Apparatus and method for placement of angle plates in transverse duct flanges

An apparatus for automatically assembling an angle plate in channel shaped flanges at ends of duct panels joined in a corner to form a duct section, said apparatus comprising:

• a platen adapted for engaging an end of a duct in a preselected position relative to said platen;
• clamping members adapted for locking a duct in a preselected position relative to said platen, said clamping members comprising a clamp arm, a clamp head, and a clamp finger adapted to engage said duct flange to lock said flange in place, and wherein said clamping members during locking of the duct flange are adapted to pull the flange outward and straighten out any duct flange having a deformation;
• a supply hopper for angle plates located underneath said platen adapted for advancing upwardly an angle plate for insertion into said duct;
• an angle plate advancing member adapted for advancing an angle plate into engagement with a corner of a clamped duct section;
• and
• pressing members adapted for pressing an angle plate into said corners of said duct.