Abstract: Programmable apparatus makes finished wire harnesses or sub-assemblies therefor from segments of insulated wire which may differ in length, gauge or insulation color. The apparatus includes a selector module which draws wire strands from a plurality of wire coils and presents them in a desired sequence to a wire loader module which then feeds a desired length of each strand to a conveyor end and then severs it. The conveyor comprises two laterally spaced conveyor units, having a releasable wire guide therebetween, which releasably grip each wire segment near its opposite ends. Stripper modules and terminal presses alongside the two conveyor units enable selective stripping and terminal attachment at either or both segment ends. A wire double associated with a conveyor unit is selectively operable to group the ends of two or more segments in that conveyor unit so that a single terminal can be attached thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a plurality of electrical harnesses in a single machine cycle. A push bar device spaces a plurality of connectors in a predetermined, spaced relation one to another at a first station. The plurality of connectors are moved in longitudinal alignment from a first station to a second station where the connectors are each terminated to wires, for example ribbon cables. The terminated connectors then are moved back toward the first station pulling the cables with the connectors and then the cables are cut at the second station at a predetermined length. A second plurality of connectors can be loaded in predetermined spaced relation at the second station and terminated to the cut cable ends to manufacture a plurality of double-ended harnesses in a single machine cycle.

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: Apparatus for deploying end portions of an insulated signal wire and ground wires juxtaposed therewith, to locate said wire end portions in respective wire receiving channels of electrical contacts on opposite sides of an insulating electrical connector body, comprises means for combing out the wire end portions into parallel relationship, means for pushing back the insulation from the end portion of the signal wire and for splaying the wire end portions in opposite directions to locate them so as to straddle the connector body and means for wiping each wire end portion into a respective one of the wire receiving channels.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing electrical harnesses, the apparatus comprising a wire feed path extending horizontally and axially of the apparatus, a connector attaching device located alongside the wire feed path. The attaching device includes a punch and a die to press the wires into the connectors, and a cutter located adjacent to the punch and die such that the cutter is operated independently of the punch and die. A wire measuring and feeding device is reciprocally movable along the wire feed path, with the wire measuring and feeding device including an intermittently movable chuck enabling the connected-attached wires to be pulled to a desired length. A connector selecting and supplying device enables the connectors having a desired number of poles to be selected from connectors and supplied onto the die. A wire selecting and supplying device includes a chuck for selecting the wires which correspond to the selected connectors and supplying the selected wires to the connector attaching device.

Abstract: A pair of connectors (10 and 11) having insulation piercing terminations or contacts (14, 15, 16 and 17) arrayed in columns and rows and strain relief grooves (18 and 19) associated with designated terminations in each column are stepped relative to a pair of wire cutting and stuffing devices (58 and 59) to present successive columns of terminations to receive wires. Following the presentation of each pair of columns of terminations, the wire cutting and stuffing devices are shifted by cam track devices (85, 86, 136 and 137) to position the cutting and stuffing devices to insert wires in the terminations in the designated rows of terminations. As the cutting and stuffing devices are shifted, wire guides (108 and 109) are positioned to lay the wires in designated strain relief grooves associated with the respective terminations. Each wire is cut by the wire cutting device at a point closely adjacent to the termination receiving a wire.

Abstract: A tool for manually terminating conductors of multiconductor cable into termination sections of electrical connectors. The tool terminates two wires simultaneously into two parallel opposed terminals, and automatically indexes the connector to align the insertion mechanism with the next termination sections of the connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for attaching a plurality of two-piece connectors of varying configuration to a specified length of multi-conductor cable at precise locations along the length of the cable and in any sequence of connector attachment. A device is provided for storing and downwardly advancing a precise length of cable, cutting one end of the cable at a cutter station, and locating the cable between a connector assembly station where a pair of connector halfs are automatically attached to the cable at a precise, predetermined location. The cable is then laterally moved to one or more connector assembly stations where one or more additional connectors are attached to the cable. The cable is then moved back to the cutter station where the cable is cut flush against the top of the last connector to be attached to the cable. All drive and movement functions of the apparatus are controlled by a pre-programmed microprocessor.

Abstract: Apparatus for making electrical harnesses including wires and electrical connectors, the apparatus comprising a wire feed path extending and substantially horizontally and axially of the apparatus; a connector attaching device comprising a cooperating assembling punch and die pair disposed on respective sides of the wire feed path, and a wire cutting blade located adjacent to the punch and die pair; a connector supplying device for supplying the connectors to the assembling die; a first chuck reciprocally movable along the wire feed path for pulling out the wires in its advancing movement for a distance corresponding to a desired length of the electrical harness; a second chuck for holding the supplied wires laterally at equal intervals, and guiding the same to the connector attaching device along the wire feed path, the second chuck reciprocally movable in a small range during which movement to align the top ends of the wires; an insulation covering stripping device mounted on the second chuck; whereby, upon

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling electrical connectors to multi-conductor insulated cables, comprises a table which is movable along a first path past a fixed cable clamp, the table carrying a cable stripper assembly and a connector applicator assembly, which are independently movable on the table along paths perpendicular to the second path. The table and the two assemblies are arranged to be moved cyclically so that first a cable held by the cable clamp has the insulation stripped from an end portion thereof by the stripper assembly, whereafter a connector previously fed to the applicator is applied to the end of the cable. The stripper assembly may have cable shield slitting means and the applicator may have cable shield folding back means.

Abstract: An insulation covering stripping device for use in combination with automatic apparatus for manufacturing electrical harnesses, the device being included in a moving chuck for pulling out the insulation clad wires to a desired length so that the insulation covering stripping is carried out as the same time as when the lengths of the wires are measured, thereby shortening the operation time of manufacturing electrical harnesses.

Abstract: Electrical harnesses comprising wires having a multi-contact connector on one end and discrete terminals on the free ends of the wires are produced by feeding individual wires, cutting a lead from the fed wire, moving the cut ends laterally to terminating zones, and attaching a terminal to one cut end and connecting the other cut end to a terminal in a multi-contact connector. The process is then repeated until wires have been connected to all of the terminals in the connector. An apparatus is also described for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The harness formation interchange for use with a robotic end-effector includes a plurality of tool storage units at each robot work station. Each of the storage units incorporates a powered tool clamping assembly consisting of power driven clamps which move in a path normal to the longitudinal axis of an insertion tool finger to be clamped thereby. Additionally, the storage units are each provided with a powered latch release unit which moves around an insertion tool finger clamped by the power driven clamps to engage and release a tool latch mounted on the robotic end-effector.

Abstract: Termination of flat cable is effected with connectors fed individually from a reel having a wound substrate with connectors releasably secured thereto. The connectors are seated in a crimping device and elongate such cable is fed to the crimping device along the cable longitudinal axis. Cable guide and registration apparatus is also disclosed, as is a control system.

Abstract: A wire length varying device for an apparatus for making electrical harnesses, with the device comprising a tension pulley unit located on a wire supply path. The tension pulley unit constantly urges the individual wires to return in a counterflow direction. A return preventive device selectively stops the wires from returning under an urging provided by a moving chuck, thereby enabling the stopped wires to slacken by the respective selected lengths. Thus, the lengths of the connector-free terminal end portions of the wires are differentiated as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiring tool for wiring electric, multipin plug connectors, connector strips or the like, using clamping cutter techniques, comprising a support for the binder receiving the lines to be connected and an opposed support for the binder, the support being adapted to be displaced with respect to the opposed support parallel to itself and towards the opposed support, the support being supported in its mounting, in accordance with the invention, on at least one wedge adapted to be linearly displaced by means of a pushrod.

Abstract: Flat multiconductor cable is prepared for pitch change mass termination by use of a connector housing having conductor retention channels arranged in the pattern of such pitch change and an assembly tool which collectively forces the conductors of the cable from their mutually aligned disposition in the cable into retention in the channels and hence into the pitch change pattern. The housing includes a further channel accessible exteriorly of the housing and in communication with the retained conductors whereby they may be collectively engaged by insulation piercing contacts.

Abstract: A pressure connecting device comprising a pressure connecting rod for squeezing cables one by one into the pressure contacts of a connector to establish electrical connection, a guide bar having a slide surface being in slidable contact with the slide surface of the pressure connecting rod and adapted to support in position the cable, whereby the cable is sheared by the rod and the guide bar before squeezing the cable into the contact of the connector. According to this construction, the cutting faces formed on the pressure connecting rod and the guide bar do not collide with each other in shearing the cable, thereby to remarkably lengthen the service life thereof. Besides, the cutting faces are equal in height to the side surface of the connector, thereby preventing the sheared end of the cable from protruding from the connector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching single piece connectors to the conductors of a flat, multiconductor cable is disclosed, in which a plurality of single piece connector feed assembly stations is provided, along with a notching station for removing insulating strips between adjacent conductors of the cable at that portion of the cable to be prepared to receive a single piece connector. A marking station is also disclosed for placing an identifiable mark on the cable, which in one form of the invention is accomplished by spraying ink onto a portion of cable length having connectors attached, and in another embodiment of the invention by applying pressure sensitive tape.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing connectors onto flat conductor cables. An improved installation station including the apparatus includes magazines for supporting a plurality of connector portions and a transport station to sequentially move the connectors from the magazines to the installation station. The installation station includes a surface for retaining cables in a horizontal plane and a press having an avil and ram for coupling connector portions to the cable and to each other. The installation station also includes means to retain connector portions on the ram during the coupling.

Abstract: An electrical harness fabrication machine which produces harnesses which comprise ribbon cable having a connector at each end. Each connector has a housing with terminals loaded therein. Prior to termination to the cable, the terminals are partially preloaded into their respective housings so that conductor engaging ends thereof are presented to a termination station for mass termination. A conductor engaging end of the terminals are free standing sections which form an insulation displacement slot therebetween. The termination assembly has a portion adjacent conductor stuffing blades for laterally supporting the conductor engaging ends of the terminals during the termination operation. In addition, pilot members are provided to cooperate with a connector nest having a preloaded connector received therein and the conductors for accurately aligning the conductors, conductor engaging ends of the terminals and the termination assembly with respect to one another.

Abstract: Termination of flat cable is effected with connectors fed individually from a reel having a wound substrate with connectors releasably secured thereto. The connectors are seated in a crimping device and elongate such cable is fed to the crimping device along the cable longtudinal axis. Cable guide and registration apparatus is also disclosed, as is a control system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for automatically terminating the end of a flat flexible cable in a reciprocably actuable low insertion force connector having a dielectric housing with a cable receiving cavity and a terminal member disposed in the cavity. The connector also includes a reciprocating cover having a cable receiving aperture and mounting for reciprocable movement between an open position for receiving the cable, and a closed position for terminating the cable within the connector. The apparatus includes an insertion head and an arrangement for automatically positioning the insertion head with respect to the cable receiving aperture of the connector cover. The insertion head further includes a reciprocable cable feeder which inserts the cable end through the cover aperture, and a reciprocable actuator which moves the cover upon insertion of the cable and the connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for attaching a plurality of two-piece connectors of varying configuration to a specified length of multi-conductor cable at precise locations along the length of the cable and in any sequence of connector attachment. A device is provided for storing and downwardly advancing a precise length of cable, cutting one end of the cable at a cutter station, and locating the cable between a connector assembly station where a pair of connector halfs are automatically attached to the cable at a precise, predetermined location. The cable is then laterally moved to one or more connector assembly stations where one or more additional connectors are attached to the cable. The cable is then moved back to the cutter station where the cable is cut flush against the top of the last connector to be attached to the cable. All drive and movement functions of the apparatus are controlled by a pre-programmed microprocessor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injection molding a connector cover half of a connector staked to a flat multiconductor cable are disclosed, which injection molding is carried out by reciprocating an injection molding device toward and away from the cable and staking connector half diametrically opposite the injection molding device. Appropriate thermoplastic resin is chosen as the injection molding material, such that its melting temperature is lower than the softening temperature of the plastic of the staking connector half, so that when the front face of the staking connector serves as the front wall sealing off the die cavity of the injection molding device, no deformation of the staking connector half occurs. The forming die of the device may be either air cooled or water cooled, or both, to speed hardening and to prevent deformation of the staking connector half.

Abstract: The individual conductors in each layer of a layered cable are located and connected by first joining each of the conductors in the layer and thereafter separating the conjoined conductors along a predetermined path defined by reference to a predetermined indicia carried by one of the conductors in the layer.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing connectors onto flat conductor cables including an improved transport station for transporting connectors from a magazine to an installing station supporting a flat conductor cable. The transport means includes rotatable reorientation means to reorient connector portions at the magazines from vertical orientation to horizontal orientations at an intermediate location. The transport station also includes apparatus to retain connector portions on the reorientation means during transportation and also includes pushers to move the connector portions from the intermediate locations to the installation stations.

Abstract: A cable harness assembly apparatus has a press assembly defining a workstation and an index frame assembly moveable transversely through the workstation. A plurality of connector receiving fixtures are adjustably spaced along the index frame with a plurality of cable clamping fixtures interspersed with the connector carrying fixtures. At least one of the connector carrying fixtures is provided with cable cutting means which, when actuated, sever the cable simultaneously with termination thereof by the last connector of the harness.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting electrical connectors to a flat multi-conductor cable comprises a work table on which are arranged a connector orienting assembly for placing electrical connectors at loading locations in different selected vertical and lengthwise orientations, a press for connecting the connectors to the cable by forcing the cable conductors into conductor receiving portions of terminals of the connectors, an assembly for feeding the cable intermittently through the press, a shuttle for receiving connectors from the loading locations and being movable intermittently along a path extending between the orienting assembly and the press, rams for loading connectors from the loading locations into the shuttle and an insertion assembly for driving the connectors from the shuttle into the press.

Abstract: An electrical connector transfer nest for use in transferring an electrical connector from a connector pick-up station to a work station, comprises a frame in which are slidably mounted, a pair of plungers, one of these having means for releasably retaining a connector thereon. The nest is arranged to receive a flat cable between the plungers, so that by moving the plungers towards one another, against the action of a return spring, conductor receiving portions of terminals of the connector can be forced through the cable to receive the conductors. Means are provided for releasing the connector from the nest, after it has been terminated to the cable and as the plungers are moved apart by the return spring. The other plunger may be arranged, releasably to receive, a cover for the connector, the cover having means for stuffing the cable conductors into the wire receiving portions of the terminals.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing connectors on flat cables comprises an applicator having an application zone and a staging zone which is adjacent to the application zone. A turntable is provided in the staging zone which has a connector-receiving recess. Connectors are delivered to the recess and the turntable is rotated to align the connector with a guide track that extends to the application zone. Connectors can be selectively aligned in either of two possible orientations. The connectors are attached to an endless belt which is advanced during each cycle to deliver connectors to the turntable.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for manufacturing electrical cords comprising modular multi-contact connectors attached to opposite ends of a segment of a multi-conductor sheathed cable. Each connector comprises a plastic housing having a cavity for receiving an end of the cable segment, displaceable anchors for mechanically engaging the cable sheath and the insulation on the conductors, and flat contacts displaceable for piercing the insulation on the conductors and making electrical contact with the wires therewithin. The apparatus includes: machinery for cutting segments from a strand of cable and for conveying them along a path; strippers along the path for removing small portions of the sheath from the ends of the segments to expose the ends of the insulated conductors therewithin; trimmers along the path for trimming the exposed ends of the insulated conductors; and connector attachment machines along the path.

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.

Abstract: An automatic wire end arranging system includes a wire holder for holding one ends of the wires, a wire feed device for feeding the wire ends one by one from the wire holder, and a transport device for transporting each wire end from the wire feed device to an arranging device. The arranging device includes a fixture having a plurality of parallel receptive sections, and a table mounted adjacent to the fixture and having a slit, a probe device operable to make electrical contact with the wire end, fed to the table by the transport device, to feed a probe signal, a first drive device operable to move the table, a second drive device operable to bring the wire end on the table into alignment with the slit, and a third drive device operable to urge the wire end, disposed in alignment with the slit, into a selected one of the receptive sections through the slit.

Abstract: Termination tooling for use with a bench press for terminating a flat cable in an elongate connector. The tooling includes a termination die and positioning structure for holding a connector in place for termination by the die. Stop structure is disposed spaced from the termination die for engaging one end of the cable with the axial direction of the cable being generally normal to the longitudinal direction of the connector so as to locate the cable end with respect to the connector. Finally, the tooling includes slide structure for supporting the cable. The slide structure is movable transversely of the axial direction of the cable between a loading position, wherein the cable engages the stop structure, and a termination position, in which the cable is positioned for termination in the connector by the die, whereby the cable is positioned with respect to the connector without the stop structure engaging the cable during termination.

Abstract: Wire processing apparatus comprises first and second wire treatment stations. Wires are fed through the second station and their free ends are terminated to an electrical connector at the first station. Wire lengthening rollers are then operated to advance the wires by different lengths, so that they form loops between the wire treatment stations. During such advance of the wires, wire tensioning rollers are operated to keep the wires in tension between the tensioning rollers and the wire lengthening rollers and to pay out the wires into the loops. The wire lengthening, and the wire tensioning, rollers are then stopped and the wires are simultaneously severed at the second wire treatment station and the severed ends of the leads so formed are terminated to a second electrical connector at the second wire treatment station, after which, the terminated leads are ejected from the apparatus.

Abstract: Contact insertion and wire lay apparatus for manufacture of wire harnesses which provides for insertion of a contact affixed to the trailing end of a wire segment after wire lay. The invention provides for gripping a wire segment while the segment is caused to lay in a desired configuration. A pair of sets of tip jaws enable forward and trailing end contacts of the wire segment to be inserted into selected contact holding devices. In addition, the apparatus is arranged to facilitate lateral receipt and rejection of the wire segments.

Abstract: A crimping tool of the type employed in crimping or compressing an article such as an electrical connector which has a substantially fixed jaw which has a surface against which an article is compressed, a ram having a surface for supporting a die and an article, the ram being mounted for movement toward and away from the jaw, and a die holder which is pivotally mounted to the ram to keep the compressing surface of the jaw and the supporting surface of the ram parallel throughout the movement of the ram in the event that the jaw deflects slightly during operation of the tool.

Abstract: A tool for facilitating the insertion of miniature cable connectors into mating receptacles from both top and bottom. The bottom includes guide arms to maintain the contact pins in proper alignment until entry into a mating receptacle is made.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying connector terminals to a plurality of leads including tensioning means capable of individually tensioning the leads with a predetermined tension, while being gripped and advanced by clamping means for advancing the leads into a terminal. Also, the clamping means may define a forward end which carries a wire guide plate which, in turn, is adapted to be longitudinally slidable back and forth in the direction of advancement, and is spring-biased into an outward position. The leads pass through apertures of the guide plate for precise positioning, relative to the terminal or terminals. The guide plate is thus retractable to permit the free ends of the leads to project into the terminal. Also, a lead-lengthening probe may be provided.

Abstract: A locator plate for positioning a plurality of different length multi-contact insulation displacement connectors for connection to multi-conductor flat cables has movable end guides for the connectors and a plurality of shims individually slidable along a shim support rod and pivotable on the shim support rod to a position between the end guides to define the proper spacing between the end guides for each of the connectors.

Abstract: A tool for making interconnections between electrical wires and a conductive terminal having wire receiving slots therein in a point-to-point wiring system includes an indexing member for locating and registering wires relative to the slots and a pushing element for engaging such wires and entering the slots to fully insert the wires therein. The indexing member, inclusive of a slotted sleeve axially movable, but rotatively fixed, relative to the pushing element, holds wires for ready alignment with the slots. The pushing element defines a plurality of curved splines at the tip thereof for progressively driving the aligned wires deeper into the center of the terminals than at the peripheries thereof.

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: In a method of, and apparatus for, mating an insulating housing of an electrical connector and a cover for the housing, to terminate an electrical conductor inserted between the housing and the cover, to an electrical terminal in the housing, the leading connector of a row of connectors fed towards a support, is positioned on the support, the conductor is inserted between the cover and the connector and a terminating punch is applied to the cover to mate it with the housing. The connectors of the row are detachably joined together in the form of a strip and a column of covers is also fed in the direction of the support to position the leading cover of the column between the punch and the support. When the housing of the leading connector has been mated with the leading cover, the leading connector and the next following connector of the strip are relatively displaced to detach the leading connector from the strip.

Abstract: In interconnecting an electrical wire to a conductive terminal having wire receiving slots therein arranged in intersecting disposition, the wire is indexed to the tool and then to the terminal. The wire is located into the slots, without making connection thereto, by applying a light force transversely thereto by a wire pushing element. The connection is made by forcibly inserting the wires into the slots by the pushing element that is configured with a plurality of intersecting splines or vanes to engage the wires and enter the slots within their boundaries during insertion. Such entering of the slots by the splines on the pushing element provides a uniform force application and a full seating of the wires deeply into the slots along a wire length greater than its diameter such that the wires are deformed and wedged tightly in the bottom of the slots.

Abstract: Apparatus for terminating a flat flexible cable comprises an anvil supporting an electrical connector, and a punch for driving the conductors of a flat flexible cable into conductor-relieving slots in individual terminals of the connector. Upon the cable end engaging a stop, a cable notching jaw is closed against a fixed cable notching jaw, to form notches between the conductors of the cable and the jaws are then retracted to allow the punch and the anvil to be moved towards one another to terminate the cable end to the terminals of the connector. The jaws are then returned so that the forward end thereof ejects the terminated connector from between the punch and anvil which have now been moved away from one another to allow this.

Abstract: Tool for terminating a plurality of wires to a matrix of wire receiving slots in a connector comprises a housing having a cover hinged thereto and nest means therein movable perpendicularly to said housing. The cover has a plurality of wire inserters extending from the bottom surface thereof toward the nest means, each inserter being slidable to a like plurality of positions. The nest means is profiled to hold the connector so that the matrix of slots parallels the array of inserters, whereby a plurality of parallel wires may be terminated to slots as desired by moving said nest with connector and wires therein toward said cover with inserters appropriately positioned.

Abstract: A tool assembly for use with a prime mover, such as a bench press, for terminating a plurality of insulated conductors in a mass terminator connector. The tool assembly includes a pair of supports, at least one of which is adapted for attachment to the prime mover, for reciprocal movement relative to one another. The assembly also includes a conductor insertion die set carried by one of the supports for inserting the conductors into the connector. This die set includes an insertion die corresponding to each terminal element of the connector. Finally, the assembly includes connector holding means carried by the other support for holding the connector in alignment with the die set. The holding means has connector release means for retaining the connector in the holding means and is engageable by the connector and movable by the connector from a retention position to a release position and biased to the retention position.

Abstract: Clamp for use with an apparatus which connects insulated wires of an electrical cable to a multi-row electrical connector by incrementally moving a connector holder relative to a stationary wire insertion mechanism. The clamp is pivotably linked by a pair of arms to one end of a slide which has a holder for the electrical connector at the other end, so that incremental movement of the holder causes corresponding incremental movement of the clamp. The clamp position is adjustable to orient the cable either perpendicular or parallel to the direction of movement of connector holder, and the clamp moves either perpendicular or parallel to the direction of movement, so that the cable projects either perpendicular or parallel to the connector when all the wires are connected.

Abstract: A first embodiment of an assembly fixture for locating an electrical connector and a cable with respect to each other for assembly includes adjustable connector locating guides mounted on a base plate and adjustable cable guides mounted on a spring-loaded tiltable cable platform spaced above the base plate. As the cable is forced downwardly into the connector, the cable platform tilts to accommodate the relative motion of the cable with respect to the fixture. After the cable is assembled to the connector, the cable platform returns to its normal horizontal position, partially removing the connector from the connector locating guides. A second embodiment of an assembly fixture includes a connector support which has spaced lands which support the entire area of the connector to prevent breakage of the connector during assembly.