Apparatus for guiding rod-shaped workpieces in turning machines

An apparatus for guiding a rod-shaped workpiece to a machine tool workstation, said apparatus comprising:

• a rotatable and axially reciprocable feed tube for feeding said rod-shaped workpiece to said machine tool workstation;
• a guide tube axially aligned with said feed tube for guiding said rod-shaped workpiece, said guide tube being axially spaced from said feed tube;
• means for introducing a lubricating and coolant liquid into said guide tube;
• an intermediate tube spanning between said feed tube and said guide tube, said intermediate tube being axially aligned with said feed tube and said guide tube;
• a first coupling for connecting a first end of said intermediate tube to an adjacent end of said feed tube such that said intermediate tube is axially fixed to said feed tube for reciprocation therewith and such that said intermediate tube is journaled to said feed tube so that said feed tube can rotate relative to said intermediate tube;
• a first annular seal associated with said first coupling for preventing egress of said lubricating and coolant liquid from between said feed tube and said intermediate tube;
• a second coupling for connecting a second end of said intermediate tube to an adjacent end of said guide tube, said second end of said intermediate tube being telescopingly received in said second coupling;
• and
• a second annular seal associated with said second coupling for preventing egress of said lubricating and coolant liquid from between said guide tube and said intermediate tube.