Multi-groove feed system and method for a dual point coiler

Abstract

A multi-groove feed system for a dual point coiling apparatus includes a single set, or a reduced number of sets, of multi-groove feed rolls and multi-groove wire guides, or multi-groove guides, associated with a moveable feed frame to run the entire size or configuration range of wire, or other material, of a dual point coiling machine without the need, or to minimize the need with a reduced number of sets, to change the feed tooling to accommodate a range of sizes or configurations of wire or other material to be coiled. The multi-groove feed rolls are each provided with a plurality of grooves of different sizes or configurations and the multi-groove wire guides, or multi-groove guides, are each provided with a plurality of corresponding apertures or passages of different sizes or configurations that correspond to a plurality of sizes or configurations or wire or other material be coiled.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to spring coiling machines. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dual point spring coiling machine and method that utilizes a single set, or a minimum number sets, of feed rolls and guides for a plurality of wire size ranges, and also relates to a multiple groove feed system and method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A spring coiler is usually designed to run a range of wire diameters. Because of the high tensile strength of the wire used to make springs, a relatively large amount of pushing force is typically needed to drive the material into the coiling area of a coiling machine where the material is bent into the spring diameter required. Typically, the feed rolls driven by the feed motor through the feed reducer of the spring coiling machine provide this driving force. To assist in keeping the wire straight as it is being pushed through the feed rolls into the coiling area, the wire passes through wire guides.

To maximize contact with the outside diameter of the wire being fed, each feed roll has a machined semi-circular grooved path to grip the wire. The maximum wire size that can be run in a particular groove size occurs when the wire radius matches the radius of the semi-circular groove in the corresponding feed rolls. Smaller diameter wire than the maximum wire diameter size can typically be run in the same groove, unless the wire diameter significantly decreases to where the actual contact area with the feed roll groove decreases so that the feed roll is no longer capable of pushing the wire with sufficient force to coil the spring. Where this occurs, or is expected to occur, it is necessary to change the feed rolls to a set of feed rolls with a smaller semi-circular groove radius corresponding to the smaller wire diameter to re-establish sufficient contact to coil the spring.

Similarly, the feed area wire guides are designed to match or correspond to the groove radius in the feed rolls. Thus, a set of feed wire guides can run the same wire diameter range as the corresponding feed rolls. When the wire diameter to be run requires a different feed roll groove size to provide sufficient force to coil the spring, the feed wire guides must be changed to correspond to the feed roll groove size, as well.

Generally, a conventional dual point coiler is a “single wire line” machine through the feed section and into the coiling area. Therefore, in conventional dual point coiling machines, to cover a range of wire diameters to be run on the machine, a number of sets of feed rolls and guides, each capable of running a different wire size range, need to be provided with the machine. Providing a number of sets of feed rolls and guides for a machine typically poses a significantly greater cost to the customer, particularly as the machine size increases and the individual components become large.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate front and side perspective views, respectively, of a single groove feed system 100 mounted on a stationary frame 126 of a dual point coiling apparatus to coil wire, such as to form a spring. The single groove feed system 100 includes a plurality of single groove feed rolls 138 forming a set of feed rolls. The single groove feed rolls 138 are secured to a dual point coiling apparatus including the single groove feed system 100 by a feed roll cap 142. The single groove feed rolls 138 convey a wire 136 to be coiled through intermediate single aperture or single passage wire guides 170,180 to a final wire guide 150,160 that presents the wire 136 to the coiling point slides 128 and 130 to be coiled into a spring 132, or other suitable arrangement, in the coiling area 133.

Each of the plurality of feed rolls 138 in a set has a single groove 140 of a same or similar size, diameter, or radius that corresponds to a predetermined wire size, radius or diameter. While, as mentioned, it is possible to run a wire of a size, radius or diameter that is smaller than the predetermined wire size, radius or diameter, unless the wire diameter significantly decreases to where the actual contact area with the feed roll groove 140 decreases so that the feed roll 138 is no longer capable of pushing the wire with sufficient force to coil the spring. Where this occurs, or is expected to occur, it is necessary to change the feed rolls 138 to a set of feed rolls 138 with a smaller semi-circular groove radius, diameter or size corresponding to the smaller wire diameter to re-establish sufficient contact with the wire 136 to coil the spring.

FIGS. 5C1 and 5C2 respectively illustrate perspective and side views of a conventional single groove feed roll 138a having a single groove 140a of a diameter or size X1 (corresponding radius of 0.5 X1, for example) for a relatively large diameter wire. A plurality of feed rolls 138a each having a groove 140a of a same size or diameter X1 (or of the radius 0.5 X1) form a set of feed rolls 138a, for the relatively large diameter wire to be coiled, that are included in the conventional single groove feed system 100 illustrated in FIG. 5A of a dual point coiling machine.

With the set of feed rolls 138a, a plurality of conventional intermediate single groove wire guides 180 illustrated in FIG. 6A are also included in the single groove feed system 100 as illustrated in FIG. 5A. The intermediate single groove wire guides 180 include upper and lower sections 180a and 180b having a single aperture or passage 182 of a corresponding size, diameter or radius to the size, diameter or radius of the groove 140a to receive and accommodate the corresponding relative diameter wire 136 to be coiled.

Also, a final wire guide 160 illustrated in FIG. 6C is associated with the single groove feed system 100 as illustrated in FIG. 5A. The final wire guide 160 includes upper and lower sections 160a and 160b having a single aperture or passage 162 of a corresponding size, diameter or radius to receive and accommodate the corresponding relatively large diameter wire 136 to be coiled.

However, for example, where the conventional single groove feed system 100 is to coil wire 136 of a significantly smaller diameter, radius or size, changing the set of the plurality of feed rolls 138a, the intermediate wire guides 180, and the final wire guide 160 that accommodate the relatively larger wire size to accommodate the relatively smaller large wire diameter can be necessary, such as where the actual contact area with the feed roll groove 140a decreases so that the feed roll 138a is no longer capable of pushing the relatively smaller size wire 136 with sufficient force to coil the wire, as described.

In such a case for the relatively smaller diameter or size wire 136, FIGS. 5D1 and 5D2 respectively illustrate perspective and side views of a conventional single groove feed roll 138b. The single groove feed roll 138b includes a single groove 140b of a diameter or size X2 (corresponding radius of 0.5 X2, for example) for a relatively smaller diameter wire 136. A plurality of feed rolls 138b, each having a groove 140b of a same size or diameter X2 (or of the radius 0.5 X2), with X2 being less than X1, form a set of feed rolls 138b, for the relatively smaller diameter or size wire 136 to be coiled, and that are then included in the conventional single groove feed system 100 illustrated in FIG. 5A of a dual point coiling machine.

With the set of feed rolls 138b, a plurality of conventional intermediate single groove wire guides 170 of FIG. 6B are also then included in the single groove feed system 100 illustrated in FIG. SA. The intermediate single groove wire guides 170 include upper and lower sections 170a and 170b having a single aperture or passage 172 of a corresponding size, diameter or radius to the size, diameter or radius of the groove 140b to receive and accommodate the corresponding relatively smaller diameter wire 136 to be coiled.

Further, a final wire guide 150 of FIG. 6D is then associated with the single groove feed roll system 100 as illustrated in FIG. 5A. The final wire guide 150 includes upper and lower sections 150a and 150b having a single aperture or passage 152 of a corresponding size, diameter or radius to receive and accommodate the corresponding relatively smaller diameter wire 136 to be coiled.

Also, with a conventional dual point coiling machine in addition to the increased costs associated with the needed number of sets of feed rolls and guides, there is also the time and labor costs associated with completing a tooling changeover to install and remove the various sets of feed rolls and guides.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a multiple groove feed system for a dual point coiling apparatus and method that incorporates a single set, or a reduced number of sets, of feed rolls and guides to run the entire wire size range of the dual point coiling machine without the need, or to minimize the need with a reduced number of sets, to change the feed tooling to accommodate a range of wire diameter sizes for the dual point coiling apparatus.

Further, it is desirable to provide a dual point coiling machine that promotes cost savings with respect to minimizing the feed tooling required for a dual point coiling machine and thereby promote reducing the time needed to accommodate different wire sizes to be coiled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the present invention, wherein according to aspects of the invention, a multiple groove feed system, apparatus and method are provided that includes a single set, or a reduced number of sets, of feed rolls and guides to run the entire wire size range of a dual point coiling machine without the need, or to minimize the need with a reduced number of sets, to change the feed tooling to accommodate a range of wire diameter sizes for the dual point coiling apparatus. According to aspects of the invention, the multiple groove feed rolls are each provided with a plurality of grooves of different sizes or diameters and the multiple groove wire guides are each provided with a plurality of corresponding apertures or passages of different sizes or diameters that correspond to a plurality of wire diameter sizes to be coiled.

In accordance with embodiments and aspects of the present invention, a multi-groove feed system includes: a plurality of multi-groove feed rolls each including a plurality of different sized or configured grooves to feed a material of a predetermined size or configuration in a corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves; one or more multi-groove guides positioned intermediate adjacent ones of the plurality of multi-groove feed rolls, with each multi-groove guide including a plurality of different sized or configured apertures or passages that correspond in size or configuration to the plurality of grooves of the multi-groove feed rolls to guide the material of the predetermined size or configuration through a selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages that corresponds to the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves; and a moveable feed frame associated with the plurality of multi-groove feed rolls and the one or more multi-groove guides, the moveable feed frame being moveable to a predetermined position to align the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves and the corresponding selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages with a material line to a process area to convey the material of the predetermined size or configuration along the material line to the process area.

In accordance with other embodiments and aspects of the present invention, a multi-groove feed system of a dual point coiling apparatus includes: a plurality of multi-groove feed rolls each including a plurality of different sized grooves to feed a wire of a predetermined size in a corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves; and one or more multi-groove guides positioned intermediate adjacent ones of the plurality of multi-groove feed rolls, with each multi-groove guide including a plurality of different sized apertures or passages that correspond in size to the plurality of grooves of the multi-groove feed rolls to guide the wire of the predetermined size through a selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages that corresponds to the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves, with the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves and the corresponding selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages being selectively aligned at a corresponding predetermined position with a wire line to a coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus to convey the wire of the predetermined size along the wire line to the coiling area to coil the wire.

In accordance with further embodiments and aspects of the present invention, a multi-groove feed system of a dual point coiling apparatus further includes: a moveable feed frame associated with the plurality of multi-groove feed rolls and the one or more multi-groove guides, the moveable feed frame being moveable to the predetermined position to align the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves and the corresponding selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages with the wire line to the coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus.

In accordance with yet further embodiments and aspects of the present invention, a multi-groove feed system of a dual point coiling apparatus includes a single set of the multi-groove feed rolls and the one or more multi-groove guides, the single set including the plurality of grooves and the plurality of passages or apertures to convey an entire size range of the wire to be coiled in the coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus.

In accordance with yet still further embodiments and aspects of the present invention, a multi-groove feed system includes: means for feeding a material of a predetermined size or configuration to a process area, the means for feeding including a plurality of different sized or configured grooves to feed the material of the predetermined size or configuration in a corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves; means for guiding the material of the predetermined size or configuration to the process area, the means for guiding being positioned adjacent the means for feeding, with the means for guiding including a plurality of different sized or configured apertures or passages that correspond in size or configuration to the plurality of grooves of the means for feeding to guide the material of the predetermined size or configuration through a selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages that corresponds to the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves; and means for aligning the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves and the corresponding selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages with a material line to a process area to convey the material of the predetermined size or configuration along the material line to the process area.

In accordance with yet still other embodiments and aspects of the present invention, a method of feeding a wire in a dual point coiling apparatus includes: feeding a wire of a predetermined size to a coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus by conveying the wire in a corresponding selected one of a plurality of different sized grooves of a multi-groove feed roll; guiding the wire of the predetermined size to the coiling area through a corresponding selected one of a plurality of different sized apertures or passages of a multi-groove wire guide that corresponds to the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves of the multi-groove feed roll; and aligning at a predetermined position the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves of each multi-groove feed roll and the corresponding selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages of each multi-groove guide with a wire line to the coiling area.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating a dual point coiler including a multiple groove, or multi-groove, feed system arranged in a position to coil a relatively large diameter wire, according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view illustrating the dual point coiler including a multiple groove, or multi-groove, feed system of FIG. 1A arranged in a position to coil a relatively smaller diameter wire, according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1C is a perspective front view of the dual point coiler of FIGS. 1A and 1B including a multiple groove, or multi-groove, feed system, according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1D is a diagrammatic plan view illustrating the dual point coiler including a multiple groove, or multi-groove, feed system of FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1E is a diagrammatic front view illustrating the dual point coiler including a multiple groove, or multi-groove, feed system of FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a multiple groove, or multi-groove, feed roll of the multiple groove, or multi-groove, feed system of FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a perspective side view of the multiple groove, or multi-groove, feed roll of FIG. 2A, according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective side view illustrating the multiple groove, or multi-groove, feed system of FIGS. 1A and 1B arranged in the position of FIG. 1A to coil a relatively large diameter wire, according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a perspective side view illustrating the multiple groove, or multi-groove, feed system of FIGS. 1A and 1B arranged in the position of FIG. 1B to coil a relatively smaller diameter wire, according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a multiple groove, or multi-groove, wire guide included in the multiple groove, or multi-groove, feed system of FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a perspective front view of a conventional single groove feed system of a dual point coiler.

FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective side view of the conventional single groove feed system of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C1 is a perspective view of a conventional single groove feed roll of the single groove feed system of FIG. 5A for a relatively large diameter wire to be coiled.

FIG. 5C2 is a perspective side view of the conventional single groove feed roll of FIG. 5C1.

FIG. 5D1 is a perspective view of a conventional single groove feed roll of the single groove feed system of FIG. 5A for a relatively smaller diameter wire to be coiled.

FIG. 5D2 is a perspective side view of the conventional single groove feed roll of FIG. 5D1.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a conventional single groove wire guide of the single groove feed system of FIG. 5A for a relatively large diameter wire to be coiled.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a conventional single groove wire guide of the single groove feed system of FIG. 5A for a relatively smaller diameter wire to be coiled.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a conventional final single groove wire guide as can be used in the single groove feed system of FIG. 5A or in the multiple groove, or multi-groove, feed system of FIGS. 1A and 1B of the present invention for a relatively large diameter wire to be coiled.

FIG. 6D is a perspective view of a conventional final single groove wire guide as can be used in the single groove feed system of FIG. 5A or in the multiple groove, or multi-groove, feed system of FIGS. 1A and 1B of the present invention for a relatively smaller diameter wire to be coiled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention provide a multiple groove feed system and method, such as for a dual point coiling apparatus, although the invention is not limited in this regard.

In a multiple groove feed system, according to aspects of the invention, multiple groove, or multi-groove, feed rolls, in a set, are each provided with a plurality of grooves of different sizes, diameters or configurations, and multiple groove, or multi-groove, guides are each provided with a plurality of corresponding apertures or passages of different sizes, diameters or configurations that correspond to a plurality of wire, or other material, sizes, diameters or configurations to be coiled or processed, to minimize or reduce changing the feed tooling to accommodate a range of different sizes, diameters or configurations of wire, or other material, to be coiled or processed by the dual point coiling apparatus.

According to aspects of the invention, the set of tools for a dual point coiling apparatus, such as the feed rolls and wire guides of the multi-groove feed system, is manufactured with multiple grooves, apertures or passageways. The plurality of different sized or configured grooves, apertures or passageways each typically cover a range of different sized or configured wire, or other material, within the overall size or configuration range of the dual point coiling apparatus. Depending upon the size or configuration of the wire, or other material, to be run, the entire feed section of the machine is selectively moved axially across the width of the feed rolls and guides to align the correct groove, aperture or passageway with the material line or wire line or path to the coiling or process area.

Exemplary embodiments and aspects of the present inventive apparatus and method are illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1A through 1E. FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views illustrating a dual point coiler or coiling apparatus 1 including a multiple groove, or multi-groove, feed system 2 to coil wire, or other material, of a range of different sizes, diameters or configurations, according to aspects of the invention. FIG. 1C is a perspective front view of the dual point coiler 1 of FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrating the multiple groove, or multi-groove, feed system 2. FIGS. 1D and 1E are a diagrammatic plan view and front view illustrating the dual point coiler 1 including the multi-groove feed system 2 of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIGS. 1A through 1E illustrate the multi-groove feed system 2 of the dual point coiling apparatus 1 to coil wire 36, such as to form a spring. The multi-groove feed system 2 includes a plurality of multiple groove, or multi-groove, feed rolls 38 forming a set of feed rolls. The multi-groove feed rolls 38 are secured to or associated with the multi-groove feed system 2 of the dual point coiling apparatus 1 by a feed roll retaining cap 42. The multi-groove feed rolls 38 convey the wire 36 to be coiled through a plurality of intermediate multi-groove wire guides 35, secured to or associated with the multi-groove feed system 2 of the dual point coiling apparatus 1, to a final wire guide or final guide 150,160 that presents the wire 36, or other material, to the coiling point slides 28 and 30 to be coiled into a spring 32, or other suitable arrangement, in a coiling or process area 33.

While the material to be fed through the multi-groove feed system 2 of the dual point coiling apparatus 1 is typically wires 36, the feed system and coiling apparatus according to aspects of the invention is not limited in this regard. For example, the material to be fed can have a different cross section, shape or configuration, other than a round cross section, configuration or shape typical of a wire, such as a square, rectangular, spiral or half round cross section, configuration or shape. In addition, a variety of materials can be fed and coiled employing the multi-groove feed system 2 of the dual point coiling apparatus 1 with this system, not just “spring steel” but low carbon steel, as well as several non-metallic materials or plastic type materials, for example.

Referring also now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an exemplary multi-groove feed roll 38 is illustrated, according to aspects of the invention. For example, each of the plurality of multi-groove feed rolls 38, such as in a set of the multi-groove feed rolls 38, in the multi-groove feed system 2 of the dual point coiling apparatus 1, has a plurality of grooves 40, such as grooves 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d, of different sizes or diameters, namely d1, d2, d3 and d4, respectively, such as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

In the exemplary illustration of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the diameter d1 corresponds to groove 40a for a relatively large wire feed groove, the diameter d2 corresponds to groove 40b for a relatively medium large wire feed groove, the diameter d3 corresponds to groove 40c for a relatively medium small wire feed groove, and the diameter d4 corresponds to groove 40d for a relatively small wire feed groove, with the diameters d1, d2, d3 and d4 being indicated by the corresponding arrows and circular arcs in FIG. 2B.

For example, a typical operational wire size range for wire 36 fed through the multi-groove feed system 2 of the dual point coiling apparatus 1 can be, for example, from about a 0.160 inch diameter to about a 0.625 inch diameter wire. For such wire size range, the groove diameters d1, d2, d3 and d4 of the grooves 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d of the multi-groove feed roll 38, can typically correspond to the diameter d1 being about 0.625 inches, the diameter d2 being about 0.500 inches, the diameter d3 being about 0.375 inches, and the diameter d4 being about 0.250 inches, for example, although the invention is not limited in this regard.

Further, while the multi-groove feed roll 38 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B includes four grooves 40 of 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d, of differing corresponding sizes or diameters d1, d2, d3 and d4 in an order from largest to smallest diameter or size, the invention is not limited in this regard. In the exemplary multi-groove feed system 2, a single set of multi-groove feed rolls 38 are typically provided to run the entire wire size range of wire to be coiled by the dual point coiling apparatus 1, according to aspects of the invention. However, a plurality of sets of multi-groove feed rolls 38 can also be provided to run the entire or part of the wire size range of wire 36 or other material to be coiled using the multiple groove feed system 2, according to aspects of the invention.

For example, rather than provide a single multi-groove feed roll 38 with the four different size grooves 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d, two or more sets of feed rolls 38 can be provided, with the feed rolls 38 in each set including one or more of the grooves 40a through 40d, or other different size or configuration grooves, dependent upon the material or application. In this regard, two sets of feed rolls 38 can be provided, for example, with one set of feed rolls 38 including the different size grooves 40a and 40b and the other set of feed rolls 38 including the different size grooves 40c and 40d. Such single set of multi-groove feed rolls 38, or a reduced number of sets or multi-groove feed rolls 38, can minimize the need to change the feed tooling to accommodate a range of different sizes, diameters or configurations of wire, or other material, for the dual point coiling apparatus 1, according to aspects of the invention.

Referring now also to FIG. 4A, an exemplary intermediate multi-groove guide, or multi-groove wire guide, 35 is illustrated, according to aspects of the invention. With the set of feed rolls 38, a plurality of intermediate multi-groove guides, or multi-groove wire guides, 35, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, are also included in the multi-groove feed system 2 as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Each of the intermediate multi-groove wire guides 35 include upper and lower sections 35a1 and 35a2 and have a plurality of apertures or passages 35a, 35b, 35c and 35d of a size, diameter or configuration corresponding to the size, diameter or configuration of the respective grooves 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d to receive and accommodate the corresponding relative diameter wire 36 or other material to be coiled. In FIG. 4A the diameters or configurations of apertures or passages 35a, 35b, 35c and 35d are substantially the same as the diameters d1, d2, d3 and d4 or configurations of the grooves 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d, as indicated or illustrated by FIG. 4a, although the invention is not limited in this regard.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the upper and lower sections 35a1 and 35a2 of the multi-groove guide 35 each include a plurality of grooved portions each corresponding to and forming a part of one of the apertures or passages 35a, 35b, 35c and 35d, where the upper and lower sections 35a1 and 35a2 are combined to form the multi-groove guide 35. Alternatively, for example, the multi-groove guide can be formed and a single unit with the corresponding apertures or passages, such as the apertures or passages 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d being formed through or on the multi-groove guide, according to aspects of the invention.

Further, while the multi-groove guide 35 illustrated in FIG. 4A includes four apertures or passages 35a, 35b, 35c and 35d, of differing corresponding sizes or diameters d1, d2, d3 and d4 in an order from largest to smallest diameter or size, the invention is not limited in this regard. In the exemplary multi-groove feed system 2, a single set of multi-groove wire guides 35 are typically provided to run the entire wire size range of wire to be coiled by the dual point coiling apparatus 1, according to aspects of the invention. However, a plurality of sets of multi-guide wire guides 35 can also be provided to run the entire or part of the wire size range of wire 36, or a size range of other material, to be coiled, or processed, using the multiple groove feed system 2, according to aspects of the invention.

For example, rather than provide a single set of multi-groove wire guides 35 with the four different size apertures or passages 35a, 35b, 35c and 35d, two or more sets of wire guides 35 can be provided, with the wire guides 35 in each set including one or more of the apertures or passages 35a through 35d or other different size or configuration apertures or passages, dependent upon the material or application. In this regard, two sets of wire guides 35 can be provided, for example, with one set of wire guides 35, including the different size apertures or passages 35a and 35b and the other set of wire guides 35 including the different size apertures or passages 35c and 35d. Such single set of multi-groove guides 35, or a reduced number of sets of multi-groove guides 35, can minimize the need to change the feed tooling to accommodate a range of wire, or other material, sizes, diameters, or configurations for the dual point coiling apparatus 1, according to aspects of the invention.

A plurality of multi-groove intermediate guides or wire guides 35, such as illustrated in FIG. 4A, are typically positioned between the multi-groove feed rolls 38, such as illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C, to guide and keep the wire 36, or other material, moving along through the multi-groove feed system 2 to the coiling or process area 33. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C, a multi-groove wire guide 35 is typically positioned in adjacent relation with one or more pairs of multi-groove feed rolls 38, with one multi-groove feed roll 38 of one pair of multi-groove feed rolls 38 being arranged in opposing relation to the other of the pair of multi-groove feed rolls 38. Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C, a plurality of multi-groove feed roll pairs are included in the multi-groove feed system 2, according to aspects of the invention. Typically, two to four pairs of multi-groove feed rolls 38, corresponding to four to eight individual multi-groove feed rolls 38 are included in the multi-groove feed system 2, according to aspects of the invention.

Within a movable feed frame 26 of the multi-groove feed system 2 of the dual point coiling apparatus 1, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C, a plurality of intermediate multi-groove guides 35, such as illustrated in FIG. 4A, are positioned or aligned in conjunction with a corresponding plurality of multi-groove feed rolls 38.

As illustrated from FIGS. 1A through 1C, and with reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 4A, the aperture or passage 35a in the intermediate multi-groove guide 35 is aligned with the groove 40a in corresponding multi-groove feed roll 38, the aperture or passage 35b in the intermediate multi-groove guide 35 is aligned with the groove 40b in corresponding multi-groove feed roll 38, the aperture or passage 35c in the intermediate multi-groove guide 35 is aligned with the groove 40c in corresponding multi-groove feed roll 38 and the aperture or passage 35d in the intermediate multi-groove guide 35 is aligned with the groove 40d in corresponding multi-groove feed roll 38.

Such alignment of the grooves 40 of the plurality of multi-groove feed rolls 38 with the corresponding apertures and passages of the plurality of multi-groove guides 35 provides for conveying and passing the wire 36, or other material, in the multi-groove feed system 2 to be coiled, or processed, at the coiling or process area 33 of the dual point coiling apparatus 1.

Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C, a final wire guide or final guide 150, 160, such as illustrated in FIGS. 6C or 6D, as previously described, in addition to being associated with the conventional single groove feed roll system 100 of FIG. 5A, is typically associated with the multi-groove feed system 2 proximate the coiling or process area 33 adjacent an end of the plurality of multi-groove feed rolls 38. The final wire guide or final guide 150, 160 includes upper and lower sections 150a, 160a and 150b, 160b having a single aperture or passage 152, 162 of a corresponding size, diameter, radius or configuration to receive and accommodate the corresponding size, diameter, radius or configuration of the wire 36, or other material, to be coiled, or processed, typically over a size range or configuration range for the wire 36, or other material, to be coiled or processed in the coiling or process area 33.

In the multi-groove feed system 2, it is possible to run a wire 36, or other material, of a size, radius or diameter that is smaller or differently configured than the predetermined wire size or configuration through a corresponding sized or configured groove 40 of a feed roll 38 and through a corresponding sized or configured passage or aperture of a wire guide 35.

Running a significantly reduced size or differently configured wire 36, or other material, of a significantly reduced sized or different configuration, through a larger sized or differently configured groove 40 or through a larger size or differently configured passage or aperture of a guide 35 can lead to the feed roll 38 no longer being capable of pushing the wire, or other material, with sufficient force to coil or process the material.

However, in contrast to the conventional single groove feed system 100 of FIG. 5A, according to aspects of the invention, with the multi-groove feed system 2 of the present invention it is not typically necessary to change a set of feed rolls and guides to accommodate the different sized or configured wire 36 or other material.

In a set of multi-groove feed rolls 38 and multi-groove guides 35 installed in the multi-groove feed system 2 on a dual point coiling apparatus 1, all that is typically needed, where the set of multi-groove feed rolls 38 each has a groove 40 of a plurality of different sized or configured grooves 40 and the multi-groove wire guides 35 each has an aperture or passage of a plurality of differently sized or configured apertures or passages that can accommodate the differently sized or configured wire 36, or other material, is to reposition or realign the feed rolls 38 and guides 35 to receive and pass through the wire 36, or other material, through the accommodating groove, aperture or passage.

Adjusting, positioning and aligning the grooves 40 of the feed rolls 38 and apertures or passages of the guides 35 to accommodate wires 36, or other materials, of different sizes or configurations, according to aspects of the invention, is now described with reference to FIGS. 1A though 1E.

Referring to FIGS. 1A through 1E, the dual point coiling apparatus 1 has a machine frame or base 10 that supports coiling or process area 33, the movable feed frame 26, and other components of the dual point coiling apparatus 1. A position transducer 20 monitors a position of moveable feed frame 26, the moveable feed frame 26 typically being included with the multi-groove feed system 2, according to aspects of the invention, although the invention is not limited in this regard.

The moveable feed frame 26 houses or includes various mechanical components (shafts, bearings, gears, etc.) of the dual point coiling apparatus 1 to enable rotation of the multi-groove feed rolls 38. The position transducer 20 provides a position feedback to align the moveable feed frame 26 at a predetermined position where the selected groove 40 of the feed rolls 38 and the corresponding selected aperture or passageway of the guides 35 to accommodate the wire 36, or other material, of the corresponding size or configuration are aligned with a wire line or material line or path 37 that is formed by or along which the wire or material is conveyed to the coiling or process area 33 to be processed. The wire line or material line or path 37, formed by or along which the wire or material is conveyed to the coiling or process area 33 is typically a substantially linear path, or typically proceeds in a substantially linear direction, according to aspects of the invention, although the invention is not limited in this regard. Wire lines or material lines or paths that are other than linear or substantially linear can also be formed, depending upon the use, application or process, according to aspects of the invention.

The moveable feed frame 26 includes a clamping strip or clamping member 24 that is typically positioned on one or both ends of a side, or extends the length of a side, of the moveable feed frame 26, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The clamping strip or clamping member 24 provides a clamping surface that is selectively engaged and disengaged with a securing clamp or securing member 22 that is associated with the machine base or frame 10.

The securing clamp or securing member 22 is typically hydraulically actuated, for example. The securing clamp or securing member 22 is released from a locking position with the clamping strip or clamping member 24 before initiating movement of the movable feed frame 26. The securing clamp or securing member 22 is locked in the locking position after movement of the movable feed frame 26 to a new or different position.

The selective engaging and disengaging of the securing clamp or securing member 22 with the clamping strip or clamping member 24 enables the moveable feed frame 26 to move in reciprocal directions along the axis A so as to align and position the multi-groove feed rolls 38 and multi-groove guides 35 at one or more predetermined positions to accommodate a predetermined size or configuration of the wire 36, or other material, to be fed through or along a corresponding sized or configured groove 40 and along or through a corresponding sized or configured aperture or passageway of the wire guides 35.

A moveable feed frame position drive motor 16 rotates through a movable feed frame drive reducer 18 to rotate a member, such as a screw 12, to selectively move or translate the movable feed frame 26 reciprocally along axis “A” to a position or align the selected feed wire groove 40, such as one of grooves 40a, 40b, 40c or 40d, of the feed rolls 38 and the corresponding selected aperture or passageway of the wire guides 35, such as one of apertures or passageways 35a, 35b, 345c or 35d, to accommodate the wire 36, or other material, of the corresponding size or configuration to be coiled, such as into a spring 32 or other coiled arrangement and to align with the wire line or material line or path 37 to the coiling or process area 33. The roll retaining cap 42 respectively secures, or associates, the multi-groove feed rolls 38 to the movable feed frame 26.

To move the wire 36, or other material, to be coiled, a wire feed drive motor 14. is caused to rotate, with a wire feed drive reducer 15 receiving a rotational input from the wire feed drive motor 14 translating to a rotational output through a coupling 13 to the multi-groove feed rolls 38. The rotation of the motor 14 thereby enables the rotation of the multi-groove feed rolls 38 to enable the wire 36, or other material, to be coiled, or otherwise processed, to be fed through the multi-groove wire guides 35 through the final wire guide or final guide 150,160 into the coiling or process area 33. In the coiling or process area 33, the wire 36, or other material, is coiled or processed, such as by the dual coiling points 28 and 30, into a spring 32, 32a, or other suitable coiled arrangement, such as to be wound on a spool, for example.

Referring to FIG. 3A, for example, FIG. 3A illustrates the movable feed frame 26 positioned along the axis A in a forward most position, as a predetermined position, to align the groove 40a of the multi-groove feed rolls 38 with the wire line or material line or path 37, according to aspects of the invention. This position of the moveable feed frame 26 accommodates a relatively large wire size, such as the largest wire size that can be run on the dual point coiling apparatus 1. As the wire 36, or other material, passes through the multi-groove feed section 2 it enters coiling or process area 33 where it is coiled into a spring 32 or otherwise processed into another suitable arrangement, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, for example, FIG. 3B illustrates the movable feed frame 26 positioned along the axis A in a rear most position, as a predetermined position, to align the groove 40d of the multi-groove feed rolls 38 with the wire line or material line or path 37, according to aspects of the invention. This position of the moveable feed frame 26 accommodates a relatively smaller wire size, such as the smallest wire size that can be run on the dual point coiling apparatus 1. As the wire 36, or other material, passes through the multi-groove feed section 2 it enters coiling or process area 33 where it is coiled into a spring 32a or otherwise processed into another suitable arrangement, for example.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A and 3B, according to aspects of the invention, positioning the moveable feed frame 26 in various predetermined positions along the axis A to accommodate various sizes or configurations of wire, substantially maintains the wire line or material line or path 37 to the coiling or process area 33 at a relatively same position, such as with respect to the base or frame 10. For example, referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, moving the moveable feed frame 26 from a predetermined position to accommodate the relatively large wire size in the groove 40a in FIG. 3A to the right to a predetermined position to accommodate the relatively smaller wire size in groove 40b in FIG. 3B substantially maintains the wire line or material line or path 37 in a relatively same position with respect to the base or frame 10.

The maintaining of the alignment of the wire line or material line or path 37 at a relatively same position allows a single set, or a reduced number of sets, of feed rolls 38 and guides 35 to run the entire size range or configuration range to be accommodated without the need, or to minimize the need with a reduced number of sets, to change the feed tooling to accommodate the size range or configuration range, such as a range of wire diameter sizes for the dual point coiling apparatus 1.

To accomplish the described movement of the moveable feed frame 26 from the position shown in FIG. 3A to the position shown in FIG. 3B, or to any intermediate position, to position the feed rolls 38 and wire guides 35 to accommodate various sizes and configurations of the wire 36, or other material, to be coiled or processed, the securing clamp or securing member 22, or securing clamps or securing members 22, is/are released from the locking position with the corresponding clamping strip or clamping member 24. Once the moveable feed frame 26 is moved to the position illustrated in FIG. 3B, or to any intermediate position, the securing clamp or member 22 is reset to the locking or clamping position on clamping strip or clamping strips 22.

Movement of the moveable feed frame 26 is initiated, for example, by an entry to select the appropriate feed groove position made via a selection input on an operator station 82 of the dual point coiling apparatus 1. When the required position has been selected, the operator typically enters a “go to position” command also via the operator station 82. This command releases the hydraulically actuated clamps 22 unlocking the feed section clamping strip 24 to enable the moveable feed frame 26 to move to the predetermined or pre-selected position along axis A. Hydraulic pressure, for example, to enable the movement operation to move the moveable feed frame 26 is generated and directed to the clamps 22 by hydraulic power units 20, 23 and 25.

In response to the command from the operator station 82, the drive system 81, including the moveable feed frame position drive motor 16 and the movable feed frame drive reducer 18, moves the moveable feed frame 26 until it is in the correct or predetermined position as determined by the linear position transducer 20. Once the move to the correct position has been competed, the hydraulically actuated clamps 22 are reset onto the feed section clamping strip 24 securing the moveable feed section or frame 26 in its new position.

The wire 36, or other material, to be coiled or processed into a spring 32, 32a, or other suitable arrangement, is advanced into the coiling or processing area 33 by the multi-groove feed rolls 38 through the intermediate wire guides 35. Prior to being coiled into a spring 32, 32a, or other suitable arrangement, the wire 36, or other material, passes through the final wire guide or final guide 150, 160. When wire 36, or other material, enters into the coiling or processing area 33 it comes into contact with the processing components, such as the upper and lower coiling points 30 and 28 and is then coiled, or otherwise processed.

Although various examples of dual point coiling apparatus including a multi-groove feed system have been shown and described in relation to coiling wire or other material into a spring or other suitable arrangement, it will be appreciated that the multi-groove feed system, according to aspects of the invention, can also used for other items or applications, such as for other drawing, pushing or extrusion type operations or processes. Further, although the multi-groove feed system is useful to coil wire, or other material, into a spring, or other suitable arrangement, the present invention can also be used to do other things and/or in other industries.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A multi-groove feed system, comprising: a plurality of multi-groove feed rolls each including a plurality of different sized or configured grooves to feed a material of a predetermined size or configuration in a corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves;one or more multi-groove guides positioned intermediate adjacent ones of the plurality of multi-groove feed rolls, with each multi-groove guide including a plurality of different sized or configured apertures or passages that correspond in size or configuration to the plurality of grooves of the multi-groove feed rolls to guide the material of the predetermined size or configuration through a selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages that corresponds to the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves; anda moveable feed frame associated with the plurality of multi-groove feed rolls and the one or more multi-groove guides, the moveable feed frame being moveable to a predetermined position to align the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves and the corresponding selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages with a material line to a process area to convey the material of the predetermined size or configuration along the material line to the process area.

2. The multi-groove feed system of claim 1, further comprising: a final guide associated with the process area, the final guide being located proximate to the process area adjacent to an end of the plurality of multi-groove feed rolls, the final guide including an aperture or passage to guide the material of the predetermined size or configuration aligned with the material line to the process area.

3. The multi-groove feed system of claim 2, wherein: each multi-groove guide is positioned in adjacent relation with one or more pairs of the multi-groove feed rolls, with one multi-groove feed roll of a pair of multi-groove feed rolls being arranged in opposing relation to the other multi-groove feed roll of the pair of multi-groove feed rolls.

4. The multi-groove feed system of claim 3, wherein: the multiple groove feed system comprises one or more sets of the multi-groove feed rolls and the one or more multi-groove guides, the one or more sets including the plurality of grooves and the plurality of passages or apertures to convey all or part of a range of different sized or configured material to be processed in the process area.

5. The multi-groove feed system of claim 3, wherein: the multiple groove feed system comprises a single set of the multi-groove feed rolls and the one or more multi-groove guides, the single set including the plurality of grooves and the plurality of passages or apertures to convey an entire size range of the material to be processed in the process area.

6. The multi-groove feed system of claim 1, wherein: the multiple groove feed system comprises one or more sets of the multi-groove feed rolls and the one or more multi-groove guides, the one or more sets including the plurality of grooves and the plurality of passages or apertures to convey all or part of a range of different sized or configured material to be processed in the process area.

7. The multi-groove feed system of claim 1, wherein: the multiple groove feed system comprises a single set of the multi-groove feed rolls and the one or more multi-groove guides, the single set including the plurality of grooves and the plurality of passages or apertures to convey an entire size range of the material to be processed in the process area.

8. The multi-groove feed system of claim 1, wherein: each multi-groove guide is positioned in adjacent relation with one or more pairs of the multi-groove feed rolls, with one multi-groove feed roll of a pair of multi-groove feed rolls being arranged in opposing relation to the other multi-groove feed roll of the pair of multi-groove feed rolls.

9. A multi-groove feed system of a dual point coiling apparatus, comprising: a plurality of multi-groove feed rolls each including a plurality of different sized grooves to feed a wire of a predetermined size in a corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves; andone or more multi-groove guides positioned intermediate adjacent ones of the plurality of multi-groove feed rolls, with each multi-groove guide including a plurality of different sized apertures or passages that correspond in size to the plurality of grooves of the multi-groove feed rolls to guide the wire of the predetermined size through a selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages that corresponds to the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves, with the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves and the corresponding selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages being selectively aligned at a corresponding predetermined position with a wire line to a coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus to convey the wire of the predetermined size along the wire line to the coiling area to coil the wire.

10. The multi-groove feed system of the dual point coiling apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a moveable feed frame associated with the plurality of multi-groove feed rolls and the one or more multi-groove guides, the moveable feed frame being moveable to the predetermined position to align the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves and the corresponding selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages with the wire line to the coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus.

11. The multi-groove feed system of the dual point coiling apparatus of claim 10, wherein: the multiple groove feed system comprises a single set of the multi-groove feed rolls and the one or more multi-groove guides, the single set including the plurality of grooves and the plurality of passages or apertures to convey an entire size range of the wire to be coiled in the coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus.

12. The multi-groove feed system of the dual point coiling apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: a final guide associated with the coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus, the final guide being located proximate to the coiling area adjacent to an end of the plurality of multi-groove feed rolls, the final guide including an aperture or passage to guide the wire of the predetermined size to the coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus.

13. The multi-groove feed system of the dual point coiling apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a final guide associated with the coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus, the final guide being located proximate to the coiling area adjacent to an end of the plurality of multi-groove feed rolls, the final guide including an aperture or passage to guide the wire of the predetermined size to the coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus.

14. The multi-groove feed system of the dual point coiling apparatus of claim 9, wherein: the multiple groove feed system comprises a single set of the multi-groove feed rolls and the one or more multi-groove guides, the single set including the plurality of grooves and the plurality of passages or apertures to convey an entire size range of the wire to be coiled in the coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus.

15. The multi-groove feed system of the dual point coiling apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: a final guide associated with the coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus, the final guide being located proximate to the coiling area adjacent to an end of the plurality of multi-groove feed rolls, the final guide including an aperture or passage to guide the wire of the predetermined size to the coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus.

16. The multi-groove feed system of the dual point coiling apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a final guide associated with the coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus, the final guide being located proximate to the coiling area adjacent to an end of the plurality of multi-groove feed rolls, the final guide including an aperture or passage to guide the wire of the predetermined size to the coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus.

17. A multi-groove feed system, comprising: means for feeding a material of a predetermined size or configuration to a process area, the means for feeding including a plurality of different sized or configured grooves to feed the material of the predetermined size or configuration in a corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves;means for guiding the material of the predetermined size or configuration to the process area, the means for guiding being positioned adjacent the means for feeding, with the means for guiding including a plurality of different sized or configured apertures or passages that correspond in size or configuration to the plurality of grooves of the means for feeding to guide the material of the predetermined size or configuration through a selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages that corresponds to the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves; andmeans for aligning the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves and the corresponding selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages with a material line to a process area to convey the material of the predetermined size or configuration along the material line to the process area.

18. The multi-groove feed system of claim 17, further comprising: a final guide means including an aperture or passage for guiding the material of the predetermined size or configuration from one end of the means for feeding to the process area.

19. The multi-groove feed system of claim 18, wherein: the means for feeding includes a plurality of multi-groove feed rolls,the means for guiding includes one or more multi-groove guides, andthe means for aligning includes a moveable feed frame associated with the means for feeding and the means for guiding to align the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves and the corresponding selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages at a predetermined position with the material line to the process area.

20. The multi-groove feed system of claim 17, wherein: the means for feeding includes a plurality of multi-groove feed rolls,the means for guiding includes one or more multi-groove guides, andthe means for aligning includes a moveable feed frame associated with the means for feeding and the means for guiding to align the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves and the corresponding selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages at a predetermined position with the material line to the process area.

21. A method of feeding a material along a material line to a process area, comprising: feeding a material of a predetermined size or configuration to a process area by conveying the material in a corresponding selected one of a plurality of different sized or configured grooves of a multi-groove feed roll;guiding the material of the predetermined size or configuration to the process area through a corresponding selected one of a plurality of different sized or configured apertures or passages of a multi-groove guide that corresponds to the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves of the multi-groove feed roll; andaligning at a predetermined position the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves of each multi-groove feed roll and the corresponding selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages of each multi-groove guide with a material line to the process area.

22. The method of feeding a material of claim 21, further comprising: moving each multi-groove feed roll and each multi-groove guide to align at the predetermined position the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves and the corresponding selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages with the material line to the process area.

23. The method of feeding a material of claim 22, further comprising: conveying the material of the predetermined size or configuration along the material line to the process area.

24. The method of feeding a material of claim 21, further comprising: conveying the material of the predetermined size or configuration along the material line to the process area.

25. A method of feeding a wire in a dual point coiling apparatus, comprising: feeding a wire of a predetermined size to a coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus by conveying the wire in a corresponding selected one of a plurality of different sized grooves of a multi-groove feed roll;guiding the wire of the predetermined size to the coiling area through a corresponding selected one of a plurality of different sized apertures or passages of a multi-groove guide that corresponds to the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves of the multi-groove feed roll; andaligning at a predetermined position the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves of each multi-groove feed roll and the corresponding selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages of each multi-groove guide with a wire line to the coiling area.

26. The method of feeding a wire in a dual point coiling apparatus of claim 25, further comprising: moving each multi-groove feed roll and each multi-groove guide to align at the predetermined position the corresponding selected one of the plurality of grooves and the corresponding selected one of the plurality of apertures or passages with the wire line to the coiling area.

27. The method of feeding a wire in a dual point coiling apparatus of claim 26, further comprising: conveying the wire of the predetermined size along the wire line to the coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus.

28. The method of feeding a wire in a dual point coiling apparatus of claim 25, further comprising: conveying the wire of the predetermined size along the wire line to the coiling area of the dual point coiling apparatus.