Semi-automatic wire processing apparatus

Abstract

Wire processing apparatus (). The apparatus () includes an electronic memory for storing values commensurate with the lengths from a terminal end of the wire () to the positions of cuts to be made through the plurality of coating layers (X,Y,Z), and a mechanical store for controlling the depths of each cut. Threaded shafts () are mounted upon a turret which is movable both rotationally and axially with respect to the wire being processed. The electronic memory is preferably adapted to receive inputs representing parameters of sequential steps in each of two processing operations, and to perform such operations alternately, upon different wire ends, upon successive actuation's of the apparatus (). A further feature of the apparatus is an arrangement permitting the force exerted on the wire () by a pair of gripping members () to remain substantially constant over a range of different wire diameters. A motor () is mechanically linked to the gripping members () to bring the gripping members to the wire-engaging position.