Methods of connecting cables with an installation tool
AssigneeHubbell Incorporated
InventorsLawrence Norman Brown, Henry Arnold Maxwell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A wedge connector assembly including an installation tool having a tool body and a frame connected to the tool body. A sleeve is received by the frame and a wedge is received by the sleeve. A firing mechanism is movably connected to the tool body. A movable ram extends from the tool body into the frame such that movement of the ram drives the wedge into the sleeve when the installation tool is fired. A piston is movably disposed in the tool body between the ram and the firing mechanism. The piston is moved when the firing mechanism is activated, thereby driving the wedge into the sleeve. An indicator disposed on the ram indicates when the installation tool is in a proper firing position to substantially prevent over-torquing the installation tool.
Claims18
A method of connecting cables with an installation tool, comprising the steps of
- positioning a sleeve on the cables;
- rotating a tool body to put the installation tool in a firing position;
- stopping rotation of the tool body when indicated by an indicator on the installation tool to substantially prevent over-torquing the installation tool;
- and
- activating a firing mechanism to drive a wedge into the sleeve to secure the cables between the wedge and the sleeve.
A method of connecting cables together with an installation tool, said method comprising the steps of
- positioning a sleeve and the installation tool on the cables, said installation tool having a tool body, a ram, a firing mechanism, and a frame connected to the tool body;
- rotating the tool body relative to the ram to position the installation tool in a firing position;
- and
- stopping the rotation of the tool body when an indicator on said installation tool identifies a predetermined firing position without over-torquing the tool body with respect to the ram;
- and
- activating a firing mechanism to drive a wedge into said sleeve to secure the cables between the wedge and the sleeve.
A method of connecting cables, comprising the steps of
- positioning a sleeve on the cables and a wedge between the cables within the sleeve,
- positioning an installation tool on the sleeve, said installation tool having a tool body, a frame connected to the tool body, a firing mechanism, a movable ram extending from the tool body into the frame, and an indicator to indicate a firing position of said tool body relative to the ram and frame;
- and
- rotating the tool body relative to the ram to position the tool body in the firing position, without over-torquing, and actuating said firing mechanism.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.