Abstract: The apparatus is for terminating wires (W) to terminals (8) in a connector housing (4), for shearing from the housing (4), a cover (14) which is hinged thereto and for placing the cover (14) on the housing (4) to cover the connections. The connector housing (4) is conveyed by means of a first shuttle (50) to a cover shearing station (CS) at which the cover (14) is sheared from the housing (4) and is driven into a second shuttle (84). The first shuttle (50) is then moved to a terminating station (TS) at which wires are terminated to the terminals (8) by tooling (130) after which the second shuttle (84) is moved to the terminating station (TS) and the tooling (130) is operated to drive the severed cover (14) from the second shuttle (84) onto the connector housing (4).

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.