Michael Andrew Crumpler

US Patent:

49618873, Oct 9, 1990

Filed:

Aug 11, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/231688

Inventors:

Michael G. Crumpler - Carrollton GA
George W. Barker - Carrollton GA
Darrell L. Smith - Carrollton GA
Willard W. Posey - Temple GA
Howard S. Shepard - Bremen GA
Steven R. Campbell - Carrollton GA

Assignee:

Southwire Company - Carrollton GA

International Classification:

B29C 4706
B29C 4792

US Classification:

264 404

Abstract:

An apparatus and process for manufacturing insulation for metallic rod which includes a mechanism for housing a plurality of ingredients, scales for weighing a predetermined quantity of each ingredient, a blender for blending predetermined amounts of each ingredient into one material, a mixer to mix the dry blend of ingredients, a mill to form the blended material into strips, a dicer to transform the strips into pellets of insulation, an extruder for placing insulation around the metallic rod, a conveyor to transport the ingredients and/or material between each of the above steps, a controller for outputting commands to the blender and receiving inputs from the scales to obtain the predetermined amount of each ingredient, and a computer for verifying that the correct amount of each ingredient has been obtained. The ingredients used in the manufacture of this insulation material include plasticizers, fillers, a resin, and modifiers. In the step of obtaining the correct weight of each ingredient, the controller employs multiple setpoints to gradually obtain the required ingredient weight through what is known as a dribble feed function.