Patents Represented by Attorney James W. Wallis
  • Patent number: 4961887
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for manufacturing insulation for metallic rod which includes a mechanism for housing a plurality of ingredients, scales for weighing a predetermined quantity of each ingredient, a blender for blending predetermined amounts of each ingredient into one material, a mixer to mix the dry blend of ingredients, a mill to form the blended material into strips, a dicer to transform the strips into pellets of insulation, an extruder for placing insulation around the metallic rod, a conveyor to transport the ingredients and/or material between each of the above steps, a controller for outputting commands to the blender and receiving inputs from the scales to obtain the predetermined amount of each ingredient, and a computer for verifying that the correct amount of each ingredient has been obtained. The ingredients used in the manufacture of this insulation material include plasticizers, fillers, a resin, and modifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Michael G. Crumpler, George W. Barker, III, Darrell L. Smith, Willard W. Posey, Howard S. Shepard, Steven R. Campbell
  • Patent number: 4959102
    Abstract: A method of melting and refining copper in the combustion chamber of a vertical shaft furnace which includes a step of superheating the melt so that slag formed by oxidized impurities can flow freely from the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: James H. Clarkson, Kenneth R. Rhodes, Bruce E. Betterton, Richard B. Foster
  • Patent number: 4955216
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting soluble oil flow rates to control physical properties of continuously rolled rod including a nozzle for spraying the rod with fluid, a tank for providing the fluid to the nozzle, a valve means in series with the tank for regulating the fluid flow to the nozzle, a controller means connected to and for controlling the valve to ensure that the fluid flow reaches a desired predetermined rate, a computer means connected to and providing said controller with the desired predetermined fluid flow rate, a flowmeter in series with the valve means for measuring the actual fluid flow rate to the nozzle and providing this information to the controller means so that, if necessary, the valve means may be adjusted to achieve the desired predetermined fluid flow rate and an historical data generating means for automatically adjusting said desired predetermined fluid flow rate in accordance with actual measurements of at least one physical property of the rod whose value depen
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: George W. Barker, Michael G. Crumpler, James W. Peters, Delmar R. Hughey
  • Patent number: 4940504
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for simultaneously extruding a coating comprising a plurality of layers of dissimilar plastic compounds having substantially different melting points onto a moving electrical conductor wherein the plastic compounds are mechanically and thermally separated and the conductor is centered in the plastic jackets by a center trim guide, said trim guide having replacable guide tips. Separating the two plastics prevents thermal degradation of the two extrudates by causing their melt temperatures to remain substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventor: Ralph E. Starnes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4935176
    Abstract: The present invention incorporates a conductor contact apparatus, a conductor defect detector, and a relay or equivalent added to the emergency stop circuit of a conductor insulation extruder apparatus in order to detect conductor defects and shut-down the extrusion apparatus before the conductor defect can cause the extruder to become blocked, interrupting normal production operations. The defect detector is especially adapted to detect variations in the cross-sectional area (or apparent cross-sectional area) of a conductor being insulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Roger M. Brock, Paul E. Large, Jr., Larry J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4915161
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for notching and removing the fin from a continuously cast metal bar, whereby the fin is broken into small pieces for easy handling by using a driven, blade carrying guide assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Vernon J. Miller, Covert E. Fender
  • Patent number: 4874442
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the application of moisture blocking compound to the interstitial spaces of a stranded conductor. The application of the compound is accomplished through the use of a cone die which regulates the amount of compound applied to the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Clinton E. Watkins, Bobby A. Rowland
  • Patent number: 4843696
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the high speed reshaping of round wire as it exits a drawing machine, but prior to its being collected on a bobbin or a stempack. The shape imparted to individual wires is such that as the preshaped wires are applied to a core by a stranding machine, a cable results in which there is substantially no interstitial space between the wires which add excessive bulk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Bobby C. Gentry, Bobby G. Workman, Wilber F. Powers, Jr., Gary W. Bradley
  • Patent number: 4844426
    Abstract: A vertical shaft furnace for and a method of efficiently melting aluminum and aluminum alloys substantially completely by convection is disclosed. The vertical shaft furnace has a generally cylindrical cross-section with a refractory liner and a cast refractory hearth having a concave, generally conical shape. A plurality of downwardly inclined burners are provided in the walls of the furnace arranged in such a way as to prevent the high velocity burner flame from blowing the aluminum material to be melted across the furnace and into burners on the opposite furnace wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: David Barnes, Joseph A. Bass, John D. Butler, Robert H. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 4830088
    Abstract: A method and apparatus apply an insulating layer of carbon to individual faces of the continuously rotating mold surface of a wheel and belt type casting machine, utilizing separately controllable and directable soot applicators to selectively vary the heat transfer characteristics of the individual mold surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventor: Vernon J. Miller
  • Patent number: 4773954
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for simultaneously extruding a coating comprising a plurality of layers of dissimilar plastic compounds having substantially different melting points onto a moving electrical conductor wherein the plastic compounds are mechanically and thermally separated. Separating the two plastics prevents thermal degradation of the two extrudates by causing their melt temperatures to remain substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventor: Ralph E. Starnes, Jr.