Abstract: A tool for removing a head or knot of a cable bundling device includes a housing, an opening, and a cutting element disposed within the opening. The housing defines the opening and a funneling element is position within the opening to direct the object to be cut towards an exposed cutting edge of the cutting element. The opening and funneling element are sized and arranged to accommodate the head or knot of the cable device while preventing any undesirable articles from being exposed to the cutting edge. The funneling element includes a wedge shape to prove improved access between the cable tie and the cutting edge.

Abstract: A crimp tool calibration system for crimping a prepared wire into a corresponding contact wire barrel includes a computer, a positioner having a memory chip storing positioner data, and a tool frame. The tool frame includes a head having a receiving port therethrough, and configured for the positioner to be removably engaged with the receiving port during a crimping operation. The tool frame also includes a plurality of crimping dies positioned around a periphery of the receiving port, an adjustment device to adjust a crimp depth, and a positioner interface coupled to the tool frame. The positioner interface includes a tool memory for storing tool data, a reader, and a transmitter, where the reader is configured to read the positioner data stored on the memory chip of the positioner, and the transmitter is configured to transmit the positioner data and the tool data to the computer.

Abstract: A system for multi-stage crimping of a contact to a wire includes a first crimping die having a first portion of a selected shape defined therein, and a second crimping die having a complementary second portion of the selected shape defined therein. The system also includes the first and second crimping dies being operable to be displaced towards each other and along a first axis during a compression stroke. The first and second crimping dies are also operable to be displaced along a second axis during a closing stroke subsequent to the compression stroke, where the second axis is generally perpendicular to the first axis. In addition, the system includes the first and second crimping dies cooperating to crimp the contact into the selected shape to the wire upon completion of the closing stroke.

Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning a cable tape comprises a housing, a drive assembly, a capstan, and an optional cutting device. The drive assembly includes a driving member and a driven member slidably coupled to the driving member. A biasing element is coupled between the driving and the driven member and in a first operating mode, the driving member causes movement of the driven member little or no relative movement between two members. The capstan is rotatably coupled to the housing, and includes a gripping device to grip a cable tape and wrap the cable tape around an outer surface of the capstan as the capstan rotates. In a second operating mode, a tension force applied on the capstan by the cable tape that is greater than the biasing force allows relative movement between the driving member and the driven member.

Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning a cable tape comprises a housing, a drive assembly, a capstan, and an optional cutting device. The drive assembly includes a driving member and a driven member slidably coupled to the driving member. A biasing element is coupled between the driving and the driven member and in a first operating mode, the driving member causes movement of the driven member little or no relative movement between two members. The capstan is rotatably coupled to the housing, and includes a gripping device to grip a cable tape and wrap the cable tape around an outer surface of the capstan as the capstan rotates. In a second operating mode, a tension force applied on the capstan by the cable tape that is greater than the biasing force allows relative movement between the driving member and the driven member.

Abstract: A powered banding device includes a housing and a plurality of gripping rollers within the housing that are configured to pull a tail end of a band through a feed slot as the gripping rollers rotate. The device also includes torque circuitry coupled to an electric motor driving the plurality of gripping rollers, which the torque circuitry is configured to calculate a torque on the band using a motor current to determine when to stop pulling. A roller pin is configured to move through a roller slot after the electric motor stops pulling to form a fold in the band as the roller pin moves to an end of a downward curved portion of the roller slot. A cutter blade behind the roller pin follows the roller pin and cuts the band above the roller pin and flattens a cut end over a buckle of the band.

Abstract: A self-inspecting crimp tool for crimping contacts onto wire cable ends includes an indentor mechanism having a plurality of moveable indentors, each of the indentors having an end adapted for depressing and deforming a portion of a contact inserted into the mechanism, and at least one of the indentors having a pressure responsive element associated therewith for providing a signal indicative of the pressure exerted on the contact by the indentor. A memory storage device is operatively coupled to the pressure responsive element for recording pressure data and transferring such data to an electronic control unit of the tool for determining operation of the indentor mechanism. An automated inspection system a crimping tool uses light projector and a light sensor adapted for detecting a precise pattern of light projected through a crimping die and for providing precise measure of dimensions and configurations of the crimping die.

Abstract: A crimp tool for crimping contacts onto wire cable ends includes an indentor mechanism having a plurality of moveable indentors for deforming a portion of a contact inserted into the mechanism. One of the indentors has a pressure responsive element for providing a signal indicative of the pressure exerted on the contact by the indentor. A device coupled to the pressure responsive element records pressure data and transfers data to an electronic control unit for determining operation of the mechanism. An automated inspection system uses light projection and a light sensor adapted for detecting light projected through a crimping die to measure dimensions and configurations of the crimping die. The system stores data representative of desired measurements of the crimping die and compares actual measurements to desired measurements. A set of fixtures are used for positioning the crimping die in the inspection system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying calibration of a tool used in a repetitive applications, the tool having at least one part that moves with respect to another part of the tool during each repetitive application. An electronic sensor and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the tool detects and counts each repetitive application. A motion sensor provides an indication to the microcontroller of each repetitive application. The microcontroller stores a continuous count of the number of repetitive applications and compares that count to a predetermined maximum number of counts allowed during a calibration cycle, and provides a signal indicating when the stored continuous count reaches the predetermined maximum count. The signal may be a local visual indicator and a transmitted signal to a remote location to indicate that the tool is in need of re-calibration.

Abstract: A compound indenter for a wire connector pin, the pin having an axial length and an opening at an end thereof for receiving a wire having an exposed portion and an insulation covered portion, the opening being sized to receive both the exposed portion and a length of the insulation covered portion comprises a first indenter having a plurality of indenting elements for engaging the pin in an axial location overlaying the exposed portion of the wire inserted in the pin and a second indenter having a plurality of indenting elements for engaging the pin in an axial location overlaying the insulation covered portion of the wire inserted in the pin. The apparatus advances the indenting elements of each of the first and second indenters generally concurrently for compressing respective sections of the pin into engagement with the exposed wire portion and the insulation covered portions of the wire.

Abstract: An adaptable hand operated tool for tensioning safety cable to a predetermined tension limit, crimping a ferrule onto the cable, and cutting the cable. The tool comprises a body for adapting the tool to a hand operated hydraulic tool, a cable tensioner, and an elongated, removable nose. The cable tensioner comprises a wheel for applying tension to a cable wrapped around the wheel, and a clutch for prohibiting a rotational force from being applied to the wheel when a predetermined cable tension is applied. The elongated has an aperture for receiving a ferrule and passing the cable therethrough. A plunger is reciprocally operative in the nosepiece to crimp the ferrule on the safety cable and simultaneously severing a free end of the cable. The plunger is actuated by a piston of a hand operated hydraulic base tool.

Abstract: A crimping tool is provided for attaching a connector to a shielded coaxial cable. One connector on which the tool can be employed is an improved BNC type connector including a sliding center pin which is movable into the interior of the connector, such connector also including a crimpable ferrule for holding the cable to the connector. The crimping tool includes a pair of opposed crimping dies for crimping the ferrule to hold the connector to the cable. A lower crimping die of the tool includes a fitted receptacle for receiving the connector. A pair of handles are coupled to the opposed crimping dies to drive the dies together to crimp the ferrule. The crimping tool further includes a driving member for pushing the center pin of the connector into the interior of the connector simultaneously with the closure of the crimping dies to crimp the ferrule onto the shielded cable.

Abstract: A torque-latch ring plier system includes a ring plier having a pair of opposed arms with opposed semi-circular segments forming an annular receptacle. A connecting link joins the pair of arms at the annular receptacle for pivotable movement. A lever is rotatably mounted to one of the arms at about its midpoint and is rotatable to engage a reaction device on the other arm for urging the arms to pivot about the link and close the opposed segments. A coupler is associated with the lever to enable a torque wrench to be connected such that operation of the torque wrench is effective to operate the pliers and establish a selected torque at the opposed segments. The system further includes a tilting bench plate for releasably holding a device to be tightened for angularly positioning the device for ease of access.

Abstract: A tool for tensioning safety cable to a predetermined tension limit includes a reciprocally rotatable wheel mounted for rotation about a point on the tool for incrementally advancing the cable. A gear assembly is coupled to the rotatable wheel and has at least one driven gear connected to affect rotation of the wheel. A power actuator is coupled to the gear assembly and adapted for affecting reciprocal rotation of the at least one driven gear to thereby affect rotation of the wheel. The cable is attached to the wheel after being drawn through bolts to be restrained by the cable. The tool includes apparatus for terminating the cable to restrain it with the desired tension.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying high pressure hydraulic fluid to a hand tool comprises an intensifier having a first relatively large diameter pneumatic cylinder and a second relatively small diameter hydraulic cylinder containing hydraulic fluid. A first piston is operatively positioned in the pneumatic cylinder and mechanically coupled to a second piston operatively positioned in the hydraulic cylinder. An air switching valve is connected between a source of pressurized air and the pneumatic cylinder and has a first air outlet port connected to a first end of the pneumatic cylinder and operative in a pressurizing mode for supplying air pressure to drive the first piston in a direction to pressurize the hydraulic fluid. The valve also has a second air outlet port connected to a second end of the pneumatic cylinder and operative in a depressurizing mode for supplying air for retracting the first piston and depressurizing the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A tool for tensioning safety cable to a predetermined tension limit and for automatically terminating the cable when the predetermined limit is reached. The tool comprises a rotatable wheel mounted for reciprocating rotation about a point on the tool for incrementally advancing the cable during a drive stroke and a toggle assembly operatively connected to the rotatable wheel for affecting its reciprocal rotating motion. A tension setting mechanism operatively coupled to the toggle assembly for inhibiting rotation of the rotatable wheel when tension on the cable is greater than a preselected value. A clamp is operative in response to inhibited rotation of the rotatable wheel for terminating the cable by crimping a ferrule to the cable while simultaneously severing a free end of the cable.

Abstract: A tool for tensioning safety cable to a predetermined tension limit and for automatically terminating the cable when the predetermined limit is reached. The tool comprises a rotatable wheel mounted for reciprocating rotation about a point on the tool for incrementally advancing the cable during a drive stroke and a toggle assembly operatively connected to the rotatable wheel for affecting its reciprocal rotating motion. A tension setting mechanism is operatively coupled to the toggle assembly for inhibiting rotation of the rotatable wheel when tension on the cable is greater than a preselected value. A clamp is operative in response to inhibited rotation of the rotatable wheel for terminating the cable by crimping a ferrule to the cable while simultaneously severing a free end of the cable. The tool includes an elongated nosepiece having an aperture for receiving the ferrule and passing the cable therethrough.

Abstract: A tool for tensioning safety cable to a predetermined tension limit and for automatically terminating the cable when the cable has been tensioned to the predetermined limit. The tool includes apparatus for grasping and pulling the cable to the predetermined tension limit and apparatus for automatically crimping a ferrule onto the cable when the predetermined tension limit is reached. The crimping apparatus is operative to sever a free end of the cable concurrently with crimping of the ferrule.