Patent ID: 6092709
Filing Date: 2000-07-25
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
A machine for advancing a sheet metal strip in increments, said machine comprising: a frame along which a path extends for accommodating the sheet metal strip; a fixed gripping unit supported on the frame for clamping the strip and preventing it from moving along the path; first and second tracks supported on the frame and located parallel to the path; first and second movable gripping units mounted on the first and second tracks, respectively, for movement along those tracks, each gripping unit being capable of clamping the strip; first and second drive mechanisms coupled to the first and second movable gripping units, respectively, for advancing the gripping units along the path and retracting them along the path, each drive mechanism including a chain connected to the gripping unit for that drive mechanism, a drive sprocket engaged with the chain, and a motor for rotating the drive sprocket and thereby moving the chain such that the gripping unit to which the chain is connected will advance and retract along the path, the motors of the first and second drive mechanisms being operable independently of each other, enabling the first and second gripping units to move independently of each other along the path, so that when one clamps the strip and advances, thereby advancing the strip, the other may retract along the path.