Coaxial cable tap

For use in providing electrical connection to a coaxial cable without signal interruption thereto and wherein the coaxial cable has a center conductor, an outer conductor and a dielectric therebetween, and said cable has a longitudinal axis, apparatus comprising:

• a cable connector clamp including:
• a base plate;
• a lower shoe removably disposed in the base plate;
• the base plate and lower shoe having an elongated recess for acceptance of a coaxial cable therealong;
• first and second end pieces removably attached to the base plate in spaced relation for retaining the coaxial cable in the elongated recess;
• the portion of the coaxial cable between the end pieces being disposed for access;
• a cutting block disposable in the portion between the end pieces and including fastener means for removably securing the cutting block to the base plate;
• the cutting block having a transverse opening therethrough, extending along an axis orthogonal to the axis of the coaxial cable disposed in the cable connector clamp, and intersecting the outer conductor of the coaxial cable and a portion of the dielectric material between the outer conductor and the center conductor of the coaxial cable;
• the transverse opening of the cutting block being operative to receive and guide a cutting tool insertable through the opening and operative to remove a portion of the outer conductor and a portion of the dielectric between the outer conductor and center conductor of the coaxial cable without contacting the center conductor of the coaxial cable;
• a top piece disposable in the portion between the end pieces of the connector clamp after removal of the cutting block and including fastener means for securing the top piece to the lower shoe for retention of the coaxial cable between the top piece and lower shoe, said top piece including means for providing electrical connection to the outer conductor;
• a coaxial connector fitting secured to the top piece and having a center pin extending through the dielectric in the removed area of the cable to radially engage the center conductor of the cable;
• the base plate and end pieces being removable from the cable after securing the top piece and lower shoe to the cable.