Tool for matrix connector

Claim 1

A tool for programmable termination of a plurality n of wires to a plurality n of adjacent terminals in an electrical connector, said connector having a base with said terminals mounted therein, each terminal having a plurality n of wire receiving portions each having a wire receiving slot, said slots of adjacent terminals forming a plurality n of rows of slots, said slots as a whole forming an n×n array, said tool comprising: a housing; a cover hinged to said housing, said cover being pivotable from an open position to a closed position, said cover having a top surface and an opposed bottom surface which faces said housing when said cover is closed; a plurality n of wire inserters extending from the bottom surface of said cover, each said inserter being slidable relative to said cover to a plurality n of fixed positions spaced as the wire receiving portion of a terminal, said positions as a whole forming an n×n array spaced as said wire receiving slots; nest means carried in said housing, said nest means being movable perpendicularly to said bottom surface of said cover when said cover is closed, said nest means being profiled to position said base with said array of slots paralleling said array of inserters when said cover is closed, actuating means for moving said nest means toward said cover when said cover is closed whereby, upon laying a plurality n of said wires in an array against said base with each wire overlying a row of slots, any wire may be connected to any terminal by positioning said inserters in the appropriate positions.