Method and apparatus for recovering insulation and conductor from scrap insulated wire
AssigneeSouthwire Company
InventorsMichael Blackstone, Bryant K. Maddox, Bobby A. Rowland, Stanley L. Tate
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims9
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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.