Patent ID: 6500050
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: B24B,B24C

Abstract:
A system for abrasive flow machining an orifice in a workpiece wherein the system is capable of using an abrasive media having a range of viscosity values, wherein the system is comprised of:a) a processing station comprised of a primary processing pump, an alternate processing pump and a processing pump actuator to drive one of either the primary processing pump or the alternate processing pump, wherein one of the primary processing pump or the alternate processing pump is supplied with the media and wherein that pump forces the media from an upstream side of the processing station through the workpiece orifice to a downstream side of the processing station to machine the orifice and wherein when the abrasive media has a low viscosity the primary processing pump is utilized and when the abrasive media has a high viscosity the alternate processing pump is utilized; i) wherein the primary processing pump is comprised of a primary processing piston and a primary processing cylinder, wherein the primary processing piston has a diameter and wherein the primary processing piston is slidingly positioned within the primary processing cylinder; and ii) wherein the alternate processing pump is comprised of an alternate processing piston and an alternate processing cylinder, wherein the alternate processing piston has a different diameter than the primary processing piston diameter and wherein the alternate processing piston is slidingly positioned within the alternate processing cylinder, and b) a return station for receiving media from the downstream side of the processing station and returning the media in the direction of the upstream side of the processing station, wherein the return station is comprised of a receptacle to collect the media upon discharge from the orifice of the workpiece and wherein the return station is further comprised of a return pump and a return pump actuator for pumping the media in the direction of the upstream side of the processing station.