Patent ID: 7378611

Claim:
A work station for an electrical discharge machining apparatus, comprising: (a) a first mechanism for retaining a workpiece in a predetermined position; (b) at least one electrode for forming a feature on said workpiece; and, (c) a second mechanism for positioning said electrode in a manner that is movable into and out of engagement with a designated portion of said workpiece, said second mechanism further comprising: (1) a stationary first portion including a plurality of shaft members retained in a shaft housing, wherein said shaft members are arranged in a predetermined spaced relation; (2) a second portion for retaining and positioning said electrode, said second portion including a plurality of openings therein which are slidably positioned on said shaft members; and, (3) a bearing positioned between a surface defining each said opening in said second portion and each said shaft member, wherein said bearings have electrically insulating properties; wherein said first portion of said second mechanism is connected to said first mechanism so as to automatically align said electrode with said designated portion of said workpiece.