US3936922A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for recovering insulation and conductor from scrap insulated wire
Assignee: Southwire Co LLC
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Filing: 1974-05-16
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Granted: 1976-02-10
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Expires: 1994-05-16
Abstract
Abstract Insulated wire, cable, and the like, is stripped of its insulation without damaging the wire. The insulated wire is preferably cooled to a low temperature, rendered brittle, and then continuously passed over roller means to effect fracturing and removal of the insulation. The bare wire is continuously recovered in an undamaged condition and the particles of insulation recycled where necessary. Wire straightening is optionally provided for straightening the bent wire after the insulation is removed.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Blackstone
- 👤 Bryant K. Maddox
- 👤 Bobby A. Rowland
- 👤 Stanley L. Tate
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 22:59
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01B; H01B15/00; H01B15/001; Y; Y02; Y02W; Y02W30/00; Y02W30/50; Y02W30/82; Y10; Y10T; Y10T225/00; Y10T225/30; Y10T225/304; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/53; Y10T29/53652
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
Apparatus for continuously removing the insulating covering from the entire surface of insulated wire without damaging the wire comprising: means for continuously feeding wire covered with a fragmentable insulation from a supply source to a recovery station; means for continuously bending said wire and insulation along the length thereof and inducing stresses in said insulation in an amount sufficient to fracture said insulation; means for contacting said insulation covered wire with a refrigerant capable of rendering said insulation brittle positioned between said continuous feeding means and said continuous bending means; and means for recovering the resulting bare wire and fragmented insulation in an undamaged condition.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
Apparatus for continuously removing the insulating covering from the entire surface of insulated wire without damaging the wire comprising: means for continuously feeding wire covered with a fragmentable insulation from a supply source to a recovery station; means for continuously bending said wire and insulation along the length thereof and inducing stresses in said insulation in an amount sufficient to fracture said insulation; means for contacting said insulation covered wire with a refrigerant capable of rendering said insulation brittle positioned between said continuous feeding means and said continuous bending means; and means for recovering the resulting bare wire and fragmented insulation in an undamaged condition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said bending means comprises roller means over which said insulated wire is passed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for contacting said insulation covered wire with a refrigerant comprises chamber means for receiving liquid refrigerant having mounted therein guiding means for directing said insulated wire below the surface of said refrigerant.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said chamber means is inclined to collect particles of fragmented insulation at its lowest portion wherein said bending means is at least partially submerged in said refrigerant.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said bending means comprises roller means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said refrigerant is a cryogenic liquid taken from the group consisting essentially of liquid nitrogen, liquid air, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said refrigerant is a cryogenic liquid taken from the group consisting essentially of liquid nitrogen, liquid air, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 further including means for straightening the bare wire prior to recovering same.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus according to claim 7 including means for recovering the fragmented insulating material for recycling.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-02-09 | 1979-08-11 | 1980-02-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-02-09 | 1983-08-11 | 1984-02-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-02-09 | 1987-08-11 | 1988-02-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |