Method for feeding a plurality of wires

Abstract

Method of producing a group of wires, W.sub.1, W.sub.2, W.sub.3 . . . W.sub.n, which have predetermined lengths L.sub.1, L.sub.2, L.sub.3 . . . L.sub.n respectively comprises the steps of guiding the wires from substantially endless sources of wire and locating the leading ends of the wires on a feed roll in parallel side-by-side relationship with each wire disposed between the feed roll and a separate associated pressure roll. The pressure rolls are normally spaced from the feed roll so that they are in a non-feeding position but they can be selectively moved towards the feed roll into a feeding position. The feed roll is started during each of a plurality of wire feeding cycles and during each cycle, at least one of the wires is fed by selectively moving the associated feed roll to its feeding position. During each cycle, the feed roll is rotated through a number of revolutions which feed the wire or wires by a precisely predetermined amount which is related to the length of the shortest wire and to the difference in the lengths of the remaining wires. The feed roll is brought to a complete stop between the successive cycles. When the feed roll is started, at the beginning of each cycle, it is accelerated at a high and ideally constant rate and when the feed roll is stopped at the end of each cycle, it is decelerated at a high and ideally constant rate.