Abstract: A rod positioning apparatus is disclosed for positioning the end of a rod for a subsequent work operation on the rod such as ultrasonic testing of the rod end. A rod stop member receives the end of a rod advanced into a rod working position. A light emitting diode emits light through a fiber optic cable and across the area a rod end occupies when positioned in a rod stop position of the rod stop member. The end of a fiber optic cable receives light emitted across the rod stop position and directs the light to a light sensor. A control is activated when the light is not sensed on the light sensor and is activated for controlling a rod advancing and securing mechanism for stopping further advancement of the rod and securing the rod in a fixed position when the rod has advanced into the rod stop position and blocked light emitted from the light emitting diode through the fiber optic cables and onto the light sensor.

Abstract: A system, for loading a group of elongated rods into a tray from a ramp, which includes a controllable rod stop located on the ramp, an air-tight envelope, and a tray positioning mechanism. The envelope has one end attached to the ramp's lower end and has a hole in its lower surface near the ramp's lower end. The envelope is stiff enough to self-inflate with air and to self-project its opposing end away from the ramp's lower end, when the envelope is left free. The tray positioning mechanism places the tray next to and under the envelope when the rods are to be loaded. When the rod stop is disengaged, the rods roll onto the envelope and are lowered into the tray as the weight of the rods push the air out of the envelope through its hole.