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United States Patent 5,837,961
Miller Nov. 17, 1998
Laser wire stripping apparatus having multiple synchronous mirrors and a method therefor

Abstract

A laser wire stripping apparatus is disclosed comprising, in combination a plurality of mirrors for alternatively directing a laser beam over a first portion of an insulated wire and an opposite portion of the insulated wire to permit removal of an end segment of insulation from the insulated wire, and a single motor coupled to the plurality of mirrors for synchronizing motion of the mirrors in order to direct the laser beam over the first portion and the opposite portion of the insulated wire. The apparatus also includes an optical sensor for activating the apparatus when the insulated wire is inserted therein. The apparatus further includes a clamping portion for holding the insulated wire as the laser beam cuts the insulation.

Inventors: Miller; Richard T. (3210 E. Corrine Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85032).
Appl. No.: 562,618
Filed: Nov. 24, 1995
Intl. Cl. : B23K 26/10
Current U.S. Cl.: 219/121.68; 219/121.69; 219/121.79; 219/121.8; 219/121.85
Field of Search: 29/564.4; 219/121.6, 121.67, 121.68, 121.69, 121.73, 121.74, 121.75, 121.76, 121.77, 121.78, 121.79 , 121.8, 121.83, 121.85
References Cited | [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
3,953,706Apr., 1976Harris et al. 219/121.68
4,045,201Aug., 1977Caffarella et al. 219/121.79
4,601,093Jul., 1986Cope 29/564.4
4,671,848Jun., 1987Miller et al. 219/121.85
4,761,535Aug., 1988Lawson 219/121.68
4,931,616Jun., 1990Usui et al. 219/121.68
4,951,369Aug., 1990Verrall 29/564.4
4,970,367Nov., 1990Miller 219/121.68
5,058,260Oct., 1991Gloe et al. 29/564.4
5,142,121Aug., 1992Ezaki et al. 219/121.85

Foreign Patent Documents
1-71584Mar., 1989JP
1-295609Nov., 1989JP
4-17989Jan., 1992JP 219/121.6
4-33510Feb., 1992JP
4-275007Sept., 1992JP
88/07431Oct., 1988WO 219/121.85
Other References

Nivens, L.G., "Laser Beam Wire Stripping Machine", Western Electric Technical Digest, No. 56, Oct. 1979, pp. 19-20.

Iceland, W., "Laser Wire Stripping: Equipment and Operational Notes", Insulation/Circuits, vol. 26, Nol. 4, Apr. 1980, pp. 47-50.


Primary Examiner: Mills; Gregory L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Weiss; Harry M., Moy; Jeffrey D. Harry M. Weiss & Associates, P.C.
26 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures
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