Semantic Leaps: FRAME-SHIFTING

A computer controlled apparatus for manufacturing welded wire mesh mats for reinforcing concrete is described. The welding machine has means for adjusting the longitudinal wire spacing, the transverse wire spacing, the mat length and the mat width. The adjustment device is controlled by automatic controllers which receive orders from the computer. The computer contains a limit data store in which can be stored standard limiting values for the wire mat such as limits derived from official building regulations, and the computer, on the basis of input data relating to the desired longitudinal and transverse strengths of the mat, taken in combination with the standard limiting values, determines the economically best combination of values for the mats and transmits corresponding orders to the controllers of the welding machine.