Abstract: An automatic inspection apparatus simultaneously rotates and longitudinally translates cylindrical workpieces through an inspection station. The inspection apparatus includes an infeed station where the cylindrical workpieces are first abutting pre-staged in coaxial alignment between a moving continuous belt and an overhead V-block guide surface. At the inspection station, a second V-block guide surface includes an integral flux transducer for inspecting the workpieces as they longitudinally translate along a linear path in a spaced-apart coaxial relationship. Also, at the inspection station, a second continuous belt is provided moving in a direction angularly related to the linear path for imparting motion to each workpiece causing them to simultaneously rotate about their longitudinal axis and separate from each other and translate along the linear path. Suitable control apparatus and a pneumatic ejector are provided downstream of the inspection station for rejecting bad workpieces.

Abstract: A compensating link arrangement is operatively associated with one of two blades in a shear assembly. The angular position of the links may be selectively adjusted to alter a horizontal force component that counteracts a separation force associated with the blades during a cutting stroke. Additionally, a preload bias is provided by a spring to urge the blades together during the cutting stroke. The preload bias minimizes the gap between the cutting blades and provides a precise, burr-free cut of a work material. According to one arrangement, the compensating links are disposed on the lower blade or bed knife. Providing the compensating links on the bed knife is particularly useful in a servo-controlled version of the shear assembly since inertial forces associated with the servo-controlled, movable blade do not affect the bed knife.