Automated scrap wire removal method and apparatus

Abstract

A module for automatic scrap wire isolating and removal is used in systems such as wire insulation lines for extricating scrap wires while minimally interfering with the mechanized wire insulation process. One such module includes a knife assembly with a knife, a scrap tray with a tilt plate for catching the scrap wire below the knife assembly, an accumulator with curved hooks oriented for catching and accumulating, one at a time, the wire and the scrap wire and rotatable for letting go, one at a time, of the wire and scrap wire, so as to allow the knife to completely separate the scrap wire from the wire. A lifting linkage in this module is operatively engaged with the tilt plate tilting it at an angle sufficient for the isolated scrap wire to slide off, whereby the scrap wire is removed.

1 . A method for automatically separating from a wire and removing a scrap wire, comprising:
 guiding a wire to an accumulator via a tester and a coiler capstan;   commanding the accumulator to close when the tester indicates a defect in the wire, wherein, upon closing, the accumulator catches the wire so that one part of it hangs down from the accumulator and another part of it hangs down from the coiler capstan and starts accumulating on the accumulator, wherein the accumulating part of the wire includes a segment with the defect to be isolated from the wire and removed as a scrap wire;   commanding a reciprocating scrap tray to move to an active position and snag the wire hanging from the accumulator;   while the accumulator is closed, commanding a reciprocating knife to move in one direction and cut the wire that hangs from the accumulator below the defect;   commanding the accumulator to momentarily open and release the accumulated wire, the accumulator being open for a sufficient time to allow the entire scrap wire to fall below the reciprocating knife, wherein when the accumulator closes again it catches the wire above the scrap wire so that the scrap wire hangs down from the accumulator;   while the accumulator is again closed, commanding the reciprocating knife to move in an opposite direction and cut the scrap wire above the defect, thereby isolating the scrap wire from the wire and allowing it to fall onto the reciprocating scrap tray;   and commanding the reciprocating scrap tray to move to a resting position and tilt to dispose of the scrap wire.   
   
   
       2 . A method as in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 engaging the wire so that, after it is cut below the defect, it falls outside a container for collecting the wire;   grasping an end of the falling wire and securing it to an outside surface of the container, whereby the end of the wire is easily located.   
   
   
       3 . A method as in  claim 1 , further comprising collecting the disposed scrap wire in a container for scrap wires.