Abstract: A twist-tie catch twister apparatus is taught that consists of dual feed rollers that feed twist-tie material through a back opening in a catch twister into the groove of a peripheral ring, which continues around the ring penetrating the front side of the catch twister through a second opening. The twist-tie material is then retained by a twist-tie clamp and the rollers reverse rotation drawing the twist-tie material onto a workpiece. The catch twist motor rotates the catch twister one half turn twisting to hold tension on the workpiece. A twist-tie cutter, positioned between the feed rollers and split ring, severs the twist-tie material and the twist-tie tape clamp opens with the motor rotating the catch twister a predetermined number of turns and then reverses at least one half turn to release the twisted material and the split ring opens for removal of the twist-tie secured workpiece.

Abstract: An existing tying machine (20) is modified by the addition of components to produce a self contained laundry tie-out station (10). The components for the modification include a linear slide support yoke frame (22), attached on top of the tying machine's component mounting platform (24) with a pneumatic linear slide unit (34) mounted on top. A hanger slide rod assembly (40) is attached to the mounting face of the linear slide unit for retaining a selected group of hangers (36) containing laundered clothing (36?). Conveyer feed lines are aligned with distal ends of the recessed hanger slide rod (42) when in an at rest position. A pneumatic system operates the slide unit and controls are integrated into the tying machines existing electrical system. The invention draws the group of hangers into the tying machine where it bunches the hangers together and electromechanically binds the group with a twist tie.

Abstract: An existing tying machine (20) is modified by the addition of components to produce a self contained automatic laundry tie-out station (210). The components for the modification include a linear slide support yoke frame (22), attached on top of the component mounting platform (24) having a pneumatic linear slide unit (34) mounted on top. A hanger slide shaft assembly (220 or 220a) is attached to the linear slide unit which retains a selected group of hangers with laundered clothing (36?). Gravity conveyer feed lines are aligned with the hanger slide shaft (230) and a pneumatic system operates the slide unit with controls integrated into the tying machines existing electrical system. The hangers are drawn into the tying machine where they are bunched together and bound with a twist tie and then returned to the gravity laundry conveyer system. After the tying is completed a remote signal releases the bound hangers.

Abstract: A polymeric twist tie 20 is taught that utilizes a thermoplastic monofilament 22 having an oriented characteristic produced by stretching a pre-heated monofilament through a heated, volume reducing die. The monofilament 22 is then coated 30 circumferentially with an extrusion of thermoplastic enclosing the monofilament while simultaneously forming a pair of opposed wings 32 integral with the coating. The wings extend outwardly from the coated monofilament allowing the tie to be twisted upon itself with the monofilament retaining its basic configuration and the wings stretching and bending to conform within a coupled twist. The oriented monofilament is fabricated using high density polyethylene and the covering extruded with low density polyethylene which are dissimilar in density, melt index and basic thermoplastic morphology.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing wire to cut the wire into sections and to expose section wire ends, the wire having an inner core and sheathing about the core, the apparatus including structure for displacing the wire axially endwise comprising multiple blade structures, including at least two of the structures that move adjacent one another as the two structure move relatively oppositely toward and away from the axis in directions generally normal to the axis; each of the two structures having first and second cutting edges; the cutting edges configured such that, when the two the structures are moved relatively longitudinally in a primary mode, two of the cutting edges cut through the wire, and when the two structures are moved relatively longitudinally in a second mode, the remaining two of the cutting edges cut into the wire sheathing to enable stripping of the sheathing of the wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing wire to cut the wire into sections and to expose section wire ends, the wire having an inner core and sheathing about the core, the apparatus including structure for displacing the wire axially endwise comprising multiple blade structures, including at least two of the structures that move adjacent one another as the two structure move relatively oppositely toward and away from the axis in directions generally normal to the axis; each of the two structures having first and second cutting edges; the cutting edges configured such that, when the two the structures are moved relatively longitudinally in a primary mode, two of the cutting edges cut through the wire, and when the two structures are moved relatively longitudinally in a second mode, the remaining two of the cutting edges cut into the wire sheathing to enable stripping of the sheathing of the wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing wire to cut the wire into sections and to expose section wire ends, the wire having an inner core and sheathing about the core, the apparatus including structure for displacing the wire axially endwise comprising multiple blade structures, including at least two of the structures that move adjacent one another as the two structure move relatively oppositely toward and away from the axis in directions generally normal to the axis; each of the two structures having first and second cutting edges; the cutting edges configured such that, when the two the structures are moved relatively longitudinally in a primary mode, two of the cutting edges cut through the wire, and when the two structures are moved relatively longitudinally in a second mode, the remaining two of the cutting edges cut into the wire sheathing to enable stripping of the sheathing of the wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing wire to cut the wire into sections and to expose section wire ends, the wire having an inner core and sheathing about the core, the apparatus including structure for displacing the wire axially endwise comprising multiple blade structures, including at least two of the structures that move adjacent one another as the two structure move relatively oppositely toward and away from the axis in directions generally normal to the axis; each of the two structures having first and second cutting edges; the cutting edges configured such that, when the two the structures are moved relatively longitudinally in a primary mode, two of the cutting edges cut through the wire, and when the two structures are moved relatively longitudinally in a second mode, the remaining two of the cutting edges cut into the wire sheathing to enable stripping of the sheathing of the wire.

Abstract: A system for marking elongated wire and for cutting the wire and stripping insulation therefrom comprising first structure operable to mark the wire; second structure operable to cut the marked wire and to strip insulation from the wire; the wire extending between and movable between the first and second structures, the first and second structure comprising separate stand-alone devices; and control structure, including external computer means, operatively connected with the first and second structures for controlling operation of the first and second structures in time sequence relation to wire movement therebetween, and/or to control wire marking, wire cutting, and insulation stripping length.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing wire to cut the wire into sections and to expose section wire ends, the wire having an inner core and sheathing about the core, the apparatus including structure for displacing the wire axially endwise comprising multiple blade structures, including at least two of the structures that move adjacent one another as the two structure move relatively oppositely toward and away from the axis in directions generally normal to the axis; each of the two structures having first and second cutting edges; the cutting edges configured such that, when the two the structures are moved relatively longitudinally in a primary mode, two of the cutting edges cut through the wire, and when the two structures are moved relatively longitudinally in a second mode, the remaining two of the cutting edges cut into the wire sheathing to enable stripping of the sheathing of the wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing wire to cut the wire into sections and to expose section wire ends, the wire having an inner core and sheathing about the core, the apparatus including structure for displacing the wire axially endwise comprising multiple blade structures, including at least two of the structures that move adjacent one another as the two structure move relatively oppositely toward and away from the axis in directions generally normal to the axis; each of the two structures having first and second cutting edges; the cutting edges configured such that, when the two the structures are moved relatively longitudinally in a primary mode, two of the cutting edges cut through the wire, and when the two structures are moved relatively longitudinally in a second mode, the remaining two of the cutting edges cut into the wire sheathing to enable stripping of the sheathing of the wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing wire comprising conveyor structure for displacing the wire endwise, the conveyor structure including first upper and lower endless conveyors engageable with opposite sides of the wire; and first upper and lower assemblies for carrying and controllably driving the conveyors; there being frame structure, including guide structure on which the assemblies are supported and guided for movement toward and away from one another; there being timing belts operatively connected with the assemblies to transmit drive to the conveyors via the assemblies, in different positions of the assemblies associated with the relative movement thereof. Wires of different diameters may be advanced by the conveyors while the same axis of wire travel is maintained.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing wire comprising conveyor structure for displacing the wire endwise, the conveyor structure including first upper and lower endless conveyors engageable with opposite sides of the wire; and first upper and lower assemblies for carrying and controllably driving the conveyors; there being frame structure, including guide structure on which the assemblies are supported and guided for movement toward and away from one another; there being timing belts operatively connected with the assemblies to transmit drive to the conveyors via the assemblies, in different positions of the assemblies associated with the relative movement thereof. Wires of different diameters may be advanced by the conveyors while the same axis of wire travel is maintained.

Abstract: The method of processing wire to cut the wire into sections and to strip sheathing from the wire to expose wire ends at opposite ends of the sections, and by operation of wire feed means and cutter means, the steps that include operating the feed means and cutter means to displace the wire endwise along an axis to a first position; sever the wire thereby to form wire forward and rearward sections, the forward section having a rearward end portion; and, the rearward section having a forward end portion, and; stripping sheathing from the forward section rearward portion and from the rearward section forward portion thereby to expose wire ends at the portions; the cutter means including three blade pairs, each pair including two blades located at opposite sides of the axis, both blades of one pair being displaced toward the wire to sever the wire, and both blades of the remaining two pairs being displaced toward the wire sections to strip sheathing from the rearward and forward portions during controlled endwise

Abstract: A wire feeding system, for use with apparatus that processes the wire in conjunction with intermittent advancement of the wire, the feeding system operating to de-reel the wire from a reel and supply the de-reeled wire to the apparatus, the system comprising wire drive structure to positively advance the wire; lost motion structure between the wire drive structure and the wire processing apparatus to maintain the wire taut during intermittent operation of the wire processing apparatus; and the wire drive structure comprising belt loop structure having elongated wire gripping stretch structure. Adjustability of the belt loops is also provided, along with use of associated wire guide means for wires of different diameters.

Abstract: The method of processing wire to cut the wire into sections and to strip sheathing from the wire to expose wire ends at opposite ends of the sections, and by operation of wire feed means and cutter means, the steps that include operating the feed means and cutter means to displace the wire endwise along an axis to a first position; sever the wire thereby to form wire forward and rearward sections, the forward section having a rearward end portion; and, the rearward section having a forward end portion, and; stripping sheathing from the forward section rearward portion and from the rearward section forward portion thereby to expose wire ends at the portions; the cutter means including three blade pairs, each pair including two blades located at opposite sides of the axis, both blades of one pair being displaced toward the wire to sever the wire, and both blades of the remaining two pairs being displaced toward the wire sections to strip sheathing from the rearward and forward portions during controlled endwise

Abstract: The method of processing wire to cut the wire into sections and to strip sheathing from the wire to expose wire ends at opposite ends of the sections, and by operation of wire feed means and cutter means, the steps that include operating the feed means and cutter means to displace the wire endwise along an axis to a first position; sever the wire thereby to form wire forward and rearward sections, the forward section having a rearward end portion; and, the rearward section having a forward end portion, and; stripping sheathing from the forward section rearward portion and from the rearward section forward portion thereby to expose wire ends at the portions; the cutter means including three blade pairs, each pair including two blades located at opposite sides of the axis, both blades of one pair being displaced toward the wire to sever the wire, and both blades of the remaining two pairs being displaced toward the wire sections to strip sheathing from the rearward and forward portions during controlled endwise

Abstract: The method of processing wire to cut the wire into sections and to strip sheathing from the wire to expose wire ends at opposite ends of the sections, and by operation of wire feed means and cutter means, the steps that include operating the feed means and cutter means to displace the wire endwise along an axis to a first position; sever the wire thereby to form wire forward and rearward sections, the forward section having a rearward end portion; and, the rearward section having a forward end portion, and; stripping sheathing from the forward section rearward portion and from the rearward section forward portion thereby to expose wire ends at the portions; the cutter means including three blade pairs, each pair including two blades located at opposite sides of the axis, both blades of one pair being displaced toward the wire to sever the wire, and both blades of the remaining two pairs being displaced toward the wire sections to strip sheathing from the rearward and forward portions during controlled endwise

Abstract: For use in apparatus for processing wire to cut the wire into sections and to expose section wire ends, the wire having an inner core and sheathing about the core, the apparatus including structure for displacing the wire axially endwise, comprising multiple blade structures, including at least two of the structures that mutually interfit as the two structures move relatively oppositely toward and away from the axis in directions generally normal to the axis; at least one of the two structures defining first shoulders elongated in the directions and forming a space between which the other of the two structures extends during the relative movement, each of the two structures having an associated concave cutting edge, the cutting edge or edges located between the first shoulders.

Abstract: The method of processing wire to cut the wire into sections and to strip sheathing from the wire to expose wire ends at opposite ends of the sections, and by operation of wire feed means and cutter means, the steps that include operating the feed means and cutter means to displace the wire endwise along an axis to a first position; sever the wire thereby to form wire forward and rearward sections, the forward section having a rearward end portion; and, the rearward section having a forward end portion, and; stripping sheathing from the forward section rearward portion and from the rearward section forward portion thereby to expose wire ends at the portions; the cutter means including three blade pairs, each pair including two blades located at opposite sides of the axis, both blades of one pair being displaced toward the wire to sever the wire, and both blades of the remaining two pairs being displaced toward the wire sections to strip sheathing from the rearward and forward portions during controlled endwise