CONTINUOUS BAND MANUFACTURE

摘要

A band saw strip manipulator is arranged to receive a toothed metal strip for welding from a cut to length machine. The strip is moved into the band saw strip manipulator by powered rollers. The strip extends between a first edge detector at one side of the manipulator and a second edge detector at the opposite side of the manipulator. First and second end clamps are located to either side of a carriage mounted for vertical movement. When the strip has been approximately centrally located in the manipulator the carriage moves upwardly thereby pulling the strip upwardly until the edge detectors detect the ends of the strip. The first and second end clamps are then closed and pivoted about first and second guide rollers so that the two ends of the strip are located in close proximity for welding together.