Selectively removable block and pusher assembly and feed chain therefor

A feed chain assembly for conveying workpieces of different sizes, comprising:

• a feed chain comprising a plurality of links, at least some of said links having a pair of parallel spaced pins extending therefrom, said pins extending from said links having circumferential grooves formed therein adjacent the free ends thereof;
• and
• at least one block and pusher assembly for removable attachment to said links, comprising a block having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis and a pair of parallel, spaced bores extending therethrough parallel to said transverse axis for receiving said pins extending from said link, retainer means positioned in said block for releasably retaining said pins in said bores, and pusher means attached to said block for registration with a workpiece, said retainer means comprising flexible and resilient spring means for releasably engaging said grooves in said pins, and said block including recess means for receiving a tool for releasing said spring means from engagement with the grooves in the pins.

A feed chain assembly for conveying workpieces of different sizes, comprising:

• a feed chain comprising a plurality of links at least some of said links having a pair of parallel spaced pins extending therefrom, said pins extending from said links having circumferential grooves formed therein adjacent the free ends thereof;
• and
• at least one block and pusher assembly for removable attachment to said links, comprising a block having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis and a pair of parallel, spaced bores extending therethrough parallel to said transverse axis for receiving said pins extending from said link, retainer means positioned in said block for releasably retaining said pins in said bores, and pusher means attached to said block for registration with a workpiece, said retainer means comprising flexible and resilient spring means for releasably engaging said grooves in said pins, and said spring means comprising a flexible and resilient U-shaped spring clip having first and second legs extending through said block and an intermediate portion extending between said legs for releasably engaging said grooves.