Apparatus and method for applying indexing strips to cable pair groups

Claim 2

Method for periodically maintaining dissociated threadlike elements in spaced, parallel sequential relation comprising the steps of: drawing subgroups of said elements through respective linear passages in plural rotatably mounted members capable of being lockably positioned to render all said passages planar and parallel; momentarily locking said elements while continuing with said drawing; maintaining said elements planar and parallel for a short distance at their point of emergence from said passages; adhering a flexible strip to all conductors at said point; and unlocking said members.

Claim 3

Method for periodically maintaining all conductors of a group of insulated and variously twisted conductor pairs in spaced, parallel sequential relation comprising the steps of: drawing the conductors of each pair through separate passage pairs in each of a plurality of rotors freely rotatable and capable of being lockably positioned to render all said passages planar, parallel, and of predetermined spacing; momentarily locking said rotors while continuing drawing said conductors therethrough; maintaining said conductors planar, parallel and so spaced for a short distance beyond their point of emergence from said passages; fastening a flexible strip to all conductors at said point; and unlocking said members.

Claim 4

Method for periodically maintaining all conductors of a group of insulated and variously twisted conductor pairs in spaced, parallel sequential relation comprising the steps of: drawing the conductors of each pair through separate passage pairs in each of a plurality of rotors freely rotatable and capable of being lockably positioned to render all said passages planar, parallel, and of predetermined spacing; momentarily locking said rotors while continuing drawing said conductors therethrough; maintaining said conductors planar, parallel and so spaced for a short distance beyond their point of emergence from said passages; fastening a flexible strip to all conductors at said point; and unlocking said members.

Claim 5

Method of claim 2 wherein said fastening step comprises adhering first and second strips to each other with said conductors sandwiched thereinbetween.

Claim 6

Method of claim 2 further comprising completing said locking step within the time required for the pair with the longest twist length to complete one revolutioN.

Claim 7

Apparatus for periodically applying flexible strips to conductors in a group of twisted pairs comprising: a plurality of freely rotatably mounted rotors for threadably receiving each of the conductors of the respective twisted pairs; means for locking each rotor to orient all threaded conductors in a single plane; means for momentarily extending the conductor portions in spaced, parallel relation and for thereafter applying a flexible strip crosswise at such point; and means for releasing each rotor for resumption of free rotation.

Claim 8

Apparatus for periodically applying flexible strips to conductors in a group of twisted pairs comprising: a plurality of freely rotatably mounted rotors for threadably receiving each of the conductors of the respective twisted pairs; means for locking each rotor to orient all threaded conductors in a single plane; means for momentarily extending the conductor portions in spaced, parallel relation and for thereafter applying a flexible strip crosswise at such point; and means for releasing each rotor for resumption of free rotation.

Claim 9

Apparatus for periodically applying flexible strips to tip-ring telephone conductors in a group of twisted pairs, characterized by: a plurality of freely rotatable rotors each with two threadways for receiving the respective conductors of a given pair, a one of each said threadings designated to receive the tip conductor of the given pair; means for drawing the conductors of each pair through said rotors while freely rotating; means for locking said rotors in positions to render all said threadways planar and parallel while continuing to draw said conductors therethrough, said conductors emerging in spaced parallel relation; means for fastening a said strip across said conductors at their point of emergence to mark and maintain said relation; and means for unlocking said rotors.

Claim 10

Apparatus for periodically applying flexible strips to tip-ring telephone conductors in a group of twisted pairs, characterized by: a plurality of freely rotatable rotors each with two threadways for receiving the respective conductors of a given pair, a one of each said threadings designated to receive the tip conductor of the given pair; means for drawing the conductors of each pair through said rotors while freely rotating; means for locking said rotors in positions to render all said threadways planar and parallel while continuing to draw said conductors therethrough, said conductors emerging in spaced parallel relation; means for fastening a said strip across said conductors at their point of emergence to mark and maintain said relation; and means for unlocking said rotors.

Claim 11

Apparatus pursuant to claim 6 wherein said fastening means comprises means for adhering first and second strips to each other with said conductors sandwiched thereinbetween.

Claim 12

Apparatus pursuant to claim 7 wherein said strip material is a heat-sealable plastic and wherein said adhering means comprises means for applying heat to said first and second strips.

Claim 13

Apparatus pursuant to claim 8, further comprising a comblike member and means for inserting the comb teeth in the spaces between said parallel conductors as they emerge, and for drawing said comb downstream to maintain said conductor parallelism.

Claim 14

Apparatus pursuant to claim 8, further comprising means for feeding continuously said strip material along either side of the conductor array emerging from said rotors, and for severing said material after adherence of a portion thereof to a position across said conductors.