Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a wire tensioning apparatus of the type in which tension on the wire is varied by linear movement of an adjustment rod. The adjustment mechanism includes a cam shaft having a number of cams mounted on the cam shaft along the length thereof. Each cam has a lobe with the lobes positioned circumferentially around the cam shaft relative to one another. A guide plate is attached to the adjustment rod so that it is slidable diametrically relative to the cam shaft. A cam follower plate is mounted on the guide plate. A number of cam followers are carried by the cam follower plate with each cam follower aligned with one of the cams and engageable with its cam. An electric motor with a reduction gear is provided to rotate the cam shaft sequentially to move a cam in and out of engagement with its cam follower.

Abstract: A wire tensioning device for maintaining tension on a moving wire, especially a wire that is uncoiled over the axial end of a fixed spool of wire. The tensioning device includes a disk mounted at an axial end of a spool of wire. The disk has a plurality of radially extending resistant filaments that protrude beyond the periphery of the axial end of the spool of wire. The filaments engage the wire as it is unwound from the spool over the axial end thereof to apply a resistance to the uncoiling of the wire. A drive shaft powered by a reversible electric motor connects to the disk which motor rapidly responds to changes in resistance applied to the uncoiling wire by the bending or unbending of the filaments. An arm is engaged by the uncoiling wire. The arm is connected to a rotatably mounted axle for movement in a limited arc. A rotor is formed on the axle with the rotor having a lobe. A pair of proximity switches for operating the reversible electric motor in opposite directions of rotation are provided.

Abstract: A tension measuring device for accurately measuring the tension applied to a fine, metallic wire, or the like, being uncoiled from a spool of wire, or the like. The tensioning device includes a pulley around which the wire is looped. The pulley is rotatably mounted at the end of an arm which itself is mounted on an axle for rotation under the influence of a first torsion spring which biases the arm against the tension forces exerted against the uncoiling wire and a second torsion spring which biases the arm against rotation caused by the weight of the arm and pulley. A knob is provided to twist the first torsion spring to increase the biasing force on the arm and pulley which counteracts the uncoiling tension on the wire. A pointer is associated with the knob and it moves across a scale indicating the amount of force applied to the first torsion spring. Another pointer is mounted on the arm and it moves across a second scale indicating movement of the arm above and below a zero point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing and maintaining a selected tension on ultrafine wire being uncoiled over the end of a spool of such wire. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a dish having outwardly-extending filaments which engage the wire as it is uncoiled over the end of a spool of wire. In another embodiment, the apparatus incudes a disk having an arm which engages and constrains the wire as it is uncoiled over the end of a spool of wire. A braking mechanism which slows rotation of the disk is disengaged from the disk by a coiled compression spring. A cable connected to the braking mechanism and a tension spring applies a preset compression force to the spring. This force may be adjusted by varying the expansion of the tension spring. The compression force exerted by the cable against the spring is reduced as tension increases on the uncoiling wire by an arm supported pulley which supports the uncoiling wire and moves the cable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously forming pointed terminals from a length of wire. The length of wire is moved to a position where a portion of the wire is positioned between a pair of opposed swedges. The pair of swedges is closed to engage and deform the portion of wire. The wire is then moved to position the deformed portion of wire at a wire severing location and another portion of the wire is positioned between the pair of opposed swedges. The wire is twisted relative to the deformed portion to separate the portion of the wire ahead of the deformed portion to form a terminal. The pair of swedges are closed simultaneously with the twisting to deform the next portion of wire and these steps are repeated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously forming pointed terminals from a length of wire. The length of wire is moved to a position where a portion of the wire is positioned between a pair of opposed swedges. The pair of swedges is closed to engage and deform the portion of wire. The wire is then moved to position the deformed portion of wire at a wire severing location and another portion of the wire is positioned between the pair of opposed swedges. The wire is twisted relative to the deformed portion to separate the portion of the wire ahead of the deformed portion to form a terminal. The pair of swedges are closed simultaneously with the twisting to deform the next portion of wire and these steps are repeated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously forming pointed terminals from a length of wire. The length of wire is moved to a position where a portion of the wire is positioned between a pair of opposed swedges. The pair of swedges is closed to engage and deform the portion of wire. The wire is then moved to position the deformed portion of wire at a wire severing location and another portion of the wire is positioned between the pair of opposed swedges. The wire is twisted relative to the deformed portion to separate the portion of the wire ahead of the deformed portion to form a terminal. The pair of swedges are closed simultaneously with the twisting to deform the next portion of wire and these steps are repeated.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously forming a plurality of terminals from a plurality of lengths of wire and inserting the terminals simultaneously into preformed openings in a plastic part. The apparatus includes a mechanism for simultaneously moving a plurality of lengths of wire which are held in spaced relation to one another to a severing position. The wires may be arranged in both horizontal and vertical planes. In one embodiment, wires from different planes are brought together in a common plane at a severing position. At the severing position, a shears is provided for simultaneously severing end portions from the lengths of wires to form a plurality of short wire terminals. The shears and an anvil support the terminals and maintain them in spaced relation to one another after severing for insertion into the preformed openings in the plastic part. The apparatus further includes a tool which supports the plastic part.

Abstract: A device for applying tension to wire, especially wire of fine diameter as it is unwound at high speeds over an axial end of a spool of wire. The tensioning device is effective to prevent curling and twisting of the wire as it is unwound. It is also useful in tensioning wire during high speed winding where the wire is rapidly accelerated and decelerated. The wire control device includes a disc having a plurality of radially extending filaments which protrude beyond the periphery of the axial end of the spool of wire and engage the wire as it is unwound over the axial end of the spool. A cylindrical shaped tubular member encircles the disc and engages the ends of the filaments to bend them so that they extend in a direction which is axially and outwardly of the spool in the direction of movement of the wire being uncoiled. The wire being uncoiled from the spool engages the bent ends of the filaments.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously forming a plurality of terminals from a plurality of lengths of wire and inserting the terminals simultaneously into preformed openings in a plastic part. The apparatus includes a mechanism for simultaneously moving a plurality of lengths of wire which are held in spaced relation to one another to a severing position. The wires may be arranged in both horizontal and vertical planes. At the severing position, a shear is provided for simultaneously severing end portions from the lengths of wires to form a plurality of short wire terminals. The shears and an anvil support the terminals and maintain them in spaced relation to one another after severing for insertion into the preformed openings in the plastic part. The apparatus further includes a tool which supports the plastic part. A slide moves the plastic part and the terminals into engagement with one another to thereby embed the terminals in the preformed openings of the plastic part.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously forming a plurality of terminals from a plurality of lengths of wire and inserting the terminals simultaneously into preformed openings in a plastic part. The apparatus includes a mechanism for simultaneously moving a plurality of lengths of wire which are held in spaced relation to one another to a severing position. The wires may be arranged in both horizontal and vertical planes. At the severing position, a shear is provided for simultaneously severing end portions from the lengths of wires to form a plurality of short wire terminals. The shears and an anvil support the terminals and maintain them in spaced relation to one another after severing for insertion into the preformed openings in the plastic part. The apparatus further includes a tool which supports the plastic part. A slide moves the plastic part and the terminals into engagement with one another to thereby embed the terminals in the preformed openings of the plastic part.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously forming a plurality of terminals from a plurality of lengths of wire and inserting the terminals simultaneously into preformed openings in a plastic part. The apparatus includes a mechanism for simultaneously moving a plurality of lengths of wire which are held in spaced relation to one another to a severing position. The wires may be arranged in both horizontal and vertical planes. At the severing position, a shear is provided for simultaneously severing end portions from the lengths of wires to form a plurality of short wire terminals. The shears and an anvil support the terminals and maintain them in spaced relation to one another after severing for insertion into the preformed openings in the plastic part. The apparatus further includes a tool which supports the plastic part. A slide moves the plastic part and the terminals into engagement with one another to thereby embed the terminals in the preformed openings of the plastic part.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously forming a plurality of terminals from a plurality of lengths of wire and inserting the terminals simultaneously into preformed openings in a plastic part. The apparatus includes a mechanism for simultaneously moving a plurality of lengths of wire which are held in spaced relation to one another to a severing position. The wires may be arranged in both horizontal and vertical planes. At the severing position, a shears is provided for simultaneously severing end portions from the lengths of wires to form a plurality of short wire terminals. The shears and an anvil support the terminals and maintain them in spaced relation to one another after severing for insertion into the preformed openings in the plastic part. The apparatus further includes a tool which supports the plastic part. A slide moves the plastic part and the terminals into engagement with one another to thereby embed the terminals in the performed openings of the plastic part.

Abstract: A device for applying generally uniform tension to wire, especially wire of fine diameter, as it is unwound over an axial end of a coil or spool of wire. The tensioning device is effective to prevent curling and twisting of the wire as it is unwound. This device is also useful in tensioning wire during high-speed winding where the wire is rapidly accelerated and decelerated, for example, during winding of a coil having a core of square or rectangular cross-section. This device is also useful in pretensioning wire before it winds around a final tensioning mechanism. The device may be used as a final and sole tensioning device on fine and ultra fine gauge wire. The tensioning device includes a disc having a plurality of radially extending filaments which protrude beyond the periphery of the axial end of the spool of wire and engage the wire as it is unwound from the spool.

Abstract: A system for selecting the mode of detonating a cluster warhead. The warh consists of a number of bomblets which are configured to be packaged into a warhead cannister. An explosive switch is initiated which permanently opens the dispersing circuit and prevents the bomblets from being dispensed and the warhead is exploded in the unitary mode. Failure to open the dispersing circuit will permit the warhead to disperse and each bomblet will explode individually.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously forming a plurality of terminals from a plurality of lengths of wire and inserting the terminals simultaneously into preformed openings in a plastic part. The apparatus includes a mechanism for simultaneously moving a plurality of lengths of wire which are held in spaced relation to one another to a severing position. The wires may be arranged in both horizontal and vertical planes. At the severing position, a shear is provided for simultaneously severing end portions from the lengths of wires to form a plurality of short wire terminals. The shears and an anvil support the terminals and maintain them in spaced relation to one another after severing for insertion into the preformed openings in the plastic part. The apparatus further includes a tool which supports the plastic part. A slide moves the plastic part and the terminals into engagement with one another to thereby embed the terminals in the preformed openings of the plastic part.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously forming a plurality of terminals from a plurality of lengths of wire and inserting the terminals simultaneously into preformed openings in a plastic part. The apparatus includes a mechanism for simultaneously moving a plurality of lengths of wire which are held in spaced relation to one another to a severing position. The wires may be arranged in both horizontal and vertical planes. In one embodiment, wires from different planes are brought together in a common plane at a severing position. At the severing position, a shears is provided for simultaneously severing end portions from the lengths of wires to form a plurality of short wire terminals. The shears and an anvil support the terminals and maintain them in spaced relation to one another after severing for insertion into the preformed openings in the plastic part. The apparatus further includes a tool which supports the plastic part.