Terminal applicator having a retractable cam

An apparatus for terminating a conductor to an electrical terminal and applying an insulating housing thereto, said apparatus comprising:

• a) a frame;
• b) an anvil supported by said frame and arranged to receive an electrical terminal;
• c) a ram in sliding engagement with said frame and arrange to undergo reciprocating motion in a crimping direction into crimping engagement with said terminal and in an opposite return direction away from said terminal;
• d) a housing feed mechanism coupled to said frame and arranged for effecting application of an insulating housing over said terminal, and
• e) a first cam coupled to said ram and operatively connected to said housing feed mechanism whereby during movement of said ram in said return direction, said housing feed mechanism is operated to effect application of said insulated housing over said terminal, wherein said first cam is a retractable cam having a first cam surface and wherein said apparatus further comprises a cam follower operatively connected to said housing feed mechanism and arranged to engage and follow said first cam surface only during said movement of said ram in said return direction, wherein said retractable cam is coupled to said ram by means of a pivotal coupling, wherein said retractable cam has a second cam surface arranged so that said cam follower will engage and track said second cam surface and cause said retractable cam to pivot about said pivotal coupling from a first position to a second position thereby preventing engagement of said cam follower with said first cam surface, only during said movement of said ram in said crimping direction, wherein said cam follower has a first follower surface for engaging and following said first cam surface, and a second follower surface for engaging and following said second cam surface, a resilient member arranged to urge said retractable cam into said first position, and wherein said ram includes a cutout for receiving said retractable cam and said pivotal coupling is effected by means of a pivot pin extending through said retractable cam and into holes in said ram on opposite sides of said cutout.