Abstract: A system for latching a plurality of connector modules (22) or multimodule units (18,20) in an array (10) to a panel (14) includes opposing parallel assemblies (30,32) mounted to the panel and each having a plurality of cam levers (34) in associated opposing pairs at each module site, each mounted along respective shafts (38) of the assemblies and adapted to be reciprocally rotatable about the shaft (38) outwardly from and inwardly toward the array. Each cam lever (34) includes a recess (68) into which a latching projection (100) of a module is receivable upon module insertion into the array, which when cam lever (34) is rotated inwardly urges the module into fully mated position in its receptacle connector (12), and which raises the projection (100) when the cam lever (34) is rotated outwardly, ejecting the module (22) from the receptacle connector (12). Several cam levers (34) can be ganged together to be rotatable outwardly as a unit, corresponding to several modules ganged as a unit (18,20).

Abstract: Apparatus for mass terminating discrete wires to a connector preloaded with terminals connected to a carrier strip comprises a press having a vertically movable upper tooling package aligned above a termination station and a lower tooling package movable to and from the termination station. The lower package includes a housing support, a carrier shear, and a wire shear bar which moves over the support by action of a camtrack as the lower tooling moves to the station. Descent of the upper tooling shears the wires and the carrier, then terminates the wires as it moves a terminal loader above the carrier shear into vertical alignment with the terminals. A detent holds the vertical alignment as a cam track advances the loader toward the connector to fully load the terminals in the connector as the lower package moves from the station.

Abstract: A hand tool for inserting wires into electrical terminals of an electrical connector has a wire insertion head defining a channel for the connector and a ram for driving wires successively into terminals of the connector. The connector is advanced in a step wise fashion through the channel after each wire has been inserted into a terminal. The ram has a depending pin engaging in a transverse slot in a cam plate carrying a spring loaded connector advancing pawl for engaging openings in the connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for terminating multi-conductor cable. A plurality of terminals are preloaded partially into a housing leaving their crimped terminating portions extending therefrom in such a position as they can be readily crimped connected to a cable. This allows for the terminals to be gang handled during the loading of the housing and yet be separated for individual termination on the cable. The cable can be crimped simultaneously to all of the terminals and the terminals fully inserted into the housing in subsequent operations. The terminal used with the subject method and apparatus includes an extra tine which serves alignment, stabilization, and cable positioning functions.

Abstract: A hand tool is disclosed for sequentially terminating individual wires into terminals by utilizing an insulation displacing technique. More particularly, the subject tool includes an indexing system which can be adjusted to accommodate connectors having terminals on different centerline spacings and still accomplish accurate positioning of the conductor with respect to the associated terminal. The subject tool can also accommodate connectors having preloaded terminals on one or both sides of the connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for terminating multi-conductor cable. A plurality of terminals are preloaded partially into a housing leaving their crimped terminating portions extending therefrom in such a position as they can be readily crimped connected to a cable. This allows for the terminals to be gang handled during the loading of the housing and yet be separated for individual termination on the cable. The cable can be crimped simultaneously to all of the terminals and the terminals fully inserted into the housing in subsequent operations. The terminal used with the subject method and apparatus includes an extra tine which serves alignment, stabilization, and cable positioning functions.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for terminating multi-conductor cable. A plurality of terminals are preloaded partially into a housing leaving their crimped terminating portions extending therefrom in such a position as they can be readily crimped connected to a cable. This allows for the terminals to be gang handled during the loading of the housing and yet be separated for individual termination on the cable. The cable can be crimped simultaneously to all of the terminals and the terminals fully inserted into the housing in subsequent operations. The terminal used with the subject apparatus includes an extra tine which serves alignment, stabilization, and cable positioning functions.