CPC B21F 11/00 (2013.01) [B23D 29/002 (2013.01); B23D 29/023 (2013.01)] | 12 Claims |
7. A method for clamping a strand, comprising:
a) providing a strand clamp attached to a strand cutter, the strand clamp comprising:
a clamp housing;
a right clamp arm;
a left clamp arm;
a spring configured to urge the right and left clamp arms together around a strand axis wherein the spring has a first and second end and wherein the first end bears on the right clamp arm and the second end bears on the left clamp arm; and
a cover plate with a U-shaped opening for a strand wherein the cover plate is configured to enclose the strand clamp at a distal end;
wherein:
the right and left clamp arms are configured to cooperate to define: (a) a strand channel between opposing curved strand-receiving groove faces on the right and left clamp arms, the strand channel being parallel to the strand axis, and (b) a clamp entry between opposing guide faces on the right and left clamp arms,
b) aligning the clamp entry with the strand;
c) pushing the strand cutter against the strand such that a pushing force is created sufficient to overcome a spring force urging the right and left clamp arms together; and
d) receiving the strand within the strand channel wherein the spring force causes the right and left clamp arms to create a pinching force on the strand.
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