Abstract: A fixture for handling an article comprises a body which defines a track having a length which extends between upstream and downstream ends. The track is configured for confining the article to sliding movement along the length of the track. The track is open to an outside of the body along at least a portion of its length so as to provide access for performing an operation of the article. The body has a first finger mechanism disposed relatively upstream along the track for permitting the article to pass along the track in a downstream direction and for preventing the article to pass the first finger mechanism in an upstream direction. A second finger mechanism is disposed downstream from the first finger mechanism for preventing inadvertent downstream movement of the article.

Abstract: A connector feeding apparatus for an automated cable making machine is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of carousels each of which has a series of connector receiving units disposed about its periphery. Each carousel has a group of connector dispensing units arranged for selectively dispensing different types of connectors, under computer control, and inserting them into the connector receiving units. The carousels then deliver the connectors, in a desired order and a desired orientation to staging modules which, again under computer control, direct the connectors to a terminating station within the machine.