Abstract:
A mounting block assembly for positionally adjusting machine components. The mounting block assembly comprises a mount for attachment to a framework of the machine and a component interface pivotably mounted to the mount about a pivot axis. The component interface is capable of supporting at least one component. The mounting block assembly component interface includes a slide block pivotably mounted to the mount about the pivot axis and a tie block adjustably mounted to the slide block along an adjustment axis.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 12/547,710, filed Aug. 26, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/091,763, filed on Aug. 26, 2008 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/120,714, filed on Dec. 8, 2008, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Material forming machines play a significant role in modern industry and include, for example, machines which stamp, roll, form, cut and extrude metal, to name a few. One type of machine, and the type to which the present invention is directed, receives an elongate strip of material at an entryway and advances the strip of material progressively through the machine against longitudinally positioned forming elements to configure longitudinal margins of the strip into desired useful cross-sections, or profiles. After formation, the strip is discharged at an exit location, and a shear may be positioned at the exit to cut preformed material into selected lengths. A representative selectively actuable shear assembly is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,687 issued Apr. 21, 1998 to Meyer et al. The &#39;687 patent has been assigned to New Tech Machinery Corp. of Denver, Colo., the assignee of the present invention. The strips of material that are fed into the machine may either be at discrete lengths or, as is more typically the case, a continuous feed is provided from a coil, such as a coil of metal to be formed. The formed strip is then cut into usable lengths at the exit location or downstream end of the machine. Specific examples of such apparatus include commercial/residential roof panel forming machines, gutter forming machines, siding panel forming machines and soffit panel forming machines. 
     Existing material forming machines typically have a framework which supports a drive assembly for advancing the elongated strip of material in a downstream direction from the entrance to the exit. The drive assembly is coupled to one or more pairs of co-acting rollers centrally located along the pathway of the strip. Until the late 1990s the co-acting pairs had included two driven rollers each journal for synchronous rotation about first and second axis, respectively, which rollers were located above and below the strip as it was advanced through the framework. However, the &#39;687 patent noted above also disclosed a forming apparatus wherein the pairs of co-acting rollers each comprise a driven roller connected to the drive assembly and a free-wheeling roller adjustably mounted to its associated driven roller. Representative forming machines from New Tech Machinery Corp. which incorporate the teachings of both the &#39;687 patent are available under the designations “BG7” and “Mach II”. 
     Also in existing material forming machines it is known to provide a plurality of forming rollers disposed along the pathway of the strip to configure one or both margins into a desired profile. This is accomplished by progressively bending the margins into a particular shape. Sometimes these forming rollers are each independently mounted to the framework at selected locations, but another technique involves grouping forming elements together as forming station sets along the pathway of the strip. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,259 issued Jun. 20, 1995 to Coben et al., also assigned to New Tech, a forming machine is disclosed for bending strips wherein an elongated rail structure is removably secured within the interior of the framework of the machine and its removable out, for example, the one entrance or exit of the framework. The rail structure is mounted at discrete mounting locations that are spaced laterally of the drive mechanism, and a plurality of forming elements are disposed on the rail structure to define at least two longitudinally spaced forming stations. The rail structure is removable from the framework without detaching the forming stations. Alternative sets of rail structures can then be interchangeably mounted in the framework as forming sets to allow formation of different profiles without the need to individually change each forming station. Representative forming machines which incorporate the use of such features are available from New Tech Machinery under the designations “SSP MultiPro”, “SSH MultiPro”, “SSR MultiPro Jr.”, “5VC 5V Crimp” and “FWM Flush Wall”. 
     While forming machines have been quite useful and effective in fabricating metal strips into shaped members, such as panels and gutters, in the past such machines were only able to form a single profile so that the fabricator would have to require separate machines for each profile desired to be configured, or for each change of dimensions within a given profile. Alternatively, the entire set of forming elements would need to be replaced by individually detaching each forming element or, in certain cases, by replacing a forming station box comprising a set of forming rollers. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,722 issued Mar. 7, 1995 to Meyer, an apparatus for forming profiles on strip materials is disclosed wherein a standard profile can be formed of two different sizes or physical dimensions. The machine shown in the &#39;722 patent utilizes rollers that may be positioned toward and apart from one another for selected spacing between the two relative positions, thereby to selectively vary the profile formed. 
     A further advancement in the art of material forming machines is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,616 issued Aug. 10, 2004 to Cunningham et al., also assigned to the assignee of the present invention. This patent describes a forming machine wherein greater flexibility of fabrication is achieved because the machine is constructed to accommodate a variety of different sets of metal forming stations mounted as sets on rail structures, or support beams, so that the different sets may be easily interchanged to allow fabrication of different panel profiles. As such, an easily adjustable forming machine is described for varying profile dimensions, such as profile height and profile separation, with a minimum of downtime for the machine during a changeover. 
     While all of these existing machines are quite useful and effective in fabricating material strips into shaped members, they do suffer from inflexibility during calibration, changeover and offset adjustment in particular. In order to calibrate these machines, for example, it is necessary to ensure that the rollers which comprise the drive assembly and the forming assembly are properly aligned within the machine. More particularly, it is important that these members be properly positioned relative to a “pass line”, which is an imaginary line contained within an imaginary plane through which the sheet material travels through the machine during use. In essence, then, this imaginary plane extends centrally through the machine just above the bottom one of each co-acting pair of drive rollers. The traditional approach for properly positioning the drive assembly within the machine begins with attaching a string, fishing line or the like, between two fixed points within the machine so that it is coextensive with, or parallel to, the pass line. Upstream and downstream ones of the drive assembly&#39;s bottom/drive rollers are then shimmed so that they are higher than the intermediate drive rollers, and set to the specific height of the pass line. The remaining intermediate drive rollers are then adjusted so that their upper surfaces are then all situated on the pass line. Each top drive roller, which is adjustably mounted to upper cross members of the machine&#39;s framework via set screws, may then be adjusted downwardly into position. 
     From time to time during use of the forming machine it becomes necessary to make other adjustments. For example, changeovers and/or offset adjustments become necessary so that the machine can be adjusted to accommodate different panel widths or different profiles for a given width. For a complete changeover, for example, it is necessary to replace existing tooling, while an offset adjustment requires moving selected portions of the tooling relative to others within the machine itself. A typical changeover in an “SSP MultiPro” roof panel machine or the like, requires the removal of rails within the machine that support the tooling, along with their associated adjustment blocks. For example, within the “SSP MultiPro” there are eight (8) aluminum angle blocks that mount to the frame and the right hand side tooling is secured above these blocks. To remove the tooling requires feeding the rails on each side of the machine, with the tooling mounted to them, out through either the entry or sheer end of the machine. Depending on the existing tooling profile, there are typically one to two rails within each side of the machine. These rails or rail segments are quite heavy and cumbersome with tooling mounted to them. Moreover, to provide a suitable clearance and ease of maneuverability, it is necessary to disassemble or remove various other components of the fabricating machine such as its cover portions (top covers, side covers) and other subassemblies (e.g., entry drum assemblies and guide system). 
     Once the old tooling has been removed, a new tooling set needs to be assembled inside the machine. On the fixed (or right-hand side of the machine from the perspective of an observer looking in the downstream direction from the entry way to the exit) the replacement tooling needs to be mounted such that the faces of their associated angle blocks are positioned a particular distance from fixed points on the machine, with this distance being dictated by the particular profile to be run. This distance is often established, again, through the use of a string line extending between two known, fixed points. It is quite common to use a tape measure or other suitable measuring device to ensure that the tooling is properly positioned at the desired distance from the string line. Set screws are provided to assist with the process to make “fine tune” adjustments. 
     The left side of the machine has adjustable subassemblies so that the tooling can be moved laterally inwardly or outwardly through the use of an Acme shaft with Acme nuts. In the “SSP MultiPro” unit for example, tooling is affixed to the face side of the rails which themselves mount to the clamp blocks, each clamp block having two threaded holes and two through holes. Here again, it is necessary to set the distance from the face angle of clamp blocks to another string line, and this can be accomplished via a nut, of which there are at least five. Once the tooling is adjusted, a crankshaft is employed to manually adjust the left side relative to the right side, via the Acme shafts, to accommodate for different sheet material. 
     It should be appreciated that a complete changeover is a very tedious process and requires that the tooling be precisely positioned within the machine to ensure seamless operation. Indeed, one complete changeover from one leg configuration profile to another can be a 4-5 hour process. An offset adjustment, whereby the offset spacing between the face of one rail segment on the left side of the machine is adjusted relative to another downstream of it, can also be time consuming. To accomplish this, one of the rail segments must be set, and then the other rail segment positioned relative to it based on whether a positive or negative offset is required. This process requires independent manual adjustment of the rail segments which is quite tedious. In the past it has been known to utilize an Acme shaft having a coupler which can be disengaged to allow one rail segment to be adjusted relative to another on the same side of the machine. However, the engaged or disengaged state of the coupler cannot be manually adjusted and requires hand tools. Even then, it remains necessary to adjust each rail segment using the approach discussed above wherein set screws, string lines and tape measures are employed. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present application provides a mechanism for use in adjusting the position of components in a machine, including an elongate shaft assembly that includes at least one primary shaft segment and at least one secondary shaft segment removably coupled to the primary shaft segment. The primary and secondary shaft segments may be joined by a half-lap joint. The secondary shaft segment includes a first gear element disposed thereon. The first gear element may be keyed to the secondary shaft segment. 
     The mechanism also includes at least one projection shaft extending in a direction transverse to the elongate shaft assembly and includes a second gear element disposed on a proximal end portion thereof. The first and second gear elements may be mitre gears. The projection shaft may be comprised of an ACME shaft threadably engaged with an ACME nut that is capable of being coupled to the components. The second gear element is coupled to the first gear element so that rotation of the elongate shaft assembly translates into rotation of the projection shaft. The projection shaft is capable of being coupled to the components such that rotation of the projection shaft operates to adjust the position of the components in a direction perpendicular to the shaft assembly, for example. A support frame, which may include at least one bearing for supporting the secondary shaft segment, accommodates the secondary shaft segment and the proximal end portion. At least a portion of the secondary shaft segment may be of reduced diameter as compared to the primary shaft segment. 
     The mechanism may include a plurality of primary shaft segments, where at least one secondary shaft segment is coupled between two primary shaft segments. The mechanism may also include a plurality of secondary shaft segments, each removably coupled to an associated primary shaft segment. The secondary shaft segments may each have an associated first gear element disposed thereon and an associated projection shaft that includes an associated second gear element disposed on a proximal end portion thereof. The second gear elements each being coupled to an associated first gear element. 
     The machine components may be comprised of upstream components and downstream components and the adjusting mechanism may include an upstream portion including at least one secondary shaft segment and at least one projection shaft capable of being coupled to the upstream components and a downstream portion including at least one secondary shaft segment and at least one projection shaft capable of being coupled to the downstream components. A coupler may be interposed between the upstream and downstream portions. The coupler has a coupled state wherein the upstream and downstream portions operate concurrently, and a decoupled state wherein at least one of the upstream and downstream portions operates independently of the other. 
     Also contemplated is a forming machine adapted to form a longitudinal margin of a strip of material into a desired profile. The forming machine is comprised of a framework having side frames interconnected to one another by transverse members. The framework has an interior including a forming region through which the strip may be advanced from an upstream entrance to a downstream exit. A drive mechanism is disposed in the interior of the framework and operative to engage the strip and advance the strip in a downstream direction from the entrance to the exit. An elongated rail structure is mounted relative to the framework and spaced laterally from the drive mechanism. A plurality of forming elements are secured to the rail structure to define at least one forming station that is positioned to receive the longitudinal margin and operative to contribute to forming the longitudinal margin into the desired profile as the strip is advanced through the forming region by the drive mechanism. A mechanism for adjusting a lateral distance between the rail structure and the drive mechanism is also included in the forming machine. The adjusting mechanism is comprised of an elongate shaft assembly, at least one projection shaft extending in a direction transverse to the elongate shaft assembly, and a support frame accommodating the secondary shaft segment and the proximal end portion. The elongate shaft assembly includes at least one primary shaft segment and at least one secondary shaft segment removably coupled to the primary shaft segment. The secondary shaft segment including a first gear element disposed thereon. The projection shaft includes a second gear element coupled to the first gear element whereby rotation of the elongate shaft assembly translates into rotation of the projection shaft. The projection shaft may be coupled to the rail structure such that rotation of the projection shaft operates to adjust the position of the rail structure. 
     An improvement to a metal forming machine that is adapted to bend a longitudinal margin of a strip of metal into a desired profile is also contemplated. Such a machine includes: a framework having side frames interconnected to one another by transverse members, the framework having an interior including a forming region through which the strip may be advanced from an upstream entrance to a downstream exit. A drive mechanism is disposed in the interior of the framework and operative to engage the strip and advance the strip in a downstream direction from the entrance to the exit. An elongated rail structure is mounted relative to the framework and spaced laterally from the drive mechanism and a plurality of forming elements are secured to the rail structure to define at least one forming station that is positioned to receive the longitudinal margin and operative to bend the longitudinal margin as the strip is advanced through the forming region by the drive mechanism. The improvement comprises a mechanism for adjusting a lateral distance between the rail structure and the drive mechanism. The adjusting mechanism includes an elongate shaft assembly, at least one projection shaft extending in a direction transverse to the elongate shaft assembly, and a support frame accommodating the secondary shaft segment and the proximal end portion. The elongate shaft assembly includes at least one primary shaft segment and at least one secondary shaft segment removably coupled to the primary shaft segment, the secondary shaft segment including a first gear element disposed thereon. The projection shaft includes a second gear element disposed on a proximal end portion thereof. The second gear element being coupled to the first gear element whereby rotation of the elongate shaft assembly translates into rotation of the projection, which is coupled to the rail structure such that rotation of the projection shaft operates to adjust the position of the rail structure. 
     A method of replacing a portion of a mechanism for use in adjusting the position of components in a machine is also contemplated. The mechanism includes an elongate shaft assembly that includes at least one primary shaft segment, and at least one secondary shaft segment removably coupled to the primary shaft segment. The secondary shaft segment includes a first gear element disposed thereon. At least one projection shaft extends in a direction transverse to the elongate shaft assembly and includes a second gear element. The second gear element is coupled to the first gear element and a support frame accommodates the secondary shaft segment and the proximal end portion. The method of replacing comprises decoupling the secondary shaft segment from the primary shaft segment and removing the first gear element from the secondary shaft segment without disturbing the primary shaft segment or projection shaft. The first gear element may be removed without disturbing the frame. The secondary shaft segment may also be slidably extracted from the frame. The frame may include a backing plate and a pair of ears such that the ears may be removed from the backing plate along with the first gear element and second shaft segment. 
     The present application also provides a mounting block assembly for positionally adjusting machine components including a mount for attachment to a framework of the machine and a component interface pivotably mounted to the mount about a pivot axis. The component interface is capable of supporting at least one component. The mount may be attached to a mounting pad disposed on the framework. 
     The component interface includes a slide block pivotably mounted to the mount about the pivot axis and a tie block adjustably mounted to the slide block along an adjustment axis parallel to the pivot axis. The slide block may include an elongate slot parallel to the adjustment axis and the tie block is adjustably mounted along the slot. The slide block may include upper and lower legs, the upper leg including a slideway along which the tie block is mounted and the lower leg forms an obtuse angle having a vertex about which the slide block pivots. 
     In an alternative construction the tie block includes an elongate slot parallel to the adjustment axis and the tie block is adjustably mounted to the slide block along the slot. The slide block may include opposed limit stops between which the tie block is adjustably positionable. 
     The slide block is slidably mounted to the mount along a mount axis parallel to the pivot axis. The slide block is mounted to the mount by at least one threaded mounting fastener and including at least one threaded adjustment bolt extending through the slide block whereby rotation of the threaded adjustment bolt pivots the slide block about the pivot axis. The slide block may include a threaded slide screw extending parallel to the adjustment axis and aligned with the threaded adjustment bolt whereby rotation of the threaded slide screw adjusts the slide block along the mount axis. The threaded mounting fastener may extend through a slot formed through the slide block and an end portion of the threaded slide screw confronts the shank of the mounting fastener. 
     The mount may include a tapered surface oriented at an acute angle relative to an upper surface of the mount that provides clearance for pivoting the slide block. The slide block may also include a tapered surface facing the mount oriented at an obtuse angle relative to a side surface of the slide block for providing clearance for pivoting the slide block. Preferably, the mount and the slide block are machined to tolerance. 
     A method for calibrating the position of at least one machine component relative to a framework of the machine is also contemplated. The method comprises establishing a longitudinal datum reference along the framework and providing a mounting block assembly for installation between the component and the framework. The mounting block assembly includes a mount capable of being fastened to the framework and a component interface pivotably mounted to the mount about a pivot axis, the component interface capable of supporting at least one component. The method also includes leveling the mount to the framework in a direction transverse to the datum reference to define a mount leveled orientation and fixedly positioning the mount to the framework in the mount leveled orientation. Leveling the mount to the framework may be accomplished by shimming. The component interface is also pivoted about the pivot axis in order to level it to the framework in a direction parallel to the datum reference to define a component interface leveled orientation and fastening the component to the component interface. 
     The component interface may include a slide block pivotably mounted to the mount about the pivot axis so that the slide block is slidably mounted to the mount along a mount axis that is parallel to the pivot axis. The slide block may be slid along the mount axis in order to adjust the transverse location of the slide block relative to the datum reference. The component interface may also include a tie block capable of supporting the component and adjustably mounted to the slide block along an adjustment axis that is parallel to the pivot axis. The tie block may be adjusted by moving it along the adjustment axis. 
     Also contemplated is a rail structure for use in a forming machine that is adapted to form a strip of material into a desired profile comprising a pair of mounting block assemblies and a mounting rail extending between and mounted to the mounting block assemblies. Each mounting block assembly including a mount for attachment to a framework of the machine, a slide block pivotably mounted to the mount about a pivot axis, and a tie block adjustably mounted to the slide block along an adjustment axis that is parallel to the pivot axis. A tool set including a tooling rail and a plurality of forming elements may be mounted to the mounting rail. A spacer may be disposed between the tooling rail and the mounting rail. 
     A forming machine adapted to form a longitudinal margin of a strip of material into a desired profile is also provided herein. The forming machine comprising a framework having an interior including a forming region through which the strip may be advanced from an upstream entrance to a downstream exit. A drive mechanism is disposed in the interior of the framework and operative to engage the strip and advance the strip in a downstream direction from the entrance to the exit. The forming machine includes a rail structure that includes at least a pair of mounting block assemblies that each include a mount fastened to the framework, a slide block pivotably mounted to the mount about a pivot axis, and a tie block adjustably mounted to the slide block along an adjustment axis that is parallel to the pivot axis. A mounting rail extends between and is mounted to the pair of mounting block assemblies. A plurality of forming elements are supported by the rail structure to define at least one forming station that is positioned to receive the longitudinal margin and operative to contribute to forming the longitudinal margin into the desired profile as the strip is advanced through the forming region by the drive mechanism. 
     An improvement to a metal forming machine adapted to bend a longitudinal margin of a strip of metal into a desired profile is also contemplated. Such a machine includes: a framework having an interior including a forming region through which the strip may be advanced from an upstream entrance to a downstream exit; a drive mechanism disposed in the interior of the framework and operative to engage the strip and advance the strip in a downstream direction from the entrance to the exit; an elongated rail structure mounted relative to the framework and spaced laterally from the drive mechanism; and a plurality of forming elements connected to the rail structure to define at least one forming station that is positioned to receive the longitudinal margin and operative to bend the longitudinal margin as the strip is advanced through the forming region by the drive mechanism. The improvement to the metal forming machine comprises a plurality of mounting block assemblies disposed between the rail structure and the framework, each including a mount fastened to the framework, a slide block pivotably mounted to the mount about a pivot axis, and a tie block supporting the rail structure. The tie block being adjustably mounted to the slide block along an adjustment axis that is parallel to the pivot axis. 
     The present application further provides a clamp block kit for use on a machine having an adjustment mechanism employing a shaft and associated nut, comprising a clamp block assembly securable about the nut. The clamp block assembly includes a first clamp including at least one threaded first hole, a second clamp including at least one second hole alignable with a respective the at least one first hole when in an assembled state, and at least one first fastener for extending into the aligned the first and second holes. A mounting rail is fastenable to the clamp block assembly with at least one second fastener. 
     The mounting rail is fastenable adjacent to the first clamp. The at least one threaded first hole is a through hole and the at least one second fastener extends into the at least one threaded first hole. The at least one threaded first hole may be a pair of first holes, the at least one second hole may be a pair of second holes, and the at least one first fastener may be a pair of first fasteners. 
     Also contemplated is a mounting rail assembly for use on a machine having an adjustment mechanism employing at least a pair of projection shafts and associated nuts, comprising at least a pair of clamp block assemblies each securable about a respective the nut and an elongate mounting rail fastenable to the clamp block assemblies. 
     A mounting rail assembly for positionally adjusting machine components is further contemplated herein. The mounting rail assembly comprises a projection shaft capable of being rotatably mounted to the machine, a nut threadably engaged with the projection shaft, and a clamp block assembly secured about the nut. The clamp block assembly including a first clamp including at least one threaded first hole, a second clamp including at least one second hole aligned with a respective the at least one first hole, and at least one first fastener extending into the aligned the first and second holes. An elongate mounting rail is fastened to the first clamp and capable of supporting at least one component. The mounting rail may include at least one transversely extending slot, and may include at least one second fastener extending through the slot to engage the threaded first hole, whereby the mounting rail is selectively adjustable along the slot. The mounting rail assembly may include indicia on the mounting rail indicative of an offset mounting rail position. 
     A rail structure for use in a machine that is adapted to form a strip of material into a desired profile is also provided for herein. The rail structure comprises at least one projection shaft capable of being rotatably mounted to the machine, at least one nut threadably engaged with the projection shaft, a clamp block assembly secured about the nut, and an elongate mounting rail fastened to the clamp block assembly. The rail structure may further include a tool set including a tooling rail and a plurality of forming elements secured thereto. 
     The present application also provides a forming machine adapted to form a longitudinal margin of a strip of material into a desired profile comprising a framework having an interior including a forming region through which the strip may be advanced from an upstream entrance to a downstream exit. A drive mechanism is disposed in the interior of the framework and operative to engage the strip and advance the strip in a downstream direction from the entrance to the exit. A rail structure including a projection shaft is rotatably mounted to the framework. A nut is threadably engaged with the projection shaft, and a clamp block assembly is secured about the nut. The clamp block assembly includes a first clamp including at least one threaded first hole, a second clamp including at least one second hole aligned with a respective the at least one first hole, and at least one first fastener extending into the aligned the first and second holes. An elongate mounting rail is fastened to the first clamp with at least one second threaded fastener extending into one of the threaded first holes. A plurality of forming elements are secured to the rail structure to define at least one forming station that is positioned to receive the longitudinal margin and operative to contribute to forming the longitudinal margin into the desired profile as the strip is advanced through the forming region by the drive mechanism. 
     An improvement to a metal forming machine adapted to bend a longitudinal margin of a strip of metal into a desired profile is also contemplated. Such a machine includes: a framework having an interior including a forming region through which the strip may be advanced from an upstream entrance to a downstream exit; a drive mechanism disposed in the interior of the framework and operative to engage the strip and advance the strip in a downstream direction from the entrance to the exit; an elongated rail structure mounted relative to the framework and spaced laterally from the drive mechanism; and a tool set connected to the rail structure, the tool set positioned to receive the longitudinal margin and operative to bend the longitudinal margin as the strip is advanced through the forming region by the drive mechanism. The improvement to the forming machine comprises a mechanism for adjusting a separation distance between the rail structure and the drive mechanism. The adjusting mechanism includes a projection shaft rotatably mounted to the machine, a nut threadably engaged with the projection shaft, and a clamp block assembly secured about the nut. The clamp block assembly includes a first clamp including at least one threaded first hole, a second clamp including at least one second hole aligned with a respective the at least one first hole, and at least one first fastener extending into the aligned the first and second holes. An elongate mounting rail supports the tool set and is connected to the first clamp. 
     Also contemplated is a method of configuring the location of components in a machine, comprising providing a rail structure extending in a longitudinal direction including an upstream and downstream segment, each segment including an associated transversely extending projection shaft coupled thereto and operative to adjust the segment in a transverse direction upon rotation thereof. Further providing the upstream segment with a nut threadably engaged with its associated projection shaft, a clamp block assembly secured about the nut, and an elongate mounting rail fastened to the clamp block assembly. The mounting rail is capable of supporting the components. The method also includes moving the mounting rail in a transverse direction relative to the downstream segment while maintaining the relative position of the nut with respect to the projection shafts. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of the material forming machine, and showing the forming machine in use to produce a profiled roof panel from a spool of sheet metal; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a material forming machine according to an exemplary embodiment, which has been accessorized with an optional overhead reel rack and placed on a trailer; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a front perspective view of the material forming machine, according to the exemplary embodiment, without the optional overhead reel rack; 
         FIG. 3   b  is a rear perspective view of the material forming machine according to the exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4   a  is an enlarged front view in elevation showing the upstream, or entry, end to the material forming machine; 
         FIG. 4   b  is an enlarged rear (downstream end) view in elevation showing the downstream, or exit, end of the material forming machine; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the material forming machine, and showing it with some of its cover panels removed and broken away; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the material forming machine with its cover panels removed; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged top plan view showing a front end portion of the material forming machine; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged right side view in elevation showing the front end portion; 
         FIG. 9   a  is a top plan view showing the forming machine&#39;s drive assembly; 
         FIG. 9   b  is a right side view in elevation of the drive assembly shown in  FIG. 9   a;    
         FIG. 9   c  is perspective view of the drive assembly; 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a representative terminal one of the forming machine&#39;s drive stations; 
         FIG. 11   a  is a right side of view in elevation illustrating a representative intermediate one of the forming machine&#39;s drive stations; 
         FIG. 11   b  is an enlarged top plan view illustrating the intermediate drive station of  FIG. 11   a;    
         FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of a representative footplate construction for the machine&#39;s forming rollers; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged perspective view of a representative power source for the forming machine; 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged perspective view showing the quick disconnect assembly for the forming machine&#39;s power source; 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged perspective view of another representative power source for the forming machine; 
         FIG. 16   a  is a perspective view of the left and right support assemblies for mounting the various tooling rail assemblies (each interchangeably referred to as a “tooling set” or “toolset”) to be used with the forming machine; 
         FIG. 16   b  is a perspective view of left and right support assemblies including alternative foot constructions; 
         FIG. 17   a  is a perspective view illustrating a representative foot construction for mounting a support bar segment to the framework of the forming machine; 
         FIG. 17   b  is a right side view in elevation of the foot construction shown in  FIG. 17   a;    
         FIG. 17   c  is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating an alternative foot construction for mounting an upstream support bar segment to the framework of the forming machine; 
         FIG. 17   d  is a right side view in elevation of the alternate foot construction shown in  FIG. 17   c;    
         FIG. 17   e  is a partially exploded perspective view of an alternative foot construction for mounting a downstream support bar segment to the framework of the forming machine; 
         FIG. 18   a  is a partially exploded perspective view showing the attachment of a tooling set&#39;s station mount assembly to a support bar segment; 
         FIG. 18   b  is a perspective view showing the attachment of a tooling set&#39;s station mount assembly to a support bar segment; 
         FIG. 18   c  is a partially exploded perspective view showing the attachment of a tooling set&#39;s station mount assembly to a support bar segment; 
         FIG. 18   d  is a perspective view showing the attachment of a tooling set&#39;s station mount assembly to a support bar segment; 
         FIG. 19   a  is perspective view showing the underside of a support bar segment and two of its associated feet; 
         FIG. 19   b  is perspective view showing the underside of a support bar segment and two of its associated feet according to the alternative construction shown in  FIGS. 17   c  and  17   d;    
         FIG. 20   a  is a right side diagrammatic view of the upstream end of the forming machine, and illustrating the convenient removability of a tooling set through the machine&#39;s framework; 
         FIG. 20   b  is a perspective diagrammatic view of the upstream end of the forming machine, and illustrating the convenient removability of a tooling set through the machine&#39;s framework; 
         FIG. 20   c  is a right side diagrammatic view of the upstream end of the forming machine including feet according to the alternate construction shown in  FIGS. 17   c  and  17   d , and illustrating the convenient removability of a tooling set through the machine&#39;s framework; 
         FIG. 20   d  is a perspective diagrammatic view of the upstream end of the forming machine including feet according to the alternate construction shown in  FIGS. 17   c  and  17   d , and illustrating the convenient removability of a tooling set through the machine&#39;s framework; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view showing offset displacement of a representative stanchion to the forming machine&#39;s left guide rail; 
         FIG. 22  is an upstream end view of the showing the displacement of the stanchion of  FIG. 21  relative to the guide rail; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the forming machine&#39;s width adjustment assembly, or crank assembly; 
         FIG. 24  is an enlarged perspective view showing the ACME nut portion of one of the projections associated with the forming machine&#39;s width adjustment assembly; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the crank mechanism for the width adjustment assembly; 
         FIG. 26   a  is a perspective view of a representative mitre gear station; 
         FIG. 26   b  is an exploded perspective view of the representative mitre gear station shown in  FIG. 26   a;    
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view, similar to  FIG. 16   a , of the left and right support assemblies for mounting the tooling sets, but additionally illustrating a portion of the framework and a string line which may be used during initial calibration; 
         FIG. 28  is an exploded perspective view showing the mounting of the upstream rail segment to the machine&#39;s Acme shafts; 
         FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view showing the rail segment mounted to one of the machine&#39;s Acme shafts; 
         FIGS. 30   a  &amp;  b , respectively, depict the rail segment in inboard and outboard offset positions along the Acme shafts; 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view showing a representative tooling set mounted on the upstream rail segment; 
         FIG. 32  is an exploded perspective view of the tooling set mounted on the upstream rail segment; 
         FIGS. 33   a  &amp;  33   b  depict two different leg heights which may be achieved for a selected profile; 
         FIGS. 34   a  &amp;  34   b , respectively, show outboard and inboard positions for the tooling set on the rail segment in order to achieve different leg heights for a desired profile; and 
         FIG. 35  is a diagrammatic top plan view of the front end portion of the forming machine to illustrate a representative orientation of various components at the beginning of a changeover sequence; 
         FIGS. 36   a - 36   b ,  37   a - 37   b  &amp;  38   a - 38   b  respectively, are enlarged diagrammatic views showing representative positions for the forming machine&#39;s left and right legend plates during a changeover sequence. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention is directed to material forming machines, specifically those adapted to bend one or both longitudinal margins of a flat strip of metal into a desired profile. While the invention may be employed with elongate strips of material cut at discrete lengths, it is contemplated that the teachings herein may be primarily used with a continuous feed structure wherein formed strips having any desired longitudinal profile are cut from continuous strip material that is fed into the forming machine. To this end, the strip material may be supported on a spool and rotatably mounted on an overhead reel rack, or by another suitable manner, to be fed in to the machine. The forming machine according to the exemplary embodiments is constructed to receive a variety of interchangeable metal forming stations, mounted as sets on rail or beam structures, so that different sets may be easily interchanged to allow fabrication of different panel profiles. It should be understood that the term “panel” when used in the context of a formed strip can include, for example, a roof panel, a standing seam panel, siding, guttering, structural or nonstructural framing members and the like, as would be understood by the ordinarily skilled artisan in the material forming field. Moreover, while the teachings herein are specifically adapted to form metal roof panels, it should be understood that it is within the context of the invention to form profiles of other shapes and from other types of formable materials. 
     By way of explanation, then, an exemplary embodiment of a material forming machine  10  is introduced in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3   a  &amp;  3   b . Machine  10  is particularly suited to fabricate roof panels, but could be constructed as desired to fabricate formed material for other applications, such as soffit panels, guttering, siding, and the like. To this end, machine  10  may be mounted on a trailer  2  to provided transportation to and from construction sites. Supported above machine  10  is an optional dual overhead reel rack  12  which supports one or more spools of continuous strip material  14  which are fed over guide rollers, generally  16 , and into the machine&#39;s entry  18 . At the exit  20  of the machine, the strip material  14  is discharged as a selected formed profile  14 ′ ( FIG. 1 ) that may be cut to desired lengths by a suitable shear assembly  22 . Enlarged end views of entry  18  and exit  20  are also shown in  FIGS. 4   a  &amp;  b , respectively. Shear assembly  22  may, for example, be constructed substantially as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,259 issued Jun. 20, 1995 to Coben et al. Shear assembly  22  is preferably hydraulically powered and constructed from hardened tool steel blades and dies. The disclosure and teachings of the &#39;259 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Machine  10  is supplied with onboard power, such as through an electromechanical power source that includes a gasoline engine  26  as shown here, or an electric motor shown in later figures. An optional electronic controller  28 , model AMS  450  available from AMS Controls, interfaces with the manual push button control box and allows an operator to manually input desired panel lengths and quantities and then automatically operate the material forming machine. While connected to the manual push button control box the electronic controller  28  manually controls various functions of the machine including jog forward &amp; reverse, and shear up &amp; down. This electronic controller could also be replaced with a PLC controller in order to automatically control the material forming machine. The manual push button control box allows manual control of jog forward, jog reverse, run forward, run stop, shear down, shear up, motor start and emergency stop. Machine  10  includes an exterior covering  24  which substantially surrounds a framework  30  ( FIGS. 5 &amp; 6 ) and includes a plurality of interlocking, removable top and side panels sections such as  24 ( 1 ) and  24 ( 2 ), respectively. Framework  30  comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending upper beams  32 R( 1 ),  32 L( 1 ) and longitudinally extending lower beams  32 R( 2 ) and  32 L( 2 ). These longitudinally extending beams interconnect to upper and lower (not shown) transverse beams, such as  36 ( 1 ) &amp; ( 2 ), and left and right upright beams, such as  34 L( 1 ) &amp; ( 2 ) and  34 R( 1 )&amp; ( 2 ). 
     As perhaps best shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , framework  30  supports a drive assembly, generally designated as  40 , for forming machine  10 . The drive assembly itself is perhaps best appreciated with reference to  FIGS. 9   a  through  9   c . As shown in various ones of these figures, drive assembly  40  includes a plurality of drive stations  42 ( 1 )- 42 ( 8 ) which are each located at longitudinally spaced apart downstream locations within framework  30 . Drive stations  42 ( 1 )- 42 ( 8 ) are mechanically coupled to one another and powered by left and right chains (not shown) which travel about a plurality of upper and lower sprocket gears, generally  50 . Gears  50  are rotatably journaled on left and right sides of the drive assembly&#39;s associated sub-frame  52 , as is well known in the art. With reference to  FIG. 7 , power to drive assembly  40  is provided by an electromechanical power source which is mechanically coupled to an upper drive shaft  46 U. The electromechanical power source is described generally below. Drive shaft  46 U is journaled for rotation to thereby impart rotational movement to the chain driven sprockets  50 , is well known in the art. 
     A preferred construction for the drive stations, such as representative drive stations  42 ( 4 ) &amp;  42 ( 5 ), is shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  11   a  &amp;  11   b . Each drive station includes a pair of co-acting upper and lower rollers,  54  &amp;  56  respectively, which are journaled for rotation about axles  58 . For example, upper axles  58 U define axis for upper rollers  54 , while the lower axles (hidden) provide axis for lower rollers  56 . In these figures it may be seen that each upper roller  54  and each lower roller  56  is a driven roller. The rollers of each upper and lower pair co-act with one another to grip a central portion of the sheet material as it is advanced through the machine in the downstream direction. Each of rollers  54 ,  56  preferably includes a circumferential layer of polyurethane to assist with gripping the sheet material. 
     Both driven roller  54  and driven roller  56  are disposed in housings  60  and  62 , respectively. Upper housing  60  includes left and right keel rails  64 L and  64 R, respectively. Similarly, lower housing  62  includes left and right keel rails  66 L and  66 R, respectively. As perhaps best shown in  FIG. 10 , these keel rails  64  and  66  extend between longitudinally adjacent ones of the upper and lower rollers within each roller set/pair. Drive roller shafts  68  extend between the left and right keel rails for structural integrity. A pusher bar weldment  69  also extends between every other longitudinally adjacent pair of the pusher bars  72  for added structural integrity. As shown in  FIG. 9   a , these pusher bar weldments  69  are alternately mounted between left and right center offset positions. Fixedly mounted to the end portions of each upper keel rail  64  is a square bracket  70 . A top pusher bar  72  is mounted to, and extends transversely between, left and right opposed ones of brackets  70 . Each pusher bar  72  is formed to include a plurality of threaded mounting holes so that the upper driven rollers  54  may be adjustably mounted relative to the frame  30 . More particularly, and with reference to  FIGS. 5 &amp; 10 , each pusher bar  72  is adjustably mounted relative to an associated framework bar segment  35  that is welded into the forward face of its associated transverse beam  36 . 
     Each lower housing  62  is fixedly mounted into the machine&#39;s framework  30 . A spreader mount  67  extends between longitudinally adjacent, lower left keels  66 L. As perhaps best shown in  FIG. 12 , the end portion of each lower keel rail, such as keel rail  66 R, includes an L-shaped footplate  74  having an upright portion  76  and a horizontal portion  78 . Upright portion  76  includes a pair of slotted holes  80  which are alignable with mounting holes in the keel rail so that the upper portion can be mounted relative to the keel rail via cap screws  81 . The lower, horizontal portion  78  includes a screw hole  82  to fixedly mount it to the framework via a screw (not shown). A drive jack block  84  is fixedly mounted to the keel rail  66 R via cap screws  86 . A tap bolt  88  extends downwardly through drive jack block  84  to contact the ledge  77  of upright portion  76  (see  FIG. 10 , for example). 
     It can be appreciated that the above-described construction for the lower housings  62  permits the lower driven rollers to be incrementally positioned at appropriate vertical heights during setup or calibration. More particularly one or more string lines can be attached between fixed points of the frame so that the drive rollers can be adjustably mounted relative thereto. One such string line, for example, is typically strung centrally within the machine so that it extends within an imaginary plane through which the sheet material will travel during use. One approach for suitably positioning the various drive rollers could be as follows. Initially, the height of each lower driven roller  56  could be adjusted relative to the frame  30  (or an associated string line attached to the frame) by virtue of the slotted channels  80  within each upright portion  76  and their associated cap screws  81 . Then, each lower driven roller could be adjusted to a desired height via tap bolt  88  so that the outer polyurethane surface of each driven roller touches the centrally located string line, eliminating the need for shims. Thereafter, upper, driven roller  54  can be lowered into place until its outer polyurethane surface contacts its associated lower roller  56 . Typically an additional ¾ turn of pressure is applied to the upper driven rollers in order to provide a preload between the upper and lower driven rollers. 
     As also shown in various ones of the figures, each of the smaller sprockets  50  is movably adjusted toward or away from its associated enlarged roller sprocket  51 . This allows for suitable tensioning of the chain drive system as its chains (not shown) impart rotational movement to their associated upper or lower rollers. To accomplish this tensioning, each smaller sprocket  50  can be mounted on an associated keel  64  or  66  via a cap bolt  92  which extends through a slotted channel  94  formed through the keel. Sprockets may also be similarly mounted at suitable locations to the lower spreader mounts  67  and the upper pusher bar weldments  69  via associated lower and upper sprocket mounting bracket weldments  96 . 
     With reference again to  FIGS. 7 and 9   c , power to the drive assembly is provided by the electromechanical power supply which imparts rotational movement to upper and lower main drive shafts  46 U and  46 L, respectively. More particularly, a spur gear  43  that is coupled to the power supply cooperates with the relatively enlarged lower spur gear  44 L associated with lower main drive shaft  46 L. Spur gear  44 L itself cooperates with upper spur gear  44 U associated with upper main drive shaft  46 U. Each of spur gears  43 , 44 L and  44 U is rotatably mounted on a main bearing plate  41  which attaches to framework  30 . Thus, rotational movement of smaller spur gear  43  imparts rotational movement to each of the main drive shafts. Since these drive shafts are mechanically coupled to the various upper and lower drive rollers via chains and sprockets, rotational movement of the various rollers within the drive assembly is achieved, all as is understood in the art. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3   b  and  13  to briefly describe one exemplary embodiment of the forming machine&#39;s electromechanical power source, generally denoted as  100  in  FIG. 13 . Power source  100 , as mentioned above, can include a gasoline engine  26  as shown in various ones of the figures, or an electric motor  27  as shown in  FIG. 15 . On and off switches  103  are provided on an upstream end of the machine to actuate the electromechanical power supply  100 . Control for the various other machine functions is handled by control panel  28  ( FIGS. 1-3   b ), as known in the art. A battery  107  provides an electric start for gasoline engine  26 , while an electrical control box  109  houses motor contacts for turning on and operating electric motor  27 . Mounted to the output of either gasoline engine  26  or electric motor  27  is an oil pump  102  which pumps the oil from a hydraulic tank through the hydraulic system to actuate the various moving components of the machinery. To this end, the hydraulic system may include flow control valves, directional valves, etc. as would be well understood by the ordinarily skilled artisan in this field. The hydraulic tank ( FIG. 5 ) is housed within the machine between the engine  26 , for example, and the control panel  28  ( FIG. 3   b ) and accessible via removing portions  104 ,  105  of the machine&#39;s covering. An hydraulic motor  106  is provided which is mechanically coupled to spur gear  43  ( FIG. 9   c ). During operation, then, the hydraulic lines direct hydraulic fluid as needed through hydraulic motor  106  to cause rotational movement of the interlocked spur gears, and through the mechanical coupling described above, impart rotary movement to the various rollers of the drive assembly. Also as needed, the electromechanical power supply  100  directs fluid through the hydraulic lines to the cylinders which actuate the shear assembly  22 . When no demand is on the system, hydraulic lines circulate the fluid back through the hydraulic tank. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , a quick disconnect assembly  110  includes left and right hoses  112  and  113 , respectively, to permit convenient and quick interchange between a gasoline engine and an electric motor so that they can be easily coupled to or decoupled from left and right hydraulic line end portions  115  and  116 , respectively. To also facilitate a quick interchange, respective support frameworks  117  and  118  can be provided for the gasoline engine  26  or the electric motor  27  to permit them to be removably mountable relative to the machine&#39;s main framework  30 . It should be noted that various hydraulic lines, wiring and other necessary components for the electromechanical power source  100  need not be shown in the various figures for the ordinarily skilled artisan to fully understand their use and function. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 16   a - 22  to describe the mounting of the tooling within forming machine  10 . The tooling which is used to progressively bend the sheet-like material into a desired profile includes a plurality of tooling sets which are mounted on the left and right sides of the machine in opposed fashion, as known in the art. For purposes of this description a “tooling set” or “toolset” refers to a portion of the machines overall tooling. Thus, the forming machine can be considered as having tooling on the left side of the machine (the left tooling) and tooling on the right side of the machine (the right tooling). Preferably, each of the right and left tooling is comprised of a plurality of tooling sets (each also referred to as a tooling assembly or a tooling sub-assembly). Each tooling set can be considered as including forming elements/rollers mounted to a tooling rail or a tooling rail segment. Various tooling sets are shown in previous figures, for example,  FIGS. 5-8 . More particularly, a plurality of left tooling sets are disposed on the left side of the drive assembly, and a plurality of right tooling sets are mounted on the right side of the drive assembly. The tooling sets include suitably arranged forming rollers which need to be arranged in the machine in a particular sequence in order to progressively bend the sheet material into the desired profile, again as known in the art. However, as stated above in the background section, known forming machine constructions suffer from the fact that it can be very tedious and time-consuming to appropriately position, reposition and interchange these tooling sets within the machine during use, resulting in inefficient downtime. The present invention has a particular object of addressing this deficiency. 
     Initial reference is made to  FIG. 16   a  which illustrates the forming machine&#39;s right support bar construction  120  (also referred to as a rail assembly or support rail) which supports the plurality of right tooling sets, and the left support bar construction  122  which supportably mounts the left tooling sets. Right support bar assembly  120  comprises two bar segments  121  and  123  of approximately equal length. Bar segments  121  and  123  have a plurality of mounting holes, generally  124  formed through them for removably mounting the tooling sets thereon. As such, they are sometimes also referred to as mounting rails. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apart feet, generally  126 ( 1 )- 126 ( 8 ), interface the tooling support bars  121  and  123  to the forming machine&#39;s framework  30 . Together, the right tooling bar  120  (including bar segments  121  and  123 ) along with feet  126 ( 1 )- 126 ( 8 ) comprise a tooling support assembly  150 . 
     As perhaps best appreciated with reference to  FIGS. 16   a  and  17   a , each of bars  121  and  123  includes a plurality of transverse channels, such as channel  128 ( 1 ) associated with upstream bar  121 . Each channel  128  includes a pair of through holes which receive mounting screws for mounting the bar to its associated ones of feet  126 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 17   a.    
     A preferred procedure for mounting the support bars which support the tooling sets on the right side of the machine will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 17   a - 19   a . This procedure is helpful in ensuring that, when the various tooling sets are placed on their associated support bars, they are level and properly located. As discussed in the background section, past approaches for properly positioning the tooling sets have suffered from being very tedious, requiring multiple tape measuring steps and incremental adjustments, which are necessitated due to the fact that various components within the machine are not machined to suitable tolerances. It, thus, becomes necessary to compensate for the variances during calibration. Past approaches are complicated and time consuming in the way this is achieved and are susceptible to relatively frequent incremental adjustments to return various components to their properly aligned positions during changeovers, or due to gradual displacement during use. The present invention, however, overcomes this by compensating for these tolerances upfront so that the machine can be initially calibrated in a relatively quick manner so that an operator can be confident that few or no adjustments will later be needed to ensure proper operation. 
     Thus, the goal of the procedure is to ensure that each of the support bar segments  121  and  123  is appropriately mounted relative to the machine&#39;s framework during an initial calibration sequence to avoid the need for future adjustment. As noted above, there are a plurality of feet  126  which interface the support bar segments (or bars)  121  and  123  to the framework. A representative foot assembly (or mounting block assembly)  126 ( 1 ) is shown in  FIGS. 17   a  and  17   b , and an adjacent downstream foot  126 ( 2 ) is also shown in  FIG. 19   a . Foot assembly  126 ( 1 ) includes a plurality of components, namely, a slide block  130 , a slide block mount  132 , and a slide block pin holder (or tie block)  134  which interfaces guide bar segment  121  to slide block  130 . A rectangular stock bar (or mounting pad)  136  is welded to longitudinally extending lower frame tube  131  and transversely extending lower frame tube  133 . A string line  135 , as representatively shown in phantom, can be strung to extend along the right side of the machine between upstream and downstream vertical frame tubes. Preferably, a key stock is welded to an upstream end of one of the frame&#39;s vertical tubes, as well as a downstream one so that the string line extends the entire length of the machine. These vertical tubes may be seen in several earlier figures. This string line, then, defines an initial reference plane from which many of the machine adjustments can be made. 
     Before making extensive adjustments, however, the various feet, such as foot  126 ( 1 ), may be at least partially assembled. More particularly, slide block mount  132  is fastened to stock bar  136  via bolts (not shown) which extend through counter sunk bores  132 ′ ( FIG. 17   a ) to engage the upper surface of stock bar  136 . The bolts extend through cylindrical shims (not shown) which may be sandwiched between mount  132  and bar  136 . Adjustment of the inboard and outboard bolts, thus, allows the upper surface of the slide block mount  132  to be leveled horizontally, and inboard and outboard string lines, such as a string line  135 ′ may be used for this purpose. Slide block  130  may then be situated and mounted to both lower stock bar  136  and slide block mount  132 . Cap screws  138  fasten the slide block  130  to slide block mount  132 , while tap bolts  140  adjustably mount the lower leg  137  of slide block  130  to stock bar  136 . Slide block pin holder  134  is mounted to the upper leg  139  of slide block  130  via cap screw  142 . Block  134  is slidably mounted to the slide block&#39;s upper leg  139 . To this end, upper leg  139  is formed to include a slideway  141 , and block  134  is movably disposed relative to the slideway via a tee nut  143 . 
     Initially, the slide block  130  may be adjusted so that either its outward face or inward face is positioned at a desired transverse spacing relative to the string line  135 ′. This can be accomplished by adjusting the slide block&#39;s set screw  157 . This set screw  157  is received in a tapped hole formed through the inner face of the slide mount  130 . The tapped hole is aligned with the centerline of inboard cap screw  138  so that the end of the cap screw  157  makes contact with the shank of cap screw  138 . As set screw  157  is rotated clockwise it will cause the slide block  130  to move inwardly, and when it is rotated counterclockwise, it will allow the slide block  130  to be moved outwardly. The through holes form in slide block  130  for receiving screws  138  are sized to allow slide block  130  to move relative to slide block mount  132 . Alternatively, slide block mount  130  may include slots. Other than welded stock bar  136 , the components of the foot are machined to desired tolerances. Since the welded stock bar  136  is not machined to tolerances and can have a slightly canted surface, such as represented vertical surface  145 . It is, thus, important to situate the slide block mount  132  in a horizontally level position thereon via the shims and adjustment screws. Otherwise, a slight misplacement of one foot could translate into much larger deviations for other feet by virtue of the guide bar segments interconnecting them. 
     Once the slide block mount  132  has been horizontally leveled, the slide block can be suitably positioned relative to it. Slide block mount  132 , itself, is machined to tolerance and is intentionally machined to have a slight relief taper on its downstream facing surface  151 , and the same holds true with a lower surface  153  associated with the slide block&#39;s upper leg  139 . Otherwise, the various faces of the slide block  130  are machined square. As such, once the slide block  130  is mounted to slide block mount  132 , the tap bolts  140  can be adjusted to selectively engage stock bar  136  so that slide block  130  incrementally pivots. This allows the slide block&#39;s upper surface  155  to be adjusted to the appropriate level position. More particularly, the adjustment bolts  140  and their associated jam nuts extend through the lower leg  137  of slide block  130  to confront stock bar  136  such that their adjustment can compensate for any machining or welding discrepancies amongst stock bar  136  and frame tubes  131 ,  133 . Slide Block  130  pivots about a pivot axis. In this case the pivot axis is defined by the intersection of surfaces  151  and  153  of lower leg  137 , which form a corner (or vertex) having an obtuse angle. The corner of lower leg  137  rests on an edge of mount  132  as perhaps best shown in  FIG. 17   b . While the interface between slide block  130  and mount  132  is shown here in the form of a corner, other pivoting arrangements may be employed. For instance the interface could be mating curved surfaces wherein the pivot axis would be along an imaginary center point of the curves. A very small gap is intended to be present between the upper surface  155  of the slide block&#39;s leg  139  and the lower surface of support bar segment  121 . This allows segment  121  to rest on the upper surface of the slide block pin holder  134 , and not slide block  130 . This eliminates any unwanted deflections of support bar segment  121  from occurring as the screw within channel  128 ( 1 ) is tightened. Such deflections would otherwise be caused by segment  121  contacting leg  139  were a gap not present. 
     At this point, the slide block pin holder  134  can be moved to either the inboard or outboard position depending on the profile desired. In fact, the slideway  141  associated with slide block  130  is machined so that movement of the tee nut  143  to one of the inboard or outboard extremities will appropriately position the tooling sets at the appropriate inboard or outboard location once mounted. That is, all an operator has to do is ensure that slide block pin holder  134  is placed in either the extreme inboard or extreme outboard location within slideway  141  to ensure proper tooling set position, thus eliminating any guesswork. Once each of the support bar&#39;s feet is suitably calibrated, as described, one can be confident that they are each properly placed and leveled within the machine relative to one another so that there are no undesirable offsets between them with respect to either an inboard/outboard location, horizontal leveling or vertical leveling. The various support bar segments  121  and  123  are then attached via mounting screws, such as  128 ( 1 ), at which point they are ready to receive the toolsets. Once the toolsets are mounted for a desired profile, the operator need not make any further adjustment to the right side of the machine to ensure that the toolsets are properly positioned. Thereafter, the only subsequent adjustments to the right side tooling sets that the operator may need to make entail moving the rails in either the extreme inboard or outboard position relative via the slideways depending on the tooling set requirements. 
       FIG. 16   b  illustrates the forming machine&#39;s right support bar construction  120  showing an alternative construction for the foot assemblies  526 ( 1 )- 526 ( 4 ) and  527 ( 1 )- 527 ( 3 ). With reference to  FIGS. 17   c  and  17   d  it can be appreciated that the foot or mounting block assemblies  526  are similar to mounting block assemblies  126 . However, tie block  534  includes the slideway instead of slide block  530 . Slide block  534  also includes opposed limit stops  561  and  562  to facilitate convenient accurate adjustment between profile configurations. 
       FIG. 17   e  illustrates the construction of downstream foot assemblies  527 ( 3 ) and  527 ′. Downstream foot assemblies  527  are similar to foot assemblies  526  except that they do not include a tie block. Instead mounting rail  123  fastens directly to slide block  544 . The downstream foot assemblies provide for the same pivot adjustment and lateral fine tuning along slide block  532  as do foot assemblies  526 . It can be appreciated from the figure that foot assembly  527 ′ is a mirror image of  527 ( 1 )- 527 ( 3 ). It can also be seen with respect to foot assembly  527 ′ that the slide blocks may include slots  556  to facilitate the lateral fine tuning that is accomplished by turning set screw  557 .  FIGS. 18   c ,  18   d ,  19   b ,  20   c , and  20   d  are similar to  FIGS. 18   a ,  18   b ,  19   a ,  20   a , and  20   b  respectively, except that they show the alternative construction of the foot assemblies as described above. 
     Once the right side tooling support assembly  150  has been appropriately positioned and aligned relative to the framework, the tooling can be mounted thereto.  FIGS. 20   a  &amp;  20   b , for example, shows a toolset  160  mounted to support bar  121  (sometimes referred to as a “mounting rail”) in such a way that the toolset can be easily inserted or removed from the machine without requiring further disassembly. That is, and as shown in phantom in these figures, the toolset  160  can be detached from support bar  121  and removed by directing it through longitudinally adjacent ones of the framework&#39;s transverse beams  36 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 18   a  and  18   b , the station mount assembly  158  (only a portion shown) for a given tool set is mounted to support bar segment  121  utilizing a spacer block  159  sandwiched there between. Though not represented, another spacer block is present for the other end of the station mount assembly  158 . These spacer blocks butt up against the face of the support bar segments, such as segment  121 , to facilitate aligning tooling in the machine. Each tooling set profile has different sizing (i.e. thickness) for its spacers, allowing each system to be installed easily onto the same mounting surface, thus making changeover repeatable. As such, once the support bar segment has been placed in the inboard or outboard location as described above using the T-nut, these spacer blocks locate the toolsets in the proper position. 
       FIGS. 16   a  &amp;  20   b  also illustrate another aspect of the present invention which makes it very convenient for an operator to appropriately identify which toolset goes where without entailing guesswork. As best shown in  FIG. 20   b , for example, tooling set  160  includes a label  162  which includes suitable indicia thereon. More particularly, label  162  includes a representative identifier “SS150” which identifies it as a toolset for use in generating an SS150 roof panel profile, a designation used by New Tech Machinery Corp. In addition, label  162  includes the designation “R1-1” which informs both that it is the first toolset to be mounted on the right side of the forming machine (as one proceeds in the downstream direction), and that it should be placed on support bar  121  such that its aperture  163  aligns with the indicia  125  designated as “1” on support bar  121  (see  FIGS. 16   a  &amp; 20   b ). Each tooling set for both the right and left sides of the machine would be similarly marked to make it very convenient for an operator to know where it is placed in the sequence and precisely where it needs to be mounted on its associated mounting bar. As can be seen in  FIG. 16   a , mounting bars  121  and  123  include a plurality of numerical indicia  125  (nine shown) so that an operator can readily take a given toolset that is suitably marked and align it precisely in place on the support rail. While the appropriate sequencing of tooling sets and their longitudinal positions relative to one another are known for a given profile, it is heretofore been very tedious and time-consuming to appropriately position them within the framework during a changeover. The present invention, however, with its tooling support assembly construction, in conjunction with the alignment system for the tooling sets, removes much of the guesswork and makes changeover much quicker, resulting in enhanced efficiency during operation of the forming machine. 
     The construction of left support bar  122  for use in a left tooling support assembly  170  is now described with reference to  FIGS. 16   a ,  21  &amp;  22 . Left support bar  122  is also comprised of a plurality of support bar segments including an upstream segment  171  and a downstream segment  173 . Left support bar  122  and its segments  171  and  173  support tooling for the left side of the forming machine which again, depending on the profile, would include a series of longitudinally spaced apart tooling sets of selected construction for progressively bending a left side of the sheet material as it is advanced through the machine in the downstream direction. 
     Left support bar  122  supports a left guide rail  172  which is comprised of guide rail segments  177  and  175 . Upstream guide rail segment  177  is supported in an inboard location relative to upstream, left support bar segment  171 . Downstream guide rail segment  175  is supported in an inboard relationship to downstream support bar segment  173 . As well-known in the art, forming machines of the type described herein typically include left and right guide rails upon which the sheet material travels as it is advanced through the machine. Thus, with brief reference to  FIG. 30 , it may be appreciated that the forming machine&#39;s right guide rail  180  is fixedly mounted within the machine inwardly of right support bar  120  and is formed from elongate metal. Right guide rail  180  is supported at its desired height within the machine by a plurality of stanchions which are fixedly secured to the machine&#39;s framework  30  at spaced apart locations therealong by stanchions secured at desired locations to the framework&#39;s transverse beams. 
     Left guide rail  172  is also supported by a plurality of stanchions  186 ( 1 ) through  186 ( 6 ) as shown in  FIG. 16   a . Unlike the right guide rail, left guide rail  172  and its segments  177  and  175  are transversely movable within the machine between inboard and outboard locations, as will be described in greater detail below in later figures. As shown in  FIG. 16   a , each guide rail segment  177  and  175  is inwardly displaced from its associated left support arm segment by spacers  190 ( 1 )- 190 ( 2 ) and  192 ( 1 )- 192 ( 4 ).  FIGS. 21 &amp; 22  show the construction for representative spacer  190 ( 1 ) and its associated stanchion  186 ( 1 ). The construction for spacer  190 ( 2 ) and its associated stanchion  186 ( 2 ) is the same, so only one need be described. Spacer  190 ( 1 ) is supported below the elevation of left support arm segment  171  by a spacer block  194 ( 1 ). Spacer  190 ( 1 ) includes a slotted upper plate  196 ( 1 ) and a lower plate  198 ( 1 ) having an upwardly projecting bolt  200 ( 1 ) which travels within the upper plate&#39;s slot  202 ( 1 ). Spacer block  194 ( 1 ) is sandwiched between left support arm segment  171  and lower spacer plate  198 ( 1 ), and can be secured there between by fasteners  204 ( 1 ) or through other suitable means, such as welding. 
     Stanchion  186 ( 1 ) includes a post  206 ( 1 ) which extends through upper plate  196 ( 1 ) and is fastened thereto by nuts and washers as shown. Disposed on the upper end portion of post  206 ( 1 ) is a clevis  208 ( 1 ) within which left guide rail segment  177  is seated. As can be appreciated from  FIGS. 21 &amp; 22 , the inboard position of left guide rail segment  177  can be selectively varied by adjusting screw  210 ( 1 ) and sliding upper plate  196 ( 1 ) relative to lower plate  198 ( 1 ). The same holds true for spacer  190 ( 2 ) in  FIG. 16   a . It should be noted in  FIG. 16   a  that the downstream left guide rail segment  175  is in a fixed position relative to its support bar segment  173 . Thus, it is desirous to allow upstream guide rail segment  177  to move relative to its support bar segment  171  to allow for sufficient clearance there between during a changeover. That is, for certain profiles, the upstream-most (or first) tooling set for the left side of the machine has relatively enlarged forming rollers which are in close proximity to first guide rail segment  177  when in use. In order to insert or remove this tooling set it becomes necessary to provide sufficient clearance between the guide rail segment and the forming rollers. In existing machines, this requires a certain amount of disassembly to accomplish. However, by allowing first guide rail segment  177  to move more inwardly, and thus maximize the spacing between it and left support bar segment  171 , the first tooling set can be changed over relatively easily. It should also be noted in  FIG. 16   a  that the left support bar  122 , as with right support bar  120 , is also labeled to include indicia  125 ′ to help place and suitably locate the tooling sets as they are mounted thereon. 
     Having described the construction for the support arm assemblies which mount the left and right tooling sets, the ability to move these assemblies relative to one another will now be described. It is desirous in the present invention to have this capability so that the machine can be more readily adjusted for different profiles. As described above in the background section, existing machines suffer from being very tedious and time-consuming in this regard. With initial reference then to  FIGS. 16   a  &amp;  23 , a crank mechanism  220  is mounted to left support bar assembly  122  to allow it to move in inbound and outbound directions. Crank mechanism  220  may also comprise part of the left tooling assembly  170 . Crank mechanism  220  broadly includes a crank handle sub-assembly  222 , an elongate shaft construction  224 , and a plurality of inwardly directed projections  226 ( 1 )- 226 ( 5 ). Elongate rod construction  224  can be considered as having a plurality of primary rod segments  224 ( 1 )- 224 ( 5 ) and interleaved secondary rod segments  225 ( 1 )- 225 ( 5 ). With the exception of upstream rod segment  224 ( 1 ), each rod segment extends between longitudinally adjacent ones of the projections  226 . 
     Each of projections  226 ( 1 )- 226 ( 5 ) includes a proximal end portion which is coupled to and extends from shaft assembly  224  to terminate at an associated block  227 ( 1 )- 227 ( 5 ), respectively, which is fixedly mounted to the forming machine&#39;s framework  30 . Each terminal block  227  supports an associated ACME shaft  232 ( 1 )- 232 ( 5 ), respectively. At an intermediate location between each terminal block  227  and shaft assembly  224  is an associated ACME nut assembly  234 ( 1 )- 234 ( 5 ). Each ACME nut assembly sandwiches there between a bottom support clamp and a top support clamp. This is more clearly shown with reference to  FIG. 24  which shows an enlarged portion of projection  226 ( 3 ). Here, it may be seen that ACME nut  234 ( 3 ) sandwiches bottom support clamp  236 ( 3 ) and top support clamp  238 ( 3 ). The particular support clamp  238 ( 3 ) is preferably longer than the other remaining top support clamps in the machine. This is done to achieve more stiffness to the support bar  122  at this particular location. Each upper ACME support clamp  238  is mounted to a portion of the left support bar  122  as perhaps best shown in  FIG. 16   a . Recall that support bar  122  itself supports the various tooling sets for the left side of the machine. 
     With brief reference again to  FIG. 23 , during operation, rotation of the crank handle  226  in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction causes all of the left support bar assembly  122  that is supported by projections  226 ( 1 )- 226 ( 5 ) to correspondingly move in an inboard or outboard direction. In particular, rotation of crank handle  226  in a clockwise direction causes all of left support bar assembly to move outwardly, whereas rotation of handle  226  in the counterclockwise direction causes the left support bar assembly  122  to move inwardly. 
     Crank handle assembly  222  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 25 . Crank handle assembly  222  includes the crank handle  226  which, upon rotation, causes a corresponding rotation of shaft segment  224 ( 1 ) by virtue of the cooperative spur gears  240  and  242 . The handle and gears are supported on a mounting plate  244  which, as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 15  for example, can be mounted at an upstream corner portion of the forming machine&#39;s framework  30 . Handle  226  is spring loaded so that, when it has been rotated into a desired position, it can be disengaged from spur gear  242  and secured via a securement pin  246  which extends through an aperture  248  in handle and into one of a plurality of alignment holes  252  that are formed within a mounting block  254  that is disposed on mounting plate  244 . As such, handle  226  can be secured after adjustment to prevent dislodgement. 
       FIGS. 26   a  &amp;  26   b  can be described as one station along shaft assembly  224  in  FIG. 23  where the shaft is coupled to a projection&#39;s mitre gear. In particular,  FIGS. 26   a  &amp;  26   b  show an intermediate station. The remaining stations shown in  FIG. 23  have similar constructions. With reference to  FIGS. 26   a  and  26   b  representative station  290 ( 4 ) includes an associated frame  292 ( 4 ) which has a backing plate  294 ( 4 ) and a pair of ears  296 ( 4 ) and  297 ( 4 ). Station  290 ( 4 ) includes a notched shaft segment  298 ( 4 ) about which is disposed a mitre gear  300 ( 4 ), similar to mitre gear  264  described above. ACME shaft  232 ( 4 ) supports a second mitre gear  302 ( 4 ) and extends through backing plate  294 ( 4 ), also similar to that described above with reference to  FIGS. 26   a  &amp;  b . Accordingly, since shaft segment  298 ( 4 ) interconnects shaft segments  224 ( 4 ) and  224 ( 5 ), they rotate in correspondence to cause a corresponding rotation of ACME shaft  232 ( 4 ). 
     Typical width adjustment shafts have in the past consisted of a long one-piece constructions. Because of the length of the long one-piece shaft, it is not practical to machine keyways in order to attach the mitre gears to the shaft. It has been common practice to assemble the width adjustment assembly into the machine, align it to the mating mitre gears and then cross drill through the shaft and mitre gears to accommodate a roll pin which would then transmit the torque from the shaft to the mitre gears. Another difficulty with using the long one-piece shaft is the requirement for the shaft to fit through all of the support bearings. Typical low cost cold rolled steel shafting is not available with a diameter tolerance such that it will always fit through the support bearings. Therefore, an additional machining operation is typically required in order to allow the shaft to fit through all of the bearings. 
     This invention replaces the long one-piece shaft and includes the use of multiple shaft segments ( FIG. 23   224 ( 1 ) through  224 ( 5 ) and  225 ( 1 ) through  225 ( 5 )). The shaft segments are joined by use of half-lap joints where one shaft segment has a clearance hole and the mating shaft has a tapped hole. Also, because of the shortened length the specific shaft segments that need to be attached to the mitre gears (i.e.  FIG. 26   b    298 ( 4 )) have a keyway machined in them along with a keyway in the mating mitre gear  300 ( 4 ) to accept a key. Since the width adjustment shaft is made up of multiple short sections only the outside diameter on the shaft segments that are captured by support bearings need be machined to allow them to fit in the bearings. The shaft segments that are not supported by bearings do not have to have an extra machining operation on their outside diameter. 
     With an appreciation of the foregoing construction for the principal components of the forming machine, a changeover sequence will now be described in order to more fully appreciate the advantages of its construction. During a typical changeover sequence, the machine&#39;s current toolset is replaced with a new toolset to allow for the forming machine to generate a new profile. Accordingly, an initial step in the changeover sequence may be to remove the existing toolset from the machine. Then, the new toolsets are dropped down onto the machine and set into place. More particularly, as discussed above, for example with reference to  FIG. 17 , the toolsets on the right side of the forming machine may be placed in either an inboard or an outboard position relative to the drive rollers. A chart may be used to inform an operator, as to each toolset used for a given profile, whether the toolset needs to be placed in the inboard or outboard position. Prior to actually attaching the right side toolsets, it is more convenient to place their associated right side support bar in the inboard or outboard position as determined by the chart. The toolsets are then mounted on their associated right support bars, and the indicia which is labeled on each toolset facilitates their placement, as discussed above. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 27  to explain how the initial calibration for the left side may occur. It is recalled from  FIG. 16   a  that left tooling support assembly  122  includes support bar (or rail) segments  171 ,  173 . During manufacture these segments  171 ,  173  are initially calibrated such that their interior facing surfaces  301  &amp;  302 , respectively, are located a desired distance from a string line  303  which spans between portions of the framework  30  along the right side of the machine. This may entail rotation of the Acme nuts along their associated Acme shafts to properly position them. Each downstream Acme nut support clamp assembly (or clamp block assembly)  234 ( 3 )- 234 ( 5 ) that is associated with downstream rail segment  173  has a clearance hole in its upper half and a tapped hole in its bottom half. Thus, for example, with brief reference again to  FIG. 24  holes  404 ( 1 ) and  404 ( 2 ) associated with top support clamp  238 ( 3 ) are clearance holes that are aligned with corresponding tapped holes (not shown) in bottom support clamp  236 ( 3 ). Screw fasteners (not shown) are received through these aligned holes so that, once fastened, the clamp block does not move relative to its Acme nuts. This construction for the downstream clamp blocks  234 ( 3 )- 234 ( 5 ) maintains downstream rail segment  173  in a fixed position during operation of the forming machine. 
     The construction for upstream clamp block assemblies  234 ( 1 ) &amp;  234 ( 2 ) are somewhat different. With reference to  FIG. 28  clamp block assembly  234 ( 1 ) includes a top support clamp  304 ( 1 ) and a bottom support clamp  306 ( 1 ). Similarly, clamp block assembly  234 ( 2 ) includes a top support clamp  304 ( 2 ) and a bottom support clamp  306 ( 2 ). The top support clamp of each of these assemblies includes two threaded holes, while their bottom support clamps include two clearance holes. It may thus be seen in  FIGS. 28 &amp; 29  that representative clamp block assembly  234 ( 1 ) has associated threaded holes  308 ( 1 ) while bottom support clamp  306 ( 1 ) has associated clearance holes  308 ( 2 ). These support clamps and their associated rail segment  171  are secured about threaded Acme nut via upper and lower fastener assemblies  312  &amp;  314 , respectively. Upper fastener assembly  312  includes hex head cap screws  316  and their associated washers, while lower fastener assembly  314  includes hex head cap screws  318  and associated washers, as shown. Screws  318  are longer than screws  316 , allowing lower screws  318  to fasten the upper and lower support clamps about the Acme nut. Screws  316  secure rail segment  171  to top support clamp  304  ( 1 ). However, when upper screws are loosened, the rail segment  171  may be moved relative to the clamp block assembly  234 ( 1 ) which, itself, remains fixed. This is unlike the downstream clamp block assemblies  234 ( 3 )- 234 ( 5 ) which incorporate only top fasteners each of which is long enough to be threadedly received through rail segment  173 , their associated top support clamp, and at least a portion of their associated bottom support clamp. As such the entire assembly remains fixed and rail segment  173  is not permitted to move relative to the clamp block assemblies. 
     Once rail segments  171  &amp;  173  have been properly located relative to the string line, upstream rail segment  171  is situated in the appropriate offset position relative to downstream rail segment  173 . As perhaps best shown in  FIGS. 30   a  &amp;  30   b  rail segment  171  includes a relief region  420  which receives a decal  422 . Depending upon the profile desired to be formed with the machine decal  422  identifies, with respect to the available profiles, whether rail segment  171  needs to be placed in the inboard or outboard position relative to rail segment  173 .  FIG. 30   a  depicts rail segment  171  in the inboard position which corresponds to position “B” on the decal and the rail segment.  FIG. 30   b  depicts rail segment  171  in the outboard position which corresponds to position “A” on the decal and the rail segment. Slotted channels  424  and  426  are formed through rail segment  171  so that when fasteners  416  and  417  are loosened rail segment  171  may be moved to the appropriate offset position “A” or “B” and subsequently fastened into place. 
     At this point, the appropriate tooling for the left side of the machine is mounted onto rail segments  171  &amp;  173 . A representative tooling set  330  is shown in  FIGS. 31 &amp; 32  and includes a tooling rail segment  332  and roller set  334 . Tooling rail segment  332  includes a horizontal base plate  336  and a vertical wall  338 . Roller set  334  includes free-wheeling forming rollers  340 ,  342 , also referred to as forming elements, which are arranged to define a plurality of forming stations. Four such forming stations are shown in  FIGS. 31 &amp; 32 . Horizontal base plate  336  is secured to rail segment  171  via tooling fasteners  344 , while the rollers comprising roller set  334  are secured to the tooling rail segment&#39;s vertical wall  338 . Channels  345  are formed within the lower surface of horizontal base plate  336  so that it can move inwardly and outwardly relative to rail segment  171 , as discussed in more detail below, without interfering with fasteners  316 ,  317 . 
     As with the tooling on the right side of the machine, each tooling set, such as tooling set  330  on the left side of the machine, includes a label  346  which contains certain identifying information. For example, representative label  346  identifies the profile as “SS150” and additionally identifies, via the designation “L1-1”, that tooling set  330  is the first (or upstream-most) tooling set and that it&#39;s window  348  is to be aligned with the designation of “1” on rail segment  171 . This designation  450  may be seen for example in  FIGS. 30   a  &amp;  30   b . It should be appreciated that, for a given profile, each tooling set will have different characteristics of forming rollers and free-wheeling rollers. This is known in the art. Thus, for example, the characteristics of the forming rollers and free-wheeling rollers shown for representative toolset  330  may vary for other profiles. The same holds true for the other tooling sets which, together, comprise the overall tooling for use in generating a given profile. Moreover, once the left and right rail segments have been appropriately located within the machine, a given profile will dictate a desirable spacing between the left and right tooling sets. For the tooling sets on the right side of the machine, appropriate spacer blocks, such as block  159  in  FIGS. 18   a  &amp;  18   b , can be machined to dimension and sandwiched between the tooling rail and the rail segment (or mounting rail) to achieve a desired position. In similar fashion, and as perhaps best shown in  FIG. 32 , spacer blocks  401  and  402  are secured to an exteriorly facing lower portion of vertical wall  338  which projects below horizontal base plate  336 . These spacer blocks  401  &amp;  402  may be secured via suitable fastening screws  403  &amp;  404 , respectively. 
     Certain profiles such as the “SS150” available from New Tech Machinery Corp. can have two different leg heights. As shown in  FIGS. 33   a  &amp; b , respectively, the SS150 profile  305  can have a leg height of either 1 inch or 1.5 inches. It is desirable to provide the ability to generate either leg height for the profile with little tooling adjustment. Therefore, tooling set  330  shown in  FIGS. 31 &amp; 33  has been designed to accommodate such versatility. To this end, fasteners  344  travel within slotted channels  406  formed within horizontal base plate  336 . These fasteners  344  are threadedly received within mounting holes  408  formed within mounting rail segment  171 . This permits tooling set  330  to move inwardly and outwardly relative to rail segment  171  once rail segment  171  is located within the appropriate offset position “A” or “B”. Movement of the tooling set  330  in the inward or outward direction allows for the generation of either a 1 inch or 1.5 inch leg height for the given profile. 
     More particularly, a pair of limit stops  410  are secured to the exterior face of horizontal base plate  336  via suitable screw fasteners  412 . Each limit stop  410  would have a suitable dimension D 1  ( FIG. 34   a ) which, in conjunction with dimension D 2  associated with its corresponding spacer block, allows for the different leg heights to be achieved. 
     When the tooling set is positioned such that it is in the extreme outboard position wherein the vertical face spacer  401  abuts the interior vertical face of mounting rail  171  a 1.5 inch leg height for profile SS150 can be achieved. This position is shown in  FIG. 34   a  wherein it may be seen that a downwardly projecting leg  414  of limit stop  410  is spaced from rail segment  171 . When the tooling set is positioned such that it is in the extreme inboard position wherein the vertical face of limit stop  414  abuts the exterior vertical face of mounting rail  171 , a 1 inch leg height for profile SS150 can be achieved. 
     Only the tooling sets which are mounted to rail segment  171  need be constructed to accommodate movement relative to rail segment  171 . The downstream tooling sets which mount to rail segment  173  on the left side of the machine remain fixed in position unless a changeover to another profile requires that they be replaced. The same holds true for the tooling sets on the right side of the machine. 
     Once the tooling sets have been properly mounted and positioned on the left and right sides, the forming machine  10  may appear as shown in  FIGS. 35 ,  36   a  &amp;  36   b  wherein each tooling set, such as upstream-most right and left tooling sets  160  &amp;  330 , respectively, are mounted on their associated support bar assemblies  120 ,  122 . Each tooling set includes a legend plate which identifies the various leg options for the profile, in this case “SS150”, which may be formed for the profile. As such, tooling set  160  has an associated legend plate  420  which identifies three possible leg configurations, while tooling set  330  has an associated legend plate  422  that also identifies a plurality of leg configurations. Each legend plate is notched to identify a position which would correspond to each leg configuration. Thus, for example, legend plate  420  includes three such notches, generally  424 , while legend plate  422  includes similar notches, generally  426 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 35 ,  36   a  &amp;  36   b , each of the left and right tooling sets will likely be out of alignment at this point. 
     Once the tooling sets are mounted and the left and right leg configurations are determined for the particular profile, the forming machine&#39;s right entry guide  430  may be loosened up and positioned, by loosening one or more of screws  432 , such that its orientation pin  434  is aligned with the particular notch  424  corresponding to the right leg configuration that is desired for the profile. This, for example, is shown in  FIG. 37   a  where it may be seen that orientation pin  434  is aligned with the rightmost notch of legend plate  420 , while legend plate  422  is out of alignment. As known in the art, the entry guides  430  and  431  serve to position the coiled sheet material and guide it into the forming machine. As such, the entry guides provide lateral support for the material as it is fed into the machine. Of course, in order for the entry guides to function properly, where overhead racks are employed, it is important to have the material properly positioned laterally on these racks on top of the machine. Typically, a chart is used to inform an operator of the lateral position of the coils on these racks for the desired profile. The right and left entry guides are necessarily then fixed into these positions by tightening their associated screws. 
     Once the desired offset has been set (i.e., position “A” or “B”), the left entry guide  431  may be loosened. At this point, the coil of sheet material is inserted between the right (fixed) and left (loose) entry guides, and then left entry guide is moved so material is securely captured between both entry guides. The left entry guide bolts  433  are then tightened. The crank handle  226  ( FIG. 25 ) is then rotated so that alignment pin  435  aligns with the desired notch  426  associated with legend plate  422 . Once this is accomplished, the left and right tooling sets and their associated legend plates  420 ,  422  would appear as in  FIGS. 38   a  &amp;  38   b . At this point, the forming machine is ready to receive the sheet material and produced the desired profile. Of course, the ordinarily skilled artisan will recognize that various adjustments to the changeover sequence discussed above could be made, such as modifying or rearranging some of the particular steps discussed, while still accomplishing the appropriate end result 
     Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments thereof. It should be appreciated that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the concepts contained herein.