Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making electrical phase insulators for dynamoelectric machines are disclosed wherein a phase insulator includes two spaced apart planar portions formed of an insulating material interconnected by at least one connector made of an insulating material. First and second strips of planar insulating material are supplied and positioned at spaced apart locations at a securing station. At least one strip of connector material is supplied to a conditioning station and stretched for elongating and assuring straightness of the at least one connector strip. The stretching of the connector material is accomplished by gripping a second section of the connector strip at a location longitudinally spaced apart from a gripped first section and relatively moving the first and second sections thereby elongating a confined portion of the connector material located between the first and second sections.

Abstract: Crimp connection equipment includes means for positioning a crimp height controlling eccentric shaft in virtually an infinite number of different predetermined angular positions and virtually continuously monitoring the actual instantaneous position of such shaft. In addition, a universal wheelfeed for feeding a connector strip and selectively replaceable means for guiding such strip are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making electrical phase insulators for dynamoelectric machines are disclosed wherein a phase insulator includes two spaced apart planar portions formed of an insulating material interconnected by at least one connector made of an insulating material. First and second strips of planar insulating material are supplied and positioned at spaced apart locations at a securing station. At least one strip of connector material is supplied to a conditioning station and stretched for elongating and assuring straightness of the at least one connector strip. The stretching of the connector material is accomplished by gripping a second section of the connector strip at a location longitudinally spaced apart from a gripped first section and relatively moving the first and second sections thereby elongating a confined portion of the connector material located between the first and second sections.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making electrical phase insulators for dynamoelectric machines are disclosed wherein a phase insulator includes two spaced apart planar portions formed of an insulating material interconnected by at least one connector made of an insulating material. First and second strips of planar insulating material are supplied and positioned at spaced apart locations at a securing station. At least one strip of connector material is supplied to a conditioning station and stretched for elongating and assuring straightness of the at least one connector strip. The stretching of the connector material is accomplished by gripping a second section of the connector strip at a location longitudinally spaced apart from a gripped first section and relatively moving the first and second sections thereby elongating a confined portion of the connector material located between the first and second sections.

Abstract: Method involves programming crimp connection equipment to automatically and sequentially establish a plurality of desired different connection configurations. Information representing a series of desired connection configurations is transferred to a control means. Such information is carried by a card that also illustrates a desired final stator assembly configuration. An operator sets thumb wheel switches so that digital information on the card is entered into a control panel. The control means automatically sequences and conditions the apparatus to establish different connections. The card both directly controls machine operation and also is used as a process control card. Also disclosed is a means for positioning a crimp height controlling eccentric shaft in virtually an infinite number of different predetermined angular positions and virtually continuously monitoring the actual instantaneous position of such shaft.

Abstract: Take-up apparatus for phase insulator fabrication equipment. A take-up reel is mounted at the exit end of the equipment in properly aligned and squared relationship to the fabricated phase insulator belt and is driven in a continuously rotating mode alternately at high and slow speeds. The fabricated belt forms a downwardly depending loop into the trough of which is laid a constant mass adjustable width shaped somewhat like a dumbbell in form. The tension roll has two cylindrical end weights adjustably positioned onto a grooved connecting rod. The positioning of the end weights is adjustable to accommodate fabricated phase insulator belts of different widths without changing the weight of the tension roll thus assuring proper tensioning of the accumulated belt roll on the reel irrespective of the width of the belt being accumulated.