Abstract: A terminal strip applicator includes a ram that carries a first die set mounted for reciprocation along a first path within a machine body and a track that automatically adjusts to accept a strip of terminals to limit the terminal strip to a second path which intersects the first path. A terminal feed mechanism sequentially resiliently advances the terminal strip along the second path until the terminal feed mechanism engages the shoulder of an interchangeable die set that precisely aligns the lead terminal carried by the terminal feed mechanism with the die sets of the applicator.

Abstract: A terminal strip applicator includes a ram that carries a first die set mounted for reciprocation along a first path within a machine body and a track that automatically adjusts to accept a strip of terminals to limit the terminal strip to a second path which intersects the first path. A terminal feed mechanism sequentially resiliently advances the terminal strip along the second path until the terminal feed mechanism engages the shoulder of an interchangeable die set that precisely aligns the lead terminal carried by the terminal feed mechanism with the die sets of the applicator.

Abstract: A portable tool for simultaneously terminating a plurality of conductors in a mass termination, insulation displacement connector. The connector is positioned in a connector holder mounted on a wiring board. The tool includes structure for detachably mounting the tool on the connector holder. The tool also includes an insertion assembly which reciprocates relative to the holder for moving the conductors to terminate them in the connector. The mounting structure includes locking structure for locking the tool to the holder only prior to termination of the conductors. Thus the operator is prevented from inadvertently removing the tool from the holder prior to conductor termination.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying wire joints, of the type having a crimpable metallic ferrule, to the ends of wires. The apparatus includes a feeder for holding a supply of the joints, a tool for applying the joints to be crimped, and a conveyor interconnecting the feeder and the tool for conveying the joints in series. The tool has a crimping station and first and second crimping members which are movable between an open position and a crimping position for applying a joint held at the crimping station. The tool also includes a wire joint advance mechanism responsive to the crimping members moving toward their open position to advance the next upstream wire joint to the crimping station thereby ejecting the wire joint applied to the wires.As a method, the present invention includes the steps of moving a wire joint from a loading station to the crimping station as the crimping members move to their open position.

Abstract: A portable tool and method for simultaneously terminating a plurality of conductors in a connector positioned in a connector support which is mounted on a wiring board. The connector includes a housing defining a series of spaced wire-receiving cavities and a metallic terminal element having a wire-receiving portion disposed in each cavity with the conductors positioned in alignment with the cavities. The tool includes means for detachably mounting the tool on the connector support, a ram which reciprocates relative to the connector, an insertion assembly carried by the ram, movable cutter means carried by the ram adjacent the insertion assembly, and fixed cutter means underlying the conductors when the tool is mounted on the support. The insertion assembly includes a plurality of wire insertion fingers for moving the conductors into the cavities.