Machining Method and Apparatus
AssigneeTECT Power
InventorsLouis Christian Bigelow, Sami R. Hermes
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus is configured for use with an electrode and a CNC machine tool. The apparatus includes a holder configured to hold the electrode in a position projecting outward from the holder, and a pull stud configured to mount the holder on the CNC machine tool. The apparatus further includes a driving mechanism that is operative to provide a motive force, and a coupling configured to couple the holder with the driving mechanism when the holder is not mounted on the CNC machine tool. The holder is configured to transmit the motive force from the coupling to the electrode in the holder to move the electrode outward of the holder.
Claims33
An apparatus for use with an electrode and a CNC machine tool, the apparatus comprising:
- a holder configured to hold the electrode in a position projecting outward from the holder;
- a pull stud configured to mount the holder on the CNC machine tool;
- a driving mechanism operative to provide a motive force;
- and
- a coupling configured to couple the holder with the driving mechanism when the holder is not mounted on the CNC machine tool;
- wherein the holder is configured to transmit the motive force from the coupling to the electrode in the holder to move the electrode outward of the holder.
An apparatus for use with an electrode and a CNC machine tool, the apparatus comprising:
- a holder configured to hold the electrode in a position projecting outward from the holder;
- a pull stud configured to mount the holder on the CNC machine tool;
- a pneumatic coupling configured to communicate the holder with a source of pneumatic pressure when the holder is not mounted on the CNC machine tool;
- and
- means for transmitting the force of pneumatic pressure from the pneumatic coupling to the electrode in the holder, and thereby to move the electrode outward of the holder.
A method comprising:
- placing an electrode holder in a position defining a path of movement for an electrode to be moved outward of the holder;
- moving an electrode outward of the holder along the path of movement;
- and
- stopping the outward movement of the electrode with a stop structure located in the path of movement at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the holder, and thereby placing the electrode in an extended position projecting the predetermined distance outward from the holder.
A method comprising:
- mounting an electrode holder on a milling machine in a position defining a path of movement for an electrode to be moved outward of the holder;
- moving an electrode outward of the holder along the path of movement while the holder remains mounted on the milling machine;
- stopping the outward movement of the electrode with a stop structure located in the path of movement at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the holder, and thereby placing the electrode in an extended position projecting the predetermined distance outward from the holder on the milling machine;
- and
- redressing the electrode while the electrode remains in the extended position projecting the predetermined distance outward from the holder on the milling machine.
An method comprising:
- (a) moving an electrode in a holder to an extended position projecting a predetermined distance outward from the holder;
- (b) mounting the holder on a CNC machine tool with the electrode in the extended position;
- (c) performing multiple machining jobs with the electrode while the holder remains mounted on the CNC machine tool with the electrode in the holder;
- and
- (d) while maintaining the electrode in the holder, removing the holder from the CNC machine tool, redressing the electrode, and repeating steps (b) and (c) with the redressed electrode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.