Patent ID: 7434491

Claim:
A device comprising a workpiece positioner assembly, said workpiece positioner assembly comprising a headstock apparatus and a tailstock apparatus, wherein: said headstock apparatus is configured to rotate a workpiece and comprises a headstock interface assembly; said headstock interface assembly is configured to secure said workpiece to said headstock apparatus; said headstock interface assembly comprises a bearing configured to enable pitch, yaw and roll movement of said headstock interface assembly relative to said headstock apparatus; said tailstock apparatus is configured to support said workpiece in cooperation with said headstock apparatus and comprises a tailstock interface assembly; said tailstock interface assembly is configured to secure said workpiece to said tailstock apparatus; said tailstock interface assembly comprises a tailstock bearing configured to enable axial movement of said workpiece relative to said tailstock apparatus; said tailstock apparatus further comprises a tailstock pedestal; said tailstock interface assembly further comprises a shaft secured to said tailstock pedestal; said tailstock bearing defines a substantially spherical bearing; and said shaft is slideably engaged within said substantially spherical bearing to enable axial movement of said workpiece relative to said tailstock apparatus.