Terminal applicator apparatus, system, and method

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for automatically crimping terminals or connectors to wires wherein the terminals or connectors are provided in strip form and may be of varying sizes, shapes, and pitches. An apparatus according to the present invention includes an applicator body and a ram movably mounted in relation to the body and drivable in a first path through a working stroke towards, and a return stroke away from, a crimping anvil. The apparatus further includes a crimping die on the ram for cooperation with the anvil and adapted to crimp a terminal connector located therebetween onto a wire during each working stroke of the ram. The apparatus additionally includes a drive mechanism adapted to contact the strip through pressure engagement and to feed the strip along a second path to locate the leading connector on the strip between the anvil and the die.