Procedure and device to feed a multiple-feed straightening machine automatically downstream of a cooling plate

A device to automatically feed sections from a cooling plate to a straightening machine, comprising:

• layer-forming means to withdraw a plurality of sections from the cooling plate and deposit them side by side to thereby form a layer, said layer-forming means being co-axial to the cooling plate;
• transfer means to bring said layer into alignment with the straightening machine;
• and
• feeder means to feed said layer into the straightening machine in a controlled manner, whereby the sections of said layer are kept essentially parallel at a pre-determined distance apart, said feeder means comprising:
• at least one pair of feeder rolls into which the sections can be inserted and then clamped, the distance between the centers of each pair of rollers being adjustable, at least one of said feeder rollers consisting of a plurality of elements fitted resiliently together to adapt to the contours of the sections;
• a guide panel having multiple channels therein located immediately upstream of the feeder rolls, said guide panel being movable in a vertical direction to thereby clamp the sections at the pre-determined distance apart before they are inserted into the feeder rolls;
• and
• spacing means located downstream of the feeder rolls to finally space the sections the pre-determined distance apart;
• conveying means to convey said layer from said transfer means to said feeder means.