Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus for loading elongated workpieces that have a circular cross-section, including: (i) a horizontal work transfer section having horizontal rollers for longitudinally movably supporting workpieces; (ii) a plurality of sloping rails for downwardly rollably supporting workpieces parallel to each other, the rails sloping toward and overhanging from one side of the work transfer section; (iii) a plurality of movable stoppers for stopping the first of the downwardly rolling workpieces on the rails, and each stopper being movable along a sloping rail; (iv) a shifter for moving the movable stoppers along the sloping rails; (v) a lock for locking the stoppers in a preselected moved position; (vi) a plurality of work shifters for lifting the lowermost workpiece on the rails and moving it onto the horizontal rollers in the horizontal work transfer section, the work shifters each having a sloping top support surface for the lifting of workpieces, and being adapted for vertical movement along respective vertical planes disposed at a substantially right angle to the workpieces on the rails. (vii) a plurality of fixed positioners disposed under the overhang of the rails for laterally positioning one side of a workpiece at a preselected position on the horizontal rollers; and (viii) a plurality of movable positioners disposed along the horizontal work transfer section on the side of a workpiece thereon that is opposite to the side along which the fixed positioners are disposed, for positioning a workpiece on the horizontal rollers in cooperation with the fixed positioner, by the movable positioners being movable toward and away from the fixed positioners.

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First Claim