Abstract: A rotor support shaft for an open-end spinning rotor assembly is disclosed which is equipped on its free end with a supporting element which forms an essentially radially extending supporting surface for a vibrating ball of a step bearing. The supporting element is made of a material, preferably for a ceramic material, which has a higher hardness than steel. The supporting element is arranged in a receiving device concentric with respect to the axis of the shaft in such a manner that the supporting surface projects slightly from the front face of the shaft.

Abstract: An open-end spinning machine is provided having a servicing apparatus that can be moved along a series of spinning units, each unit containing one spinning rotor assembly comprising a shaft and a rotor. It is provided that in the individual spinning units, the shafts of the spinning rotor assemblies are disposed in wedge-shaped gaps formed by pairs of supporting disks and the shafts are driven by a tangential belt. The servicing apparatus contains a brake that can be applied to the rotor when servicing of a unit is required. The rotor is stopped while, at the same time, the drive of the tangential belt is interrupted via a bracket pulley that can be moved away from its operating position. In addition, members are provided for securing the spinning rotor in its operating position during the braking.