US2783525A

US2783525A - Wire twisting and tinning machine

Info

Publication number: US2783525A
Application number: US321104A
Authority: US
Inventors: Herbert D Scharf
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1952-11-18
Filing date: 1952-11-18
Publication date: 1957-03-05
Anticipated expiration: 1974-03-05

Description

March 5, 1957 H. D. SCHARF 2,783,525

WIRE TWISTING AND TINNINGMACHINE Filed Nov. 18, 1952 s Sheets-Sheet 1 Tlc l.

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March 5, 1957 H. D. SCHARF WIRE TWISTING AND TINNING MACHINE F 2 .M t w 15 h m; V. s t I w H h 4 s 5 5 M w D B T 2J ma 4 2 a 5 9 l a 8 4 w v m M .w 4 l m BY ATTOERNEY.

March 5, 1957 H, D, SCHARF 2,783,525

WIRE TWISTING AND TINNING MACHINE Filed Nov. 18, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 1N VEN TOR.

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March 5, 1957 H. D. SCHARF WIRE TWISTING AND TINNING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 18, 1952 I N V EN TOR $1 5 597 0; 0244912,

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March 5, 1957 H. D. SCHARF 2,783,525

WIRE TWISTING AND TINNING MACHINE Filed Nov. 18, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 1 N V EN TOR. wQZ-zaaer 0. SCA AE'F H TTOR'NE Y.

United States Patent ice WIRE TWISTING AND TINNIYG MACHINE Herbert D. Scharf, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application November 18, 1952, Serial No. 321,104

41 Claims. (Cl. 29-33) This invention relates to a machine which automatically performs the successive operations of twisting the stripped ends. of stranded insulated wires and dipping the twisted ends successively in flux and solder.

At the present time where large volume production is involved in manufacturing various electrical, radio and television assemblies and appliances, large numbers of wires must be prepared in advance for the mechanic or technician to solder into position between various components. Stranded wires with their ends stripped of insulation must be twisted and successively dipped in flux and solder and these operations are now performed manually at a low production rate. This manual procedure is arduous and often causes injuries to the hands of the worker.

In order to obviate the serious limitations of production by the foregoing manual operations and also to prevent serious injuries to fingers and hands, I provide a machine that automatically twists the stripped stranded ends of wires and then dips the twisted ends into baths of flux and molten solder, successively. This machine, which processes wires at a substantially higher rate than accomplished by manual means, comprises a continuously revolving and reciprocating shaft having a pair of twisting jaws on one end, and a conveyor system operating in conjunction with said shaft to present wires one by one to the twisting jaws. Another mechanism integrated with thetwisting jaw shaft and the conveyor system operates to dip the twisted end of each wire into successive baths of flux and molten solder.

In one embodiment of the invention, the twisting jaws may be arranged to cut and strip insulation from the wire ends as well as twist the strands.

The machine of the present invention does away with arduous manual labor and produces an output of twisted and dipped wires at a rate commensurate with modern mass production operations in industry. Also the machine produces more uniform twist to the wire strands than can be attained by manual means.

As used herein, the term stranded is intended to embrace all forms of wire wherein a plurality of individual strands are longitudinally grouped together within an insulating sleeve and forming a conductive path. The apparatus described herein is adapted to process such stranded wire, whether the group of strands are pre-twisted or not.

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a machine for the processing of stranded wires having means for feeding individual pieces of wire, means for twisting the exposed stranded end of the wire, and means for dipping the twisted ends of said wires into baths of flux and solder, successively.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel mechanism adapted to twist the exposed end of stranded wire.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel carriage feed mechanism whereby wires may be successively fed to a wire twister and to successive baths of flux and solder.

2,783,525 Patented Mar. 5, 1957 Still another object of, the invention isv to provide a novel feed mechanism for gripping and transporting wires whereby the gripping mechanism is automatically operated for loading and discharging wires.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for automatically stripping insulation from the ends of wires.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for automatically stripping insulation from the ends of stranded wires and substantially simultaneously twisting the exposed stranded ends of said wires.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanical system which operates the twisting mechanism and the feed carriage mechanism conjointly whereby the wires are fed at suitable intervals for the twisting and dipping operations.

A further object of the invention is to provide a twisting. mechanism that produces a uniform twist in the exposed wire strands that is superior to the twist produced by hand.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a wire twisting mechanism which comprises a constantly rotating shaft capable of reciprocating longitudinal motion and a pair of gripping jaws on said shaft, the operation of said jaws being coordinated with the reciprocating motion of said shaft whereby said jaws operate to open and close at predetermined periods during each reciprocating cycle of the shaft.

Still other objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent from the specification.

The features of novelty which I believe to be characteristic of my invention are set forth with particularity inthe appended claims. My invention itself, however,

both as toits fundamental principles and asto its particular embodiments, will best be understood by reference to the specification and accompanying drawings, in which-' Figure 1 is a top schematic plan view of the machine of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the machine shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side section view looking in the same direction as Fig. 2, and taken approximately on line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 shows a vertical cross section taken approximately on line 44 of Fig. 2, parts being omitted and broken away;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary section view of a portion of Fig. 4, parts being omitted, showing the operating members in their extended position;

Fig. 6 is a detail perspective view of one of the wire holding conveyor members;

Fig. 7 shows an end view of Fig. 6 looking in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a side section view looking in the reverse direction to Fig. 4 and taken approximately on line 8--8 of Figs. 1 or 4, parts being omitted or broken away;

Fig. 9 shows an enlarged fragmentary detail view partly in elevation and partly in section of the twister shaft and the operating mechanism for .the twister jaws;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the twisting jaws and the mechanism which operates to open and close said jaws;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an insulation cutting attachment, which may optionally be attached to one or both of the jaws in Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing the conveyor chain support;

Fig. 13 is a plan view of a typical wedge cam for operating the twister jaws;

Fig. 14 is a plan view of a typical twister shaft cam for producing rectilinear motion of said shaft;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a stranded wire having one end stripped of insulation.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the end of the wire after twisting; i

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the end of the wire after twistingand dipping in flux and solder; and 1 'Fig. 18 is a perspectiveview ofan insulated wire showing the manncr in which theinsulation may be cut by the attachment shown in Fig. 11.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, themain operative parts of the machine are supported by means of three vertical frames 11 12 and 13 bolted to table 14. See Fig. 4. To the. rear of frame 11 is an electric motor 15 (Fig. 1) serving as a source of powerand whoseshaft 16 is connected to input shaft 17 of gear reducer 18 by means of

pulleys

19 and 21 joined by belt 22. Motor 15 and gear reducer18 are both bolted to table 14.

Output. shaft 23 of gear reducer 18 is connected by means of coupling 24 to drive shaft 25 rotatably supported in suitable bearings positioned in

frames

11 and 13.' Drive shaft25 is arranged to rotate at a-constant speed. A twistershaft 26 rotates in

bearings

27 and 28 connected to

frames

11 and 12, respectively. Rotary motion is imparted to shaft 26 by means of a pulley train comprising shaft 25 mentioned above, shaft 29 supported between

frames

11 and 12, shaft 31 supported between

frames

11 and 32, with pulley 33 mounted on shaft 25, pulleys 34 and 35 on shaft 29, pulleys 36 and 37 on shaft "31 and pulley 38 on shaft 26.

Belts

39, 41 and 42 connect the respective pulleys whose various diameters are chosen to multiply the rotational speed of driveshaftZS to produce a higher rotational speed on shaft 26.

Twister shaft 26 is capable of reciprocal longitudinal motion through-bronze bearing sleeves 43 and'44 which are connected to and rotate with the inner races of

ball bearings

27 and 28, respectively; 'See Fig 9.

, Shaft 26 has a built up portion 47 which slides longitudinally within bearingsleeve 44 and rotates with shaft 26.

'Within built up, portion 47 are two longitudinal slots positioned substantially 180 apart and through which pins 48 move longitudinally.

' Connected to the forward end ofeach pin; 48 is a wedge cam 49 which ismovable longitudinally over the side of shaft 26. The rear ends of pine 48 are connected to a sleeve ,50 .which is freely movable longitudinally over shaft 26 and rotatesntherewith :Sleeveiilis connected to the inner race of ball bearing 51, whose outer race is enclosed by. stationary ring 52.

' Connected tol the forwardendof twister shaft 26 is a small cylinder 54 whose longitudinal axis is-. -s ubstantially perpendicular to the axis of shaft 26. inserted within cylinder54 is a second cylindrical sleeve 55 which; rotates freely within cylinder 54,.and inserted-within sleeve 55 is a pivot pin 56which rotates freely within sleeve 55.

' As shown in Fig. lthlever arm 57- is connected to one end of sleeve 55 while lever 58 isconnected to the opposite end of pin 56,

arms

57 and 58 operating with a scissors-like motion relativeto each other. Attached to the

rear ofeach arm

57 and 58 are

pins

59 and 61, respectively, over which may be placed

roller sleeves

62 and 63, respectivelyl Connected betweenpin 61 attached to arm 58and bracket 64 attached to arm 57 is a spring 65 which normallyurges arms 57 and58 into a closed grasping position.

Arms

57 and 58 are opened by means .of wedge earns 49 moving forward along shaftld and causing

roller sleeves

62, 63 to ride up the cam surfaces 66.

Arms

57 and 58 are maintained in the open. position when wedge cams 49 .arethrust forward sufiiciently so that

roller sleeves

62 and 63 are. positioned on dwell cam surfaces 67.

Connected to the forward ends ofarms: S'Zand 58 are twister jaws 68 and 69, respectively. The opposingfaces of jaws 68 and 69 have surfaces .which are. suitably adapted to. grip the exposed ends .of stranded wireand to twist said strands when said jaws are closed. against each other and revolve about the longitudinal axis of the wire. In some cases it may be desirable to attach to jaws 68 and 69 special gripping'material in the form of pads 71 which are made of suitable materials such as rubber, nylon, Bakelite or the like, which can grip and twist the wire strands without injuring them.

In order to ensure that the wire is fed centrally between twisting jaws 68 and 69, there may be attached to one of the jaws a spring blade clip 72 having a substantially perpendicular leg 73 in which a V-shaped slot 74 is cut. As jaws.63 and 69 rotate and come together, the wire is caught in slot 74 and centered betwecnjthe closing jaws. When jaws 68 and 69 are closed together to grip the wire, the yieldableclip 72 is pushed back out of the way by the wire urging against the crotch of slot 74.

The operation of twisting the strands of wire requires two separate but coordinated motions on the part of the twister shaft and the twisting jaws. Although bothshaft 26 and jaws 63 and 69 rotate constantly at the same speed, various motions are required first to advance the open jawsover the end of the wire, then to close the jaws over the wire and while the jaws are closed, the shaft and jaws must be retracted, thereby twisting the full length of the exposed strands.

These coordinated motions are derived from upright cam shaft 76 connected to drive shaft 25 (Figs. 1 and 3) by means of interacting mitre gears 77 and 78, connected to

shaft

25 and 76, respectively, said cam shaft 76 being supported by means of

bearings

80 and 800 connected by suitable brackets (not shown) to frame 11.

Shafts

25 and 76 rotate at a 1 to 1 ratio relative to each other. Attached to shaft 76 are two

cams

79 and 81, positioned one above the other. Cam 79 serves to produce the rec tilinear motion for twister shaft 26 while cam 81 serves to operate the jaw opening and closing mechanism.

The mechanism for producing rectilinear motion of twister shaft 26 (Figs. 1, 4, 9) comprises a ball bearing 82 Whose inner race is connected to and rotates with shaft 26. The outer race is press-fitted to a stationary ring 83. Link levers 84 and are connected near one end to the top and bottom, respectively, of ring 83 by means of pins 36 fixed in ring 83 and extending throughv slots 87 in

levers

84 and 85. Slots 87 are provided so that

levers

84 and 85 may move angularly with respect to shaft 26 and yet move said shaft in either direction. This is made possible by pins 86 moving longitudinally in slots 87. The rearward ends of

levers

84 and 85 are pivotally connected to pin 88 positioned in brackets 89 connected to frame 11. (Figs. 1, 3.)

Connected to the underside of lever 85 is acam follower 91 (Fig. 3) which cooperates with the surface of rotating cam 79. The surfaces of cam 79 (Fig. 14) are arranged to provide the following motions for twister shaft 26. Starting at X where shaft 26 is fully retracted toward frame 11, sector A causes shaft 26 to advance forward toward frame 13with gripper jaws open; section B causes the shaft to dwell in the advanced position; while sector C causes the gradual retraction of the shaft to a point where sector D maintains the shaft fully retracted.

The action of cam 79 against the cam follower 9.1.- which is connected only to lever 35, causes the motion of both levers 84 and. 85 since the forward ends of both levers are connected to the same stationary ring 83. The action of cam 79 operates against the action of spring 92 connected between the outer end of lever 84 and a suitable bracket on frame 11, said spring normally urging shaft 26 i nto the retracted position. (Fig. l.)

The mechanism for operating the twister jaws comprises a pair of

levers

93 and 94 connected to ring-52 by-means of pins 95 fixed in ring 52- and extending through slots 96in levers93 and94, said'slots permitting angular motion ofsaid levers relative to'the' rectilinear motion of twister shaft 26 (Figs. 1, 3 and'9).

ateaca g ,The distance between

levers

93 and 94, is smaller than

thatbetween levers

84 and 85 to permit levers 93,.and 94 tobe pivotally connected also to pin 88, whereby each pair of levers may operate independently. Accordingly, the outside diameter of ring 52 is smaller than that of ring 83.

Connected to the underside of lever 93 is cam follower 97 (Fig. 3) which cooperates with the surface of rotating cam 81. The surfaces of cam 81 (Fig. 13) are arranged to provide the following motions for

twister arms

57 and 58.

During the last 40 of section D of Fig. 14, while shaft 26 is in the fully retracted position, sector E of cam 81 causes levers 93 and 94 to push sleeve 50 forward along shaft 26 in advance of the forward motion of shaft 26. Sleeve 50 carrying pins 48 forward cause wedge cams 49 to rapidly

open twister arms

57 and 58 so that the rotating twister jaws 68 and 69 are carried in an open position by cam dwell sector F beyond the end of the preferred wire until shaft 26 reaches the furthest extent of its forward motion.

As soon as shaft 26 has been advanced to its furthest forward motion, jaws 68 and 69 are in position ready to close over the proffered end of the wire. At this point, cam sector G permits the sudden withdrawal of wedge earns 49 under the action of spring 99 connected be tween the end of bar 93 and a bracket on frame 11. The sudden withdrawal of wedge earns 49 rearwardly on shaft 26 permits spring 65 to close

twister arms

57 and 58 whereby the rotating twister jaws 68 and 69 grasp the stranded end of the proferred wire. During the remaining portion of sector H of the cycle of cam 81, the twister jaws remain closed.

After the twister jaws are closed over the stranded end of the wire for a short period of time, shaft 26 begins to retract during sector C of cam 79 so that an even twist is produced on the stranded end of the wire. The various dimensions of the sectors of

cams

79 and 81 are illustrative of one embodiment of the present invention, and it is understood that other suitable sector proportions may be derived as well as other suitable mechanisms for actuating and timing the twister shaft and twister jaws.

A combination conveyor feed system for bringing the wires into position for twisting and for subsequently dipping the twisted ends of the wire into successive baths of flux and molten solder is provided on the outer side of frame 13 (Figs. 1 and 2). The conveyor system is mounted on

shafts

101 and 102 rotatably supported in

bearings

103, 104, and 105, 106, respectively in

frames

11 and 13.

Shafts

101 and 102 extend through to the outside of frame 13.

On the outer end of shaft 101 is mounted a sprocket wheel 107, while a somewhat smaller sprocket wheel 108 is mounted on the outer end of shaft 102. An endless link chain 109 operatively connects

sprocket wheels

107 and 108.

Intermittent action is provided to advance chain 109 step by step in order to feed the wires one by one to the twisting mechanism. This intermittent movement is produced by means of a geneva disk 111 connected to shaft 101 on the inner side of frame 13 (Figs. 1, 3 and 8) and having a plurality of slots 112 which are successively engaged by a single roller pin 113 carried between

disks

114 and 115 which are attached to and rotate with drive shaft 25. By means of this arrangement the constant motion of drive shaft is translated into the intermittent motion of shaft 101. Each rotation of shaft 25 thereby produces a fractional rotation of shaft 101, the number of evenly spaced slots 112 determining the distance of stepping transit of chain 109.

An indexing mechanism for geneva disk 111 (Fig. 8) is provided by means of a lever 116 pivotally connected to pin 117 on the inner side of frame 13. A roller 118 attached to the free end of lever 116 is urged downwardly by the action of spring 119 connected betweenbar-116 and a suitable bracket on frame'13, roller 118;,cooperating with the mouths of slots 112 to fix the position of disk 111 and accordingly shaft 101 and chain 109 at the desired intervals. When disk 111 rotates, roller 118 yieldably rides around the periphery of disk 11 against the action of spring 119. 3-

Attached to the outer side of frame 13 is a bar 121 forming a support track on which chain 109 rides in its traverse from the top of sprocket wheel 108 to the top of sprocket wheel 107. (Figs. 2, 8 and 12). In this manner chain 109 is prevented from sagging so that the Wires may be presented properly in alignment for the twisting and dipping operations to be described hereinafter.

Eachalternate link on chain 109 is provided with a pair of angle extensions 123 forming aplatform (Fig. 12) to which is attached leaf 124 of a hinge whose other freely movable leaf 125, pivoted on pin 126, normally jisfolded back over leaf 124 (Fig. 6). The pivot portion of the hinge extends a short distance beyond the edge of the extension 123 nearest frame 13. j

The wire holding member (Figs; 6 and 12) comprises abracket bar 127 attached to the freely movable leaf 125 of the hinge. Bar 127 normally lies in a substantially horizontal position. In the upper surface at one end of bar 127 is a longitudinal V-shaped groove 128 at the outer end of which is a cut away recess which accommodates a grip bar 129 extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of bar 127. Grip bar 129 is pivotally connected to bar 127 by means of pin 131 positioned longitudinally in bar 127.

A portion of bar 127 is cut away to form a recess through which pin 131 extends. Torsion spring 132 is coiled around pin 131, one end of said spring being connected to bar 129 and the other end being suitably anchored in bar 127. Y

The lower end of bar 129and the crotch of groove 128 cooperate to form gripping jaws for a wire 133 (Fig. 7) that may be inserted into groove 128. The action of spring 132 normally keeps said gripping mechanism closed and provides sufficient force to maintain said wire motionless while its end is being twisted.

Attached to the outer end of bar 129 by means of a suitable pin is a ball bearing 134 whose outer race serves to cooperate with a cam, described below, whereby bar 129 may be moved outwardly to open groove128when it is required to load a wire into said groove before twisting, and when the wire is to be ejected from the groove after it has been twisted and dipped. W

Although a stationary cam bar might be-attached'to the outer side of frame 13 near Wheel 108 to bear against roller 134 as the wire holding members approach near or at the top of wheel 108 in order to open groove 128 to load wire into it, it may be desirable to provide a positive opening mechanism as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 8.

Power for operating the opening mechanism of the wire holding members is derived from a sprocket wheel 135 connected to and rotating with'drive shaft 25(Fig. 8). Sprocket wheel 136 which is freely and independently rotatable around shaft 102 is connected to and driven by sprocket wheel 135 by means of link chain 137. Connected to and rotating with sprocket wheel 136 is a cam 138. See also Fig. 12.

Attached to frame 13 is an upright bracket 139 (Fig. '8) to which is pivotally connected at bar 141 having one leg 142 which extends downwardly and at the end of which is fastened a cam follower 143 which cooperates with cam 138. Bar 141 has a second leg 144 to which is connected at forwardly extending cam bar 145 (see Fig. 1) which bears against roller 134 on the wire holding member as the latter approaches the top of sprocket wheel 108.

Cam follower 143 is continuously urged againstt he surface of cam 138 by means'of spring 146 connected between leg 142 anda suitable bracket on frame 13. While 'cam 1 follower-143 is on" -the high dwell portion of cam 1 38,=-as shown iii-Figs. 2 and 8,-cam bar--145depresses r oller434 of' the*first wire holding mechanism, thereby moving ba'r'129 to open groove128 in bar 127 to permit 'a'wire'to-be inserted'therein. This action takes place avhile -chain 109 is'moving a wire holding mechanism towards a position where it becomes stationary by the operation of thegenevadisk 111 mechanism described hereinabove. While the geneva mechanism holds chain 109.-stationary, cam'138'continues to rotate so that roller 143 moves to the lowest portion-of cam 136, thereby raising bar 145 topermit roller 134 to pass out of contact with'bar 145; and the action of spring 132 causes bar 129 to snap back into the gripping position to hold the wire: firmly in-groovc 128 of the wire holding mechanism. -This closing operation takes place just before the geneva mechanism reactivates the motion of chain 141?.

Sprocket wheels

135 and 136 produce a l to 1 ratio of rotationbetween drive shaft 25 and the high dwell portion of cam' 138. Since each revolution of shaft 25 produces a single step advance of the wire holding members, then Leach-revolution of cam 138 will produce a coordinated opening action by cam bar 145 on roller 134. ASlCfiCl'l'WlI'E holding member is held open by cam bar 145,: arsingle wire is loaded manually or mechanically 'endtof the Wire to twist the strands and shaft 26 is being retracted, the pull on the end of the wire might cause the .wire holding member to rise on its hinge mounting and thereby prevent the proper twisting of the stranded wire. in order to preventthis, there is provided an L shaped extension. 147.connected to support bar 121 which bends around to engage the outward end of bar 127 when the wire gripping mechanism is in position opposite the twist- :ing shaft 26. Extension 147 serves to prevent bar 127 fromrising'on: its hinge mounting when the twister jaws are exerting apulling. force on the wire gripped therein.

Pursuant to ithestepping action of the geneva disk mechanism, :chain 109 continuously but intermittently moves from them of sprocket wheel 168 to the top of sprocket wheel-107 and then around the bottoms of said wheels intheureverse direction. bars are continuously loaded with wire at the top of sprocket wheel '108; and said members are advanced in stepped stages, each stopping for a predetermined period in front of'the wire twisting mechanism which moves laterally through a suitable aperture in frame 13.

Before thewires are inserted into the wire holding members, the insulation from their ends have been previously stripped exposing the strands of wire shown in Fig. 15. -These strahds are presented by the wire holding *membenin a position substantially opposite the axial line .of twister shaft 26. While the wire holding member is stationary, the twisting mechanism operates to produce a twist in the wire strands as shown in Fig. 16. After a wire has been twisted and the twisting mechanism has retracted out of the way, chain 109 moves another loaded wireholding. member to the position in front of the twistingmechanism.

After; the. stranded ends of the wires are properly twiste d=,3:the .same wire holding member on the conveyor chaiu. -is.-.utilized to dip the twisted ends into successive baths 148' and 149.: of flux and molten solder, respectively. Said

baths

148 and 149 are attached to the outer wall of:frame 13"(Fig; 2). A source of heat (not shown) may be; provided'for the solder bath 149 in order to keep the solder at the'proper molten temperature.

The wire holding mem- In order-for the twisted wire ends to'be dippedin the solder baths, the wires must be raised'into a substantially vertical position over said'baths. This is made possible by the fact that the wire holding members on chain' 109 are attached to hinges which permit the wire holders to be moved on the hinge pivot 126 into a substantially'vertical position. -See Figs. 2, 4, 5 and 8.

The mechanism for lifting the wire holders comprises two bushings 152 rotatable around pin 153 connected to bracket 154 which is attached to the outside wall of frame 13. See Figs. 4 and 5. Connected to each bushing 152 is an outwardly extending elbowed bracket 154 to which is connected an upwardly extending lifting arm 155 by means of hinge 156. The free end of each lifting arm 155 terminates in a lifting bracket 157 and a lowering bracket 158.

The lowering bracket 158 is in the form of a bar which joins both lifting arms, the length of the bar being substantially equal to the space occupied by three wire holding members.

The lifting bracket 157 is connected on the underside of each arm 155 in substantially a V-relationship with bracket 158. Two separate brackets 157 are provided, one for each lifting arm, in order to leave a space in the center where no lifting action takes place.

. The reason for this is that it is necessary to lift only two wire holding members at the same time, one for dipping a Wire in flux while another further along in the train dips a wire in solder, the baths being separated from each other by a suitable space.

When a wire has been dipped in the first bath which contains a flux, it is necessary to lower its holding memher by means of bracket 158 in order that the clipped end of the wire does not collide with the wall of the flux bath. Between

baths

148 and 149 the wire holding member remains lowered until the next forward motion of chain 109 brings it into position where it is lifted to dip the'flux coated wire into solder bath 149 where it is coated with solder as shown in Fig. 17.

It will be noted that the lifting and lowering mechanism for the Wire holding members is timed to operate while chain 169 is at a standstill, and that when chain 109 moves, the outer free ends of the wire holding members pass freely between

brackets

157 and 158.

Bracket 154 and arm 155 are joined by spring 161 which normally urges said bracket and arm together (Figs. 4 and 5). In order to limit the inward movement of arm 155 toward bracket 154, a stop plate 162 is connected only to that leaf of the hinge which is-attached to bracket 154. In Fig. 4 it can be seen that plate- 162 limits the inward motion of arm 155 o that sufiicient space is maintained on the underside of bracket 158 to permit bars 127 of the wire holding members to move freely into position under said bracket The mechanism for operating the lifting and lowering means for the wire holding members comprises a small sprocket wheel 163 attached to and rotating with pin 153 (Figs. 4 and 5), said wheel 163 being connected by link chain 164 to a larger sprocket wheel 165 rota-tably connected to bracket 166 on frame 12.

Sprocket wheel 165 is turned by means of arm 167 connected to bracket 168 attached to said wheel. Arm 167 lies substantially parallel to the face of wheel 165 and the angular movement of arm 167 causes the rotation of said wheel.

The movement of arm 167 is produced by bar 169 connected at one end to the end of arm 167 by means of a suit-able universal joint forming a flexible elbow, bar 169 being adjustable in length, if desired. The other end of bar 169'i pivotally connected to bracket 171 attached to the underside of bar 85 which was described above as producing the rectilinear motion for the twister shaft 26.

When bar 85 moves under the action of cam 79, this motion is translated through bar 169, arm 167, wheels "165 and 163 tothe' lifting and lowering'me'chanism. It

will be noted that the relatively shortmotion of bar 85 is magnified by the utilization of a large wheel 165 to which a comparatively small wheel 163 is linked. This magnification of motion together with the novel arrange ment of bracket 154 and am 158 produces a substantially 90 motion on the part of the wire holding members.

After the wires have been dipped successively in flux and molten solder, they pass along in the wire holding members toward and over sprocket wheel 107 (Fig. 2). When a wire holder is in the lower right quadrant of wheel .107, roller 134 is depressed against the action of spring 132 by means of cam bar 172 attached to the outside wall of frame 13. The action of cam bar 172 causes the wire holding groove 128 to be opened, thereby releasing wire 133 which falls by gravity to table 14 or into a suitable receptacle provided for the purpose After wire 133 has been expelled, roller 134 is released by cam bar 172 as chain 109 moves forward, and the wire holding member, with gripping bar 129 restored to the closed position by spring 132, travels on chain 109 to the left over sprocket wheel 108 to be loaded again with an untwisted wire.

While the apparatus herein has been described as adapted to twist the exposed strands of wire where the insulation had been previously stripped, it is within the purview of the present invention to provide for the stripping of the insulation from the end of the wire simultaneously with the twisting of the strands. This adaptation of the machine can readily be made by attaching cutter blade 173 (Fig. 11) to the outer end of arm 57 in place of clip 72. Blade 173 had a perpendicular extension 174, the central edge of which had a substantially U-sh'aped, sharp, cutting notch. As gripping

arms

57 and 58 close upon the retraction of wedges 49, gripper jaws 71 come together bringing the cutting notch down around the insulation of the wire in the wire holding member. Since the cutting notch rotates rapidly with the rotating gripping jaw, an incision will be quickly made in the insulation of the wire as shown in Fig. 18, the depth of said cutting notch being arranged to out only the insulation and not to damage the wire strands. The severed portion of insulation 175 will be gripped by the gripper jaws 71 and in thi em bodiment spring 65 is arranged to be strong enough so that the gripping action has sufliicient force also to twist the strands of wire inside the severed portion of insulation thereby twisting said strands in the desired manner as described hereinabove. The retraction of the twister shaft 26 will pull off the insulation portion 175 and will leave the exposed strands in a twisted condition.

.In some embodiments it may be desired only to strip insulation from solid wire in which case only the cutting action of blade 173 will be required.

In the case of solid wires having a varnish insulation, where it is desired to remove the insulation from the ends of the wires, pads 71 may be made of a suitable abrasive material which will rub ofi the varnish insulation and leave a smooth surface on the end of the wire for dipping in flux and solder.

In the specification, I have explained the principles of my invention, and the best mode in which I have contemplated applying those principles, so as to dis tinguish my invention from other inventions; and I have particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed the part, mode or combination which I claim as my invention or discovery. j 7

While I have shown and described certain preferred embodiments of my invention, it will be understood that modifications 'and changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope thereof,as will, be clear to those skilled in the art. H

I-claimi .1.,l.,;An apparatus for processingflnsulated stranded wires comprising means for supporting a wire in position, second means for twisting the exposedstranded ends of said wire, said second means being adapted to rotate continuously while first approaching toward; and over the stripped end of the wire, next gripping saidiend and then, while in the gripping position, retracting from said end, thereby producing a twist in said strands.

2. A machine for processing insulated stranded wires, the ends of which have been stripped of insulation, which comprises a rotatable shaft, a mechanism for continu ously rotating said shaft, means operated by said mecha anism for imparting a longitudinal reciprocating motion to saidshaft, a pair of jaws on the forward end of said shaft, means on said shaft operative to open and close said jaws, said jaw operative means being connected to the mechanism for producing said reciprocating motion, and means for feeding said wire one by one to a position where the ends of said wires are engaged by said aws.

3. An apparatus for processing stranded wires which comprises wire holding devices for advancingwires one by one to a twisting position, means operative to grasp the. exposed stranded ends of said wire to twist said strands and mechanism for moving each holding device as it holds the wire having twisted ends to a solder bath for dipping.

- 4. An apparatus for processing stranded wires which comprises wire gripping means for gripping and advancing wires one by one to a twisting position, means operative to grasp the exposed stranded ends of said wire to twist said strands and means for moving said wire gripping means while they are still holding said twisted wire to dip said twisted ends of the wires successively in flux and solder baths.

5. An apparatus for processing stranded wires which comprises means for advancing wires one by one successively to a twisting position, and means operative to grasp the exposed stranded ends of said wire and to twist said strands.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said twisting means comprises a rotatable shaft, gripper. jaws on said shaft, means on said shaft to open and close said gripper jaws, means for producing a longitudinal reciproeating motion of said shaft to advance said gripping jaws toward the wire positioned opposite said shaft, means for operating said gripping jaws to close about the exposed strands of said wire.

' 7. An apparatus for processing stranded wires which comprises means for advancing wires one by one successively to a twisting position, means operative to twist the exposed strands of said wires, said twisting means comprising arotatable shaft, gripper jaws on said shaft, means on said shaft to open and close said gripper jaws, means for producing a longitudinal reciprocating motion on said shaft to advance said gripping jaws toward said stripping position, means for operating said gripping jaws to close about said exposed strands of wire, and means operative to retract said jaws while gripping said strands.

8. An apparatus for processing stranded wires which comprises means for advancing wires one by one successively to a twisting position, means operative to twist the exposed strands of said wire, said twisting means comprising a rotatable shaft, gripper jaws on said shaft, means on said shaft to open and close said gripper jaws, means for producing areciprocating motion of said shaft to advance said gripping'jaws toward said twisting position, means for operating said gripping jaws to close about said exposed strands of wire, and meansoperative to retract said jaws while gripping said strands, said advancing means and said twisting means being operatively connected to each other; s i 9. An apparatus for processingstranded wires com prisiug a source of'power, carriage means connected tg said power source for carrying successive wires to a'twiso i-n'g positionpa twisting mechanismcomprising a rotatable shaft operatedby'said p'ower'so'urce, twistingrneans' on said shaft operable by lsaidpower source to twistthe stranded end 'of said wire, means connected to said powersource for producing a reciprocal longitudinal motion on said twisting means, said mechanisms being coordinated-whereby said-wire isfed one'byone to'a stationary position where said twisting means are operative toproduce a twist in the stranded wires.

:10. An apparatus according to'claim 9, wherein said wire advancing means-comprises a plurality of wire holding members, yieldable'rneans for gripping wires in said members,-and cam means for operating saidyieldable means to open said gripping means for theinsertion of wires into said members.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, and further comprising a flux bath and a solder bath connected to said apparatusin aposition subsequent to the wire twisting pos'itiommea'ns connected to said power source for moving said wire holding members while still holding the wires with the twisted ends to a position whereby the twisted endsgripped therein are dipped successively in said baths.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11 and further comprising cam means attached to said apparatus prior to the twisting position for operating said wire gripping member to permit the insertion of a wire into the wire holding member, and operative to firmly grip the wire before said member begins to move.

13.-An apparatus according to claim 12, and further comprising a cam means attached to said apparatus subsequent to the position of said baths, said cam means operative upon said yieldable gripping means to release said wires from said wire holding members.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, and further comprising a wire positioning means connected to at least one of said gripper jaws.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, and further comprising a cutting means attached to one of said jaws operative to cut the insulation from the end of the wire in the wire holding member.

16.:A machine for processing insulated wire comprising a power source, a shaft rotated around its longitudinal axis by said power source, a pair of jaws on one end of said shaft and rotating therewith, said jaws operative to open and close toward and away from the axial lineof said-shaft,'means connected to said power source for producing a reciprocating longitudinal motion of said shaft while said shaft is rotating, and means on said shaft connected to said jaws and operated by said power source to operate said jaws.

17. A- machine according to claim 16, and further comprising amounting for said shaft within which said shaft moves longitudinally, and cam means connected between said power source and said shaft to produce said reciprocal longitudinal movement upon said shaft.

18. A machine according to claim 17, and further comprising cam means on said shaft rotatable with said shaft and movable longitudinally along said shaft independent of-the longitudinal movement of the shaft itself, said cam means being operative upon said jaws, and second cam means connected between said jaw cam means and said power source operative to open and close said jaws during a portion of the time during which said shaft moves in its longitudinal path.

l9.'A machine according to claim 18 wherein said cams for producing the longitudinal motion of said shaft and producing the operation of said jaws are mounted on a shaft connected to said power source, the shape of said respective cams being such that said shaft 'moves longitudinally toward and away from a position where a wire is held in a position in an extension of the axial line of "said shaft and said jaws are operativeto close substatitially *at the 'forw'ardrn'ostlongitudinal position "of said shaft "and to: remainclosed during a portion o'f the timewhen said-kshaftis moving 'away from said wire.

-20. Ani'achine for processing: insulated wire comprising -a"power-source, a shaft rotated-around its longitudinalaxis by sa-id power source, rneans connected 1 to said power-source for pro ducing a reciprocating longitudinal motion on said shaft while said shaft is rotating, apair of jawson one end ofsaid shaft and rotatingtherew'ith, said jaws'operating t'ozopen'and close toward and away from the axial line of saidsnaft, means 'connectedto said power source tonoperate said jaws independently .of the mechanism causingthe rotational and longitudinal motion of said shaft.

21. A machine according to claim 20, and further comprising a cutting blade attached to at'least one of said jaws,'the cutting edge of said blade being adapted tocut the insulation only ofan insulated wire.

22. A machine according to claim 20, and further comprising a clip on at least one of said'jaws, said clip having a recess adapted to center a wire or the. like that is to begrasped by;said jaws when the latter close.

23. A machine according to claim 20, andlfurther comprising a-knife blade attached to at least one'of said jaws and adapted to cutthe insulation only from an. insulated wire, gripping. faces on said jaws adapted to graspthe section of insulation cut from the end of .the wire by said'knife,-said jaws being adapted to exert pressure through =saidcut tpiece of insulation to strands of wire underneath said insulation to produce a twist in said strands.

24..A-rnachine according to claimZO, andvfurther comprisingv gripping faces on said jaws, said gripping faces being an abrasive material whereby insulation material on wires may be removed by said gripping faces as: they rotate.

'25. A machinefor processing insulated wire comprising a power source, a shaft rotated around its longitudinalaxis by said power source, a pair of jaws pivotally attached to one end of said shaft and rotating therewith, said jaws operative to open and close toward and away from the axial line of said shaft, wedge cams operative to. open and close said jaws, saidcams being movable longitudinally along said shaft, a sleeve around said shaftconnected to said cams, said sleeve being movable longitudinally on said shaft and rotatable therewith, a roller bearing, the inner race of said rollerbearing surrounding said shaft. and movable longitudinally thereover, a link connected to-the outer race of said hearing, said' link being connected to said power source, a second roller bearing, the inner race of saidsecond roller bearing being connected to and rotating with said shaft, a second link, said second link being connected to'the outer race of said second bearing, said second link being connected to said power source, a first cam operated by" said power source to. actuate said first link to move'said first hearing, said sleeve and said cams- 1ongitudinally along said shaft, a second cam connected to said-powersource operative upon said second link to impart ii -longitudinal reciprocating motion on said' shaft.

26. A machine' forprocessinginshlated stranded-wires which comprises a power source, conveying-means connected to said power source for carrying successive'wires to a stationary position, -arotatable shaft connected to saidpower-source axially opposite said positiommeans operated by said power source for imparting a longitudinal reciprocating motion to said shaft, a pair of jaws mounted. on theforward end of said shaft and rotating therewith, meanson said shaft connected to said power source. tov open; and close said jaws, the opposing surfaces of opposite jaws being adapted to grasp the exposed stranded ends of wires held by said conveying means when said jaws are closed to produce a twist therein when said shaft is being retracted.

'27.A 'machine. according to claim26, and'further comprising a'liux bath and a. solder b'a'th, and'means connected to said powersource for successively dipping the twisted wires held by said conveying means into said baths.

28. A machine according to claim 27 wherein said conveying means comprises an endless belt, a plurality of wire holders on said belt each adapted to grasp a wire, means for periodically stopping said belt to cause said wire holding means to be stationary during the period when said wires are operated upon by said jaws.

29. A machine according to claim 28 wherein said wire holding members are mounted on hinges, and means for causing the dipping of said wires comprising means connected to said power source for moving said wire holders in and out of a dipping position while still holding the twisted ends of wire when said wire holders are opposite the respective flux and solder baths.

30. A machine according to claim 29 wherein said wire holding members each comprise a spring actuated jaw member adapted to grasp a wire firmly.

31. A machine according to claim 30 wherein a cam on said machine is provided to open said jaw members against the action of said spring prior to the advancement thereof toward the twisting position of the wire to permit the insertion of the wire therein, the transit of said jaw member past said cam permitting said jaw member to close upon said wire prior to reaching the twisting position.

32. A machine according to claim 31, and further comprising a second cam member connected to said machine and positioned in the path of said conveying means subsequent to said baths and adapted to actuate said jaw member to release the wire after it has been twisted and dipped.

33. A member for processing insulated wire which comprises a power source, a rotatable shaft connected to said power source, means operated by said power source for imparting a reciprocal longitudinal motion to said shaft, a pair of jaws on the forward end of said shaft, means on said shaft operated to open and close said jaws, said jaw operative means being independently connected to the mechanism for producing said reciprocating motion, means on said jaws for cutting insulation from a wire positioned opposite the forward end of said shaft, and means connected to said power source for feeding wires one by one to a position where the end of said wire is engaged by said jaws.

34. A machine according to claim 33 wherein said cutting means comprises a knife blade having a cutting edge shaped to cut the insulation only from said wires at a predetermined distance from the end thereof.

35. A machine for processing insulated stranded wire which comprises a power source, a conveying means connected to said power source for carrying successive wires to a stationary position, a rotatable shaft connected to said power source axially opposite said position, means operated by said power source for imparting longitudinal reciprocating motion to said shaft, a pair of jaws mounted on the forward end of said shaft and rotating therewith,

means on said shaft connected to said power source to open and close said jaws, a cutting knife on at least one of said jaws for cutting the insulation only at a predetermined distance from the end of wires proflered to said jaws, pads on said jaws for grasping the end of the cut insulation and for supplying pressure through said insulation upon the strands underneath the cut portion of said insulation whereby said strands are twisted when said jaws are retracted while closed when said shaft is retracted.

36. A machine according to claim 35, and further comprising a flux bath and a solder bath, and means connected to said power source for successively dipping stripped and twisted wires while still being held by said conveying means after being twisted by said jaws into said baths.

37. A machine according to claim 36 wherein said conveying means comprises an endless belt, a plurality of wire holders on said belt each adapted to grasp a wire, means for periodically stopping said belt to cause said wire holding means to be stationary during the period when said wires are operated upon by said jaws.

38. A machine according to claim 37 wherein said wire holding members are mounted on hinges, and means for causing the dipping of said wires comprising means connected to said power source for moving said wire holders in and out of a dipping position while still holding said wires after the ends thereof have been twisted when said wire holders are opposite the respective flux and solder baths.

39. A machine according to claim 38 wherein said wire holding members each comprise a spring actuated jaw member adapted to grasp a wire firmly.

40. A machine according to claim 39 wherein a cam on said machine is provided to open said jaw members against the action of said spring prior to the advancement thereof toward the twisting position of the wire to permit the insertion of the wire therein, the transit of said jaw member past said cam permitting said jaw member to close upon said wire prior to reaching the twisting position.

41. A machine according to claim 40, and further comprising a second cam member connected to said machine and positioned in the path of said conveying means subsequent to said baths and adapted to actuate said jaw member to release the wire after it has been twisted and dipped. 1

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,186,781 Henry June 13, 1916 1,587,093 Van Veen June 1, 1926 1,597,460 Nelson Aug. 24, 1926 1,722,087 Hartman July 23, 1929 2,472,510 Bennett June 7, 1949 2,645,959 Fuchs July 21, 1953