Feed assembly for connector termination apparatus
US5590576A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T83/541
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for loading individual connectors into a wire-harness making machine includes a feed track which feeds a supply of connectors which have been separated from a connector supply chain. The lead connector is advanced into a feed channel whereupon a severing knife is advanced into the feed channel to separate the lead connector from an adjacent connector. The severing knife remains in place momentarily as a shuttle mechanism is actuated to move the severed lead connector along the feed channel, the severing knife blade forming a portion of the feed channel during the shuttling of the severed connector. Optical sensors may be mounted in proximity to the severing knife in order to verify the presence or absence of a connector prior to severing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.