Abstract: A twist-on connector for electrical wires has a shell of insulating material and a metal coil inserted into an aperture in the shell. The aperture extending from one end of the shell and has an outer tapered section which is threaded to engage the electrical wires. A beveled section of the aperture extends inwardly from the outer tapered section to an intermediate tapered section. The intermediate tapered section is formed by a threadless region which is proximate to the beveled section and a threaded region extending inward from the threadless region. A closed end section of the aperture adjoins the intermediate tapered section. The coil is frusto-conical with several turns at the larger end engaging the threadless region of the aperture and the smaller end engaging the closed end section of the aperture. The middle coil portion is spaced from the shell.

Abstract: Ends of several electrical wires are joined by a connector to a predefined torque level. The connector includes a hollow body having an open end, a smaller closed end and an outer surface extending between the two ends. The outer surface has a portion with an equilateral polygonal cross-section for engagement by a tool to effect rotation of the body. The portion of the body is specifically designed with elements, such as the corners of the polygon, which become rounded when the tool applies torque that exceeds the predefined torque level. Such deformation of the body thereby prevents excessive torque from damaging the electrical wires. Another portion of the body is provided to enable another tool to engage the connector for removal from the wires.

Abstract: Ends of several electrical wires are joined by a connector which is twisted onto the wire to a predefined torque level by using a unique tool socket. The connector has a body with closed end and an open end for receiving the electrical wires. At least a portion of the hollow body has an equilateral polygonal cross section shape formed by side surfaces which meet at corner sections. The tool socket includes a coupling through which torque is applied and has an aperture for receiving the connector. The aperture has a cross-sectional shape such that the tool socket engages only the connector corner sections and a space exists between the connector side surfaces and the socket. That engagement concentrates torque applied by the tool socket to the connector which causes the corner sections to round upon application of more than the predefined torque level, thus preventing excessive torque from being applied to the connector and the wires.

Abstract: A screw-on electrical connector is employed to connect a plurality of wires using an apparatus that includes a tool bit driver with an electric motor powered by a battery. A torque limiting device transfers torque from the electric motor to a chuck. A mechanism permits adjustment of the maximum level of torque applied to the chuck and indicia is provided indicating torque settings for different combinations of wire sizes and numbers to be connected. A tool is coupled to the chuck and has a member for engaging a screw-on electrical connector in order to twist the screw-on electrical connector onto a plurality of wires.

Abstract: A tool for removing insulation from an electrical cable, has a pair of levers pivotally joined at a fulcrum point to each other. Each lever has a handle and a jaw on opposite sides of the fulcrum point. The jaws have a plurality of notches of different curvatures which come together in a closed state for stripping insulation from electrical wires of different gauges. One of the jaws also contains a ripper for cutting away the sheathing from an electrical cable. The ripper is formed by a ripper notch with first and second sides that diverge at an acute angle from a vertex to an opening that faces away from the handles. The first side of the ripper notch has a beveled surface which forms a sharp knife edge that cuts the sheathing and the second side is formed by a cylindrical guide pin. When the tool is used, the guide pin is inserted into the end of the cable and directs the sheathing into the ripper notch while preventing the insulated wires within the cable from being damaged by the knife edge.

Abstract: An insulating cover for a wire joint has a body which defines a lumen particularly adapted for receiving a crimp sleeve type wire joint. Longitudinal or coaxial ribs adjacent to a closed end of the lumen define an inside diameter which engages a relatively smaller joint, and the ribs are sufficiently flexible and the body stretchable so that the cover can alternatively receive a larger joint. A flexible skirt depends from the body and an elastic strap extends from the skirt with a ring retainer on the strap so that the strap can be extended through the crotch of the joint and secured to the body.

Abstract: A shock absorber assembly for a table top is disclosed. The table top has on its bottom side a downwardly open cup recess. An insert is positioned in the recess and the insert is connectable to a table leg. A dampening filler material is positioned in the cup between the table top and insert to effectively isolate the insert (and thus, the table leg) from the table top. Breakage of highly decorative table tops is thus reduced.