Devices and methods for coupling composite conductors

A method, comprising:

• removing a portion of a first conductor layer from an end of a first conductor to expose a portion of a first strength member;
• inserting the end of the first strength member into a channel defined by a coupler;
• removing a portion of a second conductor layer from an end of a second conductor to expose a portion of a second strength member;
• inserting the end of the second strength member into the channel defined by the coupler;
• disposing a swage apparatus around the coupler in a first position in which a gap exists between an inner surface of the swage apparatus and the coupler;
• and
• transitioning the swage apparatus from the first position to a second position in which the inner surface of the swage apparatus contacts the coupler and causes backward press crimping of the coupler to the first strength member and the second strength member.

A method, comprising:

• removing a portion of a conductor layer from an end of a conductor to expose a portion of a strength member;
• inserting an end of the first strength member into a channel defined by a coupler;
• and
• disposing a swage apparatus around the coupler in a first position in which a gap exists between an inner surface of the swage apparatus and the coupler;
• and
• transitioning the swage apparatus from the first position to a second position in which the inner surface of the swage apparatus contacts the coupler and causes backward press crimping of the coupler to the strength member.

A coupler, comprising:

• a first portion including:
• a first axial end configured to be coupled to a strength member of a conductor, the strength member including a core including a composite material and an encapsulation layer disposed around the core, a conductor layer disposed around the strength member, the strength member extending beyond an axial edge of the conductor layer to be coupled to the first portion;
• and
• a second axial end having a cross-sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area of the first axial end of the first portion;
• a second portion configured to be coupled to the second axial end of the first portion;
• and
• a third portion disposed around at least a portion of the first portion, the second portion, and the conductor, the third portion configured to be coupled to the conductor and the second portion.