Stripping structure and method for removing enamel insulation from lead ends

A system for stripping ends of a plurality of leads of a lead bundle, each lead including a conductor member coated with insulation, the system comprising:

• stripping structure comprising:
• a housing having wall structure defining a stripping chamber, an inlet in fluid communication with the stripping chamber, and an outlet in fluid communication with the stripping chamber, the housing have an open end near the inlet, and
• an end cover, made entirely of flexible material, coupled to the open end of the housing so as to substantially close the open end, the cover defining an interior space in communication with the stripping chamber, the cover having an opening constructed and arranged to receive an end of the lead bundle so that the leads thereof are received in the stripping chamber, the flexible end cover being constructed and arranged to provide a seal about the lead bundle, at least a portion of the seal positioned outside of the stripping chamber, and
• a first tank containing clean chemical stripping solution,
• a first pump associated with the first tank for pumping the clean chemical stripping solution to the inlet of the housing and thus to the stripping chamber,
• a second tank fluidly coupled with the outlet of the housing for receiving waste solution including insulation stripped from the conductor members along with waste chemical stripping solution,
• a third tank containing clean water,
• a second pump associated with the third tank for pumping the clean water into the inlet of the housing, after stripping the insulation from the conductor members, to rinse the conductor members, and
• a fourth tank fluidly coupled with the outlet of the housing for receiving waste water.