KLOSTERHALFEN, Hartwig (Im wingertsberg 27, Rittersdorf, 54636, DE)
| CLAIMS
1. An apparatus for separating and counting a number of uniform bars (2), such as round reinforcement bars, from a bundle (1) with an undetermined number of bars (2), with a separating unit (7) for taking out a number of bars (2) from the bundle (1) of bars, and a counting unit (14) interacting with the separating unit (7) and providing a counting plane (13) upon which the separated bars (12) are disposed, characterised in that the separating unit (7) includes a support (3) for the bundle (1) with a free end part (4) of the bars (2,12) projecting from the support (3), a displaceable limit stop (5) arranged in continuation of the support (3) and having an limit face (6) for the free end part (4) of the bars (2), and a separating tool (8) which together with the limit face (6) or by itself provides a slot (9) with two opposing side walls (10) with mutual spacing (11) which is adapted such that the bars (12) only may be inserted side by side in one layer in the slot (9), and that the counting unit (14) is integrated with the separating tool (8), as the slot (9) provides the counting plane (13) and serves to retain the bars (12) in one layer during the counting operation.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the counting unit (14) includes at least a first mandrel (23) which is displaceable largely perpendicularly to the side walls (10) of the slot (9) between an inactive position, where the first mandrel (23) is located outside the slot (9), and an active position, where the first mandrel (23) is displaced through the layer of bars (12) in the slot, that the first mandrel (23) is disposed at a certain distance from a stop plane (26) which is substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls (10) of the slot (9), and that the first mandrel (23) is connected to a counting mechanism (29).
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that the distance between mandrel (30) and stop plane (26) is a multiple of the bar diameter (34).
4. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that the counting unit (14) includes at least a second mandrel (22), that in the active position, the first mandrel
(23) is disposed so that it bears against one side of a given bar (24), that in the active position, the second mandrel (22) is disposed at the opposite side of the bar (24) in question, the spacing between the mandrels corresponding to the bar diameter (34), and that a press unit (25) is arranged largely in parallel with the slot (9) and adapted to exert a pressure on the bars (12) in the slot (9) in direction towards the stop plane (26), and that the stop plane (26) is constituted by one of the mandrels (22, 23) in active position.
5. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that the counting unit (14) includes one mandrel (30) which is provided with means for moving the mandrel in a direction (32) which is substantially parallel with the slot (9), that the mandrel (30) is connected with a positioning means (31) having means for determining the distance from the mandrel (30) to the stop plane (26) and means for setting the mandrel (30) at a predetermined distance from the stop plane (26), and that the distance between the mandrel (30) and the stop plane (26) corresponds to a multiple of the bar diameter (34).
6. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 -5, characterised in that the separating unit
(7) includes an arm (15) disposed at a position above the support (3) for the bundle and with an underside forming the limit face (6) and a movable wedge (16) which is connected with a vibrator for vibrating moving in a bundle (1) of the bars (2), and that the upwards facing side face (17) of the wedge (16) forms a sidewall (10) in the slot (9), the other sidewall (10) of which being formed by the limit face (6).
7. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 -5, characterised in that the separating tool
(8) includes a magnetic unit (18) which is adapted for pulling the bars (2) out of the bundle (1) and into contact with the limit face (6), which is formed by a side face on the magnetic unit (18).
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterised in that the separating tool (8) includes a fork unit (19) forming the slot, and which is displaceable between an inactive position outside the bundle of pulled out bars (12) and an active position parallel with the magnetic unit (18) for supporting the pulled out bars (12) during the counting operation.
9. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterised in that the separating tool (8) includes a pivotable fork (21) which is pivotable between an inactive position outside the bundle of pulled out bars (12) and an active position parallel with the magnetic unit (18) for establishing a support for the pulled out bars (12) after deactivating the magnetic unit (18).
10. A method for separating and counting a number of uniform bars (2), such as round reinforcement bars, from a bundle (1) with an undetermined number of bars (2) by means of a separating unit (7) for taking out a number of bars (2) and a counting unit (14) interacting with the separating unit (7) and providing a counting plane (13) where the separated bars (12) are disposed, characterised in that the bundle (1) is supported with a free end part (4) of the bars (2) protruding out from the support (3), that the free end part (4) of the bars (2) are brought to bear against a limit face (6), that the separated bars (12) are disposed side by side in one layer in a slot (9) with two opposing sidewalls (10), and that the counting is performed as the bars are retained in one layer in the slot (9) providing the counting plane (13).
11. Method according to claim 10, characterised in that the counting is performed in that a first mandrel (23,30) is disposed at a certain distance from a stop plane (26) which is substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls (10) of the slot (9), that the first mandrel (23,30) is displaced largely perpendicularly to the sidewalls (10) of the slot (9) between an inactive position, where the first mandrel (23,30) is located outside the slot (9), and an active position, where the first mandrel (23,30) is displaced through the layer of bars (12) in the slot (9), and the counting is performed as the first mandrel (23,30) is connected to a counting mechanism.
12. Method according to claim 11, characterised in that the counting is performed with a set including a second mandrel (22), that the two mandrels (22,23) are moved in a sequence where the first mandrel (23) is moved through the counting plane (13) at one side of a given first bar (24), and where the second mandrel (22) is moved down at the opposite side of the first bar (24), whereby an interspace (27) is formed between the first bar (24) and an adjacent second bar (28), that the first bar (23) is moved into the interspace (27) simultaneously with the second mandrel (22) being moved out of the interspace (27), ending the said sequence, after which a new sequence is initiated, that the sequences are registered by a counting mechanism (29) connected to at least one of the mandrels (22,23).
13. Method according to claim 12, characterised in that a pressure is exerted on the bars (12) in the slot (9), as a press unit (25) exerts a pressure on the bars (12) in the counting plane (13) in direction against the stop plane (26), and where the stop plane (26) is constituted by a mandrel (22, 23) in active position.
14. Method according to claim 10, characterised in that the counting is performed in that a mandrel (30) is disposed at a certain distance from a stop plane (26) which is substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls (10) of the slot (9), that the mandrel (30) is displaced largely perpendicularly to sidewalls (10) of the slot (9) between an inactive position, where the mandrel (30) is located outside the counting plane (13), and an active position, where the mandrel (30) is displaced through the layer of bars (12) in the slot (9), that the mandrel (30) is then moved in a direction (35) which is substantially parallel with the counting plane (13) in direction towards the stop plane (26), and that the distance from the mandrel (30) to the stop plane (26) is determined subsequently and the number of bars (12) is calculated.
15. Method according to claim 14, characterised in that the mandrel (30) is displaced to an inactive position and displaced in a direction (36) which is substantially parallel with the counting plane (13) in direction towards the stop plane (26) and displaced to an active position at a predetermined distance from the stop plane (26), and where the distance between mandrel (30) and stop plane (26) corresponds to a multiple of the bar diameter (34) for the desired number of bars (12).
16. Method according to claim 15, characterised in that in its active position, the mandrel (30) is displaced in a direction (37) which is substantially parallel with the counting plane (13) in direction away from the stop plane (26), pushing the excess bars (38) back into the bundle (1) of an undetermined number of bars (2). |
Apparatus and Method for Counting and Separating Bars
Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns an apparatus for separating and counting a number of uniform bars, such as round reinforcement bars, from a bundle with an undetermined number of bars, with a separating unit for taking out a number of bars from the bundle of bars, and a counting unit interacting with the separating unit and providing a counting plane upon which the separated bars are disposed.
The present invention furthermore concerns a method for separating and counting a number of uniform bars, such as round reinforcement bars, from a bundle with an undetermined number of bars, with a separating unit for taking out a number of bars and a counting unit interacting with the separating unit and providing a counting plane where the separated bars are disposed.
Background of the Invention When using iron reinforcement bars in a large construction, it is often necessary to bend the reinforcement bars into a ready-bent unit so that they are provided a shape which is usable in the desired reinforced concrete construction. Often there is need for many identical pre-bent units.
In order to make these pre-bent iron reinforcement units on an automated bending machine, it is required to supply a certain amount of iron reinforcement bars to the bending machine in a sure way. In order to avoid manual handling for this operation, various methods have hitherto been applied for counting iron rods and separating these from the delivered amount of iron bars.
The delivered quantity of iron bars consists of a bundle wherein the bars often lie twisted and with several overlaps, in particular if the bar dimension is small in relation to the length. In order to make the counting certain, it has been attempted by various means to get the bars separated and positioned in parallel before counting.
It is prior art to separate iron bars by means of a magnet. Then the bars were dropped down on a counting unit where they were conveyed via chain or spiral to an edge where they fell down past a sensor that counted the bars. By this method it has not be possible to safeguard against the counting sensor registering two bars as being one bar if they fell past the sensor at the same instant, e.g. if the two bars have been intertwined. Errors in counting cause errors in the supply of material to e.g. a bending machine with consequent wrong number of pre-bent reinforcement units, giving rise to waste of material and manual handling of the error in order to correct it as well.
By counting in connection with trading iron bars it is essential to be able to deliver a correct amount so that the delivered amount corresponds to the payment for the bars.
Object of the Invention
The purpose of this invention is to indicate an apparatus and a method which can ensure faultless counting of bars so that the above disadvantages are avoided.
Description of the Invention
According to the present invention, this purpose is achieved by an apparatus of the type mentioned in the introduction, which is peculiar in that the separating unit includes a support for the bundle with a free end part of the bars projecting from the support, a displaceable limit stop arranged in continuation of the support and having an limit face for the free end part of the bars, and a separating tool which together with the limit face or by itself provides a slot with two opposing side walls with mutual spacing which is adapted such that the bars only may be inserted side by side in one layer in the slot, and that the counting unit is integrated with the separating tool, as the slot provides the counting plane and serves to retain the bars in one layer during the counting operation.
The method according to the invention is peculiar in that the bundle is supported with a free end part of the bars protruding out from the support, that the free end part of the bars are brought to bear against a limit face, that the separated bars are disposed side by side in one layer in a slot with two opposing sidewalls, and that the counting is performed as the bars are retained in one layer in the slot providing the counting plane.
Thus the separating unit utilises that the free end part of the bars are brought to bear against a limit face and that the separated bars are disposed side by side in one layer in a slot with two opposing sidewalls, after which the counting is performed as the bars are retained in one layer in the slot providing the counting plane.
The counting unit is integrated with the separating tool, as the slot provides the counting plane and serves to retain the bars in one layer during the counting operation.
By using the said apparatus according to the method according to the invention, a very exact counting of the bars separated from the bundle of bars, since it is ensured that the bars are forwarded to counting in one plane so that no excess bars are lying upon the amount of bars which are subsequently to be processed by the counting unit.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the counting unit includes at least a first mandrel which is displaceable largely perpendicularly to the sidewalls of the slot between an inactive position, where the first mandrel is located outside the slot, and an active position, where the first mandrel is displaced through the layer of bars in the slot, that the first mandrel is disposed at a certain distance from a stop plane which is substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls of the slot, and that the first mandrel is connected to a counting mechanism.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the counting is performed in that a first mandrel is disposed at a certain distance from a stop plane which is substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls of the slot, that the first mandrel is displaced largely perpendicularly to the sidewalls of the slot between the inactive position and the active position, where the first mandrel is displaced through the layer of bars in the slot, and the counting is performed as the first mandrel is connected to a counting mechanism.
By using a mandrel for counting, a mechanical dividing of the bars located in the counting plane is achieved, and the use of a stop plane at a certain distance from the mandrel provides a secure mechanical identification of the number of bars between mandrel and stop plane.
The distance between mandrel and stop plane may be a multiple of the bar diameter. Hereby, the number of bars between mandrel and stop plane may be calculated with certainty.
According to yet an embodiment of the invention, the counting unit includes at least a second mandrel, where in the active position, the first mandrel is disposed so that it bears against one side of a given bar, and where in the active position, the second mandrel is disposed at the opposite side of the bar in question, the spacing between the mandrels corresponding to the bar diameter, and that a press unit is arranged largely in parallel with the slot and adapted to exert a pressure on the bars in the slot in direction towards the stop plane, and that the stop plane is constituted by one of the mandrels in active position.
According to yet an embodiment of the invention, the counting is hereby performed with a set including a second mandrel, where the two mandrels are moved in a sequence and where the first mandrel is moved through the counting plane at one side of a given first bar, and where the second mandrel is moved down at the opposite side of the first bar, whereby an interspace is formed between the first bar and an adjacent second bar, that the first bar is moved into the interspace simultaneously with the second mandrel being moved out of the interspace, ending the said sequence, after which a new sequence is initiated, that the sequences are registered by a counting mechanism connected to at least one of the mandrels.
A pressure is exerted on the bars in the slot, as a press unit exerts a pressure on the bars in the counting plane in direction against the stop plane, and where the stop plane is constituted by a mandrel in active position.
Hereby it is ensured that the bars are lying immediately besides each other without any gaps before they are counted by means of the two mandrels, which ensure complete mechanical identification of the individual bar and thereby great certainty in the counting of it.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the counting unit will also include one mandrel which is provided with means for moving the mandrel in a direction which is substantially parallel with the slot, that the mandrel is connected with a positioning means having means for determining the distance from the mandrel to the stop plane and means for setting the mandrel at a predetermined distance from the stop plane, and that the distance between the mandrel and the stop plane corresponds to a multiple of the bar diameter.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the counting is performed in that a mandrel is disposed at a certain distance from a stop plane which is substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls of the slot, that the mandrel is displaced largely perpendicularly to sidewalls of the slot between an inactive position, where the mandrel is located outside the counting plane, and an active position, where the mandrel is displaced through the layer of bars in the slot, that the mandrel is then moved in a direction which is substantially parallel with the counting plane in direction towards the stop plane, and that the distance from the mandrel to the stop plane is determined subsequently and the number of bars is calculated.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the mandrel is displaced to an inactive position and displaced in a direction which is substantially parallel with the counting plane in direction towards the stop plane and displaced to an active position at a predetermined distance from the stop plane, and where the distance between mandrel and stop plane corresponds to a multiple of the bar diameter for the desired number of bars.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, in its active position, the mandrel will be displaced in a direction which is substantially parallel with the counting plane in direction away from the stop plane, pushing the excess bars back into the bundle of an undetermined number of bars.
By using a displaceable mandrel is achieved that this may be used for eliminating possible gaps between the bars in the counting plane by pressing the bars against the stop plane, thus obtaining a mechanical retention of bars in the counting plane. As the
distance from the displaceable mandrel to the stop plane can be determined, the number of bars can be calculated as the distance is a multiple of the bar diameter. Hereby, a certain identification of the number of bars between mandrel and stop plane may be achieved.
If then a lesser number of bars is desired, this may be effected in two ways:
Either by squeezing the slot together around the bars for holding the latter while the mandrel is displaced to inactive position and displaced to the desired distance, which is a multiple of the desired number of bars and the bar diameter, before the mandrel is displaced again to active position by which is achieved a certain identification of the desired number of bars between mandrel and stop plane.
Or by displacing the mandrel to inactive position without the slot being squeezed together. Then the mandrel is displaced to the desired distance, which is a multiple of a desired number of bars and the bar diameter + slightly less than a half bar diameter, before the mandrel is displaced to active position again and displaced towards the stop plane for eliminating possible gaps between the bars in the counting plane. Then the number of bars may be calculated as the distance is a multiple of the bar diameter and it is checked that number corresponds to the desired number of bars.
After identifying the desired number of bars, by moving the mandrel away from the stop plane it may be achieved that possible excess bars are pushed back to the bundle of bars.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the separating unit includes an arm disposed at a position above the support for the bundle and with an underside forming the limit face and a movable wedge which is connected with a vibrator for vibrating moving in a bundle of the bars, and that the upwards facing side face of the wedge forms a sidewall in the slot, the other sidewall of which being formed by the limit face.
By vibrating a wedge in through the bundle at the free end part simultaneously with a limit stop providing for the formation of a slot where the bars only can be inserted side by side in one layer into the slot, there is achieved a secure separation and disposition of the bars at the location where the counting is to occur subsequently.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the separating tool includes a magnetic unit which is adapted for pulling the bars out of the bundle and into contact with the limit face, which is formed by a side face on the magnetic unit. By pushing a magnetic limit stop in against the free end part of the bundle, a greater number of bars are forced to bear against the limit stop than if the magnet was only used for catching the uppermost bars at a point where the bundle is supported.
According to yet a embodiment of the invention, the separating tool furthermore includes a fork unit forming the slot, and which is displaceable between an inactive position outside the bundle of pulled out bars and an active position parallel with the magnetic unit for supporting the pulled out bars during the counting operation.
Hereby it becomes possible to push those bars away from the magnetic unit which do not immediately lie in contact with the magnetic unit so that the bars will only be placed in one layer in the slot, a fact contributing to the subsequent certainty of the counting. After counting, the fork may be removed, whereby excess bars can go back to the bundle of iron bars.
According to yet a embodiment of the invention, instead of the above mentioned fork unit the separating tool furthermore includes a pivotable fork which is pivotable between an inactive position outside the bundle of pulled out bars and an active position parallel with the magnetic unit for establishing a support for the pulled out bars after deactivating the magnetic unit.
Hereby it is achieved to push those bars away from the magnetic unit which do not immediately lie with contact against the magnetic unit so that the bars will only be placed in one layer in the slot, a fact contributing to the subsequent certainty of the
counting. After counting, the fork may be removed, whereby excess bars may fall back to the bundle of iron bars.
The fork unit may also consist of the slot itself where the counting plane is provided.
The at least one mandrel of the counting unit may preferably be a wedge-shaped or pointed mandrel. Hereby is achieved that when the mandrel is displaced to active position, the bars lying at the location to which the mandrel is displaced to the active position are pushed aside.
The stop plane which is substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls of the slot may preferably be substantially parallel with the bars and be provided in the shape of a limit stop or a mandrel, and where the distance between the stop plane and a mandrel connected to a counting mechanism is either one bar diameter or a multiple of the bar diameter.
Description of the Drawing
The invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein:
Fig. 1 shows a bundle of bars with support and free end part and limit stop;
Fig. 2 shows a limit stop which is displaced down towards the free end part of the bundle;
Fig. 3 shows separation by movable wedge with associated limit stop and slot;
Fig. 4 shows a magnetic limit stop which is displaced down towards the free end part of the bundle;
Fig. 5a shows a displaceable fork with slot;
Fig. 5b shows a pivotable fork with slot;
Fig. 5c shows an example where the displaceable fork is the counting slot;
Fig. 6 shows counting by two mandrels - first step in the sequence; Fig. 7 shows counting by two mandrels - second step in the sequence;
Fig. 8 shows counting by two mandrels - third step in the sequence;
Fig. 9 shows displaceable mandrel with positioning means - first step in the sequence; Fig. 10 shows displaceable mandrel with positioning means - second step in the sequence; Fig. 11 shows displaceable mandrel with positioning means - third step in the sequence; Fig. 12 shows displaceable mandrel with positioning means - fourth step in the sequence; and
Fig. 13 shows displaceable mandrel with positioning means - fifth step in the sequence.
Detailed Description of the Invention
On Fig. 1 appears a bundle 1 of bars 2 with two supports and where one support 3 is disposed a distance from one end of the bundle, producing a projecting free end part 4, where the weight and self- weight of the bars provide that the bars bend down more or less. Furthermore, there is shown a displaceable limit stop 5 which is arranged in continuation of the support 3 and which has a limit face 6 for the free end parts 4 of the bars.
On Fig. 2 appears a separating unit 7 with a limit stop 5 with a limit surface 6 which is displaced down against the free end part 4 of the bundle, such that some of the bars 2 are brought to bear against a limit face 6. Furthermore is seen a separating tool 8 which together with the limit face 6 or by itself provides a slot 9 with two opposed sidewalls 9 with mutual spacing 11 which is adapted so that the pulled out bars 12 may only be inserted side by side in one layer in the slot 9 providing the counting plane 13 where the counting is performed, as the counting unit 14 is integrated with the separating tool 8 thereby.
Fig. 3 shows a separating unit 7, here including an arm 15 which is disposed at a position above the support 3 for the bundle and with an underside forming the limit face 6 and a movable wedge 16 which is connected with a vibrator for vibrating moving in a bundle 1 of the bars 2, and that the upwards facing side face 17 of the
wedge forms a sidewall 10 in the slot, the other sidewall 10 of which being formed by the limit face 6.
Fig. 4 shows a magnetic unit 18 which is displaced downwards against the free end part 4 of the bundle for pulling the bars 2 out of the bundle 1 and into contact with the limit face 6, which is formed by a side face on the magnetic unit 18.
On Figs. 5a-c is shown that the separating tool may include a fork unit 19 in various embodiments.
Fig. 5a thus shows a fork unit 19 forming the slot 9, and where the fork unit 19 is displaceable between an inactive position outside the bundle of pulled out bars 12 and an active position parallel with the magnetic unit 18 for supporting the pulled out bars 12 during the counting operation. Hereby is achieved that it may be possible to push those bars 20 away from the magnetic unit which do not immediately are in contact against the magnetic unit 18 so that the bars will only be disposed in one layer in the slot 9.
Fig. 5b shows the fork unit 19 as a pivotable fork 21 which is pivotable between an inactive position outside the bundle of pulled out bars 12 and an active position parallel with the magnetic unit 18 for establishing a support for the pulled out bars 12 after deactivating the magnetic unit 18. Hereby is achieved that it may be possible to push those bars 20 away which do not immediately lie in contact against the magnetic unit 18 so that the bars will only be placed in one layer in the slot 9.
Fig. 5c shows that the fork unit 19 may also consist of the slot 9 itself where the counting plane 13 is to be provided.
On the Figures 6-8 appear how the counting unit 14 may include at least a second mandrel 22, where in the active position, the first mandrel 23 is disposed so that it bears against one side of a given bar 24, and where in the active position, the second mandrel 22 is disposed at the opposite side of the bar 24 in question, the spacing between the mandrels corresponding to the bar diameter, and that a press unit 25 is
arranged largely in parallel with the slot 9 and adapted to exert a pressure on the bars 12 in the slot in direction towards the stop plane 26, and that the stop plane 26 is constituted by one of the mandrels 22, 23 in active position.
The counting at the mandrels 22, 23 is performed by the two mandrels 22, 23 being moved in a sequence where the first sequential step is shown on Fig. 6. Here, the first mandrel 23 is moved through the counting plane 13 at one side of a given first bar 24, and where the second bar 22 is standing in inactive position.
Second sequential step is shown on Fig. 7 where the second mandrel 22 is moved down on the opposite side of the first bar 24, whereby a gap 27 is formed between the first bar 24 and an adjacent second bar 28.
Third sequential step is shown on Fig. 8 where the first mandrels 23 is passed into the gap or interspace 27 simultaneously with the second mandrel 22 being moved out of the gap 27, ending the said sequence, after which a new sequence is commenced. The said sequences are registered by a counting mechanism 29 which is connected to at least one of the mandrels 22, 23.
On the Figures 9-13 is shown how the counting unit 14 is displaceable mandrel 30 with positioning means 31. The mandrel 30 may be moved in a direction 32 which is substantially parallel with the sidewalls 10 of the slot 9. The mandrel 30 is moreover displaceable largely perpendicularly to the sidewalls 10 of the slot 9 between an inactive position, where the mandrel 30 is located outside the slot 9, and an active position, where the mandrel 30 is displaced through the layer of bars 12 in the slot 9. The mandrel 30 can be positioned at a certain distance from a stop plane 26 which is substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls 10 of the slot 9. The mandrel 30 is connected to a counting mechanism 33.
The counting is performed in a sequence where the five steps in the sequence are shown on Figs. 9-13.
First sequential step is shown on Fig. 9. The mandrel 30 is disposed at a distance from a stop plane 26 and set in active position. The mandrel 30 is moved in a direction 32 against the stop plane such that possible gaps or interspaces between the bars are eliminated. The distance from the mandrel 30 to the stop plane 26 is then determined by the counting mechanism 33, and the number of bars 12 is calculated by dividing the distance between mandrel 30 and stop plane 26 with the bar diameter 34. If the number of bars is not equal to the desired number, the sequence is continued.
hi Fig. 10, the sequence is continued by a second sequential step in that the lowermost of the sidewalls 10 in the slot 9 is moved in a direction 35, whereby the bars 12 are squeezed and retained.
hi Fig. 11, the sequence is continued by a third sequential step where the mandrel 30 is displaced to an inactive position and displaced in a direction 36 which is parallel with the counting plane 13 and the slot 9 with direction against the stop plane 26.
On Fig. 12, the sequence is continued by a fourth sequential step where the mandrel 30 is displaced to an active position at a distance from the stop plane 26 determined in beforehand by the counting mechanism 33, and where the distance between the mandrel 30 and stop plane 26 corresponds to a multiple of the bar diameter for the desired number of bars 12.
On Fig. 13, the sequence is finished by a fifth sequential step, where in its active position, the mandrel 30 is displaced in a direction 37 which is substantially parallel with the counting plane 13 in direction away from the stop plane 26, pushing the excess bars 38 back into the bundle 1 of an undetermined number of bars 2.