Patent attributes
An apparatus and method is provided for forming folds at a corner in a spacer frame assembly used in the construction of insulating glass unit windows. The apparatus comprises a carriage supporting first and second crimping fingers. The crimping fingers are spaced about a path of travel for the passage of metal strips during operation. The apparatus comprises an encoder to determine a velocity of the strips, and a motor coupled to a ball screw assembly. The ball screw assembly moves the carriage during operation along the path of travel. The apparatus comprises an electrical gearing arrangement for accelerating the carriage along the path. The electrical gearing arrangement includes a controller and a double acting rack assembly, the controller being coupled to the motor, the encoder, and the double rack assembly. The double rack assembly simultaneously actuates the fingers at a direction substantially transverse to the path.
