Automatic loader for broaching machines

A loader for transferring work pieces from a work support to a moving conveyor, wherein a carrier is supported for reciprocation perpendicular to the work support and parallel to the conveyor, positioning means fixed to the carrier, first means for effecting movement of the carrier downwardly relative to the work support to engage the positioning means with the work piece resting on the work support, spaced gripper fingers mounted on the carrier for movement thereon relative to the positioning means from a position in which the fingers are spread apart to a position of engagement with the work piece when the latter is engaged with the positioning means, second means comprising a vertically reciprocable member, a first pair of links pivotally connected at one end to said member and at their other ends to the respective gripper fingers, a second pair of links pivoted at one end at a predetermined fixed position on the carrier and at their other ends to the respective gripper fingers intermediate the ends of the latter, and means for limiting downward movement of the gripper fingers to a predetermined level wherein the lower ends of the fingers extend below the positioning means opposite the work piece so that further movement of said first means operates to rock the gripper fingers about the second links into engagement with the work piece, said first means being operable thereafter to effect upward movement of the carrier, positioning means, and gripper fingers to lift the work piece from the work support.