Abstract: A method for indexing a crankshaft rod to a preselected location includes the steps of rotating the drive shaft to a null position, maintaining the drive shaft at the null position, moving the indexing motor to a drive position, releasing the chuck for rotation about the spindle, rotating the chuck about the spindle, maintaining the chuck from rotation, moving the drive shaft from the drive position, and freeing the drive shaft for rotation.

Abstract: An indexing device for a grinder selectively positions the rod bearing journals of a crankshaft at a preselected location relative to an abrasive wheel of the grinder. The indexing device includes a spindle connected to a drive shaft of the grinder, a chuck rotatably mounted on the spindle, and an indexing motor for rotating the chuck on the spindle. The indexing motor is movable on guides between a first position at which rotatable driving engagement of the chuck is achieveble and a second position spaced from the first position at which the chuck is free to rotate about the spindle to position the crankshaft at the preselected location. A first latch selectively maintains the chuck from rotation and thus the rod bearing journal at the preselected location so that accurate grinding of the rod bearing journal may be achieved. Indexing of the crankshaft and control of the first latch is achieved automatically by a control device having a processor and sensors.