Abstract: An EDM electrode assembly including an electrode with a relative uniform, other-than-round shape, in cross-section along its entire length is supported within tubing by an epoxy bushing formed completely around an end portion of the electrode on one end of the tubing to slidably support the electrode. An EDM cartridge assembly constructed in accordance with the above further includes an outer tubing and a mechanism for driving the electrode through the bushing. A method for making the EDM electrode assembly as well as a method of refeeding the electrode.

Abstract: A modular EDM system including a compact servo slide assembly provides flexibility, accuracy and positional repeatability. The servo slide assembly includes a frame member provided with a precision dovetail for mounting on a column or bracket having a mating dovetail. The assembly also includes a slide member having a dovetail to receive and retain an electrode assembly thereon.

Abstract: A soft dessert dispensing arrangement in which a dispenser is responsive to manual actuation by an operator to dispense soft dessert over a given time period, as measured by an electrical timing circuit. Changes in important parameters affecting the pumping rate of the dessert, such as the pressure and temperature of the pumped dessert and the elapsed time since the last dispensing operation, are compensated for by adjusting the given time period to provide for the dispensing of a substantially constant quantity of dessert despite the changed parameters. The electrical timing circuit is responsive to an input resistance to measure the given time period, and the resistance applied to the timing circuit changes in accordance with sensed variations in the aforementioned parameters.

Abstract: An arrangement for automatically controlling the dispensing of a beverage such as a frothy milk shake into an open mouth container such as a translucent paper or styrofoam cup. A dispensing station defines a designated position for the cup to be filled, and a dispensing nozzle is positioned above that designated position. A radiation source is positioned above the cup to direct radiation downwardly through the open mouth thereof such that it passes through the side walls of the cup. A radiation detector is positioned adjacent to an exterior wall of the cup at a vertical position thereon at which the cup holds a "full" dispensed quantity of beverage, such that it produces an output signal indicative of the radiation passing through the wall at the full position. The output signal is compared with a given threshold level, and when it falls therebelow, thereby indicating that the dispensed beverage is at the "full" height, the dispensing operation is terminated.