Lion Machinery, Pacific, Mo., announced that a patent application has been submitted by Leo Stalzer, founder and former company officer, for his "control system for a press brake." The invention is to overcome the problem of sheet metal or other material tripping a safety feature (such as a light curtain) while being inserted into the machine. This invention uses a single beam reflecting down both sides of the punch with a beam splitter, two beam receivers, detector assembly, muting and reset switches. The new system recently was added to a Lion up-acting hydraulic press brake sold to a customer in Florida.

Lion also announced a restructuring of its machinery dealer base. Currently the company has more than 100 dealers throughout the world. This restructuring is intended to enhance Lion's relationship with its machinery dealers, reducing the number of authorized dealers effective January 1.