Cam feed scanner-type induction heating apparatus

Claim 1

An improved induction heating apparatus of the type comprising a magazine for storing elongated workpieces to be fed longitudinally along a heating line including other similarly aligned workpieces, an induction heating coil in said heating line, a rotary constant-rise feed cam for accepting a workpiece from said magazine each revolution and advancing same longitudinally along said line, a reciprocable rear collet in said line at the exit side of said heating coil for gripping the respective end of a workpiece to complete its scansion through the heating coil a rotary collet drive cam for effecting reciprocal movement of said rear collet and having the same workpiece travel rate as that effected by said constant-rise feed cam, and a drive motor means for driving both aforesaid cams in unison; the improvement thereof which permits of use with workpieces of different length: construction and arrangement of said collet drive cam to provide for workpiece withdrawing movement substantially its full revolution with a quick return movement portion just prior to said feed cam attaining its maximum displacement position, and said apparatus further including, drive motor speed control means for increasing speed of said drive motor means during periods of longitudinal gaps between workpieces in the heating line, and adjustable means for preventing overheating of a workpiece coming to rest within said heating cOil.