A processing line material clear out devices and methods are disclosed. The device is particularly useful for clearing metal billets from induction heating units, but may be used for many other processes having sequentially ordered materials traveling down a conveyor or other processing line. In one example of the invention, a reciprocating push rod rack is used to sequentially deposit and remove at least two push rods used to abut and clear the downstream billets. A push rod advance device is used to interlink independent, sequential push rods positioned on the billet track. On clearing of the billets, the push rods are retracted, removed from the billet track and stored on the push rod rack for ready use.
B21D 43/00 - Feeding, positioning or storing devices combined with, or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, apparatus for working or processing sheet metal, metal tubes or metal profilesAssociations therewith of cutting devices
B65G 19/02 - Conveyors comprising an impeller or a series of impellers carried by an endless traction element and arranged to move articles or materials over a supporting surface or underlying material, e.g. endless scraper conveyors for articles, e.g. for containers
B65G 25/04 - Conveyors comprising a cyclically-moving, e.g. reciprocating, carrier or impeller which is disengaged from the load during the return part of its movement the carrier or impeller having identical forward and return paths of movement, e.g. reciprocating conveyors
B65G 35/00 - Mechanical conveyors not otherwise provided for
B21J 13/08 - Accessories for handling work or tools
B65G 25/08 - Conveyors comprising a cyclically-moving, e.g. reciprocating, carrier or impeller which is disengaged from the load during the return part of its movement the carrier or impeller having identical forward and return paths of movement, e.g. reciprocating conveyors having impellers, e.g. pushers
B21K 27/02 - Feeding devices for rods, wire, or strips
B21F 23/00 - Feeding wire in wire-working machines or apparatus
C21D 9/00 - Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articlesFurnaces therefor
