Patent ID: 7901526

Claim:
An apparatus for automatic feeding of elongated sheet stock from a stamping station into a roll forming station in a window component production line, comprising: a) a transfer mechanism between the stamping station and the roll forming station comprising a pair of gripping members for grasping an end portion of the elongated sheet stock extending from the stamping station and moving the end portion toward the roll forming station; b) a feed mechanism positioned at an entrance to the roll forming station for feeding the end portion of the sheet stock moved to an entrance of the roll forming station into the roll forming station; c) a controller in communication with the stamping station, the transfer mechanism and the feed mechanism for: i) actuating the gripping members for engaging the end portion of the stock material that extends from the stamping station; ii) moving the gripping members and accompanying stock material from the stamping station to a region of the feed mechanism; and iii) driving the feed mechanism to feed the elongated sheet stock into the roll forming station.