Workpiece support and discharge system for power squaring shears

Apparatus is provided for supporting the end portion of a workpiece blank which extends through and to the rear of power shear blades. The apparatus includes a table top and a frame supporting the table top. The front portion of the table top is supported for limited vertical displacement by rollers on opposite sides of the table engaged in horizontal track sections of vertically displaceable tracks interposed between the table top and the frame. The rear portion of the table top is separately supported by reciprocating rear table supports on opposite sides of the table top, the rear table supports being guided for vertical displacement in vertical ways provided on opposite sides of the frame. The table top is displaceable downwardly in response to downward movement of the movable shear blade, and is tiltable rearwardly after initial downward displacement by reason of the rear table supports being allowed greater downward displacement than the rollers supporting the front portion of the table top. Power actuators are provided to lift the table top to a normal raised level position substantially at the same level as the stationary blade of the shear.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates to an improved workpiece support table for 
supporting the end portion of a workpiece extending rearwardly beyond the 
cutting blades of a power shear during the shearing operation and for 
discharging the sheared blank. More particularly the invention relates to 
a support table having a table top which is movably mounted to reciprocate 
vertically relative to a stationary frame during the shearing operation 
followed by a rearward tilting of the table top to discharge the sheared 
piece. 
2. Background of the Invention 
The following patents representative of the prior art relating to work 
supports for shears are known: 
U.S. Pat. No. 1,150,541 
U.S. Pat. No. 1,852,534 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,549,560 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,793,693 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,933,966 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,260,145 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,631,750 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,670,611 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,760,668 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,841,183 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,842,699 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,861,258 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,903,770 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,014,230 
Although work support tables for shears which yieldably support the 
overhanging end of a workpiece while the workpiece is sheared, and which 
discharge the sheared workpiece from the table by tilting the table are 
broadly old in the art, none are known to applicant which have the unique 
features of the present invention as disclosed and claimed herein. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is an object of this invention to provide a work support table which 
attaches to the backside of a power shear to provide assistance in 
supporting metal blanks in power shear operations. The invention is 
particularly designed for use with a squaring shear, however, it is not 
intended that its use be limited to one particular type of shear. Once the 
shearing operation has been completed, the apparatus will provide an 
orderly discharge of the piece part for accumulation. 
It is another object of this invention to provide a work support table 
which includes a frame, and a separate table top. The frame has 
horizontally spaced side frame members between which the table top is 
mounted for vertical displacement and tilting. The front portion of the 
table is supported for limited vertical displacement by rollers rotatably 
mounted on opposite sides of the table and engaged in horizontal track 
sections of vertically displaceable tracks interposed between the table 
top and the frame. The tracks have vertical track sections which are 
guided in vertical displacement by vertically aligned rollers rotatably 
mounted on the sides of the frame. The rear portion of the table top is 
supported separately from the front portion by rear table supports on 
opposite sides of the table top. The rear table supports are guided for 
vertical displacement in vertical ways provided on opposite sides of the 
frame. The table top is displaceable downwardly in substantially a 
horizontal level position during initial movement thereof in response to 
operation of the shear in shearing a workpiece. The initial downward 
displacement is caused by push rods rigidly connected to the movable shear 
blade support by bracket means. The push rods extend in vertical alignment 
with the displaceable tracks on opposte sides of the table top and in 
contact therewith to depress the tracks as the movable shear blade 
descends. The table top is tiltable rearwardly after its initial downward 
displacement in substantially horizontal level position by continued 
downward movement of the rear table supports after the front table rollers 
and track have reached their lower limit of travel. 
It is a further object of the invention to provide a workpiece support and 
discharge table which will permit separation of trim cuts and scrap from 
the work product and provide separate discharge thereof. 
Trim cuts are made to remove irregular material for establishing a straight 
edge and for establishing an edge at right angle or any angle to an 
existing edge. Any material being sheared from a sheet that is not the 
finished blank may be called trim cuts or scrap. 
Trim cuts may be any shape or size. Small parts and trims may fall in 
varied directions due to cutoff release and bouncing on other shear 
members or the floor. Removing would require individual handling or 
equipment such as shovel, scoop, etc. 
Narrow trim cuts will have a lot of twist. Some may even take the 
appearance of a corkscrew. These cuts sometimes become entangled in the 
underdrive of the shear. Narrow trim usually requires individual handling. 
Existing conveyor, transfer, and supporting equipment are subjected to 
small and narrow trims, interfering with drives, chains, belts, levers, 
linkage, etc. Trim cuts of strip shape may be removed individually or with 
equipment such as a fork lift. 
Gaged parts to be used, being the drop, also fall in the same direction as 
the trim cuts. Small cuts, narrow trim cuts, strip cuts and gaged parts 
will accumulate in the same pile if allowed. 
Removal of sheared material requires going beneath the rear of the shear 
and its rear gaging system. 
Material that has passed through the blades is supported by its own 
rigidity; this being that the overhung material will droop or bend by its 
weight versus its rigidity. The drooping will cause inaccuracy in gaging 
according to the amount of droop. With the drooping or overhung load the 
cutting edge of the lower blade becomes a support point. 
While positioning material the lower cutting edge will scrape the material, 
causing surface marks to the underneath surface. Sometimes the blade edge 
will drag into the material, requiring the drooping edge to be lifted 
until gaged position is acquired. 
Surface irregularities and grit accumulating on material and blade edge can 
be very abrasive to blade edge when drooping material is dragged over the 
cutting edge. Where a burr free cut is required, blade life would be 
reduced by the drooping material condition. 
The uncontrolled fall of a sheared blank often causes nicks, scratches and 
bent edges when hitting parts of the shear, the floor, or other sheared 
material. 
Rails with a series of rollers provide support for material extended past 
the shear blade. The distance of the first roller from cut line determines 
the size part to be transferred as a sheared blank. As the supports pivot 
to an inclined position, the distance between the first roller and the cut 
line increases. This allows trim and scrap cuts to fall freely between 
front roller and blade although the trim may be distorted or curled. The 
fall is directed down the ramp plate to the rear of support frame. Being 
at the rear permits easy removal. Also, containers may be used to catch 
trims and small cuts. Sheared material is removed without disconnecting 
equipment or disrupting present operation. 
Material to be sheared is supported by the rollers after passing the blades 
or cut line. This allows easy positioning of material without friction 
against lower blade edge. Also, the material is supported horizontally and 
straight for correct contact with the back gage. Any material that can 
bridge the distance to the first rolls may be supported. This should 
include all metals except some thin foils. Also most plastic, fiber and 
synthetic materials can be supported. 
Supporting may be done through the shearing part of the stroke; this being 
that the support table is synchronized with the upper knife or cutting 
blade. Synchronization may be discontinued after initial movement of upper 
knife. This would allow dropping supports early to reduce cycle time of 
supports. 
At a predetermined distance below the lower limit of the upper knife, the 
vertical movement of the L-channel is stopped. At this point the forward 
pivot of the support table is allowed to move horizontally only. As the 
rear pivot reaches its lower limit, the support table with rollers on the 
rails is in an incline toward the rear. This allows the supported sheared 
blank to be discharged from the rear of the support rail. 
During basic shearing operation there are no controls for the operator to 
be concerned with. The signal is received directly from movement of the 
upper knife member. An adjustable timing control allows material to be 
discharged from supports before returning to upper support position. A 
manual control permits support or incline position for maintenance or 
setup. 
By removing two drop-in pins and lowering casters, the entire unit may be 
moved away from the shear.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring now to the drawings, the workpiece support table of this 
invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The table 
10, as seen in perspective in FIG. 1, is a free standing portable unit 
which is adapted to be moved into position adjacent to the backside of a 
power shear 11 as seen in FIG. 3 and to be secured to the frame of the 
shear by a pair of pin and bracket connectors 12 (only one shown) which 
are located on opposite sides of the table 10. 
The shear 11 as shown fragmentally in FIG. 3 includes a fixed blade 13 and 
a movable blade 14 which is supported for reciprocation in a vertical 
plane by a ram (not shown). A pair of horizontal bracket arms 15 (only one 
shown) are rigidly connected at opposite ends of the movable blade support 
14' on the backside thereof and are extended rearwardly therefrom. A 
vertically disposed push rod 16 is adjustably secured in depending 
relationship to the outer end of each of the bracket arms 15. A pair of 
nuts 17,18 threaded on the lower end of each push rod 16 support a 
pneumatic valve actuator bar 19 between them. The lower nut 18 serves as 
contact means for engaging and depressing a vertically movable bracket, 
subsequently to be described, which supports the front portion of the 
table top 20. 
The workpiece support table 10 comprises a vertically displaceable and 
tiltable table top 20 mounted on a frame, generally designated 21. The 
frame 21 includes a pair of parallel, vertically upright side plate 
members 22,23 which are horizontally spaced sufficiently to permit free 
movement of the table top 20 between them. The side members 22,23 are 
rigidly connected to intermediate lower frame structure 24 which spans the 
space between the side plate members. The intermediate lower frame 
structure includes a vertical plate 25 which is welded at its opposite 
ends to the side plates 22 and 23 and an inclined plate 26 which is joined 
at its lower edge to the top of the vertical plate 25 and is inclined 
upwardly and forwardly therefrom. The ends of the inclined plate 26 are 
welded to the side plates 22 and 23. A bottom horizontal plate 27 is 
welded at its opposite ends to the inside planar surfaces of the side 
plates 22 and 23 adjacent their bottom edges. A second vertical plate 28, 
welded to the underside of the inclined plate 26, depends therefrom 
forward of and parallel to the vertical plate 25. It is joined at its 
bottom edge to the forward edge of the horizontal plate 27. The two 
vertical plates 25 and 28, the bottom horizontal plate 27 and the inclined 
plate 26, make up the rigid box-like lower frame structure 24 
interconnecting the side plates 22 and 23. Vertically disposed, 
horizontally spaced triangular brackets 29 and 30 extend forwardly from 
the front side of the vertical plate 28 toward the shear 11. Horizontal 
gusset plates 31, 32 connect the bottom edges of the triangular plates 29 
and 30 respectively with the front of the vertical plate 28. A leveling 
screw 33 extends through each of the gusset plates 31,32 to provide means 
for leveling the table 10. A hollow vertical column 34 is mounted on the 
outside of each of the vertical side plates 22 and 23 adjacent the rear 
edge portion thereof. Horizontal foot plates extend outwardly from the 
bottom edge of each of the vertical side plates across the bottom of the 
hollow columns. The foot plates 35 are each provided with an aperture 36 
at the bottom of column 34 through which a vertically adjustable, 
pivotally mounted caster within the column 34 extends. The casters 37 are 
each rotatably mounted on a bracket 38 which pivots about a horizontal 
pivot 39 supported adjacent the bottom of the column 34. The bracket 38 
extends upwardly from the pivot 39 and engages an adjusting screw 40 
threaded through the backside of the column 34. By turning the screw 40 in 
the caster 37 may be extended through the aperture 36, and by turning the 
screw 40 out the caster may be raised relative to the foot plate 35 under 
the weight of the table until the foot plates 35 rest on the underlying 
supporting surface. 
Each of the columns 34 is provided with an outer removable cover plate 41 
in order to provide access with the interior of the column. The cover 
plate 41 is secured to the column 34 by screws 42. 
Vertically spaced horizontal brackets 43,44 extend forward of each of the 
hollow columns 34 toward the shear 11 (see FIG. 3). The brackets 43 and 44 
have aligned holes for receiving a drop pin 45 by which the table 10 is 
attached to a vertically mounted C-shaped bracket attached to the rear 
side of the shear frame. The brackets 43 and 44 attached to the table 
frame 21 and the drop pin 45 make up the bracket and pin connecting means 
12 on each side of the table 10 by which the table 10 is removably 
attached to the shear by inserting the drop pin 45 through aligned holes 
in the brackets 43, 44 and 46. 
As seen most clearly in FIGS. 1 and 2, the table top 20 includes a 
horizontally disposed rectangular plate 47 having upturned flanges 48, 49 
at opposite side edges. The plate 47 is supported on a rectangular 
box-frame 50 comprising parallel front and rear plate members 51, 52 and 
parallel opposite side plate members 53, 54. The frame members 51 through 
54 are vertically oriented with the side plate members 53, 54 extending 
above the tops of the front and rear plates 51 and 52 so that their upper 
edges are level with the top edges of the side flanges 48, 49 of the table 
top plate 47. Interior bracing 55 is provided inside of the box-like 
rectangular frame 50 as seen in FIG. 2 where a portion of the top plate 47 
is broken away to expose the interior of the frame 50 to view. 
Four horizontally spaced, inverted T-shaped roller rails are mounted in 
parallel across the table top 20. They are each removably secured to the 
topside of the horizontal plate 47 with the arm of the T positioned down 
and with the leg of the T extended up. A plurality of rollers 57 are 
rotatably mounted in staggered relationship on opposite sides of the 
vertical leg of each of the inverted T-shaped rails 56 by pivot pins 58 
extending horizontally through the vertical leg of the rail. The rollers 
57 provide antifriction support for moving a workpiece across the top of 
the table 10. Normally the table top 20 is positioned with the tops of the 
rollers 57 approximately level with the top of the fixed blade 13 of the 
shear so that workpieces which are to be cut by the shear may be extended 
past the fixed cutter blade 13 and supported by the rollers 57 without 
dragging against the cutting edge of the fixed blade. As seen in FIG. 1, 
the roller rails 56 extend forwardly and rearwardly of the top plate 47. 
When the table 10 is connected to the shear as previously described and 
illustrated in FIG. 3, the fronts of the rails 56 are spaced from the 
stationary cutter blade 13 by a distance to permit narrow trim pieces cut 
from the workpiece in a squaring operation to drop between the cutter 
blade 13 and the rails 56. 
Important to the present invention is the means for mounting the table top 
20 for vertical reciprocation and tilting relative to the table frame 21. 
The mounting mechanism is seen most clearly in FIGS. 2, 3 and 8. FIGS. 5, 
6 and 7 diagrammatically illustrate the operating sequence of moving the 
table top down, as the workpiece is sheared, from a predetermined normal 
position level with the top of the stationary cutter blade, as seen in 
FIG. 5, to a predetermined lowered position as seen in FIG. 6, and then 
tilting the table top rearwardly to discharge the sheared blank onto a 
stack or receiver as seen in FIG. 7. 
The means for mounting the table top 20 for vertical reciprocation and 
tilting movement relative to the frame 21 includes separate supports for 
the front portion of the table top and for the rear portion of the table 
top. 
As seen in FIG. 2 on the left hand side where the top plate is broken away 
and parts are shown in section, a roller 59 is rotatably mounted outside 
of the side plate 54 of the table top frame 50 on a journal pin 60 which 
extends through the side plate 54. The roller 59 and journal pin 60 are 
located closer to the forward portion of the table top frame 50 than to 
the rear portion thereof. Although not shown, another roller 59 is 
supported on a journal pin 60 outside of the side plate 53 on the opposite 
side of the table from the roller 59 shown. It will be understood that the 
means for supporting the right side of the table top is similar to the 
means for supporting the left side of the table top shown in FIG. 2. 
Interposed between the side frame members 23 and 24 on each side of the 
table 10 and the side plates 53 and 54 of the table top frame 50 are 
vertically displaceable inverted L-shaped channel brackets 61. Each of the 
channel brackets 61 has an upper horizontal channel leg 62 opening 
inwardly toward the table top 20, and a depending vertical channel leg 63 
opening outwardly toward one of the frame side members 22 or 23. The 
vertical channel leg 63 opens outwardly for its entire length to the top 
edge of the horizontal channel leg 62 where an end closure plate 64 is 
fastened. 
The vertical channel leg 63 is guided for vertical reciprocation by a pair 
of vertically spaced and vertically aligned rollers 65,65 which are 
rotatably mounted on the inner planar face of one of the frame side plates 
22 and 23 by journal pins 66 which extend through the side plates. 
It will be apparent that the horizontal channel leg 62 serves as a 
horizontally disposed roller receiving tract section for the table top 
mounted roller 59, and that the vertical channel leg 63 serves as a 
vertically disposed roller receiving track section for the pair of rollers 
65,65 mounted on the inside of one of the side frame members 22 and 23. 
Downward movement of the vertically displaceable bracket 61 is limited by 
the engagement of the top roller 65 with the end plate 64 as seen in FIG. 
6. The table top roller 59 is free to move horizontally in the track 
section 62, and the table may tilt about the axis of the journal pin 60 
supporting the roller 59 on the side of the table top. 
The rear portion of the table top 20 carries a horizontally disposed shaft 
70 extending along the back plate 52 and projecting on opposite sides of 
the table top 20 through bearings 71 and 72 carried by the opposite side 
plates 53 and 54 of the table top underlying frame 50. Each of the 
opposite ends of the shaft 70 extend into one of the opposite hollow 
columns through a vertical guide slot 73 (see FIG. 3) in the inner wall of 
the column. A guide bearing 74 is carried on each end of the shaft 70 
where it passes through the slot 73, and a gear 75 is keyed to each end of 
the shaft outwardly of the bearing 74. The gear 75 engages a rack 76 
mounted vertically on the inside of the column 34 along the forward wall 
77 thereof. The forward edge 78 of the slot 73 is the vertical rear edge 
of the side plate 22 or 23 to which the column 34 is attached. The rear 
edge of the slot 73 is the forward edge of a gib 79 removably mounted 
vertically inside of the column 34. The guide bearing 74 mounted on each 
end of the shaft 70 has vertically oriented grooves on each side thereof 
which engage the edges of the slot 73 and slide relative thereto. A lower 
limit set screw 80 is mounted vertically at the bottom of the vertical 
slot 73 to limit the downward movement of the guide bearing 74 and thus to 
limit the downward movement of the rear portion of the table top 20. 
Mounted on top of each of the hollow columns is a vertically oriented 
pneumatic cylinder 81. A foot plate 82 at the base of the cylinder 81 is 
secured to the top plate 83 of the column 34 by cap screws 84. Elastomeric 
spacers 85 separate the foot plate or cylinder bottom flange 82 from the 
top plate 83 and serve as cushion elements. A piston rod 86 extends 
downwardly from the bottom of the cylinder 81 and connects to the top of 
the bearing guide 74. Vertical movement of the bearing guides 74 on 
opposite sides of the table top 20 is equalized because of the rack and 
pinion connections on opposite ends of the shaft 70 which is rotatably 
mounted to the back of the table top. 
Looking now at the schematic pneumatic circuit diagram in FIG. 9, the 
pneumatic cylinders 81 are shown as single acting cylinders each having a 
fluid line 87 connected to the bottom of the cylinder below the piston 88. 
In the pneumatic system disclosed, the pistons 88,88 in the opposite 
cylinders 81,81 are lifted by air supplied from a pressurized air supply 
91 through a regulator 94, main line 95, main operation valve 90, main 
valve output line 89 and branched feeder lines 87,87. The main operation 
valve 90 is a normally closed, two-position pilot operated valve which is 
supplied with pilot fluid of about 40 psi minimum through a pilot line 96 
branching off from the main air supply line 92 before the regulator 94. 
The pilot line 96 includes a normally closed spring biased two-position 
limit valve 97, a normally closed timing valve 100 connected downstream of 
the limit valve 97 by conduit 99, a two-position manual valve 102 
connected downstream of the timing valve 100 by conduit 101, and a fluid 
motor actuator 104 for opening the main valve 90 connected downstream of 
the manual valve 102 by conduit 103. The pilot line 96 normally functions 
as a holding circuit to keep the pistons 88,88 lifted when the shear 11 is 
in its non-operating raised position. 
When the limit valve 97 is actuated to its open position, fluid is applied 
through the pilot line 96, the open limit valve, conduit 99, timing valve 
100, conduit 101, the normally open manual valve 102 (in the position 
shown), and conduit 103 to the fluid main valve actuator 104 which 
switches the main valve 90 open. When the main valve 90 opens, regulated 
air (of from 18-30 psi) from the pressure regulator 94 is fed through 
conduit 95, the open main valve 90 conduit 89 and branch lines 87,87 to 
the bottom of the cylinders 81,81. The pistons 88 are thereupon forced up 
lifting the piston rods 86,86, guide bearings 74,74, torque shaft 70 and 
consequently the table 20. 
The limit valve 97 is mounted on the support frame 21 of the table 10 where 
its valve arm 98 will be contacted by the bar-valve-release 17, which is 
connected to the push rod 16 attached to the shear 11 by bracket 15 as 
shown in FIG. 3, in the up position of the shear ram. When the limit valve 
arm 98 is contacted by the bar-valve-release 17, the limit valve 97 is 
opened, (i.e., it is moved to the left from the position shown), and air 
is supplied to the main valve actuator 104, to open the main valve 90 and 
lift the pistons 88, 88. Once lifted, the pistons 88,88 are held up by air 
supplied through the open main valve until the shear ram is actuated 
downwardly to depress the push rod 16 and to disengage the 
bar-valve-release 19 from the limit valve arm 98. Once the limit valve arm 
98 is disengaged from contact with the bar-valve-release 19, the limit 
valve is biased to its normally closed position as shown in FIG. 9 thereby 
switching the conduit 99 from air supply line 96 to exhaust. Pressure in 
the fluid actuator 104 is released through line 103, valve 102, conduit 
101, valve 100 and conduit 99 through the limit valve 97 to atmosphere. 
The main valve 90 moves to its normally closed position, thus exhausting 
air from the cylinders 81, 81 and allowing the table top 20 to move first 
vertically downward as the push rods 16 depress the channel brackets 61 on 
opposite sides of the table 20 to the position shown in FIG. 6. The back 
of the table 20 will continue to descend under the force of its own weight 
and of the weight of the sheared product W" thereby tilting the table top 
down rearwardly in the manner shown in FIG. 7. As the rear of the table 
top 20 continues to move downwardly after the descent of the channel 
brackets 63 on opposite sides of the table is stopped by engagement of the 
upper roller 65 with the channel closure plate 64, the table top mounted 
roller 59 is free to move in the channel section 62 and will move 
rearwardly a limited distance. The downward movement of the rear of the 
table top is stopped when the guide bearings 74 on opposite sides of the 
table 10 engage the top of the lower limit set screws 80. The position of 
the set screws 80 can be adjusted in their mounting clamps 80'. With the 
table top 20 tilted as shown in FIG. 7, the work product W" which has been 
sheared from the now shortened work blank W' will roll off the table top 
on the roller rails 56 in the direction of the arrow A. 
Once the moving blade 14 of the shear 11 has made its cut and reached its 
lower limit of travel, it will return to its normal raised position 
carrying with it the bracket 15, push rod 16 and bar-valve-release 19. As 
the bar-valve-release 19 approaches its upper position as shown in FIGS. 3 
and 5, it engages the limit valve actuator arm 98 and opens the limit 
valve 97 to pressurize the conduit 99 with air from conduit 96, at about 
40 p.s.i. minimum. The admittance of high pressure air from conduit 99, 
into conduit 101, open manual valve 102, conduit 103 and main valve 
actuator 104 is delayed by the timing valve 100 which provides sufficient 
delay for the discharge of the sheared product blank W". After a 
predetermined delay, high pressure air passes through the delay valve 100 
and reaches the main valve actuator, opening the main valve. The pneumatic 
cylinders 81,81 are then energized to lift the pistons 88,88 and thus to 
lift the table top 20 up to the position shown in FIG. 5. The table 10 is 
then ready to receive the overhanging end of a new workpiece extended 
through the shear and to begin a new cycle. 
The air supply should preferably be at 80 p.s.i. at 8 c.f.m. for 
maintaining a uniform cycle pattern. Eighty p.s.i. should be maintained on 
the circuit feeding the main valve pilot 104 and at no time should the 
pressure in line 96 drop below 40 p.s.i. 
Air pressure for the cylinders 81,81 should be regulated at 18 to 30 p.s.i. 
Ideal pressure is the minimum pressure required to lift the table top 20. 
Extreme high pressure can cause excess wear and possible equipment damage. 
The manual valve 97 allows the table top 20 to be lowered for maintenance. 
Cylinder cushion on the rod end should be set at maximum cushion at all 
times. Return cushions should be adjusted for smooth stop. 
The work support roller rails 56 are removably held in position on the 
table top plate 47 by spring pressed plungers 105 extending longitudinally 
beneath the rails. The plungers 105 each engage in an aperture 107 
provided in a depending lug 106 struck out of the edge of the top plate 47 
and bent downwardly at a right angle to the plate. There are four equally 
spaced lugs 106 provided along the rear edge at the table top 20 as seen 
in FIG. 4. The spring tension on each plunger 105 is adjusted so the rails 
56 may be latched in or released with moderate pressure. Different length 
sets of roller rails 56 may be easily substituted one for the other 
depending upon the length of the blank to be cut from the workpiece. 
In setting up the table 10 for use, the table is rolled into position 
behind the shear 11 on its casters 37. The vertically aligned apertures in 
the brackets 43,44 on the table frame 21 are moved into alignment with the 
apertures in the brackets 46 attached to the rear of the shear 11 and a 
drop pin 45 is dropped into the aligned apertures to lock the table and 
shear together. The table frame 21 is then lowered until the foot plates 
35 at the base of columns 34 on each side of the frame rest on the floor 
by raising the casters 37. The frame 21 is leveled by adjusting the 
forward leg leveling screws 33 in each of the forward legs 29,30. 
The desired normal height of the table top 20 is attained by raising or 
lowering the cylinder mounting plates 82 using spacers 85 of selected size 
to achieve the desired spacing of the mounting plates 82 from the top 
plates 83 on the column 34. The mounting cap screws 84 should be adjusted 
uniformly so that the guide bearing 74 slides freely within its ways. The 
forward height of the table 10 is attained by adjusting the stud 67 in 
table lug 68 against the base of the horizontal channel section 62. The 
stud is locked in adjusted position by lock nut 69. 
The length of the push rod 16 depending from the shear ram carried bracket 
15 is adjusted by turning the adjustment nuts 108 and 109 on the threaded 
upper end 110 of the push rod until the desired adjustment is made. This 
adjustment is made with the table top 20 and the shear ram in top 
position. 
The bar-valve release 19 is set for approximately one-eighth inch travel 
before the limit valve actuator 98 is released. 
The take-up gibs 79 are adjusted for approximately one-sixty-fourth inch 
sliding clearance between the guide bearing 74 and its ways. The rack 76 
in each column 34 is located relative to the gear 75 on the torque shaft 
70 with the cylinders 81,81 in up position after the table 10 has been 
leveled. The backlash between the rack 76 and the gear 75 should be 
approximately 0.020 inches. This can be achieved by adding shims between 
rack 76 and the front wall 77 (FIG. 8) of the column 34. 
The lower limit adjustment studs 80 for limiting downward movement of the 
bearing guides 74 are adjusted by loosening clamping block 80. These studs 
provide stops for the table 20 in dump position. 
The inclined plate 26 of the table 10 cooperates with the inclined plate 
26' attached to the rear of shear 11 to provide a chute for trim pieces 
and scraps which fall between the stationary shear blade 13 and the front 
rollers 57 of the roller rails 56. The chute directs the trim pieces and 
scrap centrally beneath the table top 20 into an accessible area where it 
may be accumulated either on the floor or in a receiver. 
It is within the scope of this invention that other power means for lifting 
the rear end portion of the table top other than the lift means described 
and illustrated herein may be substituted. 
While in the foregoing there has been described and shown a preferred 
embodiment of the invention, various modifications and equivalents may be 
resorted to within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.