Patent ID: 7441434
Filing Date: 2008-10-28
Classification: B21D

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method of automatically bending a return of a channel letter comprises: inputting a desired configuration for the return to be formed into a control computer; feeding a stock under the control of the control computer along a feed path including an encoder, a flanging unit, a notching unit, and a bending unit that are arranged along the feed path for the stock, with the flanging unit being located downstream of the encoder and upstream of the notching unit and the bending unit along the feed path; selectively forming a flange on the bottom of the stock at desired flange positions on the stock at the flanging unit under the control of the control computer; notching the flange of the stock at locations corresponding to a position of bends at the notching unit under the control of the control computer; and bending the stock at the positions of the bends into the desired configuration for the return at the bending unit under the control of the control computer.