William E Kushmaul

US Patent:

6624376, Sep 23, 2003

Filed:

May 21, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/153248

Inventors:

William E. Kushmaul - Paradise Valley AZ
Paul J. Moosbrugger - Scottsdale AZ
John P. Teenstra - Chandler AZ

Assignee:

Tech Mold, Inc. - Tempe AZ

International Classification:

B23H 710

US Classification:

219 6912

Abstract:

A wire guide for an electric discharge machine is designed with three elongated, cylindrical ceramic rods which close around the electrode wire to maintain its center orientation. The ceramic rods are removably held in pivotal clamps for replacement when they become worn. The clamps are inter-linked to move toward and away from one another, with an infinite range of adjustment; and once the rods are positioned to clamp the wire electrode, the jaws are locked in position during the operation of the electric discharge machine.