Abstract: A method and apparatus for trepanning a workpiece by controlling laser energy on variable diameters thereof includes the method steps of directing a collimated beam of energy against the workpiece and shifting and rotating the collimated beam so as to orbit a focal point on the workpiece to change the trepanning diameter. Apparatus for practicing such method includes a lens housing with a lens holder which is easily removable and is also positionable with respect to a reference axis by a pneumatic pressure acting against a spring loaded stop and further including means for rotating the lens housing on the reference axis to orbit the focal point of a collimated beam of laser energy about the reference axis to vary the trepanning diameter.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machine including a pick-and-place system for transferring electrode refeed cartridges from a storage turret to an EDM work station from either one or two indexable turrets. A plurality of equally spaced electrode cartridge assemblies are each removably mounted on each turret by magnets and guide pins. A slide assembly is vertically positioned between a cartridge assembly load and unload elevation and an EDM work station elevation. The slide assembly includes a movable connector plug assembly selectively driven by an EDM cylinder fixed on the slide assembly. The connector plug assembly supplies refeed cylinders on a slide mounted cartridge assembly and vertically reciprocates a power connector receptacle and drive head on such cartridge assembly. The receptacle and drive head include an electrode guide board guiding one or more electrodes with respect to a workpiece.

Abstract: In a multiple axis electrical discharge machine having a pair of indexable turrets each of which carries a plurality of electrode cartridges each with a supply of electrodes, the improvement of individually releasable electrodes in each cartridge which are configured to be transferred to a tool holder to be precisely positioned therein; the machine further includes a programmable electrode tool holder carousel and opposed tool carriers for moving preselected combinations of tool holders and electrodes between an electrode transfer station and a tool changer for transferring the selected electrode to a servo driven spindle head.

Abstract: A nozzle apparatus for focusing a beam of collimated radiation from a laser source has a spring mounted nozzle which contains the focusing lens or mirror system for establishing the actual size of the focal spot of the beam on a workpiece. Engagement of the tip of the nozzle with the workpiece or other obstacles will cause the nozzle to tilt away from the obstacle and means are responsive to such tilting movement to stop machine operation in order to clear the obstacle from the programmed path of operation of the spring mounted nozzle. Furthermore, means are provided to cause the entire assembly to be deflected upwardly when encountering an obstacle that is located in a centered relationship below the nozzle tip. The spring mounted nozzle repositions itself when it is free of the obstacle.