Device for marking fin material as it is being formed on a fin machine

Abstract

A device is provided for marking fin material as it is formed on a fin forming machine. Specifically, an air actuated device is connected to the machine cycle count. Each complete cycle of the fin forming machine is counted, and when the correct numbers of cycles have been met, the air switch allows the air cylinder to actuate and drive the indenter into the fin material and then withdraw the indenter to complete the marking process. The fin marking process is done without interruption to the fin forming cycle, and without damage to the fin material.

1 . A device for marking fin material as it is formed on a fin forming machine, the device comprising:
 a means for counting a desired length or fin count of the fin material;   an air actuated means connected to the means for counting;   indentation means associated with the air actuated means whereby when the desired machine cycle count is reached, the air actuation means actuates the indentation means to mark the fin with an indentation at the desired length or fin count.   
   
   
       2 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the indentation means can be adjusted to mark the fin material anywhere across a flow direction of the fin material. 
   
   
       3 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the indentation means can be adjusted to account for varying heights of fin material. 
   
   
       4 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the indentation means can indent multiple fins when multiple coils of fin material are being run of the fin forming machine. 
   
   
       5 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the device is attached via a bar capable of fitting in already existing cutter holes on the fin forming machine. 
   
   
       6 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the means for counting is preset to the desired machine cycle count. 
   
   
       7 . A method for marking fin material as it is formed on a fin forming machine, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a means for counting a length or fin count of the fin material;   connecting an air actuated means to the means for counting;   associating an indentation means with the air actuated means whereby when the machine cycle count is reached, the air actuation means actuates the indentation means to mark the fin with an indentation at the desired length or fin count.   
   
   
       8 . A method as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the indentation means can be adjusted to mark the fin material anywhere across a flow direction of the fin material. 
   
   
       9 . A method as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the indentation means can be adjusted to account for varying heights of fin material. 
   
   
       10 . A method as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the indentation means can indent multiple fins when multiple coils of fin material are being run of the fin forming machine. 
   
   
       11 . A method as claimed in  claim 7  further comprising the step of attaching the device via a bar capable of fitting in already existing cutter holes on the fin forming machine. 
   
   
       12 . A method as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the means for counting is preset to the desired machine cycle count.