Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved mechanism for use in electrochemical machining cells for maintaining an essentially constant and uniform electrolyte flow gap around the tool during displacement of the tool into a workpiece to be electrochemically machined. The mechanism of the present invention is particularly adapted for use with tools having configured surfaces such as tapered sidewalls which would form gaps of nonuniform size with the workpiece during machining which would result in nonuniform flow of electrolyte and other deleterious operating conditions. The mechanism of the present invention is a movable plate arrangement disposed contiguous to the tool to provide an essentially constant and uniform-sized gap thereabout.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the application of a control variable having a fractal structure to a body or process. The process of the present invention comprises the steps of generating a control variable having a fractal structure and applying the control variable to a body or process reacting in accordance with the control variable. The process is applicable to electroforming where first, second and successive pulsed-currents are applied to cause the deposition of material onto a substrate, such that the first pulsed-current, the second pulsed-current, and successive pulsed currents form a fractal pulsed-current waveform.