of adjustable magnitude to a fluid piston movable in a cylinder to displace a control fluid selectively to an oil volume dispenser which supplies oil to each of the fluid drive motors for operating the workpiece support in the transverse and longitudinal directions.

Abstract: A device for shifting a workpiece on a nibbling machine which includes a rotary eccentric shaft which is rotatable to move a nibbling punch into and out of association with a workpiece, comprises a workpiece holder which is driven by a first motor in one direction, and a second motor in a direction transverse to this direction. A switch control is connected to each motor and includes means for imparting a programmed control of the operation of the motors which is varied in accordance with a sensing of the thickness of the workpiece being operated upon so that the movement may be accomplished when the nibbling punch is not in contact with the workpiece. The apparatus includes a control switch in the form of a switch lug which is mounted for rotation with the eccentric shaft of the nibbling punch and which cooperates with a contactless switch member to cause a turning on and off thereof.