Importance

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Abstract

A programmable apparatus for automatically stripping insulation from a wire end being conveyed by a wire conveyor, thereby leaving a portion of exposed conductor. This apparatus includes an insulation cutting mechanism for transversely cutting the insulation. The cutting mechanism includes opposed blades having facing cutting surfaces, at least one of those blades being movable toward the other by a blade closure device. To effect stripping, the cutting mechanism is moved away from the wire end after the cut is made. The apparatus includes a stepper motor for adjusting for the size of the wire and the thickness of the insulation. Another stepper motor is provided to control the length of the stripped portion. As the cutting mechanism is moved, a blade holder holds the cutting blades in position. A slider rod is connected to the holder and slidably engaged in a support frame connected to the conveyor. A cam is connected to the slider rod by a first cam follower and rotatably connected to the support frame for moving the slider and thus the blade holder to any one of a number of predetermined positions as required to effect stripping of the wire end. Finally, a prime mover is provided for rotating the cam respective to the support frame, thus actuating the stripping mechanism. A stop latch is provided for stopping the rotation of the cam at a predetermined zero position of the cam rotation.

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First Claim