Window component stock transferring

A method of feeding elongated sheet stock from a stamping station into a roll forming station in a window component production line, comprising:

• a) detecting that stock material extends from an outlet of the stamping station;
• b) automatically transferring the stock material from the stamping station to the roll forming station;
• c) feeding the elongated sheet stock into the roll forming station;
• and
• d) controlling the stamping station and the roll forming station such that the stock material droops between the stamping station and the roll forming station.

A method of feeding elongated sheet stock from a stamping station into a roll forming station in a window component production line, comprising:

• a) detecting that stock material extends from an outlet of the stamping station;
• b) engaging stock material that extends from the outlet of the stamping station;
• c) pulling stock material paid out by the stamping station to an inlet of the roll forming station;
• and
• d) feeding the elongated sheet stock into the roll forming station.

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 pair of gripping members;
• b) a gripping member actuator for selectively moving the pair of gripping members between a spaced apart position and a gripping position;
• c) a pair of drive rollers positioned at an entrance to the roll forming station;
• d) a drive roller actuator for selectively moving the pair of drive rollers between a disengaged position and an engaged position;
• e) a conveyor for moving the pair of gripping members from a first position where the gripping members grip an end portion of the elongated sheet stock to a second position where the gripping members position the end portion between the pair of drive rollers;
• f) a controller in communication with the stamping station, gripping member actuator, the drive roller actuator, and the conveyor for:
• i) moving the gripping members to the first position;
• ii) moving the gripping members to the spaced apart position;
• iii) positioning the stock material end portion between the gripping members;
• iv) moving the gripping members to the gripping position to grip the end portion;
• v) moving the pair of drive rollers to the disengaged position;
• vi) moving the gripping members and the end portion to the second position where the end portion is disposed between the drive rollers;
• vii) moving the pair of drive rollers to the engaged position to engage the end portion;
• and
• viii) rotating the drive rollers to feed the elongated sheet stock into the roll forming station.

A method of feeding of elongated sheet stock from a stamping station into a roll forming station in a window component production line, comprising:

• a) moving a pair of gripping members to the spaced apart position;
• b) positioning a stock material end portion between the pair of gripping members;
• c) gripping the end portion of the stock material with the gripping members;
• d) moving a pair of drive rollers to a disengaged position;
• e) moving the gripping members and the end portion to the second position where the end portion is disposed between the drive rollers;
• f) moving the pair of drive rollers to the engaged position to engage the end portion;
• and
• g) rotating the drive rollers to feed the elongated sheet stock into the roll forming station.

An insulated glass unit spacer production line, comprising:

• a) a stock supply station;
• b) a stamping station that stamps sheet stock provided by the stock supply station;
• c) a roll forming station that receives stamped stock and forms rigid linearly extending spacer frame element having opposite side walls and a base wall;
• d) a severing station for separating roll formed feed stock into individual spacer elements;
• e) a conveyor for moving the individual spacer elements away from the severing station;
• f) a feeding apparatus for automatic feeding of elongated sheet stock from the stamping station into the roll forming station comprising:
• i) a transfer mechanism between the stamping station and the roll forming station;
• ii) a feed mechanism positioned at an entrance to the roll forming station;
• iii) a controller in communication with the stamping station, the transfer mechanism and the feed mechanism for:
• A) engaging stock material that extends from the stamping station with the transfer mechanism;
• B) moving the transfer mechanism to pull stock material paid out by the stamping station to the feed mechanism;
• and
• C) driving the feed mechanism to feed the elongated sheet stock into the roll forming station;
• and
• g) a dispensing station for applying sealant material to external surfaces of the spacer frame elements transferred to the dispensing station by the conveyor.