Abstract: A closed-knife rod cutting machine is provided with air ejection apparatus for automatic discharge of cut rods. The gage pin is compliant in the direction of the knife return stroke to permit ejection of a lodged cut rod by the advancing rod stock. The free end of the compliant gage pin is tapered to assist in clearing cut rods loosely lodged in knife, and the gage pin is timed to retract when the knife engages the rod stock at the beginning of the cutting cycle.

Abstract: A floating-type or compliant follower system for use in conjunction with a robotic or automated workpiece finishing apparatus. The follower device in a preferred embodiment cooperates with the tool to create a contact force with the workpiece which can be maintained constant with a high degree of accuracy and with a high responsiveness. The follower device in a preferred embodiment includes a constant-torque rotatable electric motor, such as a servo motor, which torque remains constant even when the motor is held in a stall condition by an external load or is driven backwards by the load. The motor output is drivingly coupled through a rotary-to-linear drive mechanism to a follower which is coupled to a driving tool such as a belt grinder.