Abstract: An IDC termination machine comprises opposed spring loaded gripper pads for clamping and a wire to be terminated in alignment with a corresponding IDC section of a connector. One of the gripper pads is connected to an arm having a camming protrusion that cooperates with a stuffer member. During pulling of the wire between the gripper pads, the gripper pads are biased apart such that the wire can be brought without resistance as close as possible to the connector. Termination is then actuated, and advance movement of the stuffer cams the protrusion into a recess of the camming plate. The gripper pad thus clamps the wire against opposing gripper pad just prior to cutting and termination.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing electrical harnesses is disclosed in which wires are fed through a loading zone and then clamped in the loading zone in side-by-side parallel relationship in an array. The wires are then cut and the clamped array of wires is moved laterally of the axes of the wires past a succession of crimping machines or the like. At each of the machines, a preselected wire is moved axially from the array so that its end is presented to the machine and a terminal is crimped onto the wire. The method of the invention is capable of producing harnesses comprising a plurality of discrete wires having different types of discrete terminals on their ends.

Abstract: Wire jig intended for use in a wire processing machine comprises a plurality of wire clamps in side-by-side aligned positions forming a stack. The stack is supported on a frame and the individual clamps are movable laterally from the stack in a direction parallel to the axes of wires held in the stack. Each clamp has a first actuator engaging portion which is engageable by a first actuator for sliding the individual clamp from its aligned position to its extended position.

Abstract: Harness making machine comprises an indexible conveyer having wire jigs thereon for holding wires in parallel relationship with the wire ends extending to one side of the conveyer. Each of the wire jigs comprises a plurality of individual wire clamps stacked against each other. The individual wire clamps can be moved from the stack to an extended position so that the wires are individually presented to wire processing machines, such as crimping machine, located on the one side of the conveyer. The invention encompasses the machine, the wire jig, and the method of making harnesses.