Abstract: A conductor is formed from a single unitary sheet of metal and is bent so as to form a body portion and two overlapped flange sections. The flange section which is immediately adjacent the contact surface to which the conductor is connected may include at least one surface scratching projection which extends outwardly beyond the undersurface of that flange section to scratch and make electrical contact with the contact surface to permit electric flow between the conductor and the contact surface.

Abstract: An electrical wedge connector with a sleeve, a separate wedge, and an interconnector. The interconnector connects the wedge to the sleeve when the wedge is not directly connected to the sleeve. This prevents the sleeve or wedge from being accidently lost or dropped prior to assembly. The interconnector can be flexible or rigid.

Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting electrical conductors. The connector has a "C" shaped sleeve and a wedge. The sleeve has a middle section with an interior surface having a longitudinal depression and a stop ledge at a rear end of the depression. The wedge is comprised of an elongate sheet metal member that is folded over along its length at least two times to form the wedge with two adjacent loops. A side edge of the sheet metal member forms a latching ledge to engage the stop ledge on the sleeve for preventing the wedge from moving out of the sleeve.

Abstract: A cartridge for a powder actuated tool having a cartridge case, a powder propellant, a bushing, and a piston. The piston has a tapered outer diameter that is larger in a rear end of the piston and is compressed inward by the cartridge case. A port extends through the piston and has an entrance to the port at a rear end of the piston with a semi-spherical shape to slow gas flow rate passing through the port and reduce the amount of propellant residue passing through the port. The piston has a main section and a cantilevered section. The cantilevered section has a general ring shape and forms a portion of the outer diameter of the piston.

Abstract: A hand operated tool is provided having a working head and a pair of handles. The handles are operably connected to each other and to the working head. The handles are each made of a one-piece polymer member which can indicate wear of the handles at their connection to each other.

Abstract: A valve for use in a hydraulic compression tool. The valve has a frame with a central chamber, a first inlet, a second inlet and a discharged outlet. A first gate is located at the first inlet. A plunger assembly having a first plunger member and a second plunger member are movably mounted in the central chamber with a spring biasing the plunger member against the second plunger member. The second plunger member has a conduit between the second inlet and the first plunger member. The valve has a first home position that substantially prevents fluid from flowing therethrough. The valve has a second manual release position wherein fluid can flow into the first inlet and out the discharge outlet. The valve also has a third automatic relief position such that in the event a predetermined maximum fluid pressure is exceeded a gate will open between the first plunger and the second plunger member to allow fluid to flow from the second inlet through the valve and out the discharge outlet.

Abstract: A hydraulic tool for crimping connectors to electrical power lines includes a C-shaped crimping head which is infinitely rotatable with respect to the main body of the hydraulic tool for ease of positioning the tool with respect to workpieces. The invention particularly relates to the means for having a C-shaped head on the tool to achieve universal rotation while maintaining integrity of the hydraulic system across the rotational interface.