Tool and method for connecting a connector to a coaxial cable

A tool for connecting a coaxial cable connector to a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable connector having a central axis and first and second parts that are movable relative to each other along the central axis of the connector between:

• i) a pre-assembly relationship;
• and ii) an assembled relationship, the tool having a size and weight to be held and transported in the hands of a user and comprising:
• a frame defining a receptacle for the connector with the connector in an installation position and a part of the cable placed in an operative position with respect to the connector;
• and
• an operating mechanism on the frame comprising a plunger that is movable between a first position and a second position to thereby change the first and second parts of the connector in the installation position from the pre-assembly relationship into the assembled relationship,
• the operating mechanism actuated by a pressurized fluid from a container removably connected to the frame,
• wherein the frame defines a chamber within which the plunger is guided in movement along a first line between its first and second positions and the frame defines a fluid flow path between a pressurized supply of the fluid and a force applying end on the plunger.

A tool for connecting a coaxial cable connector to a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable connector having a central axis and first and second parts that are movable relative to each other along the central axis of the connector between:

• i) a pre-assembly relationship;
• and ii) an assembled relationship, the tool having a size and weight to be held and transported in the hands of a user and comprising:
• a frame defining a receptacle for the connector with the connector in an installation position and a part of the cable placed in an operative position with respect to the connector;
• and
• an operating mechanism on the frame comprising a plunger that is movable between a first position and a second position to thereby change the first and second parts of the connector in the installation position from the pre-assembly relationship into the assembled relationship,
• the operating mechanism actuated by a pressurized fluid from a container removably connected to the frame,
• the tool further provided in combination with a container for a supply of pressurized fluid that is air, the container removably connected to the frame.

A tool for connecting a coaxial cable connector to a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable connector having a central axis and first and second parts that are movable relative to each other along the central axis of the connector between:

• i) a pre-assembly relationship;
• and ii) an assembled relationship, the tool having a size and weight to be held and transported in the hands of a user and comprising:
• a frame defining a receptacle for the connector with the connector in an installation position and a part of the cable placed in an operative position with respect to the connector;
• and
• an operating mechanism on the frame comprising a plunger that is movable between a first position and a second position to thereby change the first and second parts of the connector in the installation position from the pre-assembly relationship into the assembled relationship,
• the operating mechanism actuated by a pressurized fluid from a container removably connected to the frame,
• wherein the frame and container cooperatively define an “L” shape.

A tool for connecting a coaxial cable connector to a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable connector having a central axis and first and second parts that are movable relative to each other along the central axis of the connector between:

• i) a pre-assembly relationship;
• and ii) an assembled relationship, the tool having a size and weight to be held and transported in the hands of a user and comprising:
• a frame defining a receptacle for the connector with the connector in an installation position and a part of the cable placed in an operative position with respect to the connector;
• and
• an operating mechanism on the frame comprising a plunger that is movable between a first position and a second position to thereby change the first and second parts of the connector in the installation position from the pre-assembly relationship into the assembled relationship,
• the operating mechanism actuated by a pressurized fluid from a container removably connected to the frame,
• the tool provided in combination with a container for a supply of pressurized fluid that is removably connected to the frame,
• wherein there are threaded connector parts on the frame and container that cooperate to allow the container and frame to be relatively moved to selectively engage and disengage threads on the connector parts.

A tool for attaching a connector to a cable, the tool comprising:

• a frame;
• and
• an operating mechanism on the frame that is operable by a pressurized fluid,
• the tool having a size and weight to be held by and transported in the hands of a user,
• the frame defining a receptacle for a connector with a first backing surface facing in a first direction and against which a connector can be placed with a cable in an operative position with respect to the connector,
• the operating mechanism comprising a plunger that is movable between a first position and a second position,
• the plunger moved towards the backing surface and oppositely to the first direction as the plunger moves from the first position towards the second position,
• the frame defining a grasping portion that can be gripped in the hand of a user to hold the tool for operation,
• the tool further comprising an operator having a part that can be repositioned from a first position towards a second position to thereby release pressure from a pressurized source to cause the plunger to be moved from the first position into the second position.

A tool for attaching a connector to a cable, the tool comprising:

• a frame;
• and
• an operating mechanism on the frame that is operable by a pressurized fluid,
• the tool having a size and weight to be held by and transported in the hands of a user,
• the frame comprising means for receiving a connector with a cable in an operative position with respect to the connector,
• the operating mechanism comprising:
• plunger means for exerting a compressive force upon a connector at the receiving means;
• and
• means for selectively a) causing delivery of pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid supply to cause the plunger means to exert a compressive force upon a connector at the receiving means;
• and b) blocking delivery of pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid supply in a manner whereby the plunger means does not exert a compressive force upon a connector at the receiving means.