Automatic metal working machine part counter

Claim 1

A multiple spindle automatic screw machine comprising a frame supporting indexable spindle carrier means, a plurality of work spindle means rotatably supported by said spindle carrier means for releasably holding and revolving bars of metal work stock to permit machining thereof into prescribed parts wherein the metal bars are thereby electrically grounded to said frame, work stock feed means mounted on said frame for advancing the metal bar in each said work spindle means at a fixed location relative to said carrier means, a metal stock feed stop plate mounted on said frame and having a front side for stopping advancement of each of the bars at said location preliminary to machining of a part therefrom, and part counter means for counting the number of parts machined comprising electrically operated counter means and circuit means for operating said counter means, said circuit means including switch means having a groundable operating terminal connected to said metal stock feed stop plate, said switch means operable to effect a count by said counter means each time said terminal is grounded, and rigid insulation means between the backside of the stop plate and said frame and also extending all about the edge of said stop plate for rigidly insulating said metal stock feed stop plate from said frame and also from metal chips directed toward the edge thereof whereby when the bar in each said work spindle means is stopped by the insulated metal stock feed stop plate there is also effected grounding of the terminal to the frame to operate said switch means to effect a part count.