US4285118A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cable harness assembly and electrical testing machine
Assignee: TE Connectivity Corp
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Filing: 1978-05-17
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Granted: 1981-08-25
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Expires: 1998-05-17
Abstract
Abstract An assembly apparatus is disclosed for manufacturing cable harnesses having a measured length of a multi-conductor flat flexible cable terminated by at least two electrical connectors. The assembly apparatus includes a conductor testing and cable cutting station, a connector crimp termination station, and a test fixture which electrically tests each connector for shorts and opens simultaneously with the crimping of the connector onto the cable.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael S. Peppler
- 👤 Johannes C. W. Bakermans
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 18:15
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R43/00; H01R43/01; G; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/50; G01R31/58; G01R31/54; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49002; Y10T29/49004; Y10T29/49117; Y10T29/49169
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
A method of fabricating cable harnesses of multi-conductor flexible cable terminated with at least two electrical connectors while simultaneously testing each connection for electrical continuity as the connection is effected, comprising the steps of: feeding a first end of a multi-conductor flat flexible cable to a terminating station; terminating said first end of said multi-conductor flat flexible cable with a first electrical connector having therein a plurality of contact terminals, each said terminal having an insulation piercing portion adapted to engage a respective conductor of the cable; indexing said cable to engage said terminated first connector in a test fixture having therein terminals contacting each terminal of said first connector while presenting a subsequent portion of said cable to said terminating station; and terminating said subsequent portion of said cable with a next successive electrical connector while electrically testing each connection of each said successive electrical connector simultaneously with termination of each said successive electrical connector on said cable.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
159 words
A method of fabricating cable harnesses of multi-conductor flexible cable terminated with at least two electrical connectors while simultaneously testing each connection for electrical continuity as the connection is effected, comprising the steps of: feeding a first end of a multi-conductor flat flexible cable to a terminating station; terminating said first end of said multi-conductor flat flexible cable with a first electrical connector having therein a plurality of contact terminals, each said terminal having an insulation piercing portion adapted to engage a respective conductor of the cable; indexing said cable to engage said terminated first connector in a test fixture having therein terminals contacting each terminal of said first connector while presenting a subsequent portion of said cable to said terminating station; and terminating said subsequent portion of said cable with a next successive electrical connector while electrically testing each connection of each said successive electrical connector simultaneously with termination of each said successive electrical connector on said cable.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of electrical testing includes: grounding to test for "open" and opening to test for "short".
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method of fabricating cable harnesses according to claim 1 further comprising the step of: straightening said multi-conductor cable as it is unwound from a reel thereby facilitating handling.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method of fabricating cable harnesses according to claim 1 further comprising the steps of: preloading a plurality of connectors in carriers; and sequencing the loaded carriers and said cable through said terminating station to effect termination of the cable with the respective connectors at a desired spacing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method of fabricating cable harnesses according to claim 4 further comprising the step of: feeding the terminated cable through said terminating station; and applying covers to said connectors to enclose said terminated cable.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-08-24 | 1985-02-23 | 1985-08-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-08-24 | 1989-02-23 | 1989-08-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-08-24 | 1993-02-23 | 1993-08-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |