Abstract: A roll forming machine comprises a plurality of stations for progressively bending a flat strip of material such as metal into a formed product such as a building stud. The machine includes adjusting means for adjusting the spacing between the roll forming dies to accommodate differing thicknesses of metallic strip. Each station is adjusted along an angle of adjustment which is related to the bend angle at that station. A single adjustment actuator adjusts all of the stations even though each station is being adjusted at a different angle. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of adjustment at each station may be different from other stations being adjusted to provide adjustment not only in the correct direction but also in the correct amount.

Abstract: A mechanical connection for connecting together a juxtaposed first and second layer of malleable sheet material includes the use of a third layer of malleable sheet material overlying the first and second layers, with the second layer sandwiched between the first and third layers. The first layer has a first displaced pocket projecting away from the second layer, and the second layer has a second displaced pocket nesting within the first displaced pocket. The third layer has an aperture in registry with both pockets, the aperture resulting from the punching out of a disc or slug which is nested within the second displaced pocket. In a preferred embodiment, a length of duct with at least one flat wall has an intermediate lateral stiffener which includes a base leg defined by two juxtaposed layers of sheet metal, the base leg being connected with the flat wall against which it is juxtaposed by the mechanical connection described above.

Abstract: A damper controls fluid flow and includes a frame with an opening through which the fluid is intended to flow when the damper is open, and a closure cap movable between a first position in which it blocks the opening and a second position in which the opening is unblocked. In the second position, the closure cap is rotated with respect to its first position, so as to minimize interference with fluid flow through the opening. A mechanism controls the movement of the closure cap, and includes a first and second bracket fixed with respect to the frame and the closure cap, respectively. An elongate guideway is defined in one bracket and a pin on the other bracket is captive within the elongate guideway.

Abstract: A plurality of flange members are positioned oppositely of one another on the ends of a pair of generally rectangular sheet metal ducts. The flange members are positioned in pairs on the adjacent ends of the ducts. The angular legs of corner pieces extend into the ends of the flange members to connect the adjacent flange members on the end of each duct so that four corner pieces connect the flange members to form a frame around the respective duct end portion. The oppositely positioned flange members on the adjacent duct end portions are sealingly secured together by clamping together the adjacent corner pieces. Each flange member is formed by a thin walled sheet member and includes a pair of legs angularly disposed relative to one another to form a plurality of wall sections. A first wall section terminates in a first leg end portion, and a second wall section terminates in a second leg end portion. The first and second leg end portions are spaced apart.

Abstract: A duct jointing system is provided which includes a plurality of elongate frame members, each being a single piece of sheet metal folded to define a particular section. The section includes an open channel to receive an edge portion of the sheet metal duct, the channel having a base, a first web extending generally perpendicularly to said channel from a location adjacent the base, an outer portion at the end of the first web remote from the channel, the outer portion extending in the same general direction as the channel, and a second web extending obliquely toward the channel from a location adjacent the remote end of the first web. The single piece of sheet metal has an expanded portion constituting substantially the whole of the second web. A plurality of corner pieces are provided, each having two ends angled to each other, each end being insertable endwise into one end of one of the elongate frame members, and means are provided for securing together adjacent frame members on opposing duct ends.

Abstract: The invention provides a new fence system permitting the construction of privacy fences; perimeter fences; boundary fences and rail fences using a small number of different fence elements. These elements consist of a hollow elongated post/rail element of semi-octagonal transverse cross-section; an end cap for the element when used as a post; an L-shaped connecting bracket; a panel element and an end cap therefor; a clip for fastening panel elements to the rails; closure elements for the rails and posts that also locate and hold the panels when they are engaged in slots therein. The panels are provided near to their center with a plurality of spaced stiffening walls to resist buckling under heavy loads.