Abstract:
An automatic taper compensator is used to maintain a parallel relationship between the axis of a wide grinding wheel or multiple grinding wheels (22-26) and the centerline of a cylindrical workpiece (W) on a grinding machine. Two gage heads (43, 44) are automatically advanced during the grinding cycle at the extreme ends of the workpiece portions being ground. A differential circuit (48) directly compares the voltage output of the right hand (R.H.) and the left hand (L.H.) gage heads (43, 44) and generates a signal when the difference varies by more than a predetermined amount. Compensation is effected by deflecting the appropriate wheel spindle bearing support (41 or 41'') in a forward direction, as separate force applying means (49, 49'') are provided at each end of the wheel spindle (18) for that purpose.