Abstract: Cable harness manufacturing apparatus comprises a pair of rails defining a linear path through a workstation where a press terminates ribbon cable to connectors in connector receiving fixtures independently journaled to the rails. A first stop on the path positions connectors sequentially at the workstation while a series of second stops along the path downstream of the workstation act on the lead fixture to define the length of cable between pairs of connectors as well as triggering the press for sequential terminations of connectors in remaining fixtures. A cutter carriage journaled to the rails upstream of the workstation is spring loaded to urge remaining fixtures to the workstation. A third stop along the path downstream stops the lead fixture when it is desired to cut the cable, the cut end subsequently being drawn flushly into the last connector terminated.

Abstract: An applicator tool is disclosed for applying multiple terminal electrical connectors to flat cables, formed by a plurality of closely spaced parallel conductors, in a single application step. The tool is a bench mounted applicator which is adjustable to accommodate preformed multi-conductor flat cables of conventional dimensions and which also will allow sequential application of connectors to form a daisy chain cable. The applicator tool includes means to positively clamp the multi-conductor flat cable so as to be properly and accurately aligned with the tooling assembly, which applies the connector to the cable, and to ensure that the cable will stay in place during the application step. The tooling assembly is adaptable to accommodate a wide range of terminal configurations and connector sizes. While the actuation means for the tool has been shown as being manual, it likewise can be powered by any known means, such as a fluid drive.