Method and apparatus for forming an electrical connection

Abstract

A method and apparatus of forming a solder connection between a plurality of elongate bodies, comprises: (i) forming an initial connection between the elongate bodies by inserting them into an induction heatable connecting element of a connector, the connector comprising a dimensionally heat-recoverable sleeve and, retained within the sleeve, the connecting element and a solder insert that is in thermal contact with the connecting element; and (ii) heating the connector (a) by subjecting the connecting element to an alternating magnetic field so that it is heated by induction thereby melting the solder insert, and (b) subjecting the sleeve to hot air and/or infrared radiation, thereby causing the sleeve to recover. The apparatus for applying heat to an elongate connector, comprises a first heat source which comprises an induction coil, and a second heat source arranged to generate hot air or infrared radiation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.