Patent ID: 7694611

Claim:
A workpiece ejector for turning machines having at least one spindle for receiving workpieces therethrough and at least one chuck associated with the spindle for holding a workpiece during machining operations, the ejector comprising: a piston having a first end adapted to engage the workpiece and having a first position and a second position; said piston adapted to be mounted outside the spindle and proximate the chuck such that said first end is located outside the spindle in said first position and said first end is located within the spindle in said second position; a release mechanism, said release mechanism having a first condition wherein said release mechanism is operable to maintain said piston in said first position, and having a second condition wherein said release mechanism is operable to release said piston for movement toward said second position; and an actuator operative to move said piston from said first position toward said second position when triggered by said release mechanism.