Abstract: A wire press-installing apparatus having a ram which is lowered onto the joint block to press wires into rows of receiver terminals that are erected at a specified pitches on the joint block of a wiring harness. The joint block is intermittently fed by a distance equal to the pitch of the terminal rows and only the predetermined wires are selectively taken out and seated into the associated rows of receiver terminals. This prevents wrong wires from being seated in unintended terminals or the joint block from being fed by a wrong pitch. The apparatus has a wire misinstallation detection mechanism which includes wire guides mounted vertically slidable on the lower front and back side of the vertically movable wire press-installing blade through a resilient member.

Abstract: A tool head for use in crimping a connector to a conductor, where the connector and conductor extend in a longitudinal direction. The tool head defines a crimping area about which a plurality of crimping nibs are mounted for movement into the crimping area so that the nibs act to indent the connector during a crimping operation of the tool head. Each nib is elongated and includes a connector indenting surface formed by a segment of a cylinder the axis of which extends transverse to the direction of elongation of the nib. In the preferred embodiment, four nibs are provided to define two opposing pairs of nibs. The nibs of one opposing pair are elongated generally transverse to the longitudinal direction of the connector, and the other opposing pair of nibs are elongated generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the connector. Therefore, the nibs of each pair are elongated generally perpendicular to the nibs of the opposite pair.

Abstract: A plurality of the terminals (42--42) are mounted in slots which open to an inner surface (75) of a well (78) of a housing (41) of a modular plug (23) to terminate conductors (22--22) of an end of a cordage (21) that has been secured within the housing. The slots communicate with a cavity in which are disposed conductors of the cordage. Each terminal includes a body portion (84) having first and second ends (87 and 88). Internal contacting portions in the form of tangs (92--92) protrude from the body portion and engage electrically the conductors of the cordage. An external contact portion (94) of each terminal protrudes from and is disposed asymmetrically along the body portion between its ends. The external contact portion of each terminal is disposed between partitions (79--79) which extend from the inner surface of the well to an exterior surface of the housing or between such a partition and a sidewall of the housing.

Abstract: Attachment of each of a pair of wires (12) in a cable (14) to each of a pair of opposed contacts (16) in a connector (20) is carried out by a connector attachment tool (10) which includes a cable clamp assembly (34) for clamping the cable in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. The clamp assembly holds the cable so that an operator can pull each of a pair of the wires along a separate one of a pair of wire guides (96,98) which each include retention springs (106,108,110) for grabbing the pulled wire. Each wire guide serves to align the wire pulled therealong with a separate one of a pair of opposed ram assemblies (86,88) located on opposite sides of a carriage (30) which carries the connector. Each ram assembly serves to force the wire aligned therewith into one of the opposed connector contacts aligned with the ram assembly.

Abstract: A die set 20 for crimping an electrical connection of a contact terminal member to an electrical conductor comprises two hermaphroditic members 22, 22'. The die members 22, 22' are positioned in opposing relationship along a crimping axis and are reciprocally movable relative to each other along the axis. Each die member 22 has a base section 24 including an anvil 40 extending from the base section 24 and defining an essentially hemispheric concave crimping surface 42 having a selected desired radius. In operation, the anvils 40, 40' are opposed so that upon completion of the crimping portion of a stroke, a symmetrical essentially cylindrical recess 60 is defined having an axis orthogonal to the crimping axis. Each die member 22 further includes a bifurcated plate section 46 including edge surfaces 50 defining a slot 52 having an axis parallel to the cylindrical recess axis.

Abstract: A wire press-installing apparatus wherein a ram is lowered onto the joint block to press wires into rows of receiver terminals that are erected at specified pitches on the joint block of a wiring harness. The joint block is intermittently fed by a distance equal to the pitch of the terminal rows and only the predetermined wires are selectively taken out and seated into the associated rows of receiver terminals. This prevents wrong wires from being seated in unintended terminals or the joint block from being fed by a wrong pitch. The apparatus has a wire misinstallation detection mechanism, which consists of wire guides mounted vertically slidable on the lower front and back side of the vertically movable wire press-installing blade through a resilient member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for terminating a wire to a terminal having a metal contact that is partially assembled to an insulated housing. The apparatus includes a stop that abuttingly engages bulges in the contact after crimping and thereby prevents axial movement of the contact while sliding the insulated housing thereover. Both the crimping and assembly operations are performed in a single workstation.

Abstract: An electrical connection of a terminal contact to an electrical conductor is crimped by applying compressive force to the right and left sides of the barrel of the contact but not at the center and not applying it directly toward the center, thus forming an "oblique" crimp. Such an oblique crimp can be formed using a punch die and an opposing anvil die each having a crimping surface with a central recessed relief ara whereby the crimping surface does not compress the center of the contact barrel. On each side of the relief area is a substantial diagonal portion of the crimping surface, and outward therefrom is a transverse shoulder, both of which engage the contact barrel during crimping. This crimp is especially useful for contacts having closed or seamless barrel walls and also especially for crimping a slightly oversized barrel to a many-stranded conductor without an intermediate sleeve, and it is particularly useful where confined crimping is required.

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: An apparatus for attaching each of a successive pair of wires (12) to each of a pair of contacts (13), seated in opposed recesses (14) in a connector (16). The apparatus comprises a base (18) on which a connector-carrying carriage (26) is slidably mounted for movement along an axis (24). Each of a pair of ram assemblies (32) is mounted on opposite sides of the path of travel of the carriage (26). Adjacent to each ram assembly (32) is a wire guide (58) which has an upwardly inclined pin (74) which provides a path for pulling a wire into alignment with a separate one of the ram assemblies (32). Once aligned with the ram assemblies, the wires (12) are then rammed by the ram assemblies against the corresponding contacts (13).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting an electrical connector with a cable. The electrical connector including a connector head having a plurality of contacts and a pair of cover adaptors to which wires of the cable may be arranged is connected with the cable by means of the apparatus including a press section, a die-set section and a slide-unit section. The head is supported to a portion of the apparatus, and the cover adaptors to which cables are arranged are respectively attached to the head by a single operation of a handle of the apparatus whereby the wires are connected with the respective contacts.

Abstract: Lead making machine has crimping presses in which the press ram comprises a vertically extending reciprocable rod which is contained in a vertically extending static press frame. The rod and press frame have laterally extending arms between which a terminal applicator is mounted with the applicator frame supported on the arm of the press frame and with the applicator ram coupled to the rod. The stresses developed during a crimping operation are confined to the rod and press frame and are not borne by the housing in which the presses and the actuating mechanism is contained. The presses are vertically adjustable with respect to the housing.

Abstract: An applicator die for use with a crimping machine of the type in which a supply of terminals are fed in the form of a terminal strip comprising a carrier band and a plurality of terminals respectively secured at one end thereof to successive points along the band, individual leads are fed to the machine and the machine functions to crimpingly apply a terminal to an end of each lead and sever the terminal from the carrier band.

Abstract: Apparatus for stripping the insulation from an end portion of an insulated electrical wire (W), withdrawing an electrical terminal (ET) from a carrier tape (T) therefor and crimping the terminal (ET) to the stripped end portion of the wire (W), comprises a rotary conveyor (18) for advancing the tape (T) step by step to align it with a fixed wire gripper (10), a prefeed mechanism (20) for partially detaching the terminal (ET) from the tape (T), an insulation severing and stripping unit (12), and a pair of terminal gripping and terminal crimping heads (14 and 16). The insulation severing and wire stripping unit (12) is retracted to strip an end portion of the insulated wire (W) upon the end of the wire (W) interrupting a laser beam (L).

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a two part circular connector and terminating discrete wires to insulation displacement contacts within the connector. A two part die is used to position and secure the connector parts. The cable is inserted through an opening in the bottom of the die and the wires positioned in respective radial slots that correspond with the contacts. A punch is then brought into engagement with the die to sever the wires to length, fold the wires into wire receiving slots, terminate the wires to the contacts, and assemble the two parts of the connector.

Abstract: The lead parking and sorting station is for receiving electrical leads (L), especially those which differ from one another and for presenting the leads for pick up by a block loading station. The parking and sorting station comprises a pair of ganged jaw wheels (12 and 16) each having lead gripping jaws (13). The jaw wheels (12 and 16) can be swung to move each jaw wheel ( 12 and 16) between a lead loading position (LP) and a lead sorting and discharge position (DP). When in its loading position (LP), each jaw wheel (12 and 16) is driven by a unidirectional stepping motor (14) in constantly spaced steps, to pick up a lead (L) at each step. When it has been loaded with leads (L) each jaw wheel (12 and 16) is swung to its sorting and discharge position (DP) where it is driven by a bidirectional stepping motor (18), in steps, the length and direction of which are determined by a pre-arranged harness making program, the leads being picked up by the block loading station at a pick up position (PP).

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for terminating wires in terminals while monitoring the quality of the termination. Quantitative data is collected during the terminating operation, analyzed to determine whether or not the quality of the termination is within acceptable limits, and appropriate machine mechanisms are adjusted, when required, to assure continued high quality output. This is done in a completely automated environment.

Abstract: Measurement apparatus for use in connection with a connector assembly apparatus, for accurately positioning a connector on a cable relative to a previously mounted connector, the apparatus comprising a slotted plate mounted perpendicularly with respect to a base member and being adapted for displacement relative to a connector assembly station, the slot being sized to receive the cable but having a depth less than that of the mounted connector so that the cable can pass freely through the slot until the cable is positioned to abut the slotted plate. A cable having a connector prepositioned at one end thereof is positioned within the slotted plates and drawn therethrough so that the connector is urged against the plate to lock the cable in the desired position.

Abstract: A terminal dereeling apparatus is provided for permitting efficient feeding of terminals into a terminating press. The terminal dereeling apparatus includes a terminal reel mount for permitting the unwinding of a terminal reel with substantially uniform tension throughout the unwinding. A take-up reel is provided in proximity to the terminal reel for efficiently winding the interleaf material disposed between adjacent layers of the terminal strip wound onto the terminal reel. A sensing apparatus, such as a photo-optical sensor is provided in spaced relationship to the terminating press for monitoring the feeding of terminals on the strip of terminals into the terminating press. The sensing apparatus is operative to interrupt the terminating process in response to a variation of the terminal feeding from a specified terminal feeding sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching each of a successive pair of wires (12) to each of a pair of contacts (13), seated in opposed recesses (14) in a connector (16), comprises a base (18) on which a connector-carrying carriage (26) is slidably mounted for movement along an axis (24). Each of a pair of ram assemblies (32) is mounted on opposite sides of the path of travel of the carriage (26). Adjacent to each ram assembly (32) is a wire guide (58) which has an upwardly inclined pin (74) which provides a path for pulling a wire into alignment with a separate one of the ram assemblies (32). Once aligned with the ram assemblies, the wires 12 are then rammed by the ram assemblies against the corresponding contacts (13).

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting by pressure a plurality of insulated conductors of a multiconductor cable to a plurality of contact terminals spaced at equal intervals along a terminal strip, which includes; (a) a feed rail for guiding the terminal strip; (b) a sprocket wheel engageable with apertures spaced on the terminal strip for guiding it along the feed rail; (c) a step motor for driving the sprocket wheel; (d) a cable support for moving the cable toward the terminal strip on the feed rail to insert the front ends of the cable into the contact terminals; and (e) a device for simultaneously pressing a plurality of the contact terminals into a plurality of insulated conductors of the cable.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching terminals on conductor ends, being fixed between a stationary plate and a mobile plate of a fastening press. A plate which is fixed on the stationary plate and which comprises a passage and the means to feed into the passage a band bearing connected terminals fixed at right angles to the band. A carriage is provided which pivots 90.degree. around an axis. The mobile plate bears stamper supports which bear two tightening stampers and an arm which rests on a pressing plate carried by the movable carriage.

Abstract: A machine for mounting a plurality of conductors of a multiconductor cable on a plurality of contacts or connection grooves of a connector, which includes a connector holder secured on a top surface of the base section to hold a connector having a row of connection grooves or contacts and a conductor carrier rotatable about an axis perpendicular to a top surface of the base and movable along the axis and the vertical plane. The conductor carrier includes a carrier arm provided on the conductor carrier for reciprocating movement in a direction perpendicular to the vertical plane; two pairs of fingers, one provided on the conductor carrier and the other on the carrier arm, to pick up the conductor from the receiving groove and bring it over to a position above a desired connection groove or contact of the connector; and a pusher provided adjacent one of the pair of fingers for reciprocating movement along the vertical axis to insert the conductor into the desired connection groove or contact.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing bundles of electrical cables. The bundles include a plurality of main conductors and a plurality of secondary conductors. The main and secondary conductors both include a conductor core and an insulating sheath. The ends of the main conductors include box-like connection elements which are either male plugs or female sockets. The method includes the steps of: stripping an intermediate portion of the main conductors; stripping the ends of the secondary conductor; positioning the stripped portions of the main and secondary conductors tightly against one another; mounting a thimble on the two stripped portions; and mounting a band of cold-deformable insulating material on the thimble. The apparatus includes devices which perform each of these functions.

Abstract: The assembly comprises a first slide (34) carrying a wire insertion tool (38) and a second slide (80) carrying support tools (92). As the slide (34) descends through a working stroke to cause the wire insertion tool (38) to insert a wire (W) into the wire slot (18) of an electrical terminal (10') of a multicontact electrical connector (2), support noses (96) of the support tools (92) which are in an open position, enter the mouths of the wire slots (18) of the next adjacent terminals. The wire insertion tool (38) continues to descend past the noses (96) to insert the wire (W) into the slot (18) of the terminal (10') and the support tools (92) close so that their noses (96) engage the terminals (10) on either side of the terminal (10') to be loaded with wire, thereby to restrain splaying of that terminal (10') as the wire (W) is inserted into its wire slot (18).

Abstract: A wire harness is produced by attaching terminals to one of the respective ends of a plurality of wires and gathering the other ends and attaching a single terminal thereto. The plurality of insulated wires are intermittently fed by respective predetermined lengths along predetermined feed paths, and then cut to respective predetermined lengths to provide remaining wires and cut wire sections. The insulation on the forward ends of the remaining wires and on the rear ends of the cut wire sections, next to the cut just made, are stripped. Terminals are crimped to insulation-stripped ends of the remaining wires. The cut wire sections are transferred so that their insulation-stripped ends are gathered in one place and then the insulation-stripped ends of the cut wire sections are trued-up and a single terminal is crimped thereto to form a single terminal for the plurality of cut wire sections.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling the stripped free end of a ribbon cable with a connector comprising a fixed recipient block having a slot for the receipt of the striped and bent wires of a ribbon cable; reciprocable blocks located on opposite sides of the fixed recipient block with crimping fingers secured thereto and reciprocal through apertures in the fixed recipient block; and means to move the reciprocable blocks and crimping fingers toward each other into the slot for effecting the mechanical coupling of the connector housing locate din the slot with at least some of the stripped wires. Also disclosed is the method of coupling connectors to the free ends of cables with such apparatus.

Abstract: A device for fitting and crimping end pieces on electric conductors includes an end-piece distributor, a holding device for maintaining the end of the conductors in position and a device for transferring the end-pieces from the distributor to the holding device and for positioning the end pieces on the ends of the conductors at the end of such transfer. The transfer device includes a crimping device as well as a closure means, partially closed at rest, which may pass to the open condition under the action of stop devices provided respectively close to the distributor and the holding means so as to make possible access to and/or removal of the end piece.

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 them includes magazines for supporting a plurality of connector portions and an transport station to sequentially move the connectors from the magazines to the installation station. The installation station includes surfaces 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 surfaces are spring biased and include abuttment surfaces for proper positioning of the cables.

Abstract: A machine is provided for automatically fitting connecting end-pieces to the ends of electric conductors, including a structure movable in translation inside a fixed structure with a first translational movement, and a carriage movable in translation in the mobile structure and able to move in line with an end-piece supply station and a station for guiding and holding the end of the conductors in position. This carriage includes a stripping device, an end-piece reception means and, associated with this reception means, an end-piece crimping device.

Abstract: Cable supporting apparatus for assembly machines for terminating electrical cable with connectors includes a base and cable support means mounted on the base for supporting a length of cable. The support means is movable relative to the base from a cable loading position, in which position the support means is spaced from the machine connector applicator, to a working position, in which the support means presents a cable to the applicator for termination with a connector. The support means includes a plurality of cable support elements selectively positionable thereon. In addition, a sensor is provided for sensing when the support means is in the cable loading position.

Abstract: Harness-making machine has a connector installing station, a staging zone adjacent to the installing station for holding a stack of connectors, and a cable dispensing or feeding unit adjacent to the staging zone. Cable is fed from the feeding unit through the staging zone to the installing station at which the leading connector on the stack is installed on the cable. The dispensing unit has a cable guide which extends through the staging zone to the installing station thereby to protect the cable from the terminals which extend from the connectors contained in the staging zone. This guide thereby prevents jamming of the machine which can occur if cable movement through the staging zone is impeded by the terminals.

Abstract: Automatic crimping apparatus for crimping contacts of different sizes on electrical wires is positioned at the side of a conveyor that moves successive wires to and from alignment with a crimping station which includes a shaker bowl furnishing contacts to a sender station. The sender station sends the contacts one at a time via a pneumatic line through a hollow chuck and collet to seat the barrel end of the contact end upon a contact locating seat that is precisely positioned within a cam operated multi-pin crimper. The contact end receiving seat is apertured and recessed in one end of a funnel assembly and locating structure having a wire receiving and guiding funnel at the other end to define a wire guide path in alignment with the apertured contact end receiving seat. With a contact end positioned on the receiving seat, a portion of the wire receiving barrel of the contact is in the operative region of the crimper, with the other end being firmly grasped in the collet.

Abstract: Method for installing rivet-type electrical connectors onto flat conductor cables wherein the connectors are fed to the machine from a magazine, transferred to a press and then pressed onto and through the cable over an anvil which holds the rivet-type connector to form a secure connection with the cable. The resulting profile of the connector is such that it extends through the conductor of the cable and is held thereon by a flange on one side of the cable and an eyelet-type crimp on the opposite side of the cable.

Abstract: An electrical connector applicator comprises a lower holding-member (1) on a base (3) for holding a base member (19) of an electrical connector so that electrical conductors (18) of a cable (17) can be positioned along the base member (19) and an upper holding-member (2) on a block (10) for holding a cover member (16) of the electrical connector. A section (10a) of block (10) is pivotally mounted to a spring-biased mechanism (6, 7, 8, 9, 11) located on base (3).

Abstract: An improved lead insertion apparatus for randomly inserting crimped wire leads one at a time into a multicircuit connector includes a pair of elongate insertion jaws for longitudinally surrounding and gripping a crimp terminated wire lead. The insertion jaws are actuable by a gripper control between a first open position, a second intermediate gripping position wherein the jaws are axially slideable along the gripped wire lead and a third closed position wherein the jaws firmly grip the lead in a non-slideable manner. The jaws and their gripper control are mounted for axial movement along the wire lead into the insertion station. A drive for the jaws moves the jaws in their intermediate wire gripping position along the wire segment until a proximity sensor senses the tips of the jaws abutting the rear end of the crimp terminal. In response to the sensor the gripper control changes the jaws to their closed position on the wire prior to insertion.

Abstract: Terminal crimping apparatus having crimping dies and crimping anvils and strip feeding means for feeding terminal strip to a crimping zone between the dies and anvils has a strip lifter mounted on the press ram which lifts the strip above the level of the crimping anvils after completion of a crimping operation. The strip lifter prevents misfeeding of the strip in that after being lifted, the strip is above the surface of the anvil assembly and can be fed therepast in preparation for the next crimping cycle.

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 cable connector having an outer body, a center contact, and an insulator between the contact and the body wherein the contact is adapted to receive a center wire. The connector has at least one off-center hole in the outer body extending substantially parallel to the center contact and located adjacent an external surface of the outer body. The off-center hole is adapted to receive an outer wire. The center contact and the off-center hole are adapted to be crimped by a center crimp pin and an outer crimp pin, respectively, both carried by a crimping tool.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly machine for loading an insulating housing having a plurality of parallel apertures with a plurality of contacts. It consists of a housing support for supporting the insulating housing; a table having a plurality of parallel channels at equal intervals and in registration with the parallel apertures for receiving the contacts; a pusher disposed over the table so as to be movable vertically and laterally along the parallel channels and having a plurality of grooves for receiving conductor sections of the contacts when the pusher is lowered. The grooves each have at the front edge a jaw portion for pushing forward crimped strain relief tabs of the contact.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the shut height of a press includes a rotatable dial (16) interposed between a ram mounting block (6) fixed to a press ram (2), and a tooling ram (14). The dial (16) is keyed to a screw bushing (12) which is rotatable in a screw threaded bore in the block (6) for vertical movement relative to the block (6). Facing surfaces (46 and 48) of the block (6) and the dial (16) are formed with opposed helical ramps (54 and 56, and 58 and 60). The angular position of the dial (16) is adjustable to cause the ramps (54 and 56, and 58 and 60) to cooperate to alter the distance between ramps (2) and 14) to adjust the shut height of the press.

Abstract: A wiring head (10) mounted for movement along coordinates (X, Y and Z) to insert electrical terminal (T) into selected cavities of electrical connector housings (CH), comprises rolls (38) for feeding a wire (W) in a wire feed direction (D) from a wire reel (20), a wire inserter (24) for inserting the wire (W) so fed, into a terminal (T) at a wire insertion station (54) and a terminal inserter (62, 63) for then inserting the terminal (T) into its cavity. Slides (32 and 34) are moveable towards each other to form a loop (L) in the wire (W), to be inserted into the terminal by the inserter (24), and wire severing blades (58 and 60) are also provided for severing either side of the loop (L), when required according to a wiring program, before a terminal (T) is inserted into its cavity. The inserted terminals (T) are thereby connected in daisy chain fashion, one side of the loop (L) being severed in the case of the end terminals (T) of the chain.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling a two-part connector with an interposed cable, which apparatus comprises a pair of relatively movable press elements, a storage magazine for containing a plurality of connectors, structure for moving a connector from the magazine to an operative position between the respective press elements, structure for actuating at least one of the press elements to achieve crimping of the connector and an interposed cable, when the connector is in the operative position, and a control system for selectively causing indexing of the storage magazine, movement of a connector into the operating position and crimping movement of the press elements.

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 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 apparatus (60) is disclosed for accurately aligning and terminating conductors (4) of a flat multiconductor cable (2) to terminals (26) of a connector (18). This apparatus (60) is particularly suited for use with cables (2 ) that have closely spaced conductors (4). To ensure proper termination, the apparatus (60) forces the individual conductors (4) into respective grooves (38) of the cover (22) of the connector (18). These grooves (38) are molded in the cover (22) and are therefore, more accurately positioned than the extruded conductors (4). With the conductors (4) maintained in their resepctive grooves (38), the termination process is completed. This ensures that a positive electrical connection is effected between the connector (18) and the cable (2), even when the cable (2) has a nominal spacing between adjacent conductors (4) of 0.025 inches or less.

Abstract: Machine for providing by crimping the ends of cable conductors with end sleeves or other connection elements comprising a contact sleeve opened or closed in the envelope thereof, particularly a crimp sleeve. The machine comprises a device for feeding the end sleeves, a device for supplying the cable conductors and a crimping device cooperating with the sleeve feeding device. The crimping device is provided with a grip having jaws for the crimping of the metal tube of the end-sleeve or the contact sleeve of the connection element on the metal web of the conductor from the end of which the insulation has been removed; jaws are used to take out the synthetic collar from the end sleeve or from a portion of the connection element.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for terminating single conductors to an electrical connector having two rows of terminals, one on top of the other. The rows are staggered so that the terminals of one row are located between the terminals of the other row. An improved terminator is used to terminate wires to both upper and lower connector rows with an actuator of constant predetermined downward deflection.The apparatus also includes an improved index means for advancing a succession of terminals to a termination station.

Abstract: Machine for tipping by pressing cable leads (KE) with end sleeves (AD) or other similar connection elements with a female connector, which may be clamped, respectively pressed, closed or opened at the surface of the envelope, particularly crimp contact elements; the machine comprises a container for storing conductor end sleeves, a supply unit (200) for supplying the conductor end sleeves, which supply unit is provided with a conductor end sleeve unpairing unit (203) for unpairing the conductor end sleeves (A) or similar connection elements received from the storage container, a cable conductor insertion unit (20) and a clamping-fitting unit.

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.