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Abstract

An electrode quide for electrical discharge machines and welding apparatus. The electrode guide includes at least three sphere-shaped balls in contact with one another and forming an opening therebetween whereat the electrode is received and is guided by the outer surface of each of the balls. The balls are urged toward a frusto-conical shaped bore which forces the balls toward the longitudinal axis of the frusto-conical surface and in contact with one another. The balls can be located within a sphere-shape passageway whereat the balls can rotate with respect to one another in response to angular displacement of the electrode thereby providing a smooth bearing surface for taper cutting. A second set of three sphere-shaped balls can also be provided adjacent the first set of balls in a nesting relation therewith for guiding the electrode through the openings created by both sets of balls.

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First Claim