Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fixture for a workpiece, a system and a method for performing a machining operation using the fixture. The fixture may include a frame, a plurality of holders, an actuator and a bracket. Each holder may be configured to receive and secure a workpiece. Each holder may be rotationally coupled to the frame. The actuator may be operatively coupled to the plurality of holders to drive rotation of the holders with respect to the frame. The bracket may allow for mounting the frame to a manipulator configured to move the fixture. The method may include the steps of loading a workpiece to the holder of the fixture, moving and/or rotating the workpiece by the actuator to perform one or more ancillary operations on the workpiece, and moving/and or rotating the workpiece by the actuator to grind the workpiece against a grinding surface.

Abstract: A grinding machine has a machine bed, a first spool and a second spool mounted on the machine bed. The spools are capable of storing stock to be ground and are rotatable in a coordinated manner. A grinding wheel is mounted on the machine bed. The first spool is capable of continuously unwrapping the stock, the second spool is capable of continuously wrapping the stock and the grinding wheel is adapted to grind the stock during its travel between the first spool and the second spool. The grinding machine can be used to continuously grinding a slender stock. The stock is continuously unwrapped from the first spool and continuously wrapped on the second spool. The stock is ground during its travel from first spool to the second spool.

Abstract: A grinding machine has a machine bed, a first spool and a second spool mounted on the machine bed. The spools are capable of storing stock to be ground and are rotatable in a coordinated manner. A grinding wheel is mounted on the machine bed. The first spool is capable of continuously unwrapping the stock, the second spool is capable of continuously wrapping the stock and the grinding wheel is adapted to grind the stock during its travel between the first spool and the second spool. The grinding machine can be used to continuously grinding a slender stock. The stock is continuously unwrapped from the first spool and continuously wrapped on the second spool. The stock is ground during its travel from first spool to the second spool.

Abstract: A centerless grinder for grinding an elongated workpiece includes a grinding wheel having a working surface with a plurality of raised areas extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the working surface. A platform is provided having an elongated top surface for supporting the workpiece substantially adjacent to the working surface of the grinding wheel and a front surface with a plurality of lateral grooves for receiving the raised areas on the working surface of the grinding wheel such that movement of the platform toward the working surface into a working area adjacent to the grinding wheel enables the raised areas to pass into the lateral grooves and grind the workpiece.

Abstract: A centerless grinder for grinding an elongated workpiece includes a grinding wheel having a working surface with a plurality of raised areas extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the working surface. A platform is provided having an elongated top surface for supporting the workpiece substantially adjacent to the working surface of the grinding wheel and a front surface with a plurality of lateral grooves for receiving the raised areas on the working surface of the grinding wheel such that movement of the platform toward the working surface into a working area adjacent to the grinding wheel enables the raised areas to pass into the lateral grooves and grind the workpiece.

Abstract: A centerless grinder for grinding an elongated workpiece includes a grinding wheel having a working surface with a plurality of raised areas extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the working surface. A platform is provided having an elongated top surface for supporting the workpiece substantially adjacent to the working surface of the grinding wheel and a front surface with a plurality of lateral grooves for receiving the raised areas on the working surface of the grinding wheel such that movement of the platform toward the working surface into a working area adjacent to the grinding wheel enables the raised areas to pass into the lateral grooves and grind the workpiece.

Abstract: A centerless grinder for grinding an elongated workpiece includes a grinding wheel having a working surface with a plurality of raised areas extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the working surface. A platform is provided having an elongated top surface for supporting the workpiece substantially adjacent to the working surface of the grinding wheel and a front surface with a plurality of lateral grooves for receiving the raised areas on the working surface of the grinding wheel such that movement of the platform toward the working surface into a working area adjacent to the grinding wheel enables the raised areas to pass into the lateral grooves and grind the workpiece.

Abstract: A guidewire position locator and a centerless grinder assembly including a guidewire position locator are disclosed. The guidewire position locator includes a plurality of optical sensors closely arranged to accurately detect the position of an elongate workpiece during machining operations.

Abstract: A guidewire position locator and a centerless grinder assembly including a guidewire position locator are disclosed. The guidewire position locator includes a plurality of optical sensors closely arranged to accurately detect the position of an elongate workpiece during machining operations.

Abstract: A gauging system is disclosed. The gauging system is adapted to determine the dimensions of an elongate workpiece. A movement assembly is provided for effecting relative longitudinal movement between the gauging device and the elongate workpiece so that the gauging device can repeatedly detect the diameter of the workpiece relative to reference positions along the length of the workpiece. This enables the profile of the workpiece to be accurately determined. The gauging device may comprise a laser gauge, or other non-contact gauge. Alternatively, the gauging device may comprise a contact gauge.

Abstract: A centerless grinder assembly for machining elongate workpieces and method of operating same are disclosed. The centerless grinder comprises a work wheel for removing stock from an associated workpiece, a regulating wheel arranged to cooperate with the work wheel in removing the stock from the workpiece and a support device arranged between the work wheel and a regulating wheel for supporting the workpiece during machining operations.

Abstract: A centerless grinder assembly for machining elongate workpieces is disclosed. The centerless grinder comprises a work wheel for removing stock from an associated workpiece, a regulating wheel arranged to cooperate with the work wheel in removing the stock from the workpiece and a support device arranged between the work wheel and a regulating wheel for supporting the workpiece during machining operations. The centerless grinder assembly may also include a slidable sensor bank spaced from the work wheel and the regulating wheel for detecting at least the position of the workpiece during machining operations and for generating signals corresponding to the detected position of the workpiece. The slidable sensor bank may be selectively adjustable to a desired distance away from the work wheel and the regulating wheel to permit versatility in machining workpieces having various lengths.