Method and apparatus for detecting and correcting the positions of electrodes, in particular in shock wave generator apparatus using a feeler finger, e.g. the rod of an actuator, movable to the focus
First Claim
1. In a method of detecting and correcting the positions of electrodes to a predetermined distance d symmetrically about a specified point in three dimensions at which an electric arc is to be generated between the electrodes, said point being referred to as the focus, said method comprising the following steps:
- (a) providing detector means capable of detecting the presence of an electrode and disposing said detector means at a predetermined point in three dimensions, referred to as the "detection" point, said detection point being situated on the path of electrode displacement, said detector means being suitable for detecting the presence of an electrode at said detection point;
(b) advancing one of the electrodes until said one electrode comes into contact with said detector means disposed at said detection point;
(c) detecting the presence of the electrode at said detection point;
(d) retracting said one electrode so as to position it at said predetermined distance d therefrom;
(e) repeating steps (b)-(d) for each other electrode; and
(f) retracting said detector means from said detection point;
thereby enabling the position of the electrodes to be corrected regardless of the number of discharges for which the electrodes have been used.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to a method and to apparatus for detecting and correcting the positions of electrodes. The device comprises means for advancing the electrodes to cause them to advance and retract, preferably in an individual and independent manner, together with detector means (10) capable of being disposed at and of being retracted from the focus (F) at which an electric arc or discharge is to be provided between the electrodes (2, 4) and said detector means being suitable for detecting the presence of an electrode at said focus. Position correction then consists in successively bringing each electrode to the focus (F) into contact with said detector means which are advantageously constituted by a rod (12) of an actuator (14), prior to retracting each electrode through a predetermined distance d. The invention makes it possible to detect and correct the positions of electrodes at will, in an entirely simple manner capable of being automated.
23 Citations
19 Claims
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1. In a method of detecting and correcting the positions of electrodes to a predetermined distance d symmetrically about a specified point in three dimensions at which an electric arc is to be generated between the electrodes, said point being referred to as the focus, said method comprising the following steps:
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(a) providing detector means capable of detecting the presence of an electrode and disposing said detector means at a predetermined point in three dimensions, referred to as the "detection" point, said detection point being situated on the path of electrode displacement, said detector means being suitable for detecting the presence of an electrode at said detection point; (b) advancing one of the electrodes until said one electrode comes into contact with said detector means disposed at said detection point; (c) detecting the presence of the electrode at said detection point; (d) retracting said one electrode so as to position it at said predetermined distance d therefrom; (e) repeating steps (b)-(d) for each other electrode; and (f) retracting said detector means from said detection point;
thereby enabling the position of the electrodes to be corrected regardless of the number of discharges for which the electrodes have been used. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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- 7. A device for detecting and correcting the positions of electrodes to a predetermined distance d symmetrically about a specified point in three dimensions at which an electrical arc or discharge is to be generated between said electrodes, said point being referred to as the focus, electrode advance means being provided for advancing and retracting each electrode, wherein the device comprises detector means movably mounted in said device to be disposed at and retracted from a predetermined point in space, referred to as the detection point and situated on the path over which the electrodes move, said detector means detecting the presence of an electrode at said detection point.
Specification