Abstract: An automatic capacitor winding machine has a retractable bifurcated arbor and vertically movable clamps to grasp the ends of the capacitor dielectric layers and carry those ends to a point below the retracted arbor. The bifurcated arbor is registered in its retracted state with its slot parallel to the dielectric layers. The arbor is then extended and grasps the dielectric layers between its tangs. The pressure grasping the dielectric layers is partially removed to allow the arbor to rotate and pull the dielectric layers from between the clamps. A stripper washer is provided to freely rotate on the arbor with limited movement parallel to the axis of the arbor and with a relatively small clearance between the washer's inside surface and the arbor's outside surface. Photoelectric means are provided to accurately detect the location of the first tab (terminal) to time the insertion of the other tabs. A reciprocating blade severs the dielectric layers after the capacitor is wound.

Abstract: An automatic capacitor winding machine has a retractable bifurcated arbor and vertically movable clamps to grasp the ends of the capacitor dielectric layers and carry those ends to a point below the retracted arbor. The bifurcated arbor is registered in its retracted state with its slot parallel to the dielectric layers. The arbor is then extended and grasps the dielectric layers between its tangs. The pressure grasping the dielectric layers is partially removed to allow the arbor to rotate and pull the dielectric layers from between the clamps. A stripper washer is provided to freely rotate on the arbor with limited movement parallel to the axis of the arbor and with a relatively small clearance between the washer's inside surface and the arbor's outside surface. Photoelectric means are provided to accurately detect the location of the first tab (terminal) to time the insertion of the other tabs. A reciprocating blade severs the dielectric layers after the capacitor is wound.