Abstract: A plurality of cores of a multi-core cable are collectively conducted at first ends side thereof and are isolated from one another at second ends side thereof. The cores are engaged at the first ends side with grooves formed on a movable member one by one so as to be picked up and are sequentially transported toward an electrode. The picked-up core is cut during :its transportation so as to be electrically separated from a collective conducting part at the first end side. A high voltage is charged to the picked-up core through the electrode and based on an electric conduction characteristic of its charging current a judgment is made about whether there is a defective contact (dielectric breakdown) between the picked-up core and other cores. Further, the electric charge of the picked-up core is discharged, the picked-up core is recharged, and based on electric conduction characteristics of these discharging current and charging current a confirmation that the above judgment was not a misjudgment is made.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling a grommet and a wire ring for forming a peripheral reinforcement of an engine head gasket opening. Grommets and wire rings are supplied one by one on different supply devices and retained at first and second article retaining positions, respectively. A movable head moves toward the second retaining position and picks up a wire ring. The head then conveys the wire ring to the second retaining position, where the wire ring is placed overlappingly on the grommet. Thereafter, another movable head having a deforming die is moved against the overlapped grommet and wire ring and deforms a flange of the grommet radially outwardly, whereby the grommet prevents separation of the wire ring therefrom. The thus assembled grommet and wire ring are conveyed to a machine for attaching them to the gasket.