Abstract: A tool for applying an electrical connector to an electrical cable comprises a pair of jaws relatively pivotable on a pivot axis between closed and a range of open positions. A first one of the jaws has a support surface configured to receive a bottom surface of the connector thereon, with the support surface defining a support plane for the connector. A second one of the jaws defines a nest for the connector, the nest having side walls disposed in respective planes at respective different distances from the pivot axis of the jaws. The side walls are arranged such that when the jaws are in the closed position the respective planes of the side walls are angularly offset from perpendicular to the plane of the support surface, and when the jaws are at some open position, the respective planes of the side walls are perpendicular to the plane of the support surface.

Abstract: A cable making machine for making and electrically testing a cable assembly is disclosed. The machine includes a test circuit for effecting the electrical tests and probe members for electrically connecting the test circuit to the contacts of the connectors being terminated to the cable. Spring members bias the metal probe members toward the connector contacts. A latch is provided for releasably holding the connectors in position within the machine against the outwardly directed force of the spring biased probe members. A visual indicator is also provided that is indicative that the connector is fully seated within the machine prior to terminating the connector to the cable.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for automatically making and testing electrical cable assemblies. A novel coupling is provided between the bulk cable contained on a large reel and the logic circuitry of the automated machine so that individual wires within the cable can be identified, inserted into a desired terminal of a connector, and tested. The coupling utilizes a slip ring assembly to communicate with the individual wires of the cable through a connector that has been previously terminated on a pigtail extending from the central core of the reel.