Abstract: A continuous, high speed process for cutting a length of wire into wire segments and for forming these segments into coils includes the steps of continuously pushing the wire through a cutter at a constant speed, cutting the wire into a succession of wire segments, and directing the segments, in sequence and at the constant speed, to coilers, where they are coiled "on the fly". When a wire segment is completely wound, it is automatically removed from the coiler, whereby the coiler is empty and ready to receive another segment. While one coiler is coiling one of the wire segments, the next segment is directed to a different coiler which is empty. This allows continuous high speed movement of segments through the cutting and coiling process, with no space between the tail end of one segment and lead end of the next segment. Process efficiencies are substantial, and reduce the cost of the coiled wire products.

Abstract: A process for winding a wire segment to form a wire coil includes the steps of rotating a mandrel by contacting the mandrel outer surface with a moving belt, and directing the wire onto the rotating mandrel between the belt and the mandrel outer surface. The belt holds the wire against the mandrel, and as the mandrel rotates, the wire is wound into a coil on the mandrel outer surface. The belt continues to contact the coil outer surface and to rotate the mandrel until the entire length of the wire segment is wound. As the thickness of the coil increases, the belt partially unwraps from the coil outer surface to adjust belt tension. In one embodiment of the present invention, the belt passes around a pulley attached to a rotatable ring which moves the pulley in a circular path about the axis of the mandrel to cause the belt to unwrap from the coil as the wire builds up on the mandrel.

Abstract: A roll transfer robot and method of operation are disclosed wherein a roll transfer robot acts to move a roll of material from a conveyor assembly to a payoff assembly. The roll transfer robot assembly is capable of translational motion between the two assemblies. In addition the roll transfer robot includes a spindle assembly capable of both sliding and rotational displacement. Detectors are additionally provided as part of the robot assembly for identifying the rotational position of the roll being mounted to the payoff assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for displacing a working member both vertically and rotationally is disclosed. A shaft is slidably mounted within a sleeve mounted for rotational displacement within a frame. A working member is secured to a hub which is secured to the shaft such that it may be both vertically displaced and rotationally displaced. A yoke assembly is connected between a vertical actuator and the shaft for effecting vertical displacement of the shaft without limiting rotational displacement. Additional means are provided for rotating the sleeve to effect rotational movement of the shaft. The sleeve is connected to the shaft such that rotational movement of one causes the other to rotate without limiting sliding displacement therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously feeding a ribbon to an end use are disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor means for supplying numerous rolls of material, a robot assembly for transferring the rolls of material from the conveyor means to a payoff assembly and a payoff assembly for unwinding the rolls of material. Additionally included is a storage means for storing paper such that the end use may be continuously supplied during those intervals when rolls are being changed.

Abstract: A paster tab for releasably securing the beginning end of a roll of material to the first layer of the roll is disclosed. The paster tab includes a color contrast area suitable for optical detection to orient the paper roll. The paster tab further includes a weakened portion for promoting separation of the paster tab between the areas secured to the beginning end of the new roll and the first layer of the roll. A method of splicing the trail end of an expiring ribbon to the beginning end of a new roll of ribbon is further disclosed including adhesively securing the trail end of the old ribbon to both the top of the beginning end of the new ribbon and to a portion of the paster tab.

Abstract: A core latch chuck assembly for securing a roll of wound material having an annular core for rotational movement is disclosed. The assembly includes a casing sized to fit within the annular core and a plurality of latches having a first position secured within the casing and a second locking position wherein the latches engage the interior surface of the core and include an extension portion extending beyond the core to prevent telescoping of the inner layers of the roll of wound material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unwinding and splicing successive rolls of ribbon material is disclosed. A roll payoff unit including a paster arm having clamping means, cutting means and means for holding the trail end of a cut ribbon in position is provided. Additionally an adhesive means for supplying adhesive to an appropriate portion of the trail end of the ribbon is disclosed. The ribbon is then mated with the beginning end of a new roll to secure the trail end of the old roll to the new roll to provide a continuous ribbon.