Apparatus for assembling insulated duct sections

An apparatus comprising:

• a frame defining an opening for receiving a web of insulation passing into and through the opening from an upstream side to a downstream side of said frame, said frame including at least two pivot mounts disposed along a pivot line extending substantially transverse the motion of said web and including an actuator mount offset from the pivot line;
• two or more pivot links with proximal ends pivotally fastened to the pivot mounts of said frame and distal ends pivotally movable about the pivot mounts;
• an actuator with a fixed end pivotally fastened to the actuator mount of said frame and a working end extensibly and retractably movable toward and away from the actuator mount;
• a blade pivotally fastened to the distal ends of said pivot links such that the body and the cutting edge of said blade extend across the opening of said frame substantially transverse to the motion of said web, said blade having an actuator attachment point pivotally connected to the working end of said actuator;
• a cutting stick extending across a lower side of the opening of said frame with an upper surface of said cutting stick being substantially perpendicular to the body of said blade, said cutting stick including a slot disposed in registry with the body and the cutting edge of said blade,
• wherein extension or retraction of said actuator causes said blade to swing in arcuate fashion across the opening of said frame and into and out of the slot formed in said cutting stick,
• whereby the cutting edge of said blade cleanly severs a web of insulation supported on said cutting stick.