Abstract:
In a precision grinding machine including mutually spaced workpiece supporting assemblies rotatable about a common axis and each incorporating a relatively fixed clamping jaw disposed to support one end of a workpiece during successive workpiece unloading and loading operations and a cooperating relatively movable clamping jaw selectively movable into and out of engagement with a workpiece supported in the cooperating relatively fixed clamping jaw; auxiliary work supporting means mounted upon each workpiece supporting assembly adjacent to its relatively fixed clamping jaw, operative, whenever the relatively movable clamping jaw is released, to support and remove a portion of the weight of the workpiece off the adjacent relatively fixed clamping jaw, including, means operative to facilitate axial and/or angular rotary movement of a workpiece engaged by the auxiliary supporting means for precise axial and/or angular positioning of the workpiece relative to the respective relatively fixed clamping jaws.