Wire runout and splice detector for lead-making machines
First Claim
1. In a machine for performing manufacturing operations on an insulated electrical wire, wherein the wire is passed continually through the machine, a wire runout and splice detector for detecting one of a lack of wire running through the machine and a splice on the wire, the detector comprising:
- a pair of electrically conductive contacts disposed on opposite sides of a wire feed path;
means for biasing the contacts into a closed position;
means for passing the wire along the wire feed path between the contacts in opposition to the means for biasing, such that the wire keeps the contacts separated and insulation on the wire prevents electrical conductivity between the contacts;
such that the contacts will close when no wire is disposed therebetween, and such that a splice on the wire will engage between the contacts and complete an electrical path therebetween;
circuit means responsive to one of the closing of the contacts and the completion of the electrical path between the contacts due to a splice therebetween to generate a control signal; and
,control means responsive to the control signal to interrupt operation of the machine.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A detector on a wire lead machine includes a pair of contacts biased into a normally closed position. The wire is fed between the contacts, keeping the contacts open, and the insulation on the wire prevents electrical conductivity between the contacts. If the wire runs out, the contacts close to shut off the machine. Additionally, a splice on the wire establishes an electrical path between the contacts and, again, the machine is shut off. The detector includes a detection circuit which generates a control signal. In the event a splice is passing through the contacts, the detection circuit generates a control signal having a relatively short time duration (as for example, 100 microseconds) and holds the signal for a sufficient time period (as for example, 500 milliseconds). This allows a suitable control means (which may include a microprocessor) to shut off the machine because of either wire runout or a splice on the wire, thereby preventing serious damage to the machine and maintaining productivity.
13 Citations
9 Claims
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1. In a machine for performing manufacturing operations on an insulated electrical wire, wherein the wire is passed continually through the machine, a wire runout and splice detector for detecting one of a lack of wire running through the machine and a splice on the wire, the detector comprising:
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a pair of electrically conductive contacts disposed on opposite sides of a wire feed path; means for biasing the contacts into a closed position; means for passing the wire along the wire feed path between the contacts in opposition to the means for biasing, such that the wire keeps the contacts separated and insulation on the wire prevents electrical conductivity between the contacts;
such that the contacts will close when no wire is disposed therebetween, and such that a splice on the wire will engage between the contacts and complete an electrical path therebetween;circuit means responsive to one of the closing of the contacts and the completion of the electrical path between the contacts due to a splice therebetween to generate a control signal; and
,control means responsive to the control signal to interrupt operation of the machine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification