WO2011158269A2

WO2011158269A2 - Apparatus for the realisation of reinforcement means usable for the realisation of a building construction

Info

Publication number: WO2011158269A2
Application number: PCT/IT2011/000192
Authority: WO
Inventors: Angelo Candiracci
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-06-14
Filing date: 2011-06-10
Publication date: 2011-12-22
Anticipated expiration: 2012-12-14
Also published as: AR088119A1; ITBO20100375A1; WO2011158269A3; IT1401646B1; EP2580008B1; EP2580008A2

Abstract

An apparatus (10) for producing reinforcing means usable for constructing a building, defined by a respective metal mesh (11 ), comprises positioning means (38, 40) for positioning transverse reinforcing members (11 b) in line with the joining zone for joining the latter to the longitudinal reinforcing members (11a), which positioning means are capable of moving said transverse members (11b) upwards.

Description

TITLE:

APPARATUS FOR TH E REALISATION OF REI N FORCEMENT MEANS USABLE FOR THE REALISATION OF A B U I LDI NG

CONSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing reinforcing means usable for constructing a building.

Apparatuses for producing a respective reinforcing mesh defined by a respective metal mesh and comprising respective longitudinal and transverse members which take the form of associated wires or rods, in which the transverse reinforcing members are dropped onto the longitudinal reinforcing members thanks to a supply hopper which is positioned above said longitudinal members, are known.

Apparatuses for simultaneously producing first and second reinforcing means, defined by a respective metal mesh and comprising respective longitudinal and transverse members, which take the form of associated wires or rods, are also known. Said known apparatuses in particular comprise respective feed means for feeding the transverse reinforcing members in line with the joining zone to the longitudinal reinforcing members.

In known apparatuses, in order to produce a first and a second reinforcing mesh superposed one on the other, the transverse reinforcing members are positioned, for both the upper and lower reinforcing meshes, above the longitudinal members.

In order to produce a corresponding panel for constructing a building, and in which the transverse members of the reinforcing meshes are on the inside of the longitudinal reinforcing members and facing the expanded polystyrene block, it is therefore necessary for one of the reinforcing meshes, obtained with the aid of said known apparatuses, to be appropriately turned over, which is obviously troublesome for operating personnel and/or requires the use of excess equipment. In practice, the apparatuses for simultaneously producing a first and a second reinforcing mesh are poorly suited to feeding a continuous installation for producing corresponding panels made up of a pair of meshes facing an interposed block of polystyrene or the like.

A need is, however, felt in the sector to have an apparatus for producing reinforcing meshes which is flexible and versatile to use, permitting rapid reconfiguration of the meshes to be produced and which is of a nature to enable reliable production of various kinds of metal meshes.

A further requirement which is felt in the sector is that of having an apparatus for producing metal reinforcing meshes, or reinforcing means, in particular for producing corresponding panels, which makes it possible to obtain high quality reinforcing meshes.

Another requirement which is felt in the sector is that of having an apparatus for producing metal reinforcing meshes, or reinforcing means, in particular for producing corresponding panels which is of a nature to enable straightforward and rapid reinstatement of the functionality of said apparatus when functioning thereof is suspended, for example as a result of detection of corresponding breakages or feed failures of respective reinforcing members.

Still further requirements are those of having an apparatus for producing metal meshes, or reinforcing means, which is easy and quick to maintain, which occupies relatively little space, and which has a substantial production capacity.

The present invention is intended to propose a new and alternative solution to hitherto known solutions and in particular it is proposed to overcome one or more of the above-stated disadvantages and/or problems of the prior art, and/or to satisfy one or more of the above-stated requirements.

An apparatus is accordingly provided for producing reinforcing means usable for constructing a building, and which in particular take the form of first and second reinforcing means, in particular defined by a respective metal mesh; in particular, said reinforcing means comprise respective longitudinal members, which take the form of respective wires or rods and respective transverse members, which take the form of associated wires or rods; the apparatus is characterised in that it comprises positioning means for positioning the transverse reinforcing members in line with the joining zone to the respective longitudinal reinforcing members, said means being capable of moving said transverse members upwards to position them below corresponding longitudinal reinforcing members.

In this manner, it is possible to produce a metal reinforcement which has the respective transverse members which are positioned below the corresponding longitudinal members, so avoiding the need to turn the corresponding metal reinforcement over, in particular with a view to subsequent use for producing corresponding panels.

This and other innovative aspects of the present apparatus are, in any event, set out in the claims below, the technical features of which may be found, together with the corresponding advantages arising therefrom, in the following detailed description which explains a purely exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the invention and which is made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 A shows a perspective view from the rear of the first preferred embodiment of the present apparatus;

Figure 1B shows a perspective view of a detail relating to the feed means for the transverse members, in an advanced resting condition;

Figure 2 shows a side view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a plan view from above of the preferred embodiment of the first and second invention;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view from the front of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows an enlarged detail of the straightening means according to the present preferred embodiment of the apparatus;

Figure 6 shows an enlarged detail in particular illustrating the means for detecting breakage in a longitudinal member, said means being provided in line with the straightening means of the present preferred embodiment of the apparatus;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the hauling means of the present preferred embodiment of the apparatus;

Figure 8A shows a front view of the hauling means of the present preferred embodiment of the apparatus;

Figure 8B shows a sectional view along line VIII-VIII of Figure 8A;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view from the rear side of a respective hauling unit;

Figure 10A shows a rear view of a respective hauling unit;

Figure 10B shows a perspective view of a gripper of the hauling means of the present preferred embodiment of the apparatus;

Figure 11 shows a perspective view from below of the hauling carriage for longitudinal members according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12 shows a detail of the meshing and movement means of the mobile hauling carriage for longitudinal members;

Figure 13 shows a rear, partially cut-away view showing the hauling carriage for longitudinal reinforcing members;

Figure 14 shows a front view of the joining means for joining the transverse members to the longitudinal members;

Figure 15 shows a perspective detail of the joining means for joining the transverse members to the longitudinal members;

Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the positioning means for positioning the transverse reinforcing members in line with the joining means for joining to the longitudinal members; Figure 17 shows a rear view of the positioning means of Figure 16; Figure 18 shows a plan view from above of the positioning means of Figures 16 and 17;

Figure 19 shows a side view of the positioning means of the preceding Figures 16 to 18;

Figure 20 shows a perspective view of the positioning means for positioning the transverse reinforcing members;

Figure 21 shows a rear view of the positioning means of Figure 20; Figure 22 shows a plan view from above of the second positioning means for positioning the transverse members of Figures 20 and 21 ;

Figure 23 shows a side view of the second positioning means for positioning the transverse members;

Figure 24 shows a perspective view of the feed or supply means for the transverse reinforcing members;

Figure 25 shows a rear view of the feed means for the transverse reinforcing members;

Figure 26 shows a side view of the feed means for the transverse reinforcing members;

Figure 27 shows a perspective, cut-away view showing the feed channel for the transverse reinforcing members.

The attached figures show a preferred embodiment 10 of an apparatus for producing reinforcing means usable for constructing a building.

In particular, the reinforcing means take the form of first and second separate reinforcing means, designated with the respective reference numerals 11 and 13.

Each of said reinforcing means 11 and 13 is, as shown, defined by a respective elongate metal mesh.

As shown, said reinforcing means accordingly comprise respective longitudinal members 11a, 13a, which take the form of respective metal wires or rods, in particular of steel, and respective transverse members 11 b, 13b, which take the form of respective metal wires or rods, in particular of steel, which are joined, in particular welded to the longitudinal members 11a, 13a, so as to define a respective metal mesh 11 , 13.

The longitudinal reinforcing members 11a, 13a are unwound from respective coils, starting from a respective store located upstream of the present apparatus and not shown in the attached figures, and pass through a corresponding inspection unit, designated with reference numeral 9 in the attached figures, which is provided upstream of the present preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10.

The present apparatus 10 may advantageously be provided in a corresponding line for producing panels, in particular of the "sandwich" type, for constructing a corresponding building. In particular, the present apparatus may be included within an installation as shown in the international and Italian patent applications in the name of the present applicant respectively numbered WO2009/037545 and B02009A000417.

Said panels generally comprise corresponding first and second reinforcing means, between which is interposed a respective block of an insulating or light-weight material, in particular of plastics material and preferably of expanded polystyrene.

Means for inserting a corresponding block of material between the upper and lower meshes 11 , 13, joining means for joining the reinforcing means and the block of light-weight or insulating material, and corresponding means for cutting a corresponding panel could thus advantageously be located downstream of the apparatus 10.

The apparatus comprises, in a respective upstream zone, straightening means 12 for the longitudinal members.

Said straightening means for the longitudinal members comprise a respective supporting frame 121 and are longitudinally spaced from the remainder of the apparatus for producing reinforcing means. Said straightening means 12 for the longitudinal members are provided to the rear of the present apparatus and are spaced from the hauling means 20 for the longitudinal members, which hauling means are arranged immediately downstream of the straightening means 12, and which will be explained in greater detail below in the present description.

In this manner, when a longitudinal wire or rod breaks as a result of the straightening action, personnel may, without having to carry out particularly troublesome operations on the machine, namely without having completely to unload the respective longitudinal reinforcing members from the machine, rejoin just the broken longitudinal rod, so reinstating continuity of the corresponding longitudinal rod, working comfortably in line with the free zone 124, which is present between the straightening means 12 and the downstream hauling means 20 for the members and spaced from the straightening means 12.

In practice, said straightening means 12 for the longitudinal members are longitudinally spaced from the remainder of the apparatus, so defining a working space 124 to permit convenient access for personnel.

As shown, the supporting frame 121 comprises first and second side plates 121a, 121 b, between which extend the actual straightening means 12 for the longitudinal members 11a and 13a.

As shown, said side plates are connected by way of corresponding crosspieces 121c, 121d, 121d.

The latter in particular take the form of respective pairs 121 d, 121d of crosspieces which also support the actual straightening means, designated with reference numerals 12' and 12" in Figure 5.

As shown, said straightening means 12 for the longitudinal members advantageously comprise first straightening means 14 for respective longitudinal members 11a and second straightening means 16 for respective longitudinal members 13a. As shown, said first and second straightening means 14, 16 for respective longitudinal members are supported on the same supporting frame 121.

In particular, said second straightening means 16 for the longitudinal members and said first straightening means 14 for the longitudinal members are vertically spaced apart from one another.

Furthermore, as shown, said second straightening means 16 for the longitudinal members are positioned below said first straightening means 14 for the longitudinal members.

As shown, said second straightening means 16 for the longitudinal members are downstream from, or positioned in front of, said first straightening means 14 for the longitudinal members.

In this manner, convenient access to the straightening means is ensured, for example when it is necessary to carry out operations to reinstate continuity of a respective longitudinal member.

Access to the longitudinal members is thus, advantageously, facilitated for operating personnel. In practice, the first means 14 straighten a respective plurality 11a of longitudinal members and the second means 16 straighten a second plurality of longitudinal reinforcing members or means 13a.

In use, the actual straightening members 12', 12" are covered by a respective protective cover 123, which is conveniently raisable to permit access to the straightening means.

As may be seen in Figures 5 and 6, said straightening means for the longitudinal members thus comprise respective engagement rollers for a respective longitudinal member; in practice, they comprise a first plurality of rollers 12', which are oriented to rest on a respective plane, and a second plurality of engagement rollers 12" for the respective longitudinal member, which are oriented to rest on a respective plane, which is arranged an angle to the plane on which the first plurality of rollers 12' rests. In particular, as shown, said angle is substantially equal to 90°.

In practice, the first plurality of rollers 12' and the second plurality of rollers 12" are supported on respective plates orthogonal to one another and respectively engage, upstream and downstream, with a respective advancing longitudinal member, not specifically shown in Figure 5 and shown as a dashed line in Figure 6.

As is evident from Figures 5 and 6, each plurality of rollers comprises respective upper engagement rollers 12a and respective lower engagement rollers 12b for the longitudinal member, which upper engagement rollers are provided between lower engagement rollers, as is in any event generally known in the sector.

Advantageous means 15 which are capable of detecting the breakage of a respective longitudinal member 11a, 13a are furthermore provided.

Said means 15 which are capable of detecting the breakage of a respective longitudinal member are provided on the straightening means 12, in particular on the same frame 121 as the actual straightening means 12.

In particular, first means 15a are accordingly provided which are capable of detecting the breakage of a respective longitudinal member emerging from the first straightening means 14, and second means 15b which are capable of detecting the breakage of a respective longitudinal member emerging from the second straightening means 16.

In practice, said means 15 capable of detecting the breakage of a longitudinal member are provided in line with, or downstream of, in particular immediately downstream of, the straightening means 14, 16 for longitudinal members.

Said means 15 capable of detecting the breakage of a respective longitudinal member comprise an engagement member for the longitudinal reinforcing member, which means in particular take the form of a sliding member 15c over the longitudinal reinforcing member. As shown in Figure 6, said engagement member takes the form of a block 15c which defines an annular member through which slides the respective longitudinal reinforcing member.

Said heavy; perforated block 15c has a respective hole 15'c which is longitudinally aligned with the straightening means, which are immediately upstream of it. The respective longitudinal member, in particular the longitudinal member 11c, as shown in Figure 6, passes into said hole 15'c of the block 15.

Said engagement member 15c is mobile towards a position in which it activates a corresponding signal, in particular defined by a signal to shutdown or stop operation of the apparatus when feed of the respective longitudinal member ceases.

In particular, said engagement member 15c is mobile, under the action of gravity, towards a lower position to activate a corresponding signal.

Said means capable of detecting the breakage of a longitudinal member thus comprise sensor means for the movement of the engagement member and in particular take the form of corresponding optical detection means.

In practice, said sensor means comprise a respective photocell 15d which is attached to the respective side plate 121a of the frame of the straightening means.

Said means capable of detecting breakage of the longitudinal member accordingly comprise sensor means 15d for dropping of the engagement member 15c.

The present sensor means ensure effective detection of the breakage of a longitudinal member, in particular detection of breakage occurring in the straightening means. This is because there is a high probability of breakage of a longitudinal member within the straightening means caused by a node present in the respective longitudinal member. In this manner, due to rapid detection of the breakage, corresponding production of an unsuitable mesh which must accordingly be discarded is avoided.

Hauling means 20 for the longitudinal reinforcing members are advantageously provided.

Said hauling means 20 for the longitudinal reinforcing members comprise a respective supporting frame 120 which comprises a first and a second side plate 120a, 120b between which extend said hauling means.

Furthermore, said frame 120 comprises corresponding crosspieces designated with reference numerals 120c which connect the respective side plates 120a and 120b to one another.

Said hauling means 20 for the longitudinal members are mobile, or displaceable, in particular longitudinally mobile, relative to the remainder of the apparatus, in particular relative to the joining means 26 immediately downstream thereof, between a working position, close to or in line with said joining means 26, and a resting position, spaced from said joining means 26.

As shown, the hauling means 20 in the resting position spaced from the remainder of the downstream apparatus are close to the straightening means 12, upstream from the hauling means 20.

If needed, said hauling means 20 for the longitudinal reinforcing members are mobile on respective track means 22a, 22b, which extend longitudinally and rearwards of the remaining downstream part of the apparatus, in particular extending longitudinally and rearwards from the downstream joining means 26. The hauling means are also covered by a respective openable protective cover.

As shown, the track means take the form of first and second side tracks 22a, 22b, on which the hauling means slide by means of corresponding rollers, or rolls, 120' which rest on the respective track, with opposing retaining rollers 120" which are positioned on the other or lower side of the respective sliding track 22a, 22b. Said hauling means 20 for the longitudinal reinforcing members comprise first hauling means 24 for respective longitudinal members, in particular upper longitudinal members 11a, and second hauling means 25 for the longitudinal members, in particular for hauling the lower longitudinal members 13a.

As shown, said first and second hauling means 24, 25 for the longitudinal members 11a, 13a are supported on the same supporting framework 120.

In particular, said first and said second hauling means 24, 25 for the longitudinal members are vertically spaced apart from one another.

As shown, said second hauling means 25 for respective longitudinal means are positioned below said first hauling means 24 for the longitudinal members.

Furthermore, as shown, said second hauling means 25 for the longitudinal members are vertically aligned with said first hauling means 24 for the longitudinal members.

In this manner, a respective reduced hauling section is provided which extends longitudinally. Said hauling means for the longitudinal reinforcing members, in particular said first hauling means for the longitudinal reinforcing members and said second hauling means for the longitudinal reinforcing members, comprise holding and release means 20a for the longitudinal reinforcing members and movement means 20b for said holding means 20a.

In particular, said holding and release means are moved longitudinally on the apparatus, between a retracted holding position for the longitudinal reinforcing member and an advanced release position for the respective longitudinal member.

In particular, said holding and release means for the longitudinal reinforcing members comprise a respective openable and closable gripper 20a for gripping and releasing a respective longitudinal reinforcing member. As may be seen in Figure 10B, the respective gripper 20a comprises opposing first and second jaws 20'a, 20"a, which are transversely mobile between an open position, in which they are distant from one another, for release of the longitudinal member, and a closed position, in which they are close to one another, for engagement and retention of the longitudinal member.

Said holding and release means for the longitudinal reinforcing members comprise a plurality of grippers 20° arranged transversely side by side Qust one gripper is, however, shown in the attached figures), which are driven simultaneously by common actuating means, which in particular take the form of actuating means of the pneumatic type.

As shown, said actuating means are defined by a respective actuator cylinder 120'"a, which is connected to a respective common manifold duct for actuating a plurality of grippers 20a, in turn connected through a connector 121'a, fixed to the slider 20b, to a respective duct 120"a originating from or connected at the other end to said control means, or to a valve, 120'a, in turn connected to a pressurised fluid source.

Said movement means for the holding and release means comprise a supporting carriage 20b for said grippers 20a, which is mobile between a retracted holding position for a respective longitudinal reinforcing member and an advanced position for releasing and transferring the respective longitudinal reinforcing member to corresponding grippers, or fixed retaining means, which are in line with the joining means 26 and are not specifically shown in the attached figures.

Actuating means are provided for the mobile carriage 20b, in particular for actuating the longitudinal movement of said carriage, said means comprising rack means 20c, 20c, on the carriage, and roller means 20d, 20d which mesh with said rack means 20c, 20c, and are supported on the supporting framework, in particular on a respective frame 20'b beneath the carriage 20b. Furthermore, said actuating means comprise a respective motor 20e which is supported on the fixed frame 20'b, projecting beneath the latter. The motor 20e actuates both of said rollers 20b, 20b, meshing with the respective rack, through a respective gear train coupling 20f, so in turn actuating corresponding first and second shaft portions 20g, 20g which, at their mutually opposing ends, bear said meshing rollers 20d, 20d. Opposing transmission shafts may also be provided, namely, as shown here, corresponding shaft portions 20g, 20g, which transmit the movement from a single central source of motion.

In practice, transmission means 20g, 20g are provided which take the form of a first and second shaft, or a first and a second shaft portion, as shown here, which extend in opposing transverse directions. In this manner, it is possible to achieve a longitudinal forwards and backwards movement of the carriage 20b which is particularly effective and of a nature not to subject the hauling means to unwanted torsion.

It results in more precise and uniform traction of the plurality of longitudinal members 11a, 13a, entirely to the advantage of the quality of the reinforcing means which are obtained by means of the present apparatus.

As shown, the motor 20e extends transversely and is supported on a corresponding plate, which supports the box for the gears 20g for transmitting movement from the motor shaft to the opposing portions 20g, 20g.

Advantageous longitudinal sliding and guide means for the carriage 20b are also provided.

Said longitudinal guide and sliding means for the carriage take the form of sliding block means. In particular, an upper sliding block 20i is provided which has a respective groove 20m fitted onto a fixed guide 20n.

Bearing means 20h are also provided for contact with a corresponding rotatable support surface of the actuating shaft 20g, and are supported on the fixed subframe 20'b. Advantageous joining means 26 are provided for joining the transverse members 11 b, 13b to the longitudinal reinforcing members 11a, 13a.

Said joining means for the longitudinal reinforcing members comprise a respective supporting frame 126, having first and second side plates 126a, 126b, between which extend corresponding crosspieces for supporting the actual joining means.

Under working conditions, the supporting frame for the joining means 26 is immediately downstream of, or adjacent to, the supporting frame for the hauling means.

Said joining means for joining the transverse reinforcing members to the longitudinal reinforcing members comprise first joining means 28 for joining respective transverse means 11 b to corresponding longitudinal members 11a and second joining means 30 for joining respective transverse members 13b to corresponding longitudinal reinforcing members 13a.

Said first and second joining means 28, 30 for joining the transverse reinforcing members to the longitudinal members are supported by the same supporting framework 126.

In particular, said second joining means 30 for joining the transverse reinforcing members to the longitudinal members are vertically spaced from said first joining means 28 for joining the transverse members to the longitudinal reinforcing members.

As shown, said second joining means 30 are positioned below the first joining means 28.

Furthermore, as shown, said second joining means 30 are vertically aligned with the first joining means 28.

Said joining means 28, 30 for joining the transverse members to the longitudinal reinforcing members comprise means for supplying an electric voltage to engagement and contact means for the reinforcing means. Said means for supplying an electric voltage are designated with the reference numeral 32, while said engagement and contact means for the reinforcing means are in turn designated with reference numerals 34a, 34b.

In particular, said means for supplying an electric voltage comprise a corresponding transformer 34a having an input for a primary circuit and an output for a secondary circuit, the terminals of which are connected to the engagement and contact means 34a, 34b for the reinforcing members.

Said contact means for the reinforcing means comprise respective and opposing conductive electrodes 34a, 34b, which are vertically aligned with one another and are capable of contacting a respective longitudinal reinforcing member and a respective transverse member, in line with the zone in which the latter is in contact with the respective longitudinal reinforcing member.

As shown, said opposing electrodes 34a, 34b define a space between opposing contact surfaces, between which is positioned a corresponding transverse member in contact with a respective longitudinal reinforcing member.

In particular, said conductive electrodes 34a, 34b are mobile relative to one another between respective positions for engagement and contact of the reinforcing means and for disengagement and free advance of said reinforcing means.

As shown, a plurality of transformers 32 are provided for each of said first and second joining means 28, 30. Each of said transformers 32 supplies a respective plurality of contact electrodes 34a, 34b.

In practice, each transformer 32 has respective output poles which are connected to corresponding pluralities of contact electrodes respectively 34a, 34b, to said contact electrodes 34a, which are positioned on a respective conductive supporting bar, and another plurality of the contact electrodes 34b, which is positioned on a respective conductive supporting bar. As shown, the supply transformers 32, both for the first joining means 28 and for the second joining means 30, are arranged transversely aligned with one another in the apparatus.

Movement means are also provided for moving the engagement and contact means 34b for the reinforcing means between a contact and joining position, or welding position, and a position for disengagement and free advance of said reinforcing means.

Said movement means for moving the contact and engagement means 34b comprise a respective linear actuator, in particular taking the form of a pneumatic cylinder which bears respective electrodes 34b, supporting a corresponding conductive supporting bar connected to one pole of the secondary circuit of the respective transformer 32.

Said linear actuators which are transversely aligned with one another, for each of the joining means 28 and 30, are vertically aligned with the transforming means 32 and are positioned between said transformers 32, 32 respectively for the first upper joining means 28 and for the second lower joining means 30.

Said movement means or pneumatic actuators are designated with the reference numeral 36 in the attached figures.

As shown, a respective vertically oriented rod 36a supporting a respective conductive bar 34'b extends from said cylinders 36.

The conductive bars of the electrodes 34a and 34b are respectively designated with the reference 34'a and 34'b in the figure.

It is accordingly ensured in conveniently controlled manner that a current is established between the electrodes 34a and 34b which is capable of bringing about electric welding of the corresponding transverse member to the respective longitudinal reinforcing member.

The apparatus comprises positioning means 38 for positioning the transverse reinforcing members 11 b, 13b in line with the joining zone to the longitudinal reinforcing members 11a, 13a. Said positioning means 38 for the transverse reinforcing members are provided downstream of the joining means 30, between the upper 11a and lower 13b longitudinal reinforcing members.

Said positioning means 38 for the transverse members are supported by a respective frame 138 which comprises a gantry member 138a, longitudinally spaced from said joining means 26, and connected, by means of a respective longitudinal member 138b to the first and second side plates 126a, 126b of the supporting means for the joining means 26.

Between said longitudinal members 138b there extend respective supporting crosspieces 138c for the positioning means 38, which are thus longitudinally positioned downstream of said joining means 26.

Advantageously, said positioning means 38 for positioning the transverse reinforcing members in line with the joining zone to the longitudinal members comprise first positioning means 40 and second positioning means 42 for respective transverse reinforcing members 11 b, 13b in line with the associated longitudinal reinforcing members 11a, 13a.

Said first and second positioning means for corresponding transverse members 40, 42 are supported on the same supporting framework and are vertically spaced apart from one another.

In particular, said first and second positioning means 40, 42 for the transverse members are arranged between the first and second reinforcing members 11 and 13, and, preferably, are arranged downstream of the joining zone.

Said second positioning means 42 for the transverse members are positioned below said first positioning means 40 for the transverse member, and are capable of positioning the transverse members of the lower reinforcing means 13, while said first positioning means 40 for the transverse members are capable of positioning the transverse members of the upper reinforcing means 11. Said second positioning means 42 for the transverse members extend in line with a position upstream, in particular slightly upstream, of the longitudinal extension position of said positioning means 40 for the transverse members, permitting an advantageous arrangement of the corresponding supply means for the transverse members, as will become clearer from the following description.

Said positioning means for positioning the transverse reinforcing member in line with the joining zone to corresponding longitudinal reinforcing members comprise loading means 40a, 42a for loading the transverse members and feed means 40b, 42b for feeding the transverse members towards the respective joining position.

Said positioning means 40 for the transverse reinforcing members, in particular the first positioning means, are capable of feeding, or moving, the transverse members or of advancing them in an upwards direction.

In this manner, it is possible to position the transverse members 11 b in line with a position beneath the corresponding longitudinal reinforcing members 11a, as is evident from Figure 19.

This results in the advantage of not having to turn the corresponding metal reinforcement over in order to couple it to a respective block of insulating or light-weight material in order to produce panels for constructing a building.

Advantageously, said advancing means for advancing towards the joining position comprise advancing screw means 40b for the transverse members 11 b.

In particular, as shown, said screw means comprise a plurality of advancing screws 40b for the transverse members 11 b, which screws are parallel to one another.

Said advancing screw means 40b are capable of moving said transverse members in a backwards direction relative to the direction of advance of the corresponding longitudinal reinforcing members 11a. Furthermore, the advancing screw means 40b for the transverse members 11 b are capable of advancing, or moving, said transverse members 11 b upwards.

The respective screw members 40b comprise a respective shaft, rotatable about its own axis, which has on its external surface a helical profile defining a groove for engagement and advance of the respective transverse member 11 b under the action of axial rotation of the shaft.

Said advancing screw means 40b for the transverse members 11 b extend between a picking up or receiving position for the transverse member and a release position for said transverse member, in particular they extend upwards between a lower position, which is downstream relative to the direction of longitudinal advance of the reinforcing members 11a, for picking up the transverse member and an upper, or upstream, position for releasing said transverse member.

In practice, as shown, said advancing screw means 40b for the transverse members extend with a respective longitudinal axis which forms an angle relative to the horizontal.

In particular, said advancing means 40b for the transverse members have a respective longitudinal axis which, starting from the receiving or pickup zone, is inclined upwards relative to the horizontal.

As shown, the respective advancing screw 40b comprises a shaft 40' rotatable about its own axis and having an external surface 40" defining a helical groove for engagement and axial advance of the transverse reinforcing member.

Said advancing screw means 40b for the transverse member have a respective end 140b which extends between respective pairs of contact and joining electrodes for the reinforcing means.

In practice, said advancing screw means 40b for the transverse member have a respective end 140b which extends transversely beside respective pairs of contact and joining electrodes for the reinforcing means. Advantageously, said respective end 140b of the advancing screw means 40b defines positioning or retaining means for the transverse member 11 b in line with the joining zone.

If needed, said respective end 140b takes the form of a portion having a converging conical surface, according to the forwards direction relative to the screw means, or according to the backwards direction relative to the longitudinal development of the apparatus.

Said conical surface 140b takes the form of a smooth surface and is downstream of the surface of the screw means 40b which is provided with the helical profile for advancing the screw.

In practice, the conical positioning surfaces 140b have, when in use, an upper substantially horizontal surface for maintaining the transverse member 11 b in position.

As may be seen, the advancing means for advancing the transverse members towards the joining position, in particular the second advancing means 42b for advancing the transverse members 13b towards the joining position comprise means for advancing or moving said transverse members under gravity.

Said gravity advancing means for the transverse members take the form of chute means 42b for advancing the transverse members 13b towards the respective joining position.

Said chute advancing means for the transverse members comprise a plurality of chutes 42b which are parallel to one another.

Said gravity advancing means 42b for the transverse members are also capable of advancing the transverse members 13b in a backwards direction relative to the direction of advance of the longitudinal reinforcing members 13a.

In practice, said advancing means for the transverse members defined by said chutes 42b are capable or advancing or moving the transverse members in a downwards direction. In particular, said gravity advancing means 42b extend downwards between an upper position for picking up or receiving the transverse member 13b and a lower position for releasing said transverse member 13b, in line with the joining position.

As shown, said gravity advancing means extend at a respective angle relative to the horizontal.

Said gravity or chute advancing means accordingly comprise a plurality of sliding chutes 42b parallel to one another, in which the respective chute 42b has an upper longitudinal engagement and sliding surface for the respective transverse reinforcing member.

Each of the chutes 42b has an end which extends between or transversely beside corresponding pairs of electrodes of the joining means.

Lateral guide means 40c, 40c and 42c, 42c are provided for guiding the transverse members towards the joining positions.

Said guide means 40c, 40c, 42c, 42c for guiding the respective transverse members 11 b, 13b towards the joining position comprise engagement and guide means for a respective lateral end of the corresponding transverse member 11 b, 13b.

Said engagement and guide means 40c, 40c, 42c, 42c for the respective lateral end of the transverse members extend parallel to the respective advancing means, namely parallel to the advancing screws 40b and to the sliding chutes 42b of respective transverse members 11 b, 13b.

Said engagement and guide means 40c, 40c, 42c, 42c for the respective lateral end of the transverse member take the form of a respective elongate rod, in particular respective first and second elongate rods, having a respective L-shaped section, and engage with a corresponding lateral end of the transverse reinforcing member.

In practice, as shown, the respective guide rod 40c, 40c, 42c, 42c is provided beside and coplanar with respective advancing means 40b, 42b. In particular, as shown, lateral guide rods 40c, 40c extend in upwardly inclined manner, namely inclined at a respective angle relative to the horizontal, while the guide rods 42c, 42c extend in inclined manner at a respective angle relative to the horizontal, namely are inclined downwards.

Perpendicular retaining means 40d, 42d for retaining the transverse means advancing towards the joining position are provided.

Said perpendicular retaining means 40d, 42d for the transverse means advancing towards the joining position comprise a respective elongate rod which is positioned above and parallel to the respective screw means 40b or chute means 42b for advancing the transverse members.

The respective transverse reinforcing member 11 b, 13b is transferred to the advancing means 40b, 42b by loading means 40a, 42a for the transverse members, which advantageously take the form of a body which is rotatable between receiving position for the transverse member and a release position for said transverse member.

Said loading means 40a, 42a for loading the transverse members onto the advancing means for advancing towards the joining position accordingly take the form a rotatable body which has a respective elongate seat 40'a, 42'a which extends radially into the rotatable body and opens radially towards the outside of the rotatable body. The respective seat 40'a, 42'a is capable of accommodating a respective transverse member.

As shown, said rotatable body 40a, 42a advantageously comprises a plurality of peripheral seats 40'a, 42'a for accommodating the respective transverse reinforcing members 11 b, 13b.

In practice, said rotatable body 40a, 42a comprises a plurality of stopping positions between the receiving position for the transverse member and the release position for said transverse member.

Advantageously, the present rotatable loader, which is actuated by corresponding actuating means to perform a fraction of a turn for each actuation step, permits prompt and rapid loading of the transverse members 11 b, 13b onto the advancing means 40b, 42b for advancing towards the joining position, advantageously at the working speed of the present apparatus.

Furthermore, the apparatus comprises feed means 44 for the transverse reinforcing member.

Said feed means 44 for the transverse members comprise a respective supporting frame 144 and are placed alongside the remainder of the apparatus, in particular being arranged beside the positioning means 40 for the transverse members in line with the joining position.

In practice, said feed means 44 for the transverse members are arranged transversely of the apparatus relative to the longitudinal direction of development of said apparatus, being arranged beside the zone of the machine which is downstream, in particular immediately downstream, from the zone occupied by the joining means 26.

As shown, the supporting frame 144 comprises a first and a second side plate 144a, 144b, between which said feed means 46 extend transversely.

Said feed means 44 for transverse reinforcing means are mobile, in particular longitudinally, between a working position, alongside the positioning means 40, and a resting position spaced therefrom.

In this manner, easy access is provided to said positioning means 40, 42 with a view to convenient maintenance and inspection thereof.

Said feed means 44 for the transverse reinforcing members are accordingly mobile on respective track means 144c, 144d, which extend longitudinally beside the main part of the apparatus, in particular beside the positioning means 40.

In particular, said feed means take the form of mobile slide means on respective first and second tracks parallel to one another 144c, 144d, which extend, starting from a position beside the joining section or unit 26, and longitudinally downstream. As shown, said feed means 44 for the transverse reinforcing members comprise first feed means 46 for respective transverse reinforcing members 11 b and second feed means 48 for respective transverse reinforcing members 13b, respectively for producing the upper 1 and lower 13 reinforcing means.

Advantageously, said first and second feed means 46, 48 for the respective transverse member are supported on the same supporting framework 144.

Furthermore, said first and second feed means 46, 48 for the transverse members 11 b, 13b are vertically spaced apart from one another.

In particular, said second feed means 48 for the transverse members are positioned below the first feed means 46 for the transverse members.

Furthermore, said second feed means 48 for the transverse members are arranged upstream, or are positioned to the rear of said first feed means 46 for the transverse members.

Said feed means for the transverse reinforcing members 46, 48 comprise means 46a, 48a for storing the transverse members or for loading said transverse means 11 b, 13b.

Said storage means for the transverse members 11 b, 13b comprise a respective loading hopper 46a, 48a, open at the top for unloading the transverse reinforcing members.

Furthermore, said feed means for the transverse reinforcing members 46, 48 comprise transfer means 46b, 48b for transferring the transverse members from the storage or loading means 46a, 48a to the loading means 40a, 42a for loading onto the positioning means 40b, 42b for the transverse members.

Said transfer means for transferring the transverse members from the storage means comprise, as is evident from Figure 27, a channel 46b, 48b for receiving a respective transverse reinforcing member from the respective hopper 46a, 48a. The channel 46b, 48b is arranged below the hopper 46a, 48a and is in communication therewith in such a manner as to receive one single transverse reinforcing member 11 b, 13b each time.

In said receiving channel 46b, 48b for a respective transverse reinforcing member there are furthermore provided means for advancing a respective transverse member longitudinally relative to the channel; said longitudinal advancing means with respective transverse members of the channels 46b, 48b comprise, as is evident from Figure 27, an engagement pusher 47 for the transverse member, in particular which engages on said transverse member to the rear of the direction of insertion and advance into the respective loader.

The pusher 47, which is longitudinally mobile in the channel, arranges the transverse member in line with a pair of rolls 46c, 46d, 48c, 48d of the transverse hauling member for the respective transverse member, which rolls are in line with the final outlet of the receiving channel.

Said pusher 47 is located inside the channel 46b, 48b and has the function of inserting the end, opposite to the end with which said pusher engages, of the transverse reinforcing member between the hauling rolls 46c, 46d, 48c, 48d.

Said rolls 46c, 46d and 48c, 48d are arranged vertically aligned with one another and are actuated by a corresponding motor 46e, 48e.

In practice, said longitudinal advancing means 46c, 46d and 48c, 48d for longitudinal advance relative to the respective transverse members of the channel 46b, 48b are capable of supplying or inserting the respective transverse member 11 b, 13b, in line with, or into, a corresponding seat 40'a, 42'a of the loading means downstream of said channel 46b, 48b.

In practice, the corresponding loading drum 40a, 42a is actuated intermittently, arranging a corresponding radial seat 40'a, 42'a in line or transversely aligned with the feed channel 46b, 48b. The transverse reinforcing members 11 b, 13b loaded in a respective hopper 46a, 48a pass to a corresponding channel 46b, 48b and, by means of the longitudinal advancing means, are inserted into a corresponding seat 40'a, 42'a in order to be carried in line with a lower release position to the feed means for feeding said transverse members towards a joining position with the longitudinal reinforcing members.

The functioning of the present apparatus is briefly as follows. The longitudinal members, which take the form of wires or rods 11a, 13a, are hauled by corresponding means 24 which are alternately mobile between a retracted holding position for corresponding longitudinal members and an advanced release position for said longitudinal members, in line with which they are held by corresponding grippers, not specifically shown in the attached figures, and positioned upstream of the means for joining or welding the longitudinal members to the transverse members.

In turn, the transverse members 11 b, 13b are loaded into a respective hopper 46a, 48a and carried, moving transversely of the longitudinal direction of advance of the longitudinal members, in line with the respective loaders 40a, 42a, which, by rotating, bring a respective transverse member 11 b, 13b, into line with a lower release position, where they are transferred to the respective transfer means 40b, 42b in divergent directions, respectively upwards, in line with the upper longitudinal members 11a, and downwards, in line with the lower longitudinal members 13a.

Longitudinal advance of the transverse members 11 b, 13b, in a backwards direction relative to the direction of advance of the longitudinal members 11a, 13a, is effected by gravity or chute means for the members 3b and by screw means for the members 11 b.

Once the transverse members 11 b, 13b have been positioned between the electrodes of the joining and welding means, corresponding pneumatic actuators move the corresponding electrodes to engage with the transverse members and press them against the longitudinal reinforcing members, which have a corresponding fixed electrode on the side of the longitudinal member which is opposite to that engaging with the transverse member.

By passing- a corresponding electric current through the opposing electrodes of the joining means, the transverse reinforcing members are electrically welded to the longitudinal members.

At this point, the mobile electrodes are moved from the engagement position to a disengagement position, so releasing the reinforcing members, which are advanced downstream by a distance corresponding to the movement pitch of the hauling means 20 of the present apparatus and corresponding to the pitch by which adjacent transverse members of reinforcing mesh are spaced apart.

In practice, in the present apparatus the reinforcing members 11 , 13 are advanced with an alternating motion which provides advancing phases which alternate with stopping phases, during which the transverse members are joined to the longitudinal reinforcing members.

In this manner, an apparatus is provided for producing reinforcing means usable for constructing a building, which apparatus permits the simultaneous production of first and second reinforcing means, defined by a respective metallic mesh and comprising respective longitudinal and transverse members, in which the need to turn the corresponding metal reinforcement over is avoided, in particular with a view to subsequent use for producing corresponding panels, with obvious advantages for operating personnel and avoiding the use of excess equipment.

An apparatus has also been provided for producing reinforcing means usable for constructing a building, which apparatus is particularly well suited to feeding a continuous installation for producing corresponding panels made up of a pair of meshes facing an interposed block of polystyrene or the like.

An apparatus has also been provided for producing reinforcing means usable for constructing a building, which apparatus is flexible and versatile to use and permits rapid reconfiguration of the meshes to be produced and which is of a nature to enable reliable production of various kinds of high quality metal meshes.

An apparatus has also been provided for producing reinforcing means usable for constructing a building, which apparatus is of a nature to enable straightforward and rapid reinstatement of the functionality of said apparatus when functioning thereof is suspended, for example as a result of detection of corresponding breakages or feed failures of respective reinforcing members.

An apparatus has also been provided for producing reinforcing means usable for constructing a building, which apparatus easy and quick to maintain, which occupies little space, and which has a substantial production capacity.

The invention so provided is obviously capable of industrial application. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will be able to conceive of numerous variants and/or modifications to be made to the specific preferred embodiment explained herein, while remaining within the scope of the inventive concept as has been set out in detail. In particular, a person skilled in the art will readily be able to conceive of further preferred embodiments of the invention which comprise one or more of the features stated above. Furthermore, it should be understood that any of the details may be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for producing reinforcing means usable for constructing a building, and which in particular take the form of first (11 ) and second (13) reinforcing means, in particular defined by a respective metal mesh; in particular, said reinforcing means comprise respective longitudinal members (11a, 13a), which take the form of respective wires or rods, and respective transverse members (11 b, 13b), which take the form of associated wires or rods; the apparatus is characterised in that it comprises positioning means (38, 40) for positioning the transverse reinforcing members (11 b) in line with the joining zone to the longitudinal reinforcing members (11a), said means being capable of moving said transverse members (11 b) upwards to position them below corresponding longitudinal reinforcing members (11a).

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 or according to the precharacterising portion of claim 1 , characterised in that positioning means

(38) are provided for positioning the transverse reinforcing members in line with the joining zone to the longitudinal reinforcing members, which means comprise first positioning means (40) and second positioning means (42) for respective transverse reinforcing members in line with associated longitudinal reinforcing members.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that said first and second positioning means (40, 42) for the transverse members are arranged between the first and second reinforcing members (11 , 13).

4. An apparatus according to either one of preceding claims 2 and 3, characterised in that said first and second positioning means (40, 42) for the transverse members are vertically spaced apart from one another.

5. An apparatus according to any one of preceding claims 2 to 4, characterised in that said second positioning means (42) for the transverse members are positioned below said first positioning means (40) for the transverse members.

6. An apparatus according to any one of preceding claims 2 to 5, characterised in that said second positioning means (42) for the transverse members extend in line with a position upstream of the longitudinal extension position of said first positioning means (40) for the transverse members.

7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the precharacterising portion of claim 1 , characterised in that positioning means for positioning the transverse reinforcing members in line with the joining zone to the longitudinal reinforcing members are provided, which means comprise advancing means (40b, 42b) for advancing the transverse members towards the joining position.

8. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the precharacterising portion of claim 1 , characterised in that positioning means for positioning the transverse reinforcing members in line with the joining zone to the longitudinal reinforcing members are provided, which means comprise advancing means for advancing the transverse members towards the joining position which take the form of screw means (40a).

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, characterised in that said advancing screw means (40a) for advancing the transverse members (11b) are capable of advancing the transverse members in a backwards direction relative to the direction of advance of the corresponding longitudinal reinforcing means (11a).

10. An apparatus according to either one of preceding claims 8 and 9, characterised in that said advancing screw means (40b) for advancing the transverse members extend between a position for picking up the transverse member and a position for releasing the transverse member.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, characterised in that said advancing screw means (40b) for advancing the transverse members extend upwards between a lower position for picking up the transverse member and an upper position for releasing the transverse member.

12. An apparatus according to either one of preceding claims 10 and 11 , characterised in that said advancing screw means (40b) for advancing the transverse members extend between a downstream position for picking up the transverse member and an upstream position for releasing the transverse member.

13. An apparatus according to any one of preceding claims 8 to 12, characterised in that said advancing screw means (40b) for advancing the transverse members extend according to an angle relative to the horizontal.

14. An apparatus according to any one of preceding claims 8 to 13, characterised in that the respective advancing screw (40b) comprises a shaft

(40') rotatable about its own axis and having an external surface (40") defining a helical groove for engagement and axial advance of the transverse reinforcing member.

15. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said advancing screw means (40b) for advancing the transverse members have a respective end (140b) which extends between respective engagement and contact electrodes for the reinforcing members.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15, characterised in that said respective end (140b) defines positioning means for the transverse member in line with the joining zone.

17. An apparatus according to either one of preceding claims 15 and 16, characterised in that said respective end (140b) takes the form of a portion having a conical surface for positioning the transverse member in line with the joining zone.

18. An apparatus according to any one of preceding claims 8 to 17, characterised in that said advancing screw means comprise a plurality of advancing screws (40b) parallel to one another.

19. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the precharacterising portion of claim 1 , characterised in that said advancing means for advancing towards the joining position comprise gravity conveying means (42b) for said transverse members.

20. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the precharacterising portion of claim 1 , characterised in that said advancing means for advancing towards the joining position comprise sliding chute means (42b) for the transverse members.

21. An apparatus according to claim 20, characterised in that said chute means comprise a plurality of sliding chutes (42b) parallel to one another.

22. An apparatus according to any one of preceding claims 19 to 21 , characterised in that said gravity or chute advancing means (42b) for the transverse members are capable of advancing the transverse members in a backwards direction relative to the direction of advance of the longitudinal reinforcing means.

23. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the precharacterising portion of claim 1 , characterised in that lateral guide means (40c, 40c, 42c, 42c) are provided for guiding the advance of the transverse members towards the joining position.

24. An apparatus according to claim 23, characterised in that said guide means for guiding the advance of the transverse members towards the joining position comprise engagement and guide means (40c, 40c, 42c, 42c) for the respective lateral ends of the transverse member.

25. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the precharacterising portion of claim 1 , characterised in that perpendicular retaining means (40d, 42d) are provided for retaining the transverse reinforcing members advancing towards the joining position.

26. An apparatus according to claim 25, characterised in that said perpendicular retaining means (40d, 42d) for retaining the transverse reinforcing members advancing towards the joining position comprise a respective elongate rod positioned above and parallel to the respective advancing means (40b, 42b) for the transverse members.

27. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the precharacterising portion of claim 1 , characterised in that positioning means for positioning the transverse reinforcing members in line with the joining zone to the longitudinal reinforcing members are provided, which means comprise loading means (40a, 42a) for loading the transverse members.

28. An apparatus according to claim 27, characterised in that said loading means (40a, 42a) for loading the transverse members comprise a body which is rotatable between a receiving position for the transverse member and a release position for said transverse member.

29. An apparatus according to claim 28, characterised in that said rotatable body (40a, 42a) has a respective radial peripheral seat (40'a, 42'a) for accommodating a transverse reinforcing member.

30. An apparatus according to either one of preceding claims 28 and 29, characterised in that said rotatable body (40a, 42a) has a plurality of peripheral seats (40'a, 42'a) for accommodating respective transverse reinforcing members.

31. An apparatus according to any one of claims or according to the precharacterising portion of claim 1 , characterised in that it comprises feed means (44) for the transverse reinforcing members.

32. An apparatus according to claim 31 , characterised in that said feed means (44) for the transverse members are alongside the corresponding part of the apparatus.

33. An apparatus according to any one of preceding claims 31 and 32, characterised in that said feed means (44) for the transverse reinforcing members are mobile between a working position alongside the positioning means (40) and a position spaced therefrom.

34. An apparatus according to claim 33, characterised in that said feed means (44) for the transverse reinforcing members are mobile on respective track means (144c, 144d) which extend longitudinally.

35. An apparatus according to any one of preceding claims 31 to 34, characterised in that said feed means (44) for the transverse reinforcing members comprise first feed means (46) for respective transverse reinforcing members and second feed means (48) for respective transverse reinforcing members.

36. An apparatus according to claim 35, characterised in that said second feed means (48) for the transverse members are positioned below said first feed means (46) for the transverse members.

37. An apparatus according to either one of preceding claims 35 and 36, characterised in that said second feed means (48) for the transverse members are upstream of said first feed means (46) for the transverse members.

38. An apparatus according to any one of preceding claims 31 to 37, characterised in that said feed means for the transverse reinforcing members (46, 48) comprise means (46a, 48a) for storing or loading the transverse members.

39. An apparatus according to claim 38, characterised in that said storage means for the transverse members comprise a loading hopper (46a, 48a).

40. An apparatus according to either one of preceding claims 38 and 39, characterised in that said feed means for the transverse reinforcing members

(46, 48) comprise transfer means (46b, 48b) for transferring the transverse members from the storage means (46a, 48a) to the loading means (40a, 42a) for loading the transverse members onto the positioning means (40b, 42b).

41. An apparatus according to claim 40, characterised in that said transfer means for transferring the transverse members from the storage means comprise a channel (46b, 48b) for receiving a respective transverse reinforcing member.

42. An apparatus according to claim 41 , characterised in that, in line with said channel (46b, 48b) for receiving a respective transverse reinforcing member, advancing means are provided for advancing the respective transverse member.

43. An apparatus according to claim 42, characterised in that said longitudinal advancing means for advancing the respective transverse member into the channel (46b, 48b) comprise an engagement pusher for the transverse member and/or a pair of hauling rolls (46c, 46d, 48c, 48d) for the transverse member.

44. An apparatus according to either one of preceding claims 42 and 43, characterised in that said longitudinal advancing means for advancing the respective transverse member into the channel (46b, 48b) are capable of supplying or introducing the respective transverse member in line with, or into, a corresponding seat (40'a, 42'a) of the loading means downstream of the channel.

45. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the precharacterising portion of claim 1 , characterised in that it comprises straightening means (12) for the longitudinal members.

46. An apparatus according to claim 45, characterised in that said straightening means (12) for the longitudinal members are longitudinally spaced from the remainder of the apparatus.

47. An apparatus according to either one of preceding claims 45 and 46, characterised in that said straightening means (12) for the longitudinal members are longitudinally spaced from the remaining downstream part of the apparatus, defining a working space (124) for personnel.

48. An apparatus according to any one of preceding claims 45 to 47, characterised in that said straightening means (12) for the longitudinal members comprise first straightening means (14) for the longitudinal members and second straightening means (16) for the longitudinal members.

49. An apparatus according to claim 48, characterised in that said second straightening means (16) for the longitudinal members are downstream of said first straightening means (14) for the longitudinal members.

50. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the precharacterising portion of claim 1 , characterised in that it comprises means (15) capable of detecting the breakage of a respective longitudinal member.

51. An apparatus according to claim 50, characterised in that said means (15) which are capable of detecting the breakage of a respective longitudinal member are provided on the straightening means (12).

52. An apparatus according to either one of preceding claims 50 and 51 , characterised in that said means (15) which are capable of detecting the breakage of a respective longitudinal member are provided downstream of the straightening means (12).

53. An apparatus according to any one of preceding claims 50 to 52, characterised in that said means capable of detecting the breakage of a longitudinal member comprise an engagement member for the longitudinal reinforcing member.

54. An apparatus according to claim 53, characterised in that said engagement member (15c) is mobile towards a position in which it activates a corresponding signal when feed of the respective longitudinal member ceases.

55. An apparatus according to either one of preceding claims 53 and 54, characterised in that said engagement member (15c) is mobile under the action of gravity.

56. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the precharacterising portion of claim 1 , characterised in that hauling means (20) are provided for hauling the longitudinal reinforcing members.

57. An apparatus according to claim 56, characterised in that said hauling means (20) for the longitudinal reinforcing members are mobile relative to the remaining downstream part of the apparatus.

58. An apparatus according to claim 57, characterised in that said hauling means (20) for the longitudinal reinforcing members are mobile between a working position and a resting position.

59. An apparatus according to any one of preceding claims 56 to 58, characterised in that said hauling means (20) for the longitudinal reinforcing members comprise first hauling means (24) for the longitudinal members and second hauling means (25) for the longitudinal members.

60. An apparatus according to claim 59, characterised in that said second hauling means (25) for the longitudinal members are vertically aligned with said first hauling means (24) for the longitudinal members.

61. An apparatus according to any one of preceding claims 56 to 60, characterised in that said hauling means for the longitudinal reinforcing members comprise holding and release means (20a) for the longitudinal reinforcing members and movement means (20b) for said holding and release means (20a).

62. An apparatus according to claim 62, characterised in that said movement means for said holding and release means comprise a carriage (20b) which is mobile between a retracted holding position for respective longitudinal reinforcing members and an advanced release position for respective longitudinal reinforcing members.

63. An apparatus according to claim 62, characterised in that actuating means are provided for the mobile carriage (20b), which means comprise respective rack means (20c, 20c) on the mobile carriage and roller means (20d, 20d) which mesh with said rack means (20c, 20c) and are supported on the supporting framework (20'b).

64. An apparatus according to either one of preceding claims 62 and 63, characterised in that said actuating means comprise a respective motor (20e).

65. An apparatus according to any one of preceding claims 62 to 64, characterised in that said rack means (20c, 20c) comprise a first and a second rack on the opposing sides of the mobile carriage (20b).

66. An apparatus according to any one of preceding claims 62 to 65, characterised in that said roller means meshing with said rack means are actuated by a respective motor (20e) through opposing transmission shaft portions (20g, 20g) which bear a respective meshing roller (20d, 20d).

67. An apparatus according to any one of preceding claims 62 to 66, characterised in that longitudinal sliding and guide means for the carriage (20b) are provided.

68. An apparatus according to claim 67, characterised in that said longitudinal sliding and guide means for the carriage take the form of sliding block means, which are in particular slidable on an upper sliding block (20i).

69. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the precharacterising portion of claim 1 , characterised in that joining means (26) for joining the transverse members to the longitudinal reinforcing members are provided.

70. An apparatus according to claim 69, characterised in that said joining means for joining the transverse reinforcing members to the longitudinal reinforcing members comprise first joining means (28) for joining respective transverse members to corresponding longitudinal members and second joining means (30) for joining respective transverse members to corresponding longitudinal reinforcing members.

71. An apparatus according to either one of preceding claims 69 and 70, characterised in that said joining means (28, 30) for joining the transverse members to the longitudinal reinforcing members comprise means (32) for supplying an electric voltage to engagement and contact means (34a, 34b) for the reinforcing means.

72. An apparatus according to claim 71 , characterised in that said means for supplying an electric voltage comprise a respective transformer (32) having an input for a primary circuit and an output for a secondary circuit connected to the engagement and contact means.

73. An apparatus according to claim 72, characterised in that it comprises a plurality of transformers (32) each supplying a respective plurality of contact electrodes (34a, 34b).

74. An apparatus according to any one of preceding claims 69 to 73, characterised in that movement means for moving the engagement and contact means (34a, 34b) between a contact and joining position and a disengagement position are provided.

75. An apparatus according to claim 74, characterised in that said movement means for the engagement and contact means (34a, 30 34b) are arranged between the supply transformers.

76. An apparatus according to the preceding claims and as described and shown with reference to the figures of the attached drawings and for the stated purposes.