Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus for forming an SZ cable. The apparatus includes supply spools for providing a number of conductors to be formed into the cable, positioned at the upstream end of the apparatus, and a take-up reel for advancing the conductors downstream and for taking up the completed cable. A fixed guide ring having openings for passage of the conductors is located downstream of the supply means, and a rotatable guide ring is positioned downstream of the fixed guide ring. A first motor is provided for rotating the downstream guide ring. The apparatus further includes an accumulator tube having an outside surface for receiving turns of the conductors, with the tube being movable back and forth relative to the direction of travel of the conductors. An intermediate guide ring is carried by the tube adjacent its downstream end. The apparatus also includes a second motor for rotating the intermediate guide ring and the tube with the tube being movable between a downstream position and an upstream position. Finally, the apparatus includes equipment for biasing the accumulator tube towards its upstream position. A method of forming an SZ cable using the apparatus is also disclosed.

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First Claim