The Whitaker Corporation

Amp LLC

Marlin R Schollenberger

Kenneth F Folk

Joseph F Stachura

Bryan J Dornes

James L Dale

Gregory F Deuel

Charles Edwin Fitz, Jr

A terminal applicator (10) is disclosed having a shut height adjustment mechanisms (68, 120) for controlling the shut height (102, 220) of both the terminal barrel crimping bar (26) and the insulation crimping bar (28). The mechanism includes upper and lower ramp members (126, 128) having opposed ramp surfaces (140), the lower ramp member being attached to the tooling ram (40) and the upper ramp member being rotationally coupled to the ram. By incrementally rotating the upper ramp member (128), the relative spacing between a press ram (222) and the tooling ram (40) can be adjusted, thereby changing the shut height (220) of the barrel crimping bar (26). A cam (72) is rotationally coupled to the tooling ram (40) at right angles to the axis (24) of the upper and lower ramp members (126, 128). The cam has a series of flat surfaces (98), each of which is a different distance from its center of rotation (79). Each flat surface is positionable in abutting engagement with the top surface (70) of the insulation tab crimping bar (28) for adjusting its shut height (102).

Shut height adjustment mechanism for a terminal applicator

An applicator (10) for crimping electrical terminals onto conductors is provided with a ram (16) having outer facing surfaces (28, 42, 44, 46) that are unobstructed by the slide (32, 34) coupling the ram to the applicator frame (12). A ram retention device is provided that includes a retention screw (50) extending through the ram (16) and into the slide coupling for engagement with a shoulder (64) to limit movement of the ram (16) and to hold it captive to the frame (12).

Terminal applicator having ram retention feature

An apparatus (40) and method of use is disclosed for splaying the cut end of a wire shield (18) during termination of a coax cable assembly (10). The apparatus includes a block (42) having a flat surface (44) and a first hole (48) formed through the flat surface and into the block. A pin (52) is disposed in the first hole and is slidable therein. An end (60) of the pin extends out of the first hole (48) and is spring biased in that direction. A second hole (78) is formed axially through the pin and is sized to receive the insulated center conductor (20) of the cable assembly (10). A third hole (82) is formed in the block (42) and is arranged for receiving the prepared end of the center conductor (20) for initial splaying of the wire shield (18) by shifting the cable assembly off center to the third hole (82) and then moving it in an arcuate path about the axis of the hole. The center conductor is then removed from the third hole and inserted into the second hole (78) in the pin (52), causing the pin to engage the partially splayed wire shield (18) and to further splay it as the pin retracts into the first hole (48).

Apparatus and method for splaying the shield wires of a coaxial cable

A machine (10) is disclosed for staking a multi-part connector housing together. The machine includes upper and lower die assemblies (26, 30) that are brought into engagement by means of a manually actuated ram (18). The connector and cable assembly (12) to be staked is held between a lower die nest (98) and an upper die face (130) that are spring biased toward each other. Lower staking pins (82, 84) are fixed with respect to the base (16) of the machine while upper staking pins (142) are fixed with respect to the ram (18). As the ram moves toward the base, the lower die nest (98) and upper die face (130), as well as the connector move downwardly toward and into staking engagement with the lower staking pins (82, 84). Concurrently, the upper staking pins (142) move toward and into staking engagement with the upper side of the connector.

Machine for staking a two part connector housing together

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.

Method of aligning individual connectors

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.

Growing community of inventors

Myerstown, PA, United States of America

Marlin R Schollenberger