Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for detecting stock includes a stock forming machine (10), a stock feeder which feeds stock into the stock forming machine, and a stock detector (32). The stock detector includes a housing (34), which includes a bore (42). The housing further includes a face (50) adjacent said bore. The stock detector further includes a piston (54), which is slidably mounted in the bore, and which is moved in the bore by the stock. The bore further includes a fluid filled chamber (74), which is located between the piston and the face. The pressure of the fluid within the chamber is increased when the piston is moved by the stock towards the face, and this increase in pressure in the chamber causes the piston to decelerate. The stock detector further includes a sensor (88) which is positioned in the housing adjacent the bore, for detecting the movement of the piston. When the stock moves the piston towards the face, the movement of the stock is stopped when the piston engages the face, and the sensor detects the movement of the piston.

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First Claim