Cable connector tool
AssigneeBAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
InventorsRichard E. Berkenbush, James W. Holley
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A cable connector wrench and method of operation that in one example has a shaft with a pair of asymmetrical jaws at one end and a handle coupled to the other end. The two jaws form an assembly in which the jaws are joined with a pivot. The fixed jaw is attachable to the shaft and the movable jaw is coupled to the fixed jaw. The movable jaw and the fixed jaw cooperate to engage a connector of a cabled assembly wherein the connector wrench is adapted for tightening or loosening the connector of the cabled assembly.
Claims16
A connector wrench for use on electrical connectors, comprising:
- a movable jaw;
- a fixed jaw coupled with the movable jaw, wherein the movable jaw and the fixed jaw cooperate to engage a connector of a cabled assembly;
- a shaft coupled with the fixed jaw on a first end;
- a sleeve affixed to cover at least a portion of the movable jaw that engages the connector;
- and
- a torque limiter integrated with the shaft or the fixed jaw and configured to allow for a low torque to be applied to the connector, wherein the torque limiter is a slip gear;
- wherein the connector wrench is adapted for tightening or loosening the connector of the cabled assembly.
A method of coupling cables to a panel, comprising:
- providing a plurality of cables connectable to the panel, where the cables have a cable connector engaging with mating receptacle on the panel;
- providing a connector wrench comprising:
- a movable jaw;
- a fixed jaw coupled to the movable jaw wherein the movable jaw pivots with respect to the fixed jaw;
- a shaft connected to the fixed jaw;
- a sleeve covering at least a portion of the movable jaw that engages the connector;
- a torque limiter integrated into fixed jaw and configured to limit a torsional force;
- and
- arranging the movable jaw to engage the cable connector;
- and
- applying the torsional force to the shaft, wherein the torsional force rotates the cable connector with respect to the mating receptacle.
A kit for assembling a connector wrench, comprising:
- at least one gripping element comprising a movable jaw coupled to a fixed jaw and having a receptacle;
- a sleeve permanently covering at least a portion of the movable jaw;
- a shaft configured to mate with the receptacle on a first end of the shaft;
- a torque limiter configured to prevent overtightening and limit torsional force, wherein the torque limiter is a slip gear;
- and
- a handle configured to mate with a receptacle on a second end of the shaft wherein the connector wrench is configured to engage with a cable connector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.