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Focused shock spark discharge drill using multiple electrodes

  • US 4,741,405 A
  • Filed: 01/06/1987
  • Issued: 05/03/1988
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/06/1987
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A spark discharge focused shock drill comprising:

  • a drill casing;

    a source of potential;

    a pulse forming line connected to said source of potential;

    one set of electrodes provided within said drill casing and extending therein to form a drill face, said set of electrodes including a first electrode positively connected to said pulse forming line, a second electrode positively connected to ground potential and a plurality of third electrodes, said third electrodes including a first adjacent third electrode and a second adjacent third electrode, said plurality of third electrodes disposed near said first and second electrodes;

    a working fluid provided in the drill surrounding the drill face; and

    a first switch provided between said source of potential and said pulse forming line for causing a series spark array to be formed, when said first switch is closed, wherein a voltage gradient is created between said first electrode and a first adjacent third electrode such that a spark jumps the gap between said first electrode and said first adjacent third electrode, thereby subsequently establishing a voltage gradient between said first adjacent third electrode and a second adjacent third electrode, therefore creating a second spark jump and whereby additional spark jumps are created between said third electrode until a spark jump is created between the last of said third electrodes and said second electrode, all of said sparks produced within said working fluid to create a pressure wave directed against the material to be drilled.

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