Abstract: Glass particles (14) are mixed within an uncured silicone resin (13). The fluid uncured resin is placed in a portion of a terminal block (11) and cured to form a gel (13') by subjecting it to microwaves in a microwave oven (22). Conductors (25, 26) to be interconnected are next inserted into the cured silicone gel and interconnected. The cured gel containing the glass particles thereafter constitutes a dependable insulator for the conductors, particularly the portions of the conductors that are interconnected.

Abstract: A module, such as a terminal block (10), configured of a body (12) having an open end (20) and at least one window (24) spaced from the open end, is fixtured and sealed by way of a channel (28) comprised of a pair of parallel, spaced-apart, generally elastic walls (30,32) jointed by a bottom member (34). The walls (30,32) and the bottom member (34) run longitudinally a distance at least as long as the width of the terminal block (10) to allow the block to be received between, and to be held by, the walls. At least one protrusion extends out from a separate one of the walls (30,32) and the base member (34) for receipt in the window (24) in the terminal block to seal the same.

Abstract: A method is provided for sealing openings (24, 26) in a module (10). In accordance with the method, each opening is sealed by providing a readily-puncturable sealing membrane (30, 30') within the module itself to overlie each opening. Each membrane advantageously prevents a gel (28), admitted into the module, from leaking out.

Abstract: A module, such as a terminal block (10), configured of a body (12) having an open end (20) and at least one window (24) spaced from the open end, is fixtured and sealed by way of a channel (28) comprised of a pair of parallel, spaced-apart, generally elastic walls (30,32) jointed by a bottom member (34). The walls (30,32) and the bottom member (34) run longitudinally a distance at least as long as the width of the terminal block (10) to allow the block to be received between, and to be held by, the walls. At least one protrusion extends out from a separate one of the walls (30,32) and the base member (34) for receipt in the window (24) in the terminal block to seal the same.

Abstract: A wire stripper (10) for stripping an outer insulative jacket from a cable (12) includes a frame (14) which carries a cable clamp (16) for releasably clamping the cable. The frame also carries a slitting mechanism (43) which includes a rotatable blade carrier (46) and a central passage (48) through which the cable passes. The blade carrier includes a pair of blades (60--60) each radially movable within a separate one of a pair of diametrically opposed slots (56--56) so as to circumferentially slit the insulative jacket when the blade carrier is rotated in a first direction. A gripping mechanism (94) is slidably mounted to a pair of rails (100--100) carried by the frame for gripping a portion of the cable downstream of the blade carrier so as to pull the severed portion of the outer insulative jacket from the cable when the gripping mechanism is displaced by a lever (108).

Abstract: A multi-fastener assembly tool (10, 10' and 10") for engaging at least one threaded fastener (14) for securing the fastener to a threaded stud (20) includes a member (26) having a fastener locating and holding mechanism (27) at one end. The fastener locating and holding mechanism is adapted to be squeezed through the fastener to retain it on the member. The member is seated within, and is springbased from, a circumferentially disposed socket (32) sized to engage the fastener. A shaft (42), having a handle (44) at one end, is integrated to the socket to allow a force to be applied to urge the socket against the member once the fastener locating and holding means are aligned with the stud. As the socket is urged against the member, the threaded fastener is seated in the socket and is then pushed off the member to the stud. Once the fasteners is at the stud, a rotational motion is imparted to the handle to thread the fastener onto the stud.

Abstract: A clamping fixture (10) for releasably clamping a workpiece (12) to avoid damage to the workpiece comprises a support (40) having a pair of arms (60,62) mounted thereto for rotation to and from each other. Each arm has a jaw assembly (68,70) spring-biased thereto opposite the jaw assembly on the other arm so that each jaw assembly can "float" along each of the x, y and z axes. When the arms are rotated together, the jaw assemblies conformally grip the workpiece therebetween with a reduced incidence of damage.

Abstract: A wire straightener (10) for accommodating different size wires (12) includes first and second wire-bending stations (15a) and (15b) located on opposite sides of a central member (14). Each of the wire-bending stations (15a,15b) includes a pair of opposed, complementary contours (56,60), the individual length of which, and the spacing relative to the other contour, may be adjusted. Extending between the contours (56,60) along their respective lengths is a wire-receiving passage (62) which communicates with the wire-receiving passage in the other station. The opposed, complementary contours (56,60) of each wire-bending station are orthogonal to those of the other station so that as the wire is forced through the wire-receiving passage (62), the wire is bent in each of two orthogonal planes, causing it to be straightened upon exiting the second station.

Abstract: An apparatus (40) for attaching successive pairs of wires (25) to successive pairs of opposed contacts (20) includes a pair of opposed ram assemblies (54), each provided with a knife blade (56) for ramming a wire against the contact for attachment thereto. Advantageously, the knife blade (56) is provided with a contact protector assembly (64) which serves to straddle the contact during wire attachment to protect the contact against deformation. The attachment apparatus (40) is also provided with a mechanism (88) for attaching each of a pair of strain reliefs (26,28) to the connector following attachment of the wires to the contacts to avoid the need to handle the connector between these two operations and to prevent any stress to the connection between the wire and contact.

Abstract: Attachment of each of a pair of wires (12) in a cable (14) to each of a pair of opposed contacts (16) in a connector (20) is carried out by a connector attachment tool (10) which includes a cable clamp assembly (34) for clamping the cable in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. The clamp assembly holds the cable so that an operator can pull each of a pair of the wires along a separate one of a pair of wire guides (96,98) which each include retention springs (106,108,110) for grabbing the pulled wire. Each wire guide serves to align the wire pulled therealong with a separate one of a pair of opposed ram assemblies (86,88) located on opposite sides of a carriage (30) which carries the connector. Each ram assembly serves to force the wire aligned therewith into one of the opposed connector contacts aligned with the ram assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching each of a successive pair of wires (12) to each of a pair of contacts (13), seated in opposed recesses (14) in a connector (16). The apparatus comprises a base (18) on which a connector-carrying carriage (26) is slidably mounted for movement along an axis (24). Each of a pair of ram assemblies (32) is mounted on opposite sides of the path of travel of the carriage (26). Adjacent to each ram assembly (32) is a wire guide (58) which has an upwardly inclined pin (74) which provides a path for pulling a wire into alignment with a separate one of the ram assemblies (32). Once aligned with the ram assemblies, the wires (12) are then rammed by the ram assemblies against the corresponding contacts (13).

Abstract: A universal nest (1)) for accommodating a separate one of a pair of ribbon connectors (12 and 12') of heights h.sub.1 and h.sub.2, respectively, comprises an elongated beam (26) along which a first block (28) of a height h.sub.1 is slidably mounted. A slide (42) is slidably mounted on the upper surface (34) of the first block (28) for movement between a first position at which it overhangs a portion of the block to expose part of its upper surface, and a second position at which it overlies the upper surface (34). When the slide (42) is at its first position, the upper surface (34) will support an end of the first connector (12). The slide, when displaced to its second position, itself supports an end of the second connector (12'). A second block (60), having a pair of opposed shelves (66 and 68) of a height h.sub.1 and h.sub.2, respectively, is rotatably mounted to the beam (26) distant from the first block (28).

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching each of a successive pair of wires (12) to each of a pair of contacts (13), seated in opposed recesses (14) in a connector (16), comprises a base (18) on which a connector-carrying carriage (26) is slidably mounted for movement along an axis (24). Each of a pair of ram assemblies (32) is mounted on opposite sides of the path of travel of the carriage (26). Adjacent to each ram assembly (32) is a wire guide (58) which has an upwardly inclined pin (74) which provides a path for pulling a wire into alignment with a separate one of the ram assemblies (32). Once aligned with the ram assemblies, the wires 12 are then rammed by the ram assemblies against the corresponding contacts (13).

Abstract: A long-life inking cassette is provided wherein an inkable ribbon is pumped into a ribbon storage zone by a pair of textured nip rollers. The ribbon is drawn from storage, rotated 180.degree., re-inked, and passed at an angle and under tension past a print head before being returned to the nip rollers. A pair of dams are positioned to contact opposed edges of the ribbon as the ribbon leaves the storage zone to prevent folds of the ink ribbon from passing outwardly from the storage zone. Means are provided to amplify the drag on the ribbon between a dispensing pin at the outlet of the storage zone and an end of a first leg of the cassette. The drag amplification causes the ribbon to be taut when drawn past the printhead.