Abstract: An apparatus for cable stripping and preparation. The apparatus includes a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism which is spaced from and in line with the first drive mechanism. Blade control arms with insulation cutting blades are movably mounted relative to the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism. The first drive mechanism moves the insulation cutting blades from a first position to a second position. The second drive mechanism rotates the insulation cutting blades when the insulation cutting blades are in the second position.

Abstract: A method of removing insulation from an electrical cable. The method includes: moving a cutting surface of the insulation cutting blade in a rotary direction relative to the insulation of the cable; cutting the insulation to a defined depth with the cutting surface of the insulation cutting blade as the insulation cutting blade is moved in the rotary direction, the defined depth being less than the thickness of the insulation; moving the cutting surface of insulation cutting blade in a radial direction relative to the insulation of the cable; and cutting the insulation from the defined depth with the cutting surface of the insulation cutting blade as the insulation cutting blade is moved in the radial direction. The entire thickness of the insulation is cut by the combination of the movement of the insulation cutting blade in the rotary direction and in the radial direction.

Abstract: A method of removing insulation from an electrical cable. The method includes: moving a cutting surface of the insulation cutting blade in a rotary direction relative to the insulation of the cable; cutting the insulation to a defined depth with the cutting surface of the insulation cutting blade as the insulation cutting blade is moved in the rotary direction, the defined depth being less than the thickness of the insulation; moving the cutting surface of insulation cutting blade in a radial direction relative to the insulation of the cable; and cutting the insulation from the defined depth with the cutting surface of the insulation cutting blade as the insulation cutting blade is moved in the radial direction. The entire thickness of the insulation is cut by the combination of the movement of the insulation cutting blade in the rotary direction and in the radial direction.

Abstract: A machine (70) for receiving a continuous strip (10) of elongated products (12) mutually attached end to end includes a frame (82) and is arranged for incrementally feeding the strip of products and performing a manufacturing operation therewith. Each two adjacent products (12) are attached at an indentation (14). The machine include a feed mechanism (90) for incrementally feeding the strip of products. The feed mechanism includes first and second feed fingers (216, 218) mutually opposed on opposite sides of a feed track (108). The first and second feed fingers are movable toward the strip of product until in feeding engagement therewith without gripping the strip of products. The feed mechanism includes a drive carriage (94) and a follower carriage (96) arranged for independent sliding movement along the direction of feed and return. The feed track extends through both the drive carriage and follower carriage to guide the strip of product.