Abstract: Apparatus for use in the manufacture of a wiring harness of the kind including a plurality of conductive leads having their thermoplastic sheaths fused to a thermoplastic backing tape includes first and second rollers between which the leads and the thermoplastic tape pass in use. The rollers press the tape against the leads and at least one of the rollers is driven so that the leads and the tape are driven between the rollers as a result of rotation of the rollers. A hot air blower is movable relative to the rollers between an operative position and a rest position. In the operative position the hot air is blown onto the tape and the sheaths of the leads immediately before they pass between the rollers so that when pressure is applied to them by the rollers the heated surfaces fuse together. The rest position of the heater is spaced from the rollers so that hot air issuing from the heater is not directed onto the rollers.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling an electrically insulating sleeve to a terminated high tension lead for use in an internal combustion engine spark ignition system, the apparatus including a frame which in use is fixed. Supported on the frame is a sleeve carrier movable between a rest position and an advanced position. First and second releasable latch devices are associated with the sleeve carrier for retaining the sleeve carrier in its rest and advanced positions, and a mandrel assembly is supported by the frame and movable linearly relative to the frame in the same direction as the sleeve carrier between a rest position and an advanced position. The first latch is releaseable at a point in the movement of the mandrel assembly wherein the mandrel has engaged in a sleeve carried by the sleeve carrier. The mechanism is such that after release of the sleeve carrier the sleeve carrier is moved with the mandrel assembly so as to engage the sleeve containing the mandrel over the end region of the high tension lead.