Abstract: In cumulative wire-drawing machines comprising a plurality of dies for successively reducing a diameter of a wire and blocks downstream of each one of the dies for pulling the wire through the dies, the speed of the motor driving the blocks can be automatically controlled by a wire accumulation detection device that detects changes in the amount of wire accumulated on the double-block. Specifically in the context of a double-block type machine, the blocks each comprise a lower segment being driven by the motor to pull the wire through the die, an upper segment for providing the wire to a downstream double-block through a downstream die, and a sheave carried on a ring for transferring the wire from the lower segment to the upper segment. The wire accumulation detection device in this case comprises a cam on the ring and a proximity detection device mounted to the housing of the wire-drawing machine that detects the rotation of the ring by detecting a distance to a surface of the cam.

Abstract: A pilot release for a press feeder has a spring-loaded support for one of two pinch rollers through which stock material is fed. A cam follower attached to the support engages a cam which is driven by a servo motor. During operation of the press, a position sensor on the press outputs a signal indicative of the position of the press crankshaft. The signal is input to a signal processor which includes a motor control circuit which drives the servo motor of the press feeder. A position sensor on the servo motor also inputs a signal to the signal processor which compares the position of the press to the position of the servo motor, and drives the servo motor to synchronize the motor to the press. The synchronization is such that as pilot pins of the press contact the stock material in the press, an eccentricity of the cam engages the cam follower.