Abstract: A portable electromagnetic wave drying apparatus is provided for the in-situ reduction of moisture in structural members within a wood frame construction. The apparatus comprises at least one electromagnetic wave generation assembly and an electromagnetic wave applicator. Also provided is an electromagnetic wave treatment method for the in-situ reduction of moisture content in a structural member within a wood frame construction. The method comprises contacting a portion of the structural member with electromagnetic waves for a period of not more than 30 minutes and then allowing the structural member to rest for a period of not more than 90 minutes. The apparatus and method are useful in the remediation of wood frame structures that have been exposed to flood waters.

Abstract: Microwave dryers and a method of fabricating microwave dryers are disclosed. The microwave dryers include a microwave source that generates electromagnetic energy to dry a wet colorant applied to a continuous-form print medium. The microwave dryers further include a microwave waveguide electromagnetically coupled to the microwave source that transports the electromagnetic energy between a first end and a second end. The microwave waveguide includes a passageway that is sized to pass the continuous-form print medium through the microwave waveguide. The microwave dryer further includes a plurality of microwave absorbing elements within the microwave waveguide that absorb the electromagnetic energy and heat the wet colorant.

Abstract: Serpentine microwave dryers and a method of fabricating same are disclosed. The serpentine microwave dryers utilize microwave waveguides that includes passages through a short axis of the microwave waveguides that are sized to pass a continuous-form print medium. A long axis of the microwave waveguides are positioned across a width of a media path of the continuous-from print medium. Electromagnetic energy transported along the microwave waveguides is used to dry wet colorants applied to the continuous-form print medium. At least one of the microwave waveguides has an offset from other microwave waveguides that is perpendicular to the media path of the continuous-form print medium. The offset reduces an attenuation of the electromagnetic energy in microwave waveguide(s) that are offset.

Abstract: In a drink preparation machine, particularly espresso machine, with a height adjustable drink outflow unit (6) disposed on the front side of a machine housing front wall (3), a machine housing front wall (3) having an opening (4) extending in height adjustment direction (5) through which opening (4) a drink supply pipe (22, 36) extends. In the machine housing (2) at least one masking band (8) is disposed behind the opening (4). The masking band (8) is connected to the drink outflow unit (6) and masks on the inside of the machine housing front wall (3) one section (41, 42) each of the opening (4) not covered on the outside. At least one deflection section (25?, 28) of the masking band (8) is deflected away from the inner side of the machine housing front wall (3).

Abstract: A microwave heater capable of heating a bundle of wood and equipped with an optimized system for launching and/or dispersing microwave energy. The microwave launching system can include one or more split microwave launchers at least partly disposed in the interior of the heater. The microwave dispersing system can include one or more moving reflectors for rastering microwave energy emitted from the split launchers.

Abstract: A heating system for hot water and conditioned air uses electromagnetic energy created by one or more magnetrons operated by high voltage transformers. The heating system includes oil cooled transformers and magnetrons. Using radiators in the form of heat exchangers, heat recovered from the transformers and magnetrons is dissipated directly into the path of the return air and the air handler blower. The magnetron heating system includes a coiled conduit sized to allow complete heating of the fluid flowing therethrough. The conduit has a conical shape to allow upper magnetrons to heat the outside of the conduit and lower magnetrons to heat the inside of the conduit.

Abstract: A serpentine waveguide applicator for exposing a material to microwave energy for hearing, drying, or curing. A conveyor transports the material through aligned slots formed in facing sides at consecutive waveguide passes of the serpentine array. Each pass has a ridged waveguide structure with ridges in each corner of the otherwise rectangular waveguide. The ridges make the interior cross section of the waveguide passes cruciform and direct microwave energy away from the slots to reduce arcing, crosstalk, and leakage.

Abstract: The present invention provides low cost microfluidic devices having embedded metal conductors. The devices of the invention comprise a electronic component comprising a substrate having a first surface, a layer of electrically-conductive material deposited on a portion of the first substrate surface, a first sublayer of electrically-insulating material deposited on the first substrate surface and on the layer of electrically-conductive material, a second sublayer of electrically-insulating material deposited on the first sublayer of insulating material, and a third sublayer of electrically-insulating material deposited on the layer of dielectric material, and a fluid-handling component having a contoured surface affixed to the electronic component. The devices of the invention are advantageously used for performing electric field lysis and the polymerase chain reaction. The invention further advantageously provides simple, low cost methods for fabricating such microfluidic devices.

Abstract: A process or device for fusing toner on a carrier or a printing material, particularly a sheet-type printing material, preferably for a digital printer, wherein the printing material with the toner is irradiated with microwaves from at least one microwave conductor, which is heated to melt the toner and a toner is used which shows a sharp drop of the elastic modulus G′ from its hard state to its liquid state when heated. The ratio of the value of the elastic modulus G′ of the toner is the reference temperature value calculated from the initial temperature at the beginning of the glass transition of the toner plus 50° C. to the value of the elastic modulus G′ at the initial temperature is <10−5.

Abstract: A microwave device has a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) disposed therein for applying microwave radiation to a microfluidic structure, such as a chamber, defined in the device. The microwave radiation from the MMIC is useful for heating samples introduced into the microfluidic structure and for effecting lysis of cells in the samples. Microfabrication techniques allow the fabrication of MMICs that perform heating and cell lysing of samples having volumes in the microliter to picoliter range.

Abstract: Heat treatment apparatus for inactivating viruses in blood products includes a series of tubing coils with connectors at the opposite ends of the series for connecting the tubing to a blood product source and a blood product destination. The apparatus also includes a microwave heating chamber arranged to receive the first coil of the series and a cooling chamber adapted to receive the second coil of the series. Microwave energy is supplied to the heating chamber for heating the blood product as it flows along the first coil from an initial temperature to an elevated temperature and the cooling chamber is cooled so that the blood product in the second coil is cooled to a selected temperature appreciably below the elevated temperature. A radiometer circuit is provided for monitoring the temperatures of the blood product in the first and second coils to produce first and second temperature signals in response thereto.

Abstract: A process or device for fusing toner on a carrier or a printing material, particularly a sheet-type printing material, preferably for a digital printer, wherein the printing material with the toner is irradiated with microwaves from at least one microwave conductor, which is heated to melt the toner and a toner is used which shows a sharp drop of the elastic modulus G′ from its hard state to its liquid state when heated. The ratio of the value of the elastic modulus G′ of the toner is the reference temperature value calculated from the initial temperature at the beginning of the glass transition of the toner plus 50° C. to the value of the elastic modulus G′ at the initial temperature is <10−5.

Abstract: A source provides an electromagnetic wave that has a range of frequencies. The source sweeps the frequency of the electromagnetic wave between a cutoff frequency and double the cutoff frequency. The location, angle, or effective angle of an opening is adjusted by an opening adjuster. A path for an electromagnetic wave has a short for creating a standing wave. The path has a movable surface that can push and pull the peaks and valleys of the standing wave so as to achieve more uniform heating of the material. A dielectric wheel pushes and pulls the peaks and valleys of a standing wave so as to achieve more uniform heating of a material. A dielectric structure has a surface that has a short side and a long side. A motor rotates the dielectric structure to push and pull the peaks and valleys of a standing wave so as to achieve more uniform heating of a material. A path has a first choke flange that has a width w1, and a second choke flange that has a width w2.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machine includes a chuck for holding an electrode above a workpiece. A lower guide positions a tip of the electrode above the workpiece, and mid-guide laterally supports the electrode between its opposite ends for reducing flexing therebetween.

Abstract: An electrode positioner (24) for electric-discharge texturing apparatus (10) includes an elongated connector (62) located externally of an elongated housing (32) and extending between a servo head (40) on a slide (38) mounted by the housing and moved by a servo actuator (58). The elongated connector (62) has an internal passage (64) for carrying dielectric fluid to the servo head (40) and also has an electrical connection (60) to the servo head and an electrical connection (70) to an electrical power supply (72) to supply electrical power to an electrode supported by an electrode holder (42) on the servo head. The elongated connector (62) includes an elongated metallic tube (82) whose interior defines the passage (64) that carries the dielectric fluid and which itself carries the electrical power between the electrical connection (60) to the servo head (40) and the electrical connection (70) to the electrical power supply (72).

Abstract: An electric discharge machine is intended to effect a finishing surface on the circumferential surface of a cylindrical workpiece such that the finishing surface is parallel to the circumferential surface of the cylindrical workpiece. The machine is composed of a platform base, a work platform, a main shaft seat, and a workpiece holding device. The work platform is slidably mounted on the platform base such that the work platform slides horizontally in relation to the platform base. The main shaft seat is slidably mounted on the platform base such that the main shaft seat slides along the direction of a normal line of the work platform, and that the main shaft seat is fastened at one end thereof with a discharge finishing electrode facing the work platform. The workpiece holding device is mounted on the work platform for holding the cylindrical workpiece. When the work platform is driven to slide horizontally in relation to the platform base, the cylindrical workpiece is rotated.

Abstract: A flexible glass fiber reinforcement material has microwave-sensitive or ultraviolet sensitive binder added and is formed into a desired shape. Selected electromagnetic energy (microwave or ultraviolet) is then applied to cure and rigidize the binder. A mold for shaping the reinforcement material comprises a mold cavity defined by microwave or ultraviolet transparent material divided into separate and separable mold parts and, for microwave applications, each part carries one half of a split microwave waveguide which directs microwave energy to cure the binder resin when the mold is closed. For ultraviolet applications, an ultraviolet source (or sources) is located in the mold. Energetic stitching of a reinforcement rib is performed by applying a binder resin to the rib at at least one location, placing that location into contact with a preform and curing the binder resin to bond the parts together.

Abstract: A rotating spindle attachment device particularly useful in electrical discharge machining for detachably mounting an electrode to the ram of an electrical discharge machine (EDM). The unit incorporates an electric drive motor, threaded drive shaft, detachable electrode chuck, and water-tight seal(s) for use in mounting, sealing, and rotating a consumable electrode about its vertical axis relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: An electric discharge machine for machining a workpiece by an electric discharge by supplying a machining fluid to a gap between an electrode and the workpiece and supplying pulses to the workpiece while providing the electrode with a jump motion, said jump motion being a periodic motion of the electrode relative to the workpiece; wherein said electric discharge machine detects a state quantity caused in a main body of the electric discharge machine by a reactive force produced by a machining operation in the gap between the electrode and the workpiece and changes machining conditions of the workpiece in accordance with a detected value of the state quantity.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes many of the problems associated with electromagnetic exposure of planar materials. A diagonal slot compensates for the effects of signal attenuation along the propagation path. Adjustably variable path lengths allow peaks and valleys of the electromagnetic field in one exposure segment to compensate for peaks and valleys in another exposure segment. Dielectric slabs may be used to extend the peak field region between top and bottom conducting surfaces to allow for more uniform exposure of planar materials that have a significant thickness. Specialized choke flanges prevent the escape of electromagnetic energy. One or more rollers between exposure segments may be enclosed by an outer surface to prevent the escape of electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A micro EDM servo-head is disclosed which includes a servo, a lead screw, a carriage block engaging the lead screw, a support block, a contact block secured to the carriage block, and an electrode guide system coupled to the support block for controlling the position of the electrode of an EDM apparatus to which the micro EDM servo head is attached. The electrode guide system includes an electrode guide bottom having a longitudinal groove, and a floating guide cover which is biased toward the electrode guide bottom such that the electrode is forced into the groove and the position is controlled by forcing the electrode into the groove.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electric discharge machining the front and rear surfaces of a workpiece having thin-walled parts by using electrodes, in which the front and rear surfaces of a workpiece are discharge machined simultaneously by securing a workpiece in position on a movably adapted table, supporting two electrodes having surfaces corresponding to the front and rear surfaces being machined of the workpiece in such a manner as to face the surfaces being machined of the workpiece in such a manner and as to be retractable with respect to the surfaces being machined of the workpiece, and controlling the two electrodes so that the two electrodes are brought close to the workpiece in synchronism with each other at substantially the same traveling rate per unit time.

Abstract: An apparatus and electro-discharge machining method for making fastener-shaped mold surfaces in mold plates for making a mold for molding a fastener product having an array of fastener elements. An electro-discharge is created between an electrode and a stack of sheet-form blanks of plate material such that material is removed from the blanks to produce mold plates, each mold plate having a series of fastener element-shaped mold surfaces extending inwardly from an outer edge of the plate. Extremely small tip radii (e.g., less than 0.001 inch) can be produced with the invention. Since a multitude of finished mold plates can be formed at once, the invention is extremely cost effective in producing mold plates with accurately-formed mold surfaces.

Abstract: An electric discharge machine side bore head used for machining in a generally transverse direction within a cavity formed in a workpiece. The head retaining an electrode having a primary axis oriented generally perpendicular to the surface which is to be machined. The side bore head includes an electrode holder, an electric contact providing electric current to the electrode holder, and a device for releasably retaining the electrode near one end of the electrode holder. The primary axis of the electrode is oriented generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the electrode holder.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for machining a pipe in a reactor pressure vessel (RPV) of a nuclear reactor are described. In one embodiment of the apparatus, a EDM tool facilitates machining an opening in a pipe from within the bore of the pipe. More particularly, and in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the EDM tool includes a housing, a linear motion guide, a cam, and an electrode. The housing is sized to fit within the pipe bore and includes a first end and a second end, and an electrode bore extends longitudinally through the housing and is sized to receive the electrode. The cam is slidably coupled to the housing so that the cam moves between the respective housing first and second ends. The electrode is positioned within the electrode bore of the housing and is coupled to the cam so that the electrode may move relative to the electrode bore.

Abstract: A pair of openings are formed using an EDM technique. A pair of clamps are inserted into the openings and moved toward each other until such time as the inboard edges of the two openings are engaged. A pair of EDM cutters are used to cut a pair of slots which extend from one opening to the other. Upon completion of these slots, the sample, which remains clamped between the two clamps, is withdrawn and lowered back down the conduit to a remote collection point.

Abstract: An electric discharge machine is equipped with a current detector 410 for causing an auxiliary discharge circuit 200 to be operated and for detecting that a value of an auxiliary current exceeds a predetermined value; a timer 401 having first setting time longer than time defined until flowing of charge current into the auxiliary current is ended; a timer 403 having second setting time defined after a detection is made that the value of the auxiliary current exceeds the predetermined value until the discharge operation is brought into a stable condition after the first setting time; an operation means 470 for stopping the auxiliary discharge circuit 200 after the second setting time has passed, and for causing the main discharge circuit 300 to be operated during preselected time; and a timer 440 having a setting time longer than such time that after the operation means causes the main discharge circuit to be operated during the preselected time, the current value of the main discharge circuit 300 becomes lowe

Abstract: A notch cutting machine 10 cuts a precision notch in an oilfield tubular according to API specifications. The machine includes a base 12 for positioning either within the tubular for cutting an internal notch, or on the outer surface of the tubular for cutting an external notch. An electrically powered servo motor 14 is mounted on the base for rotating a motor shaft 21, and a linear translator 16 linearly moves a support block 18 a preselected distance in response to a selected rotation of the shaft. An electrode 22 has a tip surface 23 configured for cutting the notch in a tubular. The electrode is fixed with respect to a head 20 by an air responsive holder 80, and pressure to the head may be briefly terminated so that tip surface 23 comes into planar engagement with the surface of the tubular to be notched. An electrical source 24, a pressurized air source 28, and an EDM oil source 32 provide power, air pressure, and an EDM oil coolant, respectively, to operate the notch cutting machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method which utilize electrical discharge machining equipment and techniques to prepare an electrically conductive surface for thermal spray coating or for other purposes. The apparatus includes one or more electrodes, with each electrode having a working face, defining a plane. The one or more electrodes are mounted on the leading end of a shaft and can form part of an electrode assembly. The shaft is at least moveable axially by a shaft actuating mechanism and, in some applications, may also rotate the shaft. Each electrode is moveable by a gap setting mechanism in response to and in a direction different than the axial movement of the shaft to form a voltage gap between each working face and the surface being prepared. A supply of dielectric fluid is disposable in the voltage gap. An electrical discharge circuit conducts an electric current through the dielectric fluid in the gap to produce a gap voltage. The shaft actuating mechanism is controlled by a gap voltage control system.

Abstract: A surface treating apparatus rotates a rotating tool and moves a surface treating electrode relative to the tool via a rotating shaft driver and a Z-axis driver. A power source applies voltage to generate an electric discharge between the tool and the electrode, thereby forming a reforming layer on a peripheral flank and a rake face of the tool.

Abstract: An oscillating device is fixed to the lower end of a column of a profiling electrical discharge machining apparatus, and an electrode holder for holding a tool electrode is attached to the oscillating device. The oscillating device is composed of a block formed of a material with suitable elasticity and right- and left-hand piezoelectric elements embedded under a pilot pressure in the block. By alternately driving these piezoelectric elements, the tool electrode is subjected to a motion such that a displacement much smaller than the size of a gap between the tool electrode and a workpiece is repeated during a machining operation with a short period in a predetermined direction and a direction substantially opposite thereto.

Abstract: A plant for pasteurizing or sterilising solid or liquid food products subjects the previously packaged products to heat treatment using microwaves in a pressurized chamber, in order to guarantee its conservation for long periods of time. At least three phases of operation include a rapid heating phase of the products, up to a temperature which is slightly lower than the pasteurizing or sterilising temperature; and a temperature equalising phase, and a cooling phase. The pressure inside the pressurised chamber, during the phases varies as a function of the temperature reached by the products. The plant includes a number of tubular elements (2, 3, 4; 11, 12, 13, 14), each of which consists of a number of sections (2a, 3a, 4a; 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a) cylindrical in shape and of a small diameter, each tubular element having devices for inserting and removing from it the products to be treated and for varying the ambient pressure inside it, as function of the temperature reached by the products.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention generally concerns electroerosively drilling small diameter holes, e.g. holes 6.0 mm in diameter and smaller. Such a small hole drilling apparatus includes a worktable for receiving a workpiece, together with a chuck and an electrode guide which receives and retains an elongated and thin tubular electrode. The drilling apparatus also includes a fluid supply and pump which delivers a first flow of machining fluid to an inner bore of the tubular electrode at a pressure of at least 20 kg/cm.sup.2. The drilling apparatus also includes a power supply for applying a series of electrical machining pulses between the tubular electrode and the workpiece. As material is removed from the workpiece, an electrode feed mechanism included in the drilling apparatus advances the tubular electrode into the workpiece to maintain the spacing between the tubular electrode and the workpiece.

Abstract: In an electric discharge machine and machining method for processing an object through electric discharge by impressing a voltage between a processing electrode and the object, the processing electrode and object are relatively vibrated by a vibrating part using a piezoelectric element while a gap between the processing electrode and object is properly retained at all times. The electric discharge is accelerated when the gap is small, whereas the insulated state is maintained when the gap is large. This kind of condition is stably produced in accordance with a frequency of the vibration. If the frequency is set in the range of 50-500 Hz, a shortcircuit or an arc state is less likely to occur. The vibration is effective to quickly discharge processing debris at the discharging gap.

Abstract: A surface treatment method and apparatus therefor for providing wear and corrosion resistance, which includes relatively rotating a modified metallic member to be surface modified and a block, which may be metal only or may include a modifying material (e.g., ceramic or W-C/Co), and generating electrical discharge between the block and the modified metallic member to form a modification layer on the surface of said modified metallic member. If the modifying material is not in the block, it can be supplied via a dielectric bath or spray at the discharge interface. In this manner, the cutting edges of a cutting tool with a complicated shape can be surface modified easily to carry out tool surface treatment which increases a cutting tool life greatly. Cutting and surface treatment can be performed alternately as determined by a controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying ink deposited upon cut sheet of paper. The apparatus includes a microwave generating member to generate microwave energy for the ink and an applying member connected to said microwave generating member to apply resonating traveling microwaves to the paper. The applicator member includes a serpentine applicator for drying the ink and includes input slots and output slots for moving cut sheet of paper through the serpentine applicator. A transport member transports ink printed cut sheet paper stock from the input slot to the output slot by a belt running through the center of the applicator.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a surface of a cylinder bore by electrical discharge machining includes a rotatable spindle and at least one electrode operatively connected to a power source and rotatably supported upon the spindle, the electrode being movable radially relative to the surface of the cylinder bore between a first retracted position such that the electrode is positioned within the cylinder bore prior to preparing the surface and at a second position spaced from the first position wherein the electrode is adjacent the surface of the cylinder bore for preparing the surface by electrical discharge machining as the electrode rotates with the spindle.

Abstract: A stencil mask for use in a photochemical reaction process includes a path extending between the rear and front surfaces thereof. The path is used with a window for passing photons so as to supply a reactive medium and discharge an exhaust medium containing reaction products. Further, the path also serves as a space for separating an object from a pattern on a mask substrate. The path has a depth which is smaller than a minimum value attained by a semiconductor manufacturing process.

Abstract: A metal section removing tool (10) separates a section of metal from a metal object (M) such as a turbine rotor. The tool (10) separates an elongated section of metal from the object using a pivotally mounted cutting device (16) that cuts along a cutting arc ("B") with cutting arc axis ("A") aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cutting device. Preferably, the tool (10) uses electric discharge machining to separate the metal section from the object (M). The tool (10) also includes channels (48, 50) formed in the cutting device (16) for directing the flow of a dielectric fluid to a cutting edge of the cutting device (16). The cutting method includes first securing a carriage at a fixed position with respect to the object and then pivoting the cutting device along the cutting arc ("B") to separate a section of metal from the object (M).

Abstract: Electric discharge machining apparatus and method. An electron discharge machining apparatus and method is provided for precisely machining a wall of a tubular member to form a wall portion thereof defined by a slot of predetermined configuration at a predetermined location in a wall of the tubular member. The tubular member may be a nuclear steam generator tube. The apparatus includes a housing sized to be disposed in the tube, the housing having an opening therethrough capable of being aligned with the predetermined location in the tube wall to be electro-machined. An electrode is housed in the housing for generating an electric discharge arc between the electrode and the wall of the tube in order to machine the slot at the predetermined location. A rotator is connected to the housing for precisely rotating the housing, so that the opening formed through the housing is rotated into registry with the predetermined location to be electro-machined.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for machining a gear shape whereby when a gear is machined with a form tool, sludge is easily excluded and an accurate gear shape is provided. A method for machining an accurate gear shape whereby with a workpiece chucked, postprocess steps such as grinding and lapping are performed for consistent machining from material to completion of the gear shape, thereby removing a handling error caused by re-chucking the workpiece. A form tool supplied to a holder that can be rotated and slid in the Z direction by an automatic tool changer and a workpiece held by a chuck mounted on a side table that can be driven in the X and Y directions are synchronously rotated at a mesh assumed position under the control of a control section. Cut amount control is applied between both axes of the workpiece and the form tool and the workpiece is machined with the form tool. Form tools are supplied one after another by the automatic tool changer.

Abstract: A microwave processing system is provided wherein the material to be processed is in the form of a web type quantity configuration with a thickness that is small in relation to the wavelength of a particular microwave frequency. The material is passed through the field associated with a plurality of microwave standing waves of the particular frequency, each adjacent standing wave being offset 1/4 wavelength along the direction of movement of the web. A carrier gas removes volatile solvents from the material surfaces. Control is provided for the interrelationship of temperature, rate of movement, flow of carrier gas, and microwave power.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stencil mask in provided, in which precise patterning and a sufficient thickness of the absorber film are ensured, and manufacturing steps are simplified. Temporary holes 1h are formed on the substrate 1 based on the precise mask pattern of the intermediate film 2. The absorber film 3 is formed on the intermediate film 2, while an extra portion of the absorber film is deposited and stored in the temporary holes 1h. The absorber film 3 is made sufficiently thick while maintaining the precise patterning of the intermediate film 2. A window 6 is formed from the rear surface of the substrate penetrating through the substrate, through which beams pass. The temporary holes 1h and the extra portion of the absorber film are naturally removed during the forming of the window 6.

Abstract: A matched or dummy load for a microwave dryer having a microwave generator and a microwave applicator. The matched load includes a waveguide having opposed broad walls, opposed narrow walls, and an end wall defining a waveguide chamber. A power absorbing body made of sintered silicon carbide, casted silicon carbide, or other materials is disposed in the waveguide chamber. One or more of the walls includes means for transferring heat from the power absorbing body. A housing or shroud having an inlet and an outlet surrounds the waveguide. The means for removing heat is disposed between the inlet and outlet of the housing so that a cooling medium passed through the housing removes heat from the power absorbing body. A tuning stub is placed in front of the power absorbing body to reduce microwave reflections.

Abstract: An electric discharge machine with a turning or touch-up of the electrode uses an auxiliary tool for cutting or chiseling within an auxiliary tool holder which is mounted in the tank and includes a reference sphere for determining the electrode's shape. The auxiliary tool can include an assembly of several mechanical tools mounted symmetrically.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fast hole drilling by electrical discharge machining. The apparatus includes an indexable table (12) and a rigid vertical frame (14) which straddles the table (12). A slide member (16) is cooperatively attached to the frame (14) so that it may move in relation thereto. A plurality of advancable and retractable heads (18, 20, 22) are associated with the slide member (16) and are adaptable for electrical discharge machining. Each head (18, 20, 22) is adjustably inclinable in a plane which lies parallel to the slide member (16). Each head (18, 20, 22) includes a rotatable, hollow electrode (24) defining an axially extending channel (28). A dielectric fluid (50) passes along the channel (28) so that machining debris may be transported away from a workpiece (11) and drilling operation may proceed in a force-free, non-contacting manner.

Abstract: An EDM device for machining by electro-erosion a three-dimensional cavity by compensating for tool-electrode wear, which device includes a mechanism for rotating a tool electrode whose diameter is small in comparison to the dimensions of the cavity being eroded, a numerical control unit of known type, which controls relative three-dimensional movement between the tool electrode and the workpiece, apparatus for controlling volumetric wear rate, and computational apparatus equipped for storing the volumic shape of the cavity to be eroded in the form of virtual fine parallel layers superimposed on one another, for simulating a tool path so that the tool tip sweeps groove by groove across said successive layers, and for transmitting a corresponding signal to the three-dimensional control unit, characterized by a simulator that is programmed to calculate prior to machining the longitudinal wear of the rotating tool or a value intended for additional axial feed of the tool electrode and continuously compensating fo

Abstract: An electric discharge machine designed to prevent an impactive high-speed motion generated upon actuation of an electrode actuator from propagating to a quill, as well as to enable the rapid retreat of a tool electrode by the electrode actuator to be performed efficiently. The tool electrode is attached to a quill through an elastic supporting element and a piezoelectric actuator, with the elastic supporting element disposed on the side of the quill. The elastic supporting element has an elasticity whose degree is set so as not to adversely affect normal positioning of the tool electrode, and the piezoelectric actuator facilitates rapid retreat of the tool electrode. A support body includes a counter weight having a weight large enough to absorb the component of the impactive high-speed motion of the electrode actuator which acts toward the quill.

Abstract: A wire electrical feeding device for an electrical discharge machine. Vibrator assemblies are utilized to feed the wire electrode through electrode guides of the electrical discharge machine. A first vibrator assembly vibrates through a locus which includes a component in the wire feeding direction. The wire electrode is selectively pressed against the first vibrator assembly when the first vibrator assembly is moving in a direction having a component in a wire feeding direction. In the alternative, a second vibrator assembly, which is coupled to the first, clamps the wire electrode when the first vibrator assembly is moving in a direction having a component in the wire feeding direction. The vibrator assembles may each be driven at different vibrational frequencies.

Abstract: A support base has adjustable slides mounted thereon. A cam arm is mounted at one end on a piston rod that is used to cause vertical movement of the cam arm. The opposing end of the cam arm has a bore that rotatably receives a sleeve therein. An electrode holder is pivotally mounted in the sleeve such that one end of the electrode holder extends beyond the end of the sleeve. The electrode holder is movable between a first normal working position and a second non working position that corresponds to movement of the cam arm. A drive motor and belt are engaged with the sleeve to cause rotation of the sleeve, electrode holder, and electrode to perform machining operations on a workpiece that the electrode is inserted into.