Air operated loading and unloading device having a part sensor

A device for effecting at least one of a loading and unloading operation of a part with respect to a machine tool, the device comprising:

• a base adapted to be mounted adjacent said machine tool;
• a tubular member having an inner chamber and an elongate opening communicating with the inner chamber for receiving the part, said inner chamber having one end adapted to communicate with a spindle of said machine tool, said tubular member being mounted for rotation with respect to said base;
• a sealing member mounted for selective removal from said tubular member and for selective, sealing engagement around said elongate opening;
• a source of pressurized air communicating with said chamber for moving the part in at least one direction within said chamber when said sealing member is in sealing engagement around said elongate opening;
• a control including a wireless receiver;
• a sensing device for detecting the presence of the part along an axis in the machine tool spindle, the sensing device including:
• a support structure configured to oppose inward movement of the part into the machine tool along the axis;
• a first detection member mounted for reciprocating movement relative to the support structure between an outward first position and inward, second position, the first detection member biased toward said first position;
• a motion detection device operatively connected to the first detection member and operable to detect motion of the first detection member and generate a first signal in response to the first detection member being moved by the part to said second position;
• and
• a wireless transmitter mounted to said support structure and electrically connected to the motion detection device, said wireless transmitter operable to transmit a second signal to said wireless receiver in response to said first signal for indicating the presence of the part in the machine tool.