U.S. patent number RE33,098 [Application Number 07/323,429] was granted by the patent office on 1989-10-24 for explosively-operated tool.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Burndy Corporation. Invention is credited to Warren A. Center.
United States Patent |
RE33,098 |
Center |
October 24, 1989 |
Explosively-operated tool
Abstract
Power tool for the assembly of electrical connectors including a
chamber for receiving an explosive element and a firing element
associated therewith.
Inventors: |
Center; Warren A. (Alton Bay,
NH) |
Assignee: |
Burndy Corporation (Norwalk,
CT)
|
Family
ID: |
26983954 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/323,429 |
Filed: |
March 14, 1989 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
914332 |
Oct 2, 1986 |
04722189 |
Feb 2, 1988 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
60/635; 60/636;
60/632 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25B
27/0085 (20130101); H01R 43/0275 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B25B
27/00 (20060101); H01R 43/027 (20060101); F01B
029/08 (); F02N 013/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;60/632,635,636 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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652429 |
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Apr 1951 |
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GB |
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2091395 |
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Jul 1982 |
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GB |
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Other References
Ampact Taps, Stirrups, and Application Tooling, Ampinc.
8-5-77..
|
Primary Examiner: Ostrager; Allen M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Blodgett & Blodgett
Claims
The invention having been thus described, what is claimed as new
and desired to secure by Letters Patents is:
1. Tool for use in assembling an electrical connector, which
connector consists of a clamp and a wedge, comprising:
(a) a base having an anvil at one end to engage the clamp and an
abutment at the other end having a threaded bore aligned with the
anvil,
(b) an adjusting member having a threaded portion carried in the
threaded bore, the member having a primary bore which is coaxial of
the threaded bore, the adjusting member having a cylindrical head
that is non-coextensive with the threaded portion,
(c) a driving rod slidably carried in the primary bore,
(d) a tubular housing slidably and rotatably carried on the
cylindrical head,
(e) a striker carried by the housing an alignment with the driving
rod, and
(f) a detent mounted on the housing and engageable with a recess
formed on the said cylindrical head to lock the housing in a
selected firing position on the head.
2. Tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the head is mounted on the
adjusting member and has a chamber bore adapted to receive a
tubular cartridge containing a piston and having an explosive power
cell, wherein the striker has a firing pin aligned with said power
cell, the piston being movable within the cartridge by contact with
the rod from a first position spaced from the firing pin to a
second piston adjacent the firing pin.
3. Tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the said cylindrical head
has a chamber bore adapted to receive a cartridge, and wherein an
elongated shell case having a longitudinal main bore opening on one
end and a communicating smaller bore opening on the other end, a
bushing having a cylindrical portion slidable in the small bore and
a flange at one end slidable in the longitudinal main bore, the
bushing having a coaxial bore extending through it, a power cell
having a cylindrical main body fitting snugly in the coaxial bore
of the bushing and a radial flange at one end to engage the other
end of the bushing, the power cell having internal explosive
material and primer that is actuated at the said one end of the
cell having the flange, and a piston slidably carried in the main
bore and having a recess facing the bushing and the power cell.
4. Tool as recited in claim 3, wherein the cartridge has a passage
leading from the power cell to the exterior of the cartridge,
wherein the housing has a window for the introduction of the
cartridge into the head, wherein the detent prevents the operation
of the striker except when the housing is in the said firing
position, the gas pressure resulting from the actuation of the
power cell being relieved after firing by flow through the
small-bore in the cartridge shell case into the housing and through
the window to the exterior of the housing.
5. Tool as recited in claim 4, wherein the striker is mounted in
alignment with the cartridge and with the driving rod; and wherein
the striker has a firing pin aligned with the said power cell, the
bushing and power cell being movable within the cartridge by
contact with the rod from a first position spaced from the firing
pin to a second position adjacent the firing pin.
6. Tool as recited in claim 5, wherein the striker is cylindrical,
and wherein the detent is engageable with a groove formed on the
striker to lock the striker in a non-firing position in the housing
until obturation has been completed.
7. Explosive cartridge, comprising:
(a) an elongated shell case having a longitudinal main bore opening
on one end and a communicating smaller bore opening on the other
end,
(b) a bushing having a cylindrical portion slidable in the smaller
bore and a flange at one slidable in the longitudinal main bore,
the bushing having a coaxial bore extending through it,
(c) a power cell having a cylindrical main body fitting snugly in
the coaxial bore of the bushing and a radial flange at one end to
engage the other end of the bushing, the power cell having internal
explosive material and primer that is actuated at the said one end
of the cell having the flange, and
(d) a piston slidably carried in the main bore and having a recess
facing the bushing and the power cell.
8. Tool using an explosive power cell, comprising:
(a) a cylindrical head having a chamber receiving a cartridge
containing a power cell, the cartridge having a passage leading
from the power cell to the exterior of the cartridge,
(b) a tubular housing slidably and rotatably mounted on the head,
the housing having a window for the introduction of the cartridge
into the head,
(c) striker with a firing pin mounted on the housing in alignment
with the chamber, and
(d) a detent mounted on the housing for locking the housing on the
head in a firing position, the detent preventing operation of the
striker except when the housing is in the said firing position, the
gas pressure resulting from the actuation of the power cell being
relieved after firing by flow through the passage in the cartridge
into the housing and through the window to the exterior of the
housing.
9. Tool as recited in claim 8, wherein the cartridge has an
elongated shell case having a longitudinal main bore opening on one
end and a communicating smaller bore opening on the other end, and
the bushing has a cylindrical portion slidable in the smaller bore
and a flange at one end slidable in the longitudinal main bore, the
bushing having a coaxial bore extending through it, wherein the
power cell has a cylindrical main body fitting snugly in the
coaxial bore of the bushing and a radial flange at one end to
engage the other end of the bushing, the power cell having internal
explosive material and a primer that is actuated at the said one
end of the cell having the flange, and wherein a piston is slidably
carried in the main bore and has a recess facing the bushing and
the power cell.
10. Tool for use in assembling an electrical connector, which
connector includes a clamp and a wedge, comprising:
(a) a base having an anvil at one end to engage the clamp and on
abutment at the other end having a threaded bore aligned with the
anvil,
(b) a threaded adjusting member carried in the threaded bore, the
member having a primary bore coaxial of the threaded bore,
(c) a driving rod slidably carried in the primary bore,
(d) a chamber head mounted on the adjusting member and having a
chamber bore adapted to receive a tubular cartridge containing a
piston and having an explosive power cell,
(e) a striker mounted in alignment with the cartridge and the
driving rod and having a firing pin aligned with the said power
cell, the piston being movable within the cartridge by contact with
the rod to move the power cell from a first position spaced from
the firing pin to a second position adjacent the firing pin.
11. Tool as recited in claim 10, wherein the cartridge has an
elongated shell case having a longitudinal main bore opening on one
end and a communicating smaller bore opening on the other end, a
bushing having a cylindrical portion slidable in the smaller bore
and a flange at one end slidable in the longitudinal main bore, the
bushing having a coaxial bore extending through it, wherein the
power cell has a cylindrical main body fitting snugly in the
coaxial bore of the bushing and a radial flange at one end to
engage the other end of the bushing, the power cell having internal
explosive material and primer that is actuated at the said one end
of the cell having the flange, and wherein a piston is slidably
carried in the main bore and has a recess facing the bushing and
the power cell.
12. Tool for use in assembling an electrical connector, which
connector consists of a clamp and a wedge, comprising:
(a) a base having an anvil at one end to engage the clamp and an
abutment at the other end having a threaded bore aligned with the
anvil,
(b) an adjusting member having a threaded portion carried in the
threaded bore, the member having a primary bore which is coaxial of
the threaded bore, the adjusting member having a cylindrical head
that is non-coextensive with the threaded portion,
(c) a driving rod slidably carried in the primary bore,
(d) a tubular housing slidably and rotatably carried on the
cylindrical head,
(e) a cylindrical striker carried by the housing and aligned with
the driving road, and
(f) a detent mounted on the housing and engageable with a groove
formed on the said striker to lock the striker in a non-firing
position in the housing until obturation has been completed.
13. Tool for use in assembling an electrical connector, which
connector consists of a clamp and a wedge, comprising:
(a) a base having an anvil at one end to engage the clamp and an
abutment at the other end having a threaded bore aligned with the
anvil,
(b) an adjusting member having a threaded portion carried in the
threaded bore, the member having a primary bore which is coaxial of
the threaded bore, the adjusting member having a cylindrical head
that is non-coextensive with the threaded portion, the head having
a bore that is adapted to receive a cylindrical cartridge
containing an explosive power cell,
(c) a driving rod slidably carried in the primary bore,
(d) a tubular housing slidably and rotatably carried on the
cylindrical head,
(e) a striker carried by the housing in alignment with the driving
rod, and
(f) means locking the housing in a selected firing position on the
head, preventing the operation of the striker except when the
housing is in the said firing position, and
(g) means rendering the cartridge inoperative except when the
housing is in the said firing position.
14. Tool for use in assembling an electrical connector, which
connector consists of a clamp and a wedge, comprising:
(a) a base having an anvil at one end to engage the clamp and an
abutment at the other end having a threaded bore aligned with the
anvil,
(b) an adjusting member having a threaded portion carried in the
threaded bore, the member having a primary bore which is coaxial of
the threaded bore, the adjusting member having a cylindrical head
that is non-coextensive with the threaded portion,
(c) a driving rod slidably carried in the primary bore,
(d) a tubular housing slidably and rotatably carried on the
cylindrical head,
(e) a striker carried by the housing in alignment with the driving
rod, and
(f) a detent mounted on the housing and engageable with a recess
formed on the said cylindrical head to lock the housing in a
selected firing position on the head, and
(g) a cartridge carried in the cylindrical head and housing, a
passage leading from a power cell to the exterior of the cartridge,
wherein the tubular housing has a window for the introduction of
the cartridge into the head, wherein the said detent prevents the
operation of the striker except when the housing is in the said
firing position, the gas pressure resulting from an actuation of
the power cell being relieved after firing by flow through a small
bore in the cartridge into the housing and through the window to
the exterior of the housing.
15. Tool for use in assembling an electrical connector, which
connector consists of a clamp and a wedge, comprising:
(a) a base having an anvil at one end to engage the clamp and an
abutment at the other end having a threaded bore aligned with the
anvil,
(b) an adjusting member having a threaded portion carried in the
threaded bore, the member having a primary bore which is coaxial of
the threaded bore, the adjusting member having a cylindrical head
that is non-coextensive with the threaded portion and which carries
a cartridge,
(c) a driving rod slidably carried in the primary bore,
(d) a tubular housing slidably and rotatably carried on the
cylindrical head,
(e) a striker carried by the housing in alignment with the driving
rod, and
(f) a detent mounted on the housing and engageable with a recess
formed on the said cylindrical head to lock the housing in a
selected firing position on the head, wherein the striker is
mounted in alignment with the said cartridge and with the said
driving rod; and wherein the striker has a firing pin aligned with
a power cell in the cartridge, the power cell being movable within
the cartridge by contact with the rod from a first position spaced
from the firing pin to a second position adjacent the firing
pin.
16. Tool for use in assembling an electrical connector, which
connector consists of a clamp and a wedge, comprising:
(a) a base having an anvil at one end to engage the clamp and an
abutment at the other end having a threaded bore aligned with the
anvil,
(b) an adjusting member having a threaded portion carried in the
threaded bore, the member having a primary bore which is coaxial of
the threaded bore, the adjusting member having a cylindrical head
that is non-coextensive with the threaded portion,
(c) a driving rod slidably carried in the primary bore,
(d) a tubular housing slidably and rotatably carried on the
cylindrical head,
(e) a striker carried by the housing in alignment with the driving
rod, and
(f) a detent mounted on the housing and engageable with a recess
formed on the said cylindrical head to lock the housing in a
selected firing position on the head, wherein the striker is
cylindrical, and wherein the detent is engageable with a groove
formed on the striker to lock the striker in a non-firing position
in the housing until obturation has been completed.
17. Tool for use in assembling an electrical connector, which
connector consists of a clamp and a wedge, comprising:
(a) a base having an anvil at one end to engage the clamp and an
abutment at the other end having a threaded bore aligned with the
anvil,
(b) an adjusting member having a threaded portion carried in the
threaded bore, the member having a primary bore which is coaxial of
the threaded bore, the adjusting member having a cylindrical head
that is non-coextensive with the threaded portion, the head having
a chamber bore that is adapted to receive a tubular cylindrical
cartridge containing a piston and an explosive power cell,
(c) a driving rod slidably carried in the primary bore,
(d) a tubular housing slidably and rotatably carried on the
cylindrical head,
(e) a striker carried by the housing in alignment with the driving
rod,
(f) means locking the housing in a selected firing position on the
head, preventing the operation of the striker except when the
housing is in the said firing position, and
(g) means rendering the cartridge inoperative except when the
housing is in the said firing position, wherein the head is mounted
on the adjusting member and wherein the striker has a firing pin
aligned with the said power cell, the piston being movable within
the cartridge by contact with the rod from a first position spaced
from the firing pin to a second piston adjacent the firing pin.
18. Tool for use in assembling an electrical connector, which
connector consists of a clamp and a wedge, comprising:
(a) a base having an anvil at one end to engage the clamp and an
abutment at the other end having a threaded bore aligned with the
anvil,
(b) an adjusting member having a threaded portion carried in the
threaded bore, the member having a primary bore which is coaxial of
the threaded bore, the adjusting member having a cylindrical head
that is non-coextensive with the threaded portion, the head having
a chamber bore that is adapted to receive a cylindrical cartridge
containing an explosive power cell,
(c) a driving rod slidably carried in the primary bore,
(d) a tubular housing slidably and rotatably carried on the
cylindrical head,
(e) a striker carried by the housing in alignment with the driving
rod,
(f) means locking the housing in a selected firing position on the
head, preventing the operation of the striker except when the
housing is in the said firing position, and
(g) means rendering the cartridge inoperative except when the
housing is in the said firing position, wherein the said cartridge
has an elongated shell case having a longitudinal main bore opening
on one end and a communicating smaller bore opening on one end, a
bushing having a cylindrical portion slidable in the small bore and
a flange at one end slidable in the longitudinal main bore, the
bushing having a coaxial bore extending through it, the power cell
having a cylindrical main body fitting snugly in the coaxial bore
of the bushing and a radial flange at one end to engage the other
end of the bushing, the power cell having internal explosive
material and primer that is actuated at the said one end of the
cell having the flange, and a piston slidably carried in the
longitudinal main bore of the shell case and having a recess facing
the bushing and the power cell.
19. Tool as recited in claim 18, wherein the cartridge has a
passage leading from the power cell to the exterior of the
cartridge, wherein the housing has a window for the introduction of
the cartridge into the head, wherein the detent prevents the
operation of the striker except when the housing is in the said
firing position, the gas pressure resulting from the actuation of
the power cell being relieved after firing by flow through the
small bore in the cartridge shell case into the housing and through
the window to the exterior of the housing.
20. Tool as recited in claim 18, wherein the striker is mounted in
alignment with the cartridge and with the driving rod; and wherein
the striker has a firing pin aligned with the said power cell, the
bushing and power cell being movable within the cartridges by
contact with the rod from a first position spaced from the firing
pin to a second position adjacent the firing pin.
21. Tool as recited in claim 18, wherein the striker is
cylindrical, and wherein the detent is engageable with a groove
formed on the striker to lock the striker in a non-firing position
in the housing until obturation has been completed. .Iadd.
22. Explosive cartridge, comprising:
(a) an elongated shell case having a longitudinal main bore opening
on one end and a communicating smaller bore opening on the other
end,
(b) a bushing having a cylindrical portion at one end slidable in
the smaller bore and a second cylindrical portion at the other end
slidable in the longitudinal main bore, the bushing having a
coaxial bore extending through it,
(c) a power cell having a cylindrical main body fitting snugly in
the coaxial bore of the bushing and a radial flange at one end to
engage the other end of the bushing, the power cell having internal
explosive material and primer that is actuated at the said one end
of the cell having the flange, and
(d) a piston slidably carried in the main bore and having a recess
facing the bushing and the power cell. .Iaddend. .Iadd.
23. Explosive cartridge, comprising:
(a) an elongated shell case having a longitudinal main bore opening
on one end and a communicating smaller bore opening on the other
end,
(b) a bushing having a cylindrical portion slidable in the smaller
bore and a flange at one end slidable in the longitudinal main
bore, the bushing having a coaxial bore extending through it,
(c) a power cell having a cylindrical main body fitting snugly in
the coaxial bore of the bushing and a radial flange at one end to
engage the other end of the bushing, the power cell having internal
explosive material and primer that is actuated at the said one end
of the cell having the flange, and
(d) a piston slidably carried in the main bore and having one end
facing the bushing and the power cell. .Iaddend.
Description
.Iadd.This application is a reissue of U.S. Patent No. 4,722,189.
.Iaddend.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the installation of electrical power distributions systems, it
is common practice to run a tap wire from a permenantly-installed
main power cable. To accomplish this it is common practice to
embrace the cable and the wire in a sleeve and to drive a wedge
between the cable and tap wire (inside of the sleeve). This locks
the sleeve, cables, and wedge together to make a strong physical
and electrical connection. For a proper installation, it is not
only necessary to drive the wedge into the sleeve with considerable
force, but also to do so with a selected force commenserate with
the size of the sleeve and wedge that is used, thus, obtaining a
standard, reproducible force between the elements. For this
purpose, it is usual practice to use a power tool of the type that
is shown and described in the Wahl U.S. Pat. No. 3,292,363, which
makes use of a explosive cartridge to generate the force between
the sleeve and the wedge. Among other features of such a power
tool, it is important that the operation be carried out very
quickly and under the greatest safety conditions, because the
worker in many instances is working high above the ground with high
voltage power lines. The prior art devices, however, have been slow
to operate, because, in order to release the trapped pressure gases
resulting from the explosion, it is necessary to carry out a
time-consuming unscrewing operation at the back of the chamber.
Furthermore, some of the devices are unsafe, because there is
nothing to prevent premature actuation of the explosive device
before that the obturating mechanism is fully secured. These and
other difficulties experienced with the prior art devices have been
obviated in a novel manner by the present invention.
It is, therefore, an outstanding object of the invention to provide
a power tool in which safety is promoted by rendering the the
firing mechanism inoperative until the obturating mechanism has
been fully secured.
Another object of this invention is the provision of a power tool
for use in making electrical connections, wherein the pressure gas
in the chamber is quickly and easily released after the
explosion.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of a
power tool in which the cycle of loading, firing, and unloading
takes place very quickly.
It is another object of the instant invention to provide a tool
using an explosive cartridge in which the cartridge is inoperative
until the tool is in position for firing.
A still further object of the invention is the provision of a power
tool in which the complete closing and sealing of the obturating
mechanism is made clearly evident to the operator.
It is still a further object of the invention to provide a tool for
use in assembling an electrical connector which is simple in
construction, which is inexpensive to manufacture, and which is
cable of a long life of useful service with a minimum of
maintenance.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a
power tool for assembling an electrical connector in which the
cartridge is inoperative until the tool has been properly located
on the connector for firing.
Another object of the invention is the provision of a power tool
using an explosive cartridge in which the cartridge is rendered
firable and the firing mechanisms is rendered operable by the
placement of the tool on the article that is to be connected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In general, the present invention consists of a tool for use in
assembling an electrical connector which connector includes a clamp
and a wedge. The tool includes a base having an anvil at one end to
engage the clamp and an abutment at the other end having a threaded
bore aligned with the anvil. A threaded adjusting member is carried
in the threaded bore, the adjusting member having a primary bore
coaxial of the threaded bore that is in which is slidable carried a
driving rod. A chamber is mounted on the adjusting member and has a
chamber bore adapted to receive a tubular cartridge containing a
piston having an explosive power cell. A striker is mounted in
alignment with the cartridge and the driving rod, which striker has
a firing pin aligned with the said power cell. The piston is
movable within the cartridge by contact with the rod from a first
position spaced from the firing pin to a second position adjacent
the firing pin.
In particular, a tubular housing is slidably and rotatably carried
on the cylindrical head of the chamber. A detent is mounted on the
housing and is engagable with a recess formed in the said
cylindrical head to lock the housing in a selected firing position
on the head.
More specifically, the gas pressure resulting from the actuation of
the power cell is relieved, after firing, by flow through a passage
in the cartridge into the housing and through a window formed in
the housing to the exterior of the housing.
The character of the invention, however, may be best understood by
reference to one of its structural forms, as illustrated by the
accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the tool of the present
invention in use in installing an electrical connector,
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tool,
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a drive rod forming part of the
invention,
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the tool with parts
broken away,
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the invention taken on the line V--V
of FIG. 4,
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a cartridge forming part of the
present invention,
FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view of the assembled cartridge in
its condition before loading,
FIG. 8 is a vertical section of the cartridge in its condition
ready to fire,
FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of a main screw forming part of
the invention,
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the screw,
FIG. 11 is a end elevational view of the screw, taken along the
line XI--XI of FIG. 9,
FIG. 12 is front elevational view of a housing forming a part of
the invention,
FIG. 13 is vertical sectional view of the housing, taken on the
line XII--XII of FIG. 12,
FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of a bushing forming part of
the invention,
FIG. 15 is front elevational view of a hammer forming part of the
invention,
FIG. 16 is front elevational view of a firing forming part of the
invention,
FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of extractor forming part of
the invention,
FIG. 18 is a right-hand end elevational view of the extractor,
FIG. 19 is front elevational view of a safety latch forming part of
the invention,
FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of a hammer block,
FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the hammer block,
FIG. 22-27 shows the tool housing and associated mechanisms in
various stages of loading and firing.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring first to FIG. 1, wherein are best shown the general
features of the invention, the tool, indicated generally by the
reference numeral 10, is shown being used in assembling a connector
11 to join a main power cable 12 to a tap or branch cable 13. The
gloved left hand 14 of the operator shown grasping the tool 10,
while the hammer 14 is shown as striking the tool to actuate it. As
is evident in the drawing, the connector 11 consists of a C-member
or sleeve 15, which embraces the cables 12 and 13, and of a wedge
16 which is driven within the sleeve 15 between the cables 12 and
13.
Referring next to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the tool 10, which is
used in assembling the electrical connector 11, is provided with a
base 17 having an anvil 18 at one end to engage the clamp or sleeve
15 of the connector and an abutment 19 at the other end provided
with a threaded bore 21, which threaded bore is aligned with the
anvil 18.
Carried in the abutment 19 is an adjusting member 22 having a
threaded portion 23 which is carried in the threaded bore 21. The
adjusting member has a primary bore 24 which is coaxial of the
threaded bore 21. The adjusting member 22 is also provided with a
cylindrical head 25 that is non-coextensive with the threaded
portion 23.
A driving rod 26 is slidably carried in the primary bore 24 and a
tubular housing 27 is slidably and rotatably carried on the
cylindrical head 25 of the adjusting member 22. A hammer or striker
28 is carried by the housing 27 in alignment with the driving rod
26. A detent 29 is mounted on the housing 27 and is engagable with
a recess 31 (See FIG. 10) formed on the said cylindrical head 25 to
lock the housing 27 in a selected firing position on the head.
FIG. 3 shows the details of the drive rod 26, including a spring
ring 32 which acts as a gas seal.
In FIG. 4 it can be seen that the housing 27 has a generally
tubular configuration and is provided with a window 33. This is
view of the drawings also shows an extractor 34 which is slidably
mounted on the head 25 of the adjusting member and has its axial
motion limited by a set screw 35. A lug 36 extends inwardly of the
housing 27 for a purpose to be described hereinafter. The detent 29
is shown as pivotally supported on a transverse hinge pin 37. In
its outer end, adjacent the detent, the striker 28 is provided with
a hammer block 38.
Referring next to FIG. 5, the sectional view of the outer end of
the housing 27 show the inter-relationship of the detent 29 to the
striker 28. The end of the detent 29 adjacent the striker 28 is
provided (as has been described) with the hammer block 38 to which
it is hingedly attached by means of a pivot pin 39. A bushing 41 is
mounted in the end of the housing 27 and is provided with a coaxial
bore in which is slidable mounted the striker 28. A set screw 41
operating in a groove in the striker serves to limit its axial
motion. Also mounting in the bushing 41 is a firing pin of 43. The
coil spring 44 serves to bias the striker 28 to its outermost
position.
FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 show the details of an explosive cartridge 45
which is provided with an elongated shell case 46. The shell case
has a longitudinal main bore 47 that opens at one end and has a
communicating smaller bore 48 opening on the other end. The said
other end is provided with a radial flange 49. The cartridge is
provided with a bushing 51 which is slidably in the smaller bore 48
and has a flange 52 that is slidable in the longitudinal main bore
47, the bushing having a coaxial bore 53 extending through it. A
power cell 54, having a cylindrical main body 55 which fits snugly
in the coaxial bore 53 of the bushing 51. The cell is also provided
with a radial flange 56 at one end to engage the other end of the
bushing 51. The power cell 54 has an integral explosive material in
the interior and a primer which is actuated at the said one end of
the cell having the flange 56. Finally, a piston 57 is slidably
carried in the main bore and is provided with a recess 58 that
faces the bushing 51 and the power cell 54.
FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 show the detail of the main adjusting member
22, including the threaded portion 23. The end 25 is provided with
a longitudinal groove 59 which engages the lug 36 on the housing 27
(See FIG. 4). Extending from the end of the end 25 (opposite the
end from which the threaded portion 23 extends) is a cylindrical
extension 61 on which slides the extractor 34, as will be described
fully hereinafter. Extending beyond the extension 61 is a tubular
extension 62 having a smaller exterior diameter than the extension
61. Extending axially into the adjusting member 22 at the end
having the threaded portion 23 is a bore 63 which has a diameter
adequate to slidably engage the larger end of the drive rod 26 and
the spring ring 32. Entering the other end of the head 25 is a
chamber or bore 64 which is of a size to receive the cartridge 45.
A circumferential groove 65 partially surrounds the extension 61;
it is in this groove that the set screw 35 resides to limit the
motion of the extractor 34.
FIGS. 12 and 13 shows the details of the breech or housing 27. The
housing is generally tubular and has an interior bore 66 (See also
FIG. 2) in which is slidable the head 25 of the adjusting member.
The outer diameter of the head 25 and the bore 66 are approximately
the same. These views show the lug 36 (which normally resides in
the groove 59) formed in the side of the head 25 of the adjusting
member. The outer end of the bore 66 has threaded portion 67, that
receives the bushing 41.
The bushing 41 has a threaded portion 68 which matches the threaded
portion 67 in the housing 27. It is provided with an axial bore 69
in which is slidably received the striker 28. A circular coaxial
recess or counterbore 71 enters the bushing 41 at the end opposite
the bore 69. This recess is intended receive the head or flange 49
of the cartridge 45. Joining the end of the bore 69 and the recess
71 is a bore complex 72 intended to receive the firing pin 76.
FIG. 15 shows the details of construction of the hammer or striker
28 including a groove 74 into which extends the radial set screw 42
that is mounted in a threaded bore 73 of the bushing 41 to limit
movement of the striker. Otherwise, the striker is slidable axially
in the bore 69 formed in the bushing 41 and is provided with a
cylindrical extension 75 adapted to strike the firing pin 43.
FIG. 16 shows the detail of the firing pin 43, including a smaller
extension 76 intended to engage the cartridge 45 to cause the
explosion of the power cell 54 by striking its primer. The firing
pin is generally cylindrical in sized to fit in the bore complex 72
of the bushing 41.
FIGS. 17 and 18 show the details of construction of the extractor
34. The extractor is provided with a main bore 77 which fits snugly
and slidably on the cylindrical extension 61 of the head 25 of the
adjustable member 22. Furthermore, a threaded bore 78 extends
transversly into the bore 77 to receive a set screw which engages
the groove 65 on the extension 61 to limit the axial motion of the
extractor. The extractor is provided with an inwardly-directed
flange 79 terminating in a bore or circular surface 81 to which
extends a transverse slot 82. This slot not only extends into the
flange 79 but also into the bore 77 as is evident in the drawing.
The width of the groove 82 is the same as the diameter of the shell
case 46 of the cartridge 45, while the diameter of the flange 49 of
the cartridge is slightly larger than the diameter of the flange 81
of on the extractor. Axial movement of the extractor sliding along
the extension 61 serves to engage the flange 49 and to withdraw the
cartridge from the chamber or bore 64 in the head of the adjustable
member.
FIG. 19 shows the detail of the latch or detent 29. It consists of
an elongated, generally rectangular body 82 having a transverse
central bore 83 that is adapted to receive the hinge pin 37. One
end is provided with another transverse bore 84 that receives a
pivot pin 39 joining it to the hammer block 38. Extending inwardly
at the other end of the main body 82 is an abutment 85 having an
inclined cam surface 82.
FIGS. 20 and 21 show the details of the hammer block 38, including
a curved concave surface 87 demenisoned to fit into a radial groove
74 formed on the striker 28. The upper end has a notch 88 to
receive the safety latch 29 as well as a bore 89 to receive the
hinge pin 39.
The operation and the advantages of the present invention will be
readily understood in view of the above description. Referring to
FIG. 1, it can be seen that, in order to drive the wedge 16 into
the sleeve 15 of the connector 11, the anvil 18 is placed at one
side of the sleeve 15 while the adjusting member 22 is rotated to
advance the piston rod 26 to snug contact with the wedge 16. In
this condition, the tool has already been loaded with the cartridge
45 and is in condition to be actuated. The installer then strikes
the striker 28 with hammer 14, thus causing the cartridge to
explode and drive the piston rod 26 forcefully toward the anvil 18
to draw the wedge 16 and the sleeve 15 together in a locking
electrical engagement.
The above description of operation is the usual one for tools of
this type and assumes that the tool has already been loaded with
the cartridge. In order to reach this condition, the present tool
must be loaded first; this may be done at a location away from the
cables 12 and 13 and from the connector 11. The description of the
loading operation refers to FIGS. 22-27. In order to load the
housing 27, it is drawn to the extreme right of the head 25 of the
adjusting member, thus allowing the cartridge 45 to be placed
within the housing through the window 33. In this position the
extractor 34 is in the extreme right-hand position on the extension
61 of the head 22 of the adjusting member. The main body 46 of the
cartridge has a diameter exactly equal to the width of the slot 82
on the extractor and therefore, can be moved radially inwardly
until it is coaxial with the bore 64 in the head 25 and can be
moved axially into it.
Now, when the cartridge 45 is thus inserted into the chamber, it is
in the condition shown in FIG. 7; that is to say the piston, the
bushing 51, and the power cell 54 are all in a left-hand position,
so that the flange 56 on the power cell is set well inside the
small bore 48. This means that is safely located away from the
firing pin 43 in the housing.
In FIG. 3 the housing 27 is moved to the left (along the head 25)
and the cartridge 45 is located as far into the chamber as
possible, with its flange 49 resting against the exterior radial
surface of the extractor 34.
In FIG. 24 it can be seen that the housing 27 is moved even further
along the head 25 until the recess 31 on the head 25 is exposed
within the window 33. At that time, the extractor 34 is seen as
substantially spaced from the main body of the head 25. Of course,
it is limited to the amount it can slide axially, because of the
engagement of the set screw in the bore 18 reaching the limit in
the groove 65.
As shown in FIG. 25, the housing 27 is moved further to the right
on the head 25; thus entirely exposing the recess 31 and sliding
the extractor 34 back against the main body of the head. The reason
this last motion takes place is that the extractor strikes the
abutment 85 on the detent 29 and is, therefore, pushed backward
along the abutment 61 of the head.
Further motion takes place (as shown in FIG. 26) moving the housing
27 to the left on the head 25 and resulting in the extractor and
the flange 49 of the cartridge 45 coming in contact with the end of
the bushing 41. The flange 49 of the cartridge 45 lies in the
recess 71 (See FIG. 14) of the bushing. At that time the abutment
85 of the detent 29 has engaged the surface of head 25 and is
pivoted about its pivot pin 37. This pushes the other end radially
inwardly and causes the hammer block 38 to reside in the groove 74
in the hammer 28 which serves to prevent the hammer from advancing
axially to bring the firing pin 43 into contact with the cartridge.
The feeding of the housing 27 to the left has caused the cartridge
to be pressed to its left in the chamber and bring the piston 57
into contact with the end of the drive rod 26, the drive rod
residing in the bore 47 in the cartridge. This causes the cartridge
elements to move to the right within the main housing or casing of
the cartridge so that the cartridge is in the condition shown in
FIG. 8 and is ready to fire. This is the condition shown in FIG.
26; the abutment 85 of the detent 29 rests on the surface of the
head 25. The housing is then rotated, so that the lever 29
eventually reaches a point where its abutment 85 falls into the
recess 31 of the housing and locks the housing in that position. At
that time the slot 82 in the extractor 34 has been rotated so that
it is no longer coextensive with the window 33. When the condition
shown in FIG. 27 is reached, there is no path between end of the
cartridge and the window 33 to allow escape of gases. In other
words, the mechanisms has been obturated so that the resulting
explosion and the gases expanding serves only to push the drive rod
26 toward the wedge. This effect is accomplished by hitting the
striker 28 with a hammer; thus bringing the firing pin 43 and its
extension 76 into contact with the primer of the power cell 54. The
explosion takes place, gas expands in the recess 58 of the piston
57, driving the piston to the left (in FIG. 8). This, in turn,
presses the piston against the drive rod 26 and causes it to move
to the left, thus forcing the wedge 16 into the sleeve 15 to
complete the electrical connection.
After the tool has been fired, the operator rotates the housing 27
in the opposite direction. This brings the slot 82 and the
extractor 34 within the projection of the window 33. Gas which lies
between the piston 57 and the other elements is then released
through the slot 82 in the extractor. Dispite the extreme gas
pressure, it is a simple matter to rotate the housing 27; there is
no need for complicated apparatus to perform this function (as has
been true in the prior art where a large number of threaded
elements needed to be rotated in order to release the gas). Once
the housing 27 is rotated to produce the appearance of apparatus
shown in FIG. 26 (which rotation has been possible only by
depressing the detent 29), it is possible to slide the housing 27
to the right, arriving at a condition similar to FIG. 25. Further
movement to the right causes the abutment 85 on the detent 29 to
engage the edge of the extractor 34, so that the extractor moves to
the right on the abutment 61 of the head 25 of the adjustable
element 22. The forcing of the extractor to the right pulls the
cartridge 45 to the right also and, eventually, the apparatus
reaches the condition shown in FIG. 22 in which the cartridge is
free of its chamber and can be removed through the window 33. The
tool is then in condition for reloading and reuse in another
situation.
It can be seen, then, that the release of the gas after firing is a
relatively simple matter, involving only the easy unlocking of the
latch 29 and the rotation of the housing 27. This can take place at
a very rapid rate, if so desired.
Secondly, a safety feature is inherent in the fact that the
cartridge 45 remains in the condition shown in FIG. (out of reach
of the firing pin) until the closed or obturated condition shown in
FIG. 27 has been reached. At that time, it is in the condition
shown in FIG. 8, i.e., ready to fire. Actually, two conditions have
to exist in order to place the cartridge in the condition shown in
FIG. 8. First of all, the head and the extractor 34 has to be moved
to the right in the housing 27 and in to contact of the bushing 41.
At the same time, the drive rod 26 has to lie entirely within the
cartridge 45 and the bore 47 and pressing against the piston 57. In
locking up the equipment prior to firing, the fact that the latch
29 rotates and its abutment 85 falls in the recess 31 makes a
substantial noise or audible click that indicates to the operator
that the apparatus is in condition for firing and that obturation
has taken place completely. Also, until the detent occupys its
position lying in the recess 31 it is impossible to operate the
hammer or striker 28, because of the presence of the hammer block
38 lying in the groove 74 on the striker 28. It can be seen, then,
that two safety factors are involved: (1) the cartridges are not
rendered firable and (2) the striker 28 is not rendered movable
until complete obturation has taken place, so that there is no
danger of premature firing or escape of gases from the firing
chamber.
It is obvious that minor changes may be made in the form and
construction of the invention without departing from the material
spirit thereof. It is not, however, desired to confine the
invention to the exact form herein shown and described, but it is
desired to include all such as properly come within the scope
claimed.
* * * * *