Abstract: A die set (24) for use with a stamping and forming machine (10) includes two opposed tooling plates (50, 52) arranged to undergo reciprocating motion with respect to a base plate (40) toward and away from a strip of material (30) that is fed along a feed path (38) between the two ram plates (50, 52). Each ram plate has a tooling attachment plate (58, 60) having tool mounting surfaces (62, 64) facing inwardly toward the feed path (38) for the attachment of punch and die tooling assemblies (26, 28) for performing the stamping and forming operations on the strip of material. Each of the ram plates (50, 52) includes a shut height adjusting mechanism (100) associated with each tooling attachment plate (58, 60) for adjusting the shut height of individual tooling.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus is disclosed for manufacturing cable harnesses having a measured length of a multi-conductor flat flexible cable terminated by at least two electrical connectors. The assembly apparatus includes a conductor testing and cable cutting station, a connector crimp termination station, and a test fixture which electrically tests each connector for shorts and opens simultaneously with the crimping of the connector onto the cable.

Abstract: Conductor positioning means intended for use with flat multi-conductor cable comprises a pair of opposed surfaces between which the cable is clamped. Each surface has parallel side-by-side flutes extending thereacross which are spaced-apart on center lines by an amount equal to the nominal spacing between adjacent conductors in the cable. Each flute has a center of curvature and a radius of curvature and the centers of curvature of alternate flutes on each surface are offset with respect to the centers of curvature of the remaining flutes on the surface. The geometry of the flutes in the two surfaces is the same but the offset flutes of one surface are opposed to flutes which are not offset in the other surface so that when the two surfaces are against each other, the centers of the openings formed by the flutes define a zig-zag pattern as viewed in cross section.

Abstract: Plier-type hand tool comprises a frame having spaced-apart jaws and a fixed handle extending therefrom. One of the fixed jaws has a ram therein which is reciprocable towards and away from the other jaw. The actuating means for moving the ram comprises a movable handle which is pivoted to the frame. Closing of the handles causes two toggle mechanisms to be straightened which are concatenated with the ram. The arrangement of the toggle mechanisms is such that a relatively deep throat is provided between the jaws for the acceptance of a wide workpiece such as a flat electrical cable. A removable tension member may be provided on the ends of the jaws to prevent excessive flexure of the jaws during use of the tool.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing a multi-contact connector on a flat, multi-conductor cable comprises a connector supporting means for supporting the connector in a predetermined position and a cable supporting means in surrounding relationship to the connector supporting means. The cable supporting means has a cable supporting surface on which the cable is clamped, the supporting surface being located such that a cable clamped thereon will be adjacent to and directly above terminals extending from a connector supported on the connector supporting surface. Upon applying a force against the cable supporting means, the cable is moved downwardly relative to the connector and the terminals penetrate the cable and establish electrical contact with the conductors therein.

Abstract: A crimpable bundle tie is disclosed and claimed together with an applicator tool for attaching the bundle tie to a bundle containing a plurality of electrical wires. The bundle tie is generally U-shaped and its legs are inwardly deformed to envelop the wires. The applicator tool has a reciprocal anvil which moves towards a relatively stationary crimping means. The tool also has a number of reciprocal slides and levers for exerting a discontinuous force on the anvil during its travel. The anvil is spring-loaded so that the degree of deformation of the bundle tie is dependent upon the volume of wires enclosed.

Abstract: A tool adapted to receive the free end of a self-locking bundle tie formed of stainless steel or the like which has a loop disposed about a bundle of articles such as electrical wires or cables. The tool is provided with a handle which is manually reciprocated to operate the tool. In operation the tool will initially tighten the loop about the bundle of articles by applying tension to the free end of the bundle tie. After the desired tension is achieved within the loop, continued operation of the tool will cause the tension applied to the free end of the bundle tie to be relaxed, the free end of the bundle tie to be subsequently cut adjacent the loop. The tool is a compact hand tool designed to cut stainless steel bundle ties with a minimum of force.