One step applicator tool

In an applicator tool for applying a connector having a plurality of insulating piercing electrical terminals onto a multi-conductor flat cable with each terminal engaging a respective conductor, said tool having a frame having integral spaced upper and lower arms, ram means mounted in said upper arm for vertical movement, an upper tooling member mounted on a free lower end of said ram means, means to actuate said ram means, guide rail means mounted on said lower arm extending from a point beneath said ram means in cantilever fashion, and a lower tooling assembly including a sliding base mounted on said guide rail means for sliding motion between a point remote from said ram to said point beneath said ram, a base plate assembly fixed to said sliding base and including a base plate, cable guide means mounted on the base plate, cable clamp means for securing a cable to said base plate, connector receiving means, and cable stop means selectively positionable to abut the free end of a cable and to allow through feed of said cable whereby a connector can be applied intermediate the ends of the cable, said cable clamp means comprising:

• a first fixture secured to one edge of said base plate,
• a locking fixture secured to the opposite edge of said base plate,
• a clamping arm having one end pivotally attached to said first fixture and locking means on the opposite free end engageable with said locking fixture,
• first cable engaging means supported on said clamping arm by first spring means so as to apply constant force to a cable, and
• second cable engaging means supported on said clamping arm by second spring means so as to apply increased force to a cable upon locking of said clamping arm in said locking feature.