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 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.