Abstract: A parts accumulating section includes a cylindrical center member; and a hose helically wrapped around the outer periphery of the cylindrical center member, and connecting two predetermined steps of a parts production line to each other. The hose has an inner diameter dimension which enables parts to pass, in a predetermined attitude, through the hose with only a respective one of the parts disposed in the hose in the radial direction of the hose. A vibration generating section applies torsional vibrations to the parts accumulating section so that the parts are fed through the hose. The parts discharged from the upstream step are accumulated in the hose in the same order as they are handled in the upstream step. The parts are fed through the hose without generating surface damage to the parts due to their collision against each other, and are supplied to the downstream step.

Abstract: A parts accumulating section is constituted by a cylindrical center member; and a hose helically wrapped around the outer periphery of the cylindrical center member, and connecting predetermined two steps of a parts production line to each other. The hose has an inner diameter dimension which enables parts to pass, in a predetermined attitude, through the hose with only each one of the parts disposed in the hose in the radial direction of the hose. A vibration generating section applies torsional vibrations to the parts accumulating section so that the parts are fed in the hose. The parts discharged from the upstream step are accumulated in the hose in the same order as they are handled in the upstream step. The parts are fed in the hose without generating surface damage to the parts due to their collision against each other, and are supplied to the downstream step.

Abstract: A superfinishing method for a bearing roller involves installation of a pair of parallel feed drums. The feed drums have guide thread surfaces each continuing in a spiral shape on an outer periphery, and each being driven to rotate about respective center axes. The feed drums through-feed a workpiece to be formed into a bearing roller while supporting and rotating the workpiece with the guide thread surfaces opposed to each other. The superfinishing method includes using a grinder to process an outer peripheral surface of the workpiece passing between the feed drums, varying a thread bottom angle of the guide thread surface based on positions along the feed drums in an axial direction, and superfinishing straight and logarithmic portions at both ends of the straight portion of a rolling surface of the bearing roller by one through-feed of the workpiece passing between the feed drums.