Abstract: A bar stock loader (10) having a synchronizing head (16) for matching the flats of a fresh length of bar stock (14) with the flats of a remnent of bar stock (14′) being machined in an automatic screw machine (12). The synchronizing head (16) has a selectively engageable drive controlled by a timing signal (66) that allows the fresh length of a bar stock (14) to be rotated at a speed approximately the speed of rotation of the remnant segment of bar stock (14′). A clutch (30) is provided for selectively interlocking a driven member (22) having a bushing (24) in which the fresh length of bar stock (14) is received to a bar stock engaging member (23) that is connected to the spindle (28) of the automatic screw machine. A method of loading bar stock is also disclosed.

Abstract: A retrofit for an electronically programmable, servo-controlled power feed and spindle drive system for controlling the spindle and cam shaft drive of an automatic screw machine. The automatic screw machine originally provides rotational power to the spindles of the cam shaft drive through a complex series of gears, shafts and clutch systems. The gears, shafts and clutch systems also provide synchronization between the rotation of the spindles and the rotation of the cam shaft drive. A retrofit of the automatic screw machine includes replacement of the complex series of gears, shafts and clutch systems with a variable speed drive motor, a chain drive system, an electronic encoder for monitoring the rotational speed of the spindle shaft, an electric servo motor for providing rotational power to the cam shaft drive and a central processing unit to synchronize the speeds of the variable speed motor and electric servo motor.

Abstract: A bar stock loader having a synchronizing head for matching the flats of a fresh length of bar stock with the flats of a remnant segment of bar stock being machined in an automatic screw machine. The synchronizing head has a selectively engageable drive controlled by a timing signal that allows the fresh length of bar stock to be rotated at a speed approximately the speed of rotation of the remnant segment of bar stock. A clutch is provided for selectively interlocking a driven member having a bushing in which the fresh length of bar stock is received to a bar stock engaging member that is connected to the spindle of the automatic screw machine. A method of loading bar stock is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding and engaging bar stock into an automatic screw machine having at least one clamp, at least one linear actuator, an apparatus for feeding material into the clamps, and a mechanism for facilitating opening and closing the clamps. The clamps include a base portion, pivotally mounted first and second clamping members, and a cam member extending through the base portion which engages the first and second clamping members. The clamps are mounted to a tubular support which rotates in conjunction with the spindle carrier of the automatic screw machine. The mechanism for facilitating opening and closing of the clamps engages an end portion of the at least one linear actuator to displace the cam member. The cam member disengages the clamping members causing the clamping members to open such that the bar stock can be fed into the clamping members and closed thereafter in a positive locking arrangement.