Self-centering feed mechanism for an abrasive grinding machine

Abstract

The disclosure is directed to a self-centering feed apparatus for a dual head abrasive grinding machine. The grinding heads are mounted in opposed vertical relation, and workpieces are fed therebetween along a horizontal center line or plane. The self-centering feed apparatus comprises at least two sets of control arm mechanisms mounted above and below the center line. The control arm mechanisms of each set are mounted in side-by-side relation on a common pivot shaft, and are independently movable toward and away from the center line as the workpieces move through. Each mechanism includes a drive wheel for engaging the workpiece and driving it through the machine. Each control arm mechanism is urged toward the center line by a spring loaded pneumatic actuator that provides a constant gripping force, and which also generates a resistive force that increases as a function of deflection of a control arm mechanism from the center line. This causes the workpieces to self-center on the center line and insures that they will be uniformly surfaced on both sides even in the presence of warpage or variations in thickness.