Abstract: An apparatus for wiring an electrical connector with two or more rows of subsequent contacts, in particular a connector of the IDC type, comprises a movable holder for the connector, at least one tool for applying a wire in a contact of the connector aligned with the tool, said tool being movable back and forth transverse to said holder, and means for moving the holder insteps in such a manner that a contact of the connector is aligned with the tool after each step.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously receiving objects arranged in a first positional arrangement and for simultaneously delivering such objects arranged in a second positional arrangement, and a method of using such device. More particularly, the apparatus includes a plurality of movable object carriers which can slide freely relative to each other on a predetermined path and which can be brought into the position corresponding to the desired distances with a programmable positioning device. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus can be used in an installation for automatically inserting contact elements in supports for pin and socket connectors and enables the contacts of the pin and socket connectors to be mounted in positions corresponding to a freely chosen pattern.

Abstract: A wire harness-making machine for producing wire harnesses of the type in which multiple wires extend between opposing first and second electrical connector elements. The machine includes a feeding assembly which separates successive first wire connectors and a transfer nest which shuttles the first array of connectors from a first connector advancement track to a first termination station. Multiple wires are fed to the first termination station where first free ends thereof are terminated to the first connector. Once terminated to the multiple wires, the first connector is shuttled back to the first connector advancement track. The first connector is then advanced along a feedpath and a set of second free ends of the wires are transferred to a second termination station while maintaining the order of the wires.

Abstract: A coiled cable handling apparatus uses a platform with retractable fingers to maintain the coiled configuration of a coiled cable. The coiled cable having a coiled portion, a first end thereof terminating in a connector and a second end. The reactable fingers contact the inner circumference of the coiled cable, a centrally located nest or clamp secures one end of the cable and a clip secures the other end of the cable. A cable transport mechanism places the coiled cable on the platform or removes it from the platform. The transport mechanism comprises coil pickup clamps to grasp the coiled section of the cable, a clamp to grasp the end of the cable secured by the platform's centrally located clamp, and a clamp to grasp the other end of the cable.

Abstract: A locating fixture system is provided for aligning a multi-conductor flat electrical cable with an elongated electrical connector having a plurality of terminals for termination to the conductors of the cable. A fixture base defines a cable platform for supporting the multi-conductor flat electrical cable. A receptacle in the base receives the elongated electrical connector generally transversely of the cable, with the terminals projecting above the cable platform for termination to the conductors of the cable. A locating pin is provided on the base within the receptacle for insertion into a locating hole in the connector intermediate opposite ends of the connector for properly locating the connector transversely of the cable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for securely crimping a crimp-style terminal to a small diameter conductor of a cable. A dummy conductor is prepared and a crimping portion of the terminal is crimped about both the dummy conductor and the conductor of the cable. The dummy conductor is a portion of second conductor of the cable, isolated from the conductor of the cable, or alternatively, a portion of a second conductor independent of the cable. A cutter cuts off the dummy conductor from the second conductor to electrically isolate the dummy conductor from the second conductor when the terminal is crimped about the dummy conductor and the conductor of the cable.

Abstract: The fabrication of wiring harnesses requires many steps, such as a wire laying out step of laying out electric wires coated with insulative sheaths in a laying out array and cutting with measured length, a stripping step of the insulative sheaths at the ends of the electric wires, a crimping step of pressing terminals together with the bared ends of the electric wires in crimp contact, an inserting step of inserting into connectors the terminals pressed in crimp contact, etc. This system has an apparatus for each step modularized, and a module incorporated in the system can be increased or decreased in number depending upon a type of the desired wiring harness. For example, it is assumed now that a wiring harness fabrication line consists of an automated wire laying out module (1), a stripping module (3), two terminal-crimping modules (5), and a terminal-inserting module (7).

Abstract: An apparatus for making a cable utilizing round cable with a plurality of conductors, and attaching ribbon cable connectors to portions of the conductors that have been arranged in a flat array of conductors includes a lacing bar on which the cable and connectors are mounted, and two pressing stations, the first of which is used to lamination the flat array of conductors together in the flat array, and a pressing station that presses the conductors into the contacts of the connector. The lacing bar includes comb blocks and carriers into which the connectors are positioned under the flat array of conductors.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for smoothly and securely inserting a terminal connected to an electric wire into a terminal accommodating chamber within a connector housing from an opening in a notched rear end portion of the housing. The housing has an interior divided by partition walls into a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers each having a rear end defining an opening through which the terminal can be inserted, a notched shoulder portion formed in each partition wall at at least one of joints between the partition wall and top and bottom walls of the housing, and a terminal retaining cover capable of opening away from and closing onto the notched shoulder portions. A guide wall capable of engaging with the notched shoulder portions when the terminal retaining cover is open, thereby defining a flame-shaped terminal insertion opening, allows the terminal to be inserted through the terminal insertion opening.

Abstract: Simultaneous attaching of wires (13) through the pressure-connecting method to a number of electrical connectors (11) arranged in a row, makes it possible to process a larger number of electrical connectors at one time. A position-determining device (55) is provided for each electrical connector (11) which makes it possible to determine the position of each pressure-type contact of said electrical connectors (11) arranged in a row. The positioning determining device (55) is used to align a plurality of the electrical connectors (11) so that tolerance differences are not cumulative. FIG. 12.

Abstract: A shorting bar (100) for simultaneously terminating a connector (20) to a multi-conductor cable and shorting together terminals 26 of the connector (20). The shorting bar (100) includes a termination edge (150) at an end thereof adjacent the housing (24) and a contact region (180) spaced from the terminating edge (150) a distance similar to a length between an inside floor (25) of the housing (24) and a length of terminals (26) of the connector (20). The contact region (180) is formed from an electrically conducting material. When a terminating force is applied, the shorting bar (100) is displaced toward the housing (24) until the termination edge (150) impacts the inside floor (25) of the housing (24) and terminates the terminals (26) of the connector (20) to the multi-connector cable (C). When the termination edge (150) is in contact with the housing (24), the contact region (180) contacts each of the terminals (26) of the connector (20), shorting the terminals (26) together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for forming a wiring harness comprising a plurality of conductors with their ends either engaged to a conductor or remaining bare for later connection. The method and device results in each connector or group of bare ends of the wiring harness having a predetermined geographic position corresponding to a desired coupling position to enable the connector or group of bare ends to be engaged to equipment to be interconnected by the wiring harness. Each conductor of the final wiring harness follows a predetermined path inside the harness between its ends, such paths having common portions along which the conductors are bound together. The invention applies more particularly, although not exclusively, to the formation of wiring harnesses for connecting together numerous pieces of electric, electronic or other equipment required in automobiles, aircraft or other systems.

Abstract: A method for assembling a wire harness and an apparatus for carrying out the method. Main wires serving as the main line of the wire harness are arranged horizontally and in parallel with each other. A required portion of each main wire held by a cover installed at the leading end portion of a rod is dropped to a predetermined lower position so as to obtain a branch wire. The cover holding the branch wire is inserted into a terminal-accommodating chamber of a connector disposed at a lower position so as to connect the connector with the branch wire. Then, the rod formed on the cover is removed therefrom by moving the rod upwardly. The covers, which are spaced apart from each other, are made to be close to each other to insert them into the connector. A cutter mounted on the connector jig accommodating the connector cuts unnecessary wires connected with the connector.

Abstract: Right connector pieces (R) are terminated to the right ends of the cores of said insulated wires and left connector pieces (L) are terminated to the left ends of the core conductors of the insulated wires or the left ends of the insulated wires may remain unterminated. Right connector pieces each having terminals fixed thereto are displaced from an initial position to a terminating position. The right connector pieces are terminated to the right core conductor ends of the insulated wires at the terminating position. The right connector piece terminated to the right core conductor ends of said insulated wires are displaced to the initial position which results in pulling the insulated wires out of a wire supply against a resilient tension which is applied to the insulated wires for withdrawal toward said wire supply. The insulated wires are pushed down at the intermediate position between the initial-position and the terminating position to a predetermined lowest level against the resilient tension.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing wire harness assemblies is provided. Each wire harness includes a shielded cable having a plurality of insulated conductors therein, with each conductor being terminated at its respective opposed ends and with the terminated ends being mounted in connector housings. The system includes a plurality of pallets that are movable along a conveyor to work stations at which various assembly steps are carried out. A first station is provided for mounting the cables to the pallet, such that the wires at the opposed ends are mounted in fixtures. A second station may selectively deposit drop wires into fixtures on the pallets. A third station trims and strips the ends of the wires and aligns the drop wires with the cable wires. A fourth station sequentially crimps terminals to the ends of the wires, with the pallet being indexable between successive crimps.

Abstract: A portable hand tool is provided for applying at least a two-part electrical connector having insulation displacement conductive elements to an insulated electrical cable. The tool includes a manually grippable frame, with a loading die on the frame for receiving and holding the two-part electrical connector in spaced relationship. A compression die is movable relative to the loading die into pressure engagement with the electrical connector. A shaft is threaded through the frame and is connected to the compression die to effect movement of the compression die relative to the loading die in response to rotation of the shaft. A manually grippable torque applying handle projects outwardly of the shaft for rotating the shaft. A second manually grippable handle is retractably mounted on the frame for projecting outwardly therefrom and for retraction to an inoperative position alongside the frame.

Abstract: A crimper includes two elongated handle members each having a press portion, and a solid head member disposed between the two press portions of the elongated handle members. The head member has a plurality of differently-sized receiving spaces, two opposed contact faces and a plurality of sets of throughbore pairs extending from one of the contact faces. A plurality of press members are respectively disposed in the throughbores but protrude out from one of the contact faces. When the first and second handle members are pivoted to the head member, the handle members can pivot relative to the head member between a gripping position, wherein the press portions abut with the contact faces and urge the press members to extend into the respective receiving spaces, and a releasing position, wherein the press portions of the first and second handle members are spaced from the contact faces to permit the press members to extend out of the contact faces.

Abstract: Conductor feeding apparatus for selectively feeding conductors selected from a group or from feeding all of the conductors in the group comprises first and second clamping assemblies which are moveable towards and away from each other between remote and proximate positions. Each clamping assembly has a clamp for each one of the conductors. When it is desired to feed selected conductors, the selected conductors are clamped in the first clamping assembly and the non-selected conductors are clamped in the second clamping assembly. The second clamping assembly is moved towards the first clamping assembly so that the ends of the selected conductors project beyond the second clamping assembly. The projecting ends are gripped in a conductor puller and pulled along the feed paths.

Abstract: A manually operated tool for terminating electrical conductors to insulation displacement contacts in a connector. The tool includes a connector holder and a pair of hingeable jigs for holding and positioning the conductors adjacent the connector terminals for shearing to length and inserting. Shearing and insertion assemblies are secured to two arms which are pivoted toward the connector until the assemblies engage and terminate the conductors. A pair of handles and a pair of toggle links are pivotally attached to the two arms for effecting a mechanical advantage during the shearing and insertion process.

Abstract: A tool (150) for assembling stackable elements (52, 54 and 58) to form a multiple conductor connector (50). A holding bracket assembly (100) is incorporated in the tool (150) to prohibit undesirable movement of the lowermost connector element (52) and to maintain alignment of the various elements of the connector (50) during the connectorization process.At least one protrusion (112) is manipulated into physical engagement with a side portion of the lowermost connector element (52). The protrusion (112) is spring-loaded and includes a sharp, tapered edge constructed of hardened material which provides a position-securing force to the connector (50) by becoming embedded into the side portion of the lowermost connector element (52). In addition, a second protrusion (110) is aligned opposite each of the sharp protrusions (112) and capable of providing an additional position-securing force to a second side portion of the lowermost connector element (52).

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 a unique probe means for electrically connecting the test circuit to the contacts of the connectors being terminated to the cable. The probe means includes a plurality of relatively thin elongated metal probe members having a substantially rectangular cross section that slide in slots formed in an insulated block. Spring members bias the metal probe members toward the connector contacts. A cam, actuated by the ram of the machine causes the insulated block to move the metal robe members away from the connector contacts during the actual termination operation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a press tool for assembling and terminating electrical connector assemblies. The connector assemblies include a plurality of wires, a first housing component, a mateable second housing component and a plurality of terminals located within the connector assembly which can be simultaneously mass terminated to a portion of wire located within each terminal as a result of the mating of the housing components. Each portion defines an axis. The press tool comprises a first housing component support means for supporting the first housing component and cutting means for cutting each of the wires to a predetermined length. Spacer means is positioned between the first housing component support means and the cutting means for establishing the predetermined length of wire. Second housing component support means are also provided for supporting the second housing component.

Abstract: A wire transfer device for a harness making machine includes feed tracks (24) which carry a plurality of shuttle members (30). The shuttle members (30) are pushed down the tracks (24), and incrementally push the next shuttle member (30) further down. The shuttles (30) carry the wire for the harness further down the track (24) to further wire processing stations. When the wire shuttles (30) reach the elevator member 28, the shuttle member (30) is lowered to the level of the lower track (22), where it is pushed in the opposite direction via the air cylinder (34). The shuttle members (30) are thus continuously moving in a closed loop to move wires from a pick up position to a further processing station.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for and method of aligning the terminals of a group of connectors in side by side abutting relationship with tooling for terminating wires to the terminals thereof. The group of connectors is placed in a track with the first connector against a stop. A plurality of vertically reciprocal guide blades are arranged adjacent the track and are moved upwardly, one at a time, the first engaging the first connector and positioning it relative to the termination tooling followed by subsequent blades engaging the other connectors. These subsequent engagements occur one at a time in sequential order with increasing distance from the stop. When all connectors are positioned by engaging guide blades, wires are terminated to the connector terminals and the guide blades moved out of engagement so that the completed connector assembly can be removed and the process repeated.

Abstract: A hand operated tool for terminating the conductors of a hybrid cable to insulation displacement contacts contained in a connector. The tool includes a ratchet actuated cam which drives a ram and presser plate toward an abutting member upon which the connector assembly is secured. Free ends of the abutting member pass through the connector housing to provide adequate support. The free ends are then structurally supported by a bar that can be latched in place during operation of the tool. An interlock precludes operation of the tool without the support bar being in place. The operable handle which drives the ratchet is automatically disengaged when the ram has advanced to its fullest. A release mechanism provides for return of the ram to its starting position.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for splicing electrical wires that are to be exposed to an adverse environment. The apparatus includes a connector, an insulating sleeve adapted to retain the connector, and an encapsulant. The encapsulant, which is disposed within the insulating sleeve, has a cone penetration value of 100 to 350 (10.sup.-1 mm) and an ultimate elongation of at least 200%.

Abstract: A modular connector press for terminating different types of connectors to a flat cable includes left and right cable tray assemblies that are mounted for accurately positioning and laterally translating the cable in a first direction transverse to the axial direction of the cable between a loading position for initial positioning of the cable and a termination position where the cable is positioned beneath a press ram. Each tray assembly includes a main body, a cable tray and means for mounting the cable tray to the main body to allow adjustable translation of the cable tray in a second direction transverse to the first direction of translation of the tray assembly means. Each cable tray includes a plurality of connector positioning slots allowing the accurate positioning of terminated connectors of a harness on each cable tray.

Abstract: An assembly for wiring a terminating tool (6) having wire combs (34,36) comprises a tool mount (164), a bench stand (166) and a clamp (168). The tool mount (164) has a clevis (178) for receiving one end of the tool (6) and a screw (187) for securing the tool (6) to the clevis (178). There depends from the clevis (178) a support leg (170) which is received between side walls (190) of the bench mount (166) which is mounted on the top surface of a work table (210). The clamp (168) has a clamp post (204) which is passed through notches (194) in the walls (190) of the bench mount (166) and through a hole (172) in the support leg (170), so that the tool mount and thus the tool (6) can be rocked about the axis of the clamp post (204). The clamp (168) has a clamp screw (200) which can be tightened against the underside of the work table (210) so that the clamp post (204) urges the bench mount (166) against the top side of the work table (210).

Abstract: A wire spreading unit (6) for a harness making machine which is longitudinally moveable from a position proximate to a wire feed mechanism, where it picks up individual wires for the harness, to a position remote from the wire feed mechanism where it is aligned with a pitch setting station (8) which sets the pitch between individual gripper members (38) in the wire gripping mechanism (6). The pitch setting station (8) has a plurality of settings which are obtainable, through the use of machine balls (166) which sets stop rods (152) to various settings. When the desired setting is obtained, the rods (102) are moved against the stop rods (152) into an abutting relation, to set the wire grippers (38), and the wires which they carry, into their respective spacings.

Abstract: There is described,a tool (2) for cooperation with wire insertion fingers (37), for terminating electrical wires (W) to wire receiving contacts (8) which project from two opposite sides of an electrical connector (4). The tool (2) comprises a wire comb holder (46) in which are pivotally mounted two parallel wire combs (48). The wire combs (48) having a wire receiving angular position in which wire slots (96) of the combs (48) open way from the comb holder (46), in which position wires (W) are laced into the wire slots (96), and a wire terminating position in which the wire slots (96) of the two combs (48) open towards each other. A connector holder (52) pivoted to one end of the comb holder (46) and containing a connector (4) is moved to a closed position, in the terminating position of the wire combs (48), to insert the contacts (8) of the connector (4) between the teeth of the combs ( 48).

Abstract: Connector loading apparatus which can be used with a cable-making machine comprises a support surface having a transfer mechanism thereon which comprises a transfer slide assembly that is reciprocable between a magazine containing a stack of connectors and a loading station. The slide assembly comprises a body portion and a connector holder which is pivoted to the body portion on an axis which extends transversely of the path of reciprocation. The support surface is discontinuous in the vicinity of the loading station so that the connector holder pivots through an angle of 90 degrees at the loading station under the influence of gravity and the connector is thereby reoriented and properly positioned for loading into the module or other connector receiving portion of the cable-making machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for terminating conductors of a ribbon cable to a dielectric housing has a movable frame member and a stationary frame member. The movable frame member has a laminated subassembly and a staking block provided thereon. A support member is positioned on the movable frame member and is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the support member cooperates with the staking block to insure that the staking block is not movable relative to the movable frame member. This allows the staking block to coin or deform top walls of recesses of the dielectric housing. Alternatively, when the support member is in the second position, the support member does not cooperate with the staking block, thereby allowing the staking block to move relative to the movable frame.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of and apparatus for stripping insulation from conductors of a multi core electrical cable and crimping an electrical terminal over the stripped portion of cable.

Abstract: A cable connecting machine which includes a base member (1); a first cable retainer (E) provided on said base member for holding a first cable in place; a second cable retainer (F) provided on said base member for holding a second cable on top of said first cable; a pair of cable pressure elements (28, 29) provided on said first cable retainer such that they are vertically adjustable; a lock device (G) provided on said base member for locking said second cable retainer; and an operation mechanism (H) provided on said base member for simultaneously releasing said lock device and said first and second cable retainers.

Abstract: An apparatus (40) for attaching successive pairs of wires (25) to successive pairs of opposed contacts (20) includes a pair of opposed ram assemblies (54), each provided with a knife blade (56) for ramming a wire against the contact for attachment thereto. Advantageously, the knife blade (56) is provided with a contact protector assembly (64) which serves to straddle the contact during wire attachment to protect the contact against deformation. The attachment apparatus (40) is also provided with a mechanism (88) for attaching each of a pair of strain reliefs (26,28) to the connector following attachment of the wires to the contacts to avoid the need to handle the connector between these two operations and to prevent any stress to the connection between the wire and contact.

Abstract: A modular press tool is provided for assembling an electrical connector assembly which includes a modular rear housing component and a mateable modular front housing component defining a front-to-rear axis, and for terminating terminals in the connector assembly in response to mating of the housing components in the direction of the axis. The housing components are capable of being in different sizes and termination configurations. The modular press tool includes a base, and an anvil projecting from the base for positioning a rear housing component of the electrical connector assembly. Interchangeable tooling are mountable on the anvil for accommodating modular rear housing components of different sizes and termination configurations. A ram is movably mounted on the base for movement toward and away from the anvil.

Abstract: Electrical connector attachment tooling for attaching an electrical connector to a flat, multiconductor cable includes leaf springs, cam-actuated gripping means for locating and retaining the connector in proper relationship to the cable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a Y-shaped wire harness (23) having a pair of wires (2,3) and for orientating the wires (2,3) in a specific orientation. More particularly the apparatus includes jaws (12) for orientating the wires (2,3), an identification member (14) for holding the wires (2,3) in that orientation during termination of one ends thereof and a guide member (18) for receiving and storing the wire harness (23) with the wires (2,3) in the specific orientation.

Abstract: A twisted flat cable positioning tray includes a cable tray having a slide for covering and securing a multisection flat cable having one section of the cable twisted 180 degrees to accurately position the twisted cable for termination to a connector in a connector press.

Abstract: A PGA socket (40) and a tool (132) for opening and closing the socket (40) is disclosed. The socket (40) includes a base housing (42) having contact elements (46) disposed in cavities (48). The contact elements (46) include laterally extending cantilever beams (90) which are bent out of the plane of the contact elements (40) to provide a force-free insertion of the leads (120) on the PGA (122). The socket (40) further includes a cover (44) slidably mounted on the housing (42) which when moved, drives the leads (120) into electrical engagement with the cantilever beams (90). The tool (132) includes a pair of spaced-apart jaws (154,156) with one (152) being fixed and the other (156) moveable towards the fixed jaw (154).

Abstract: A cable connecting tool with a force plug for the mounting/compacting of a flat cable inserted in a plug-type connector. The invention provides a sliding table 4 with a cable-end stop, movable in a first direction from a first position into a second position under the force plug, and stored on a base plate 4; and a press insert 3 with a reception compartment for the plug-type connector, this press insert being movable with the sliding table and also on the sliding table in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and guide slots for the press insert such that it is moved into the second position towards the cable-end stop when the sliding table is moved, whereby a plug-type connector inserted in the reception compartment for the plug-type connector comes in direct contact with the cable-end stop in the second position.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a harness producing apparatus for producing a harness (1) by cutting a wire (600a, 600b) having a core covered with a covering, stripping the covering from a cut end portion of the wire and attaching a terminal (604a, 604b) to the stripped end portion of the core. According to this apparatus, a holding means (201) for holding the wire (600a, 600b) is three-dimensionally moved by a moving means (202). When the covering is stripped off, the holding means (201) holds the wire (600a, 600b) at the vicinity of the cut end, so that the wire (600a, 600b) hardly expands and the stripping can be accurate. Further, when the terminal is attached, the core can be moved to a proper position in relation to a terminal attaching means (400) according to a type of terminal.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing the order of wires in an array of wires being assembled into an electrical harness consisting of an auxiliary gripper 250 for individually gripping the ends of wires projecting from a guide 203A and a crossover gripper 252 for withdrawing a wire from the auxiliary gripper and the guide and locating it in a different wire position in the auxiliary gripper and guide. To allow for changing over wire a second crossover gripper 256 is provided each crossover gripper preferably having an associated tip gripper 254, 258 to guard against wire curl.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to an apparatus for assembling an electrical connector onto two electric wires. The electrical connector is formed from a sheet metal stamping part, having a contact portion and a claw portion, the claw portion having insulation and strand claws, in which two electric lines are each insulated in an end portions, the end portion being arranged adjacent to one another so that the end portions are crimped in the insulation and strand claws. The connectors are arranged in the form of a band in which the connectors are connected together by stamping strips, and the lines are fed adjacent to one another to a crimping tool. The first connector of the band to be crimped and the ends of the lines are positioned under the crimping tool, thereupon--simultaneously during the crimping process--the crimped connector is separated from the band, and the claws of the following connector in the band are opened up.

Abstract: The method of making a flat wiring harness consists of a pre-shaping process, a shaping process, and a wire bonding process. In the pre-shaping process, the intertwined wires are combed to be smoothed and straightened out and are pushed by a press block into parallelly arranged grooves in a series of longitudinally lined jigs and kept therein by a cover. In the shaping process, the group of wires thus laid in parallel lines in a series of the grooved jigs are shaped into a desired pattern of the flat wiring harness by moving any desired grooved jigs horizontally along guide slots formed in a holder plate, on which the grooved jigs and associated components are mounted. In the bonding process, the shaped flat wire group is applied with adhesive on one side through a screen which is patterned according to the shape of a final flat wiring harness. As the adhesive hardens, the wires are bonded together and a flat wiring harness of a desired two-dimensional shape is obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating and orienting conductors from a bundled array into a planar array includes a grooved template and means for fixedly uniting the conductors when disposed in the groove. A cable adapted for connection to a flat ribbon cable connector includes a portion of bundled connectors, and a portion including conductors separated by hand into the grooves on a template and fixedly retained in position by a laminate material connected thereto. The method involving use of the apparatus to produce the product described above is also disclosed and claimed.

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.

Abstract: A discrete wire discriminator for identifying each terminal position of a connector to be terminated to a multiconductor cable comprising a plurality of identical, unmarked, insulated conductors is described. The conductors of the first end of the cable are randomly terminated. After the second end of the cable is placed in the apparatus, each wire at the second end is selected at random and its correct terminal position identified by the apparatus. In addition, the selected wire is simultaneously tested for short or open circuits.

Abstract: A method of producing a circular cross section electrical connector sub-assembly (94) comprising a tubular wire housing (10) and a contact housing (12). The wire housing (10) is placed in a jig (180) with the aid of a handling tab (100) thereon and is located in a vertical position by means of a levelling spigot on the tab (100), which is engaged with a reference surface (188) near the jig (180). Wires (W) of a shielded cable (C) are inserted from below through the housing (10) and are dressed into notches (32) therein. The contact housing (12) is then lowered onto the wire housing (10) with the aid of a handling tab (120) on the contact housing (12). A hood (48) on the contact housing (12) captures the wire housing (10) and the housihg (10 and 12) are then located vertically with the aid of the handling tabs (100 and 120). Radially projecting parts of the wires (W) are trimmed and the contact housing (12) is forced down onto the wire handling (10) fully to mate therewith.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a rotary jaw assembly which is movable along a first axis between two rows of connectors and along a second axis to grasp a selected connector and then to retract, after which the jaw assembly is rotatable about a third axis to change the endwise orientation of the connector grasped by the assembly. This connector is then passed by a push rod to a cover separating station at which the cover is separated from the body of the connector. Further push rods transfer the connector body and the cover to a turntable to rotate them about a vertical axis, and yet further push rods transfers the connector and the cover to an application station at which they are applied to a cable. Each connector can be thus applied to cable in four different orientations connector and the cover to an application station at which they are applied to a cable. Each connector can be thus applied to cable in four different orientations.