Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus is provided for repeatedly severing cable segments of desired lengths from a continuous strand of thick multi-conductor cable for stripping desired lengths of tough outer insulation sheath from the strand and segment ends, and for coiling the stripped segments. The apparatus comprises a cutter/stripper machine, a long-strip attachment mechanism, and a coiling mechanism. The cutter/stripper machine comprises an axially retractable/extendable wire guide tube into which the cable strand is fed while the tube is extended and a movable clamp grips the lead end of the strand. A stationary clamp grips the exposed portion of the strand when the tube retracts. A cutter/stripper head mechanism between the clamps severs the strand and scores the insulation sheath. The cutter/stripper mechanism and the movable clamp move away from the stationary clamp at different rates of speed to effect stripping, open to release the stripped cable segment, and then return to their starting positions. The long-strip attachment mechanism is optionally usable to completely strip extra-long lengths of sheath from the trailing end of the segment. The coiling mechanism is optionally usable to coil the stripped segments. A control system operates the cutter/stripper machine, the long-strip attachment mechanism and coiling mechanism in synchronism and employs a programmable electronic controller responsive to sensors in the cutter/stripper machine to control electric solenoid-operated pneumatic actuators in the apparatus.

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First Claim