Abstract: A cable package (20) which includes two coiled cable lengths (22 and 24) interconnected by an intermediate section (26), is formed by winding wire bundles (28 and 30) onto first and second winding sections (44 and 46) of a collapsible reel (42) in sequence. The reel winding sections (44 and 46) are defined by radially-projecting pins 88 which are extendable or retractable by rotation of a hub 84, and which cooperate with cable support rods (80) of the reel to move the reel into an expanded condition for winding and a collapsed condition for removal of the cable package (20). During a winding operation, a wire bundle separator assembly (52) also cooperates with a cable tying device (54) to place memory ties (34) about one of the wire bundles (28 or 30) and binder ties (36) about both of the wire bundles (28 and 30) along the length of the cable package ( 20).

Abstract: In the assembly of a plurality of connectors with a supporting back plate, the plate is positioned to permit movement of a plurality of connector-receiving nests through openings in the plate. The connectors are then fed from a supply and into a diverging track system to space the connectors in alignment with and to feed them into the nests. The nests are then moved through the plate opening to deposit extended end portions of the connectors onto the plate adjacent to bendable clasps formed integrally with the plate. The clasps are then bent to secure the connectors with the plate.