US5353497A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for forming bundled conductors to a planar array orientation
Assignee: E D Design Manufacturing Inc
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Filing: 1992-12-28
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Granted: 1994-10-11
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Expires: 2012-12-28
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for separating and orienting conductors from a bundled array into a planar array includes a grooved template and several elements that cooperate together and with a laminate material to fixedly unite the conductors when disposed in the grooves.
Inventors
- 👤 Jack D. Hecker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 17:26
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R43/00; H01R43/28; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49002; Y10T29/49117; Y10T29/49194; Y10T29/49201; Y10T29/49204; Y10T29/49208; Y10T29/49222; Y10T29/51; Y10T29/5193; Y10T29/53; Y10T29/5313; Y10T29/532; Y10T29/53209; Y10T29/53213; Y10T29/53217; Y10T29/53222; Y10T29/53257
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
216 words
An apparatus for separating and orienting conductors from a bundled array into a planar array wherein said conductors are fixedly connected in a side-by-side fashion, said apparatus comprising: means for rigidly holding separated conductors of said bundled array, said means for rigidly holding being substantially planar, said means for rigidly holding comprising a template having portions defining continuous grooves, said continuous grooves each having two ends and a middle portion therebetween, and walls at the two ends of said continuous grooves, said walls extending above said continuous grooves and having notches therein, said notches being aligned with said continuous grooves and said notches permitting said continuous grooves to extend through said walls; bonding means for fixedly uniting said separated conductors of said bundled array; heating means for applying heat to said bonding means in order to create said planar array, wherein said conductors are fixedly connected in a side-by-side fashion; means for removably physically engaging said means for rigidly holding separated conductors of said bundled array with said heating means for applying heat to said bonding means, said means for removably physically engaging aligned so as to wholly direct said heating means toward points where said separated conductors are rigidly held by said means for rigidly holding; and means for holding said bundled array of conductors.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
216 words
An apparatus for separating and orienting conductors from a bundled array into a planar array wherein said conductors are fixedly connected in a side-by-side fashion, said apparatus comprising: means for rigidly holding separated conductors of said bundled array, said means for rigidly holding being substantially planar, said means for rigidly holding comprising a template having portions defining continuous grooves, said continuous grooves each having two ends and a middle portion therebetween, and walls at the two ends of said continuous grooves, said walls extending above said continuous grooves and having notches therein, said notches being aligned with said continuous grooves and said notches permitting said continuous grooves to extend through said walls; bonding means for fixedly uniting said separated conductors of said bundled array; heating means for applying heat to said bonding means in order to create said planar array, wherein said conductors are fixedly connected in a side-by-side fashion; means for removably physically engaging said means for rigidly holding separated conductors of said bundled array with said heating means for applying heat to said bonding means, said means for removably physically engaging aligned so as to wholly direct said heating means toward points where said separated conductors are rigidly held by said means for rigidly holding; and means for holding said bundled array of conductors.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said continuous grooves forms part of a cylinder, which partially formed cylinder has a radius associated therewith; wherein each of said separated conductors also has a radius associated therewith; and wherein the radius of each of said partially formed cylinders is slightly larger than the radius of each of said separated conductors.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said heating means for applying heat to said bonding means comprises: a press plate; means for heating said press plate; and temperature control means for adjustably regulating said means for heating said press plate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said heatable press plate can be heated to a temperature suitable for attaching laminate material to said conductors disposed in said grooves.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for removably physically engaging said means for rigidly holding separated conductors of said bundled array with said heating means for applying heat to said bonding means, comprises a hand actuated mechanism.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
71 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein said bonding means comprises a laminate material; wherein said heatable press plate can be heated to a temperature suitable for attaching said laminate material to said conductors disposed in said continuous grooves; and wherein said hand actuated mechanism pushes said means for applying heat to said laminate onto said means for rigidly holding, thereby applying pressure to said conductors and said laminate material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises a cable clamp for holding said bundled array of conductors.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-10-10 | 1998-04-11 | 1998-10-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-10-10 | 2002-04-11 | 2002-10-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-10-10 | 2006-04-11 | 2006-10-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |