Electron discharge machining apparatus and method
US5543599A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 1994 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF22B37/003
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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. An extender mechanism housed in the housing is connected to the electrode for precisely extending the electrode through the opening of the housing as the electrode machines the tube wall. As the electrode forms the slot in the wall of the…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.