Precision crimping tool

Abstract

A crimping apparatus (50) is disclosed for operation with either a manually operated or powered hand tool (30) or with an applicator in a press. The crimping apparatus (50) includes a crimper (52) and opposing anvil (54), each having a shank (100, 120) with a T-shaped openings (106, 126) therein. A self centering body (60) has one end (68) arranged to slide in one of the T-shaped openings (106) and the other end (70) arranged to slide in the other T-shaped opening (126) so that the crimper (52) and anvil (54) are free to move, with respect to the self centering body (60), toward each other and away from each other. The crimper is secured to a fixed plate (40) in the tool while the anvil is secured to a reciprocable ram (38). A pair of terminal supports (56, 58) are arranged in sliding engagement with two more T-shaped openings (108, 128), one in the crimper and one in the anvil. Each terminal support (56, 58) has a semicirular opening (146) in its end that engages the outer edge of the terminal barrel to hold it in centered position during crimping and to prevent deformation of the edge.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.