Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TOOLS FOR SECURING CONNECTORS USING EXPLOSIVE CHARGES
AND METHODS FOR USING THE SAME
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to tools and methods for using tools and, more
particularly, to tools and methods for securing or terminating connectors.
Background of the Invention
Electrical cables often must be terminated or joined (spliced) in various
environments, such as underground or overhead. Such cables may be, for
example, high-voltage electrical distribution or transmission lines. In order
to form
such connections, a connector may be employed. To install such connectors, it
may be necessary to force two members into engagement, typically such that one
or both of the members are deformed. Exemplary connectors include a C-shaped
sleeve and wedge combination as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,722,189 to
Center.
In order to install such connectors, it is typically necessary to apply a
relatively
great force between the wedge and the sleeve. However, the amount of force
should not be excessive as this may compromise the formation or integrity of
the
connection. Because the connections are often formed in dangerous locations
(e.g.,
high above the ground) and with high voltage lines, it is desirable to provide
the
necessary force in a manner that is convenient and safe under such
circumstances.
To provide the application force as discussed above, explosive charge-
actuated tools (sometimes referred to as "powder-actuated tools") are commonly
used. According to some designs, explosive charge-actuated tools include a
tool
body, a tool head secured to the tool body, and a ram slidably mounted in the
tool
body. In use, the connector components are placed between the ram and the tool
head. An explosive charge, typically provided in a cartridge, is exploded in
the
tool body such that the ram is forced against the connector to thereby force
the
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connector components into secure engagement. The explosion of the charge may
generate pressurized gas in the tool body. If not first controllably released,
the
pressurized gas may harm the user when the user attempts to open the tool body
to remove the expended explosive charge cartridge. Thus, tools of this type
may
provide a mechanism for pre-releasing pressurized gas from the tool body, for
example, from a breech chamber that holds the cartridge. Exemplary tools of
this
type include the AMPACT tool available from Tyco Electronics, Inc. and the
tools
disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,722,189 to Center and in U.S. Patent
No. 4,905,603 to McBain. However, such tools may be difficult to operate under
some circumstances or may require substantial and frequent maintenance to
ensure safe and effective operation.
Summary of the Invention
According to the present invention, there is provided a tool for
securing a connector on a conductor using an explosive charge, the tool
comprising: a first tool member; a second tool member movably mounted on the
first tool member; a breech chamber defined in at least one of the first and
second
tool members, the breech chamber being adapted to receive the explosive
charge;
a breech opening defined in at least one of the first and second tool members,
the
breech opening communicating with the breech chamber; a drive member,
wherein the tool is adapted to forcibly move the drive member responsive to an
explosion of the explosive charge in the breech chamber; and a gas release
mechanism operable to release pressurized gas from the breech chamber while
the second tool is in a closed position, wherein the breech opening is closed;
wherein the second tool member is movable between the closed position, and an
open position, wherein the breech opening is open to allow loading and
unloading
of the explosive charge into and from the breech chamber, by sliding the
second
tool member relative to the first tool member along a slide axis and
additionally
pivoting the second tool member relative to the first tool member about a
pivot
axis transverse to the slide axis.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method for using a tool for securing a connector on a conductor
using
an explosive charge, the tool including a first tool member, a second tool
member
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movably mounted on the first tool member, a breech chamber defined in at least
one of the first and second tool members, the breech chamber being adapted to
receive the explosive charge, a breech opening defined in at least one of the
first
and second tool members, the breech opening communicating with the breech
chamber, and a drive member, wherein the tool is adapted to forcibly move the
drive member responsive to an explosion of the explosive charge in the breech
chamber, the method comprising the steps of: a) sliding the second tool member
relative to the first tool member along a slide axis; b) pivoting the second
tool
member relative to the first tool member about a pivot axis transverse to the
slide
axis; such that the second tool member is moved from a closed position,
wherein
the breech opening is closed, to an open position, wherein the breech opening
is
open to allow loading and unloading of the explosive charge into and from the
breech chamber; and releasing pressurized gas from the breech chamber while
the second tool member is in the closed position using a gas release
mechanism.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, a tool for
securing a connector on a conductor using an explosive charge includes a first
tool member, a second tool member, a drive member, a lock member and a
limiting member. The second tool member is movably mounted on the first tool
member. A breech chamber is defined in at least one of the first and second
tool
members. The breech chamber is adapted to receive the explosive charge. A
breech opening is defined in at least one of the first and second tool
members.
The breech opening communicates with the breech chamber. The tool is adapted
to forcibly move the drive member responsive to an explosion of the explosive
charge in the breech chamber. The second tool member is movable between a
closed position, wherein the breech opening is closed, and an open position,
wherein the breech opening is open to allow loading and unloading of the
explosive charge into and from the breech chamber, by moving the second tool
member relative to the first tool member. The lock member is selectively
movable
between a locked position, wherein the lock member prevents the second tool
member from moving relative to the first tool member from the closed position
to
the open position, and an unlocked position, wherein the lock member permits
the
second tool member to move relative to the first tool member from the closed
position to the open position. The limiting member is selectively movable
between
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a first position, wherein the limiting member prevents movement of the lock
member from the locked position to the unlocked position, and a second
position,
wherein the limiting member permits the lock member to move from the locked
position to the unlocked position.
The tool may be configured such that when the second tool member
is in the closed position, the lock member is in the locked position, and the
limiting
member is in the first position, the limiting member must be moved to the
second
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position prior to moving the lock member from the locked position to the
unlocked
position. The tool may include a gas release mechanism adapted to release
pressurized gas from the breech chamber while the second tool member is in the
closed position when the limiting member is moved from the first position to
the
second position. The tool may be configured such that, when the second tool
member is in the closed position and the limiting member is in the first
position,
the lock member is automatically positioned in the locked position.
According to further embodiments of the present invention, a tool for
securing a connector on a conductor using an explosive charge includes a first
tool
member, a second tool member, a drive member and a lock member. The second
tool member is movably mounted on the first tool member. A breech chamber is
defined in at least one of the first and second tool members. The breech
chamber
is adapted to receive the explosive charge. A breech opening is defined in at
least
one of the first and second tool members. The breech opening communicates with
the breech chamber. The tool is adapted to forcibly move the drive member
responsive to an explosion of the explosive charge in the breech chamber. The
second tool member is movable between a closed position, wherein the breech
opening is closed, and an open position, wherein the breech opening is open to
allow loading and unloading of the explosive charge into and from the breech
chamber, by rotating the second tool member relative to the first tool member
about a rotation axis. The lock member is selectively movable between a locked
position, wherein the lock member prevents the second tool member from moving
relative to the first tool member from the closed position to the open
position, and
an unlocked position, wherein the lock member permits the second tool member
to
move relative to the first tool member from the closed position to the open
position, by sliding the lock member relative to at least one of the first and
second
tool members along a lock axis substantially parallel to the rotation axis.
According to further embodiments of the present invention, a tool for
securing a connector on a conductor using an explosive charge includes a first
tool
member, a second tool member, a drive member, a lock member, and an ejector
member. The second tool member is movably mounted on the first tool member.
A breech chamber is defined in at least one of the first and second tool
members.
The breech chamber is adapted to receive the explosive charge. A breech
opening
is defined in at least one of the first and second tool members. The breech
opening
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communicates with the breech chamber. The tool is adapted to forcibly move the
drive member responsive to an explosion of the explosive charge in the breech
chamber. The ejector member is adapted to engage a cartridge containing the
explosive charge. The second tool member is movable between a closed position,
wherein the breech opening is closed, and an open position, wherein the breech
opening is open to allow loading and unloading of the explosive charge into
and
from the breech chamber, by sliding the second tool member relative to the
first
tool member along a slide axis. The ejector member is mounted on the
first,tool
member such that, when the second tool member is slid relative to the first
tool
member along the slide axis to move the second tool member to the open
position,
the ejector member is displaced relative to the breech chamber. The lock
member
is selectively movable between a locked position, wherein the lock member
prevents the second tool member from moving relative to the first tool member
from the closed position to the open position, and an unlocked position,
wherein
the lock member permits the second tool member to move relative to the first
tool
member from the closed position to the open position. The lock member engages
the ejector member when the lock member is in the locked position.
According to further embodiments of the present invention, a tool for
securing a connector on,a conductor using an explosive charge includes a first
tool
member, a second tool member, a drive member, a lock member and a control
member. The second tool member is movably mounted on the first tool member.
A breech chamber is defined in at least one of the first and second tool
members.
The breech chamber is adapted to receive the explosive charge. A breech
opening
is defined in at least one of the first and second tool members. The breech
opening
communicates with the breech chamber. The tool is adapted to forcibly move the
drive member responsive to an explosion of the explosive charge in the breech
chamber. The control member is mounted on at least one of the first and second
tool members. The second tool member is movable between a closed position,
wherein the breech opening is closed, and an open position, wherein the breech
opening is open to allow loading and unloading of the explosive charge into
and
from the breech chamber, by moving the second tool member relative to the
first
tool member. The lock member is selectively movable between a locked position,
wherein the lock member prevents the second tool member from moving relative
to the first tool member from the closed position to the open position, and an
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unlocked position, wherein the lock member permits the second tool member to
move relative to the first tool member from the closed position to the open
position. The lock member is movable between the locked and unlocked positions
by rotating the control member relative to each of the first and second tool
members.
According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method for
using a tool for securing a connector on a conductor using an explosive
charge, the
tool including a first tool member, a second tool member movably mounted on
the
first tool member, a breech chamber defined in at least one of the first and
second
tool members, the breech chamber being adapted to receive the explosive
charge, a
breech opening defined in at least one of the first and second tool members,
the
breech opening communicating with the breech chamber, a drive member, and a
lock member, wherein the tool is adapted to forcibly move the drive member
responsive to an explosion of the explosive charge in the breech chamber, and
wherein the second member is movable from a closed position, wherein the
breech
opening is closed, to an open position, wherein the breech opening is open to
allow
loading and unloading of the explosive charge into and from the breech
chamber,
includes: releasing pressurized gas from the breech chamber while the lock
member is in a locked position, wherein the lock member prevents the second
tool
member from moving relative to the first tool member from the closed position
to
the open position; thereafter moving the lock member from the locked position
to
an unlocked position, wherein the lock member permits the second tool member
to
move relative to the first tool member from the closed position to the open
position; and thereafter moving the second tool member relative to the first
tool
member from the closed position to the open position.
According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method for
using a tool for securing a connector on a conductor using an explosive
charge, the
tool including a first tool member, a second tool member movably mounted on
the
first tool member, a breech chamber defined in at least one of the first and
second
tool members, the breech chamber being adapted to receive the explosive
charge, a
breech opening defined in at least one of the first and second tool members,
the
breech opening communicating with the breech chamber, a drive member, and a
lock member, wherein the tool is adapted to forcibly move the drive member
responsive to an explosion of the explosive charge in the breech chamber, and
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wherein the second member is movable from a closed position, wherein the
breech
opening is closed, to an open position, wherein the breech opening is open to
allow
loading and unloading of the explosive charge into and from the breech
chamber,
includes: sliding the lock member along a lock axis from a locked position,
wherein the lock member prevents the second tool member from moving relative
to the first tool member from the closed position to the open position, to an
unlocked position, wherein the lock member permits the second tool member to
move relative to the first tool member from the closed position to the open
position; and thereafter moving the second tool member from the closed
position to
the open position, including rotating the second tool member relative to the
first
tool member about a rotation axis, wherein the lock axis is substantially
parallel to
the rotation axis.
According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method for
using a tool for securing a connector on a conductor using an explosive
charge, the
tool including a first tool member, a second tool member movably mounted on
the
first tool member, a breech chamber defined in at least one of the first and
second
tool members, the breech chamber being adapted to receive the explosive
charge, a
breech opening defined in at least one of the first and second tool members,
the
breech opening communicating with the breech chamber, a drive member, a lock
member, and an ejector member adapted to engage a cartridge including the
explosive charge, wherein the tool is adapted to forcibly move the drive
member
responsive to an explosion of the explosive charge in the breech chamber,
includes:
moving the lock member from a locked position, wherein the lock member
engages the ejector member and prevents the second tool member from moving
relative to the first tool member from the closed position to the open
position, to an
unlocked position, wherein the lock member permits the second tool member to
move relative to the first tool member from the closed position to the open
position; and thereafter moving the second tool member relative to the first
tool
member from a closed position, wherein the breech opening is closed, to an
open
position, wherein the breech opening is open to allow loading and unloading of
the
explosive charge into and from the breech chamber.
According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method for
using a tool for securing a connector on a conductor using an explosive
charge, the
tool including a first tool member, a second tool member movably mounted on
the
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first tool member, a breech chamber defined in at least one of the first and
second
tool members, the breech chamber being adapted to receive the explosive
charge, a
breech opening defined in at least one of the first and second tool members,
the
breech opening communicating with the breech chamber, a drive member, a lock
member, and a control member, wherein the tool is adapted to forcibly move the
drive member responsive to an explosion of the explosive charge in the breech
chamber, includes: rotating the control member relative to each of the first
and
second tool members to thereby move the lock member between a locked position,
wherein the lock member prevents the second tool member from moving relative
to the first tool member from the closed position to the open position, and an
unlocked position, wherein the lock member permits the second tool member to
move relative to the first tool member from the closed position to the open
position.
Objects of the present invention will be appreciated by those of ordinary
skill in the art from a reading of the figures and the detailed description of
the
preferred embodiments which follow, such description being merely illustrative
of
the present invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a
part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with
the description, serve to explain principles of the invention.
Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the formation of a connection
using a tool assembly and methods according to embodiments of the present
invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a drive assembly forming a part of the
tool assembly of the Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a front, perspective, exploded view of the drive assembly of
Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a rear, perspective, exploded view of the drive assembly of
Figure 2;
Figures 5A and 5B are perspective views of a breech forming a part of the
drive assembly of Figure 2 as viewed from opposed sides thereof,
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Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the tool assembly of Figure 1 and a
cartridge for use therewith, wherein the drive assembly is in an open
position;
Figure 7 is a side elevational view of the tool assembly of Figure 1
wherein the drive assembly is in a further position;
Figure 8 is a side elevation view of the tool assembly of Figure 1 wherein
the drive assembly is in a further position;
Figure 9 is a further perspective view of the drive assembly of Figure 2;
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of Figure 2;
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of Figure 2 taken
along the same line as Figure 10 and wherein the drive assembly is in a
further
position;
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of Figure 2 taken
along the same line as Figure 10 and wherein the drive assembly in a further
position;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of a drive assembly according to further
embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 14 is a front, perspective, exploded view of the drive assembly of
Figure 13;
Figure 15 is a rear, perspective, exploded view of the drive assembly of
Figure 13;
Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of Figure 13;
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of Figure 13
taken along the same line as Figure 16 and wherein the drive assembly is in a
further position;
Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of Figure 13
taken along the same line as Figure 16 and wherein the drive assembly is in a
further position; and
Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of Figure 13
taken along the same line as Figure 16 and wherein the drive assembly is in a
further position.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the
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invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many
different
forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth
herein;
rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and
complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in
the
art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
With reference to Figure 1, a tool assembly 40 according to embodiments
of the present invention is shown therein. The tool assembly 40 may be used to
form a connection 5 as shown in Figure 1, for example. The connection 5
includes
a pair of conductors 7, 9 securely and electrically coupled by a connector 20.
The
connector 20 includes a C-shaped sleeve 22 and a wedge 24. Connectors of this
type are well-known to those of skill in the art and will not be described in
further
detail herein except as needed to describe embodiments of the present
invention.
Generally, and as described in more detail below, the tool assembly 40 may be
used to force or impel the wedge 24 and the sleeve 22 into engagement using an
explosive charge 32 (e.g., as provided in a cartridge 30; see Figure 11).
With reference to Figure 1, the tool assembly 40 includes an explosively
actuated industrial tool 45 and an anvil or tool head 80. The tool 45 includes
a
barrel or coupling 50, a coupling nut 60, a drive assembly 100 joined to the
coupling 50 by the coupling nut 60, and a ram 70 slidably mounted in the
coupling
50. With reference to Figure 6, the drive assembly 100 includes a breech 102,
an
ejector sleeve 130, and a breech cap assembly 150. Each of these components
will
be described in more detail below. The coupling 50, the coupling nut 60 and
the
ram 70 are omitted from Figures 11 and 12 for clarity.
The coupling 50 includes threads 52 (Figure 10) on its outer surface. A
bore or barrel passage 54 extends through the coupling 50 and communicates
with
opposed end openings 56 (Figures 1 and 10).
The breech 102 has opposed front and rear ends 104A and 104B. A breech
chamber 106 (Figure 11) is defined in the breech 102, which is generally
tubular.
The breech chamber 106 communicates with a front breech opening 108A (Figure
3) and a rear breech opening 108B (Figure 4). A coupling thread 110 (Figure
5A)
is formed on the outer surface of the breech 102 on the front end 104A
thereof. A
radially extending coupling set screw bore 112 (Figure 3) is also formed on
the
front end 104A for securing the breech 102 to the coupling nut 60. A pair of
opposed, axially extending guide channels 114A, 114B (Figures 5A and 5B) are
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defined in the outer surface of the breech 102 on opposed sides thereof A pair
of
circumferentially extending guide channels 116A and 116B (Figures 5A and 5B)
are also defined in the outer surface of the breech 102 on opposed sides
thereof and
intersect the axially extending channels 114A and 114B, respectively, adjacent
the
front end 104A. A pair of opposed, radially extending screw holes 118 (Figure
4)
are formed in the rear end 104B. A recessed end portion 120 and an end flange
122 are also provided on the rear end 104B (Figure 4).
The ejector sleeve 130 is mounted on the recessed end portion 120. The
ejector sleeve defines a front opening 134A (Figure 3), a rear opening 134B
(Figure 4) and a bore 132 (Figure 3) communicating with each of the openings
134A, 134B. The rear opening 134B is defined by a radially inwardly extending,
circumferential flange 136 (Figure 4). The bore 132 receives the recessed end
portion 120 such that the flange 136 surrounds the end flange 122. Opposed
guide
screws 140 (Figures 3 and 10) extend from the screw holes 118 in the recessed
end portion 120 and are slidably received in opposed axially extending slots
138
(Figure 3) defined in the ejector sleeve 130. Grip ribs 146 (Figure 6) are
provided
on opposed sides of the ejector sleeve 130. The ejector sleeve 130 further
includes
a lock pin recess 142 and a support recess 144 (Figure 4).
The coupling nut 60 includes a threaded bore 62 (Figure 10). The threaded
bore 62 is configured to threadedly engage the coupling threads 110 of the
breech
102. The coupling nut 60 serves to secure the coupling 50 to the drive
assembly
100. The coupling 50 is slidable in the coupling nut 60 so as to allow a small
gap
78 (see Figure 10).
The ram 70 is a generally cylindrical rod having a strike end 72 (Figure 10)
and an opposed driven end 74 (Figure 1). A firing pin 76 (Figure 10) projects
from the driven end. The ram 70 is slidable in the coupling 50 and the breech
102.
The breech cap assembly 150 includes a breech cap sleeve 152, a pin guide
housing 170, a pin guide 180, a retaining spring 181, a gas release member or
knob
190, a piercer pin 184, a stop screw 199, and a lock pin 179. The breech cap
assembly 150 is movable between a closed position (Figures 2 and 12) and an
open position (Figure 6) as described in more detail below.
The breech cap sleeve 152 is generally tubular and defines an axially
extending passage 154 that, in the closed position, surrounds the breech 102
and
the ejector 130. A front opening 154A (Figure 3) and a rear opening 154B
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(Figure 4) communicate with the passage 154 on either end. Internal threads
156
(Figure 4) are formed adjacent the rear opening 154B. A lock pin guide slot
158
extends axially through the threads 156. Knurling may be formed on the outer
surface of the breech cap sleeve 152 to facilitate gripping. Opposed slots
162, 164
(Figure 3) are defined in the breech cap sleeve 152 adjacent and in
communication
with the front opening 154A. The slot 164 is longer than the slot 162. The
slots
162, 164 define opposed, axially extending arms 166. Opposed guide projections
or tabs 167 extend radially inwardly from respective ones of the arms 166 and
into
respective ones of the channels 116A, 116B when the breech cap assembly 150 is
in the closed position. An end groove 168 formed in the breech cap sleeve 152
adjacent the rear end 154B and is adapted to receive the retaining spring 181.
With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the pin guide housing 170 defines a
front opening 174A, a rear opening 174B, and a bore 172 communicating with
each of the openings 174A, 174B. Internal threads 175 are provided in the bore
172. A knurled flange 176 is provided for manipulating the pin guide housing
170.
A tab 177 extends axially rearwardly from the flange 176. External threads 178
are formed adjacent the front opening 174A and are configured to mate with the
threads 156 of the breech cap sleeve 152. Slots are formed in the groove 168
of
the breech cap sleeve 152 to allow the retaining spring 181 to extend
therethrough
and engage the threads 178, thereby preventing full withdrawal of the pin
guide
housing 170 from the breech cap sleeve 152.
As best seen in Figures 3 and 10, the lock pin 179 is mounted on the
threads 178 of the pin guide housing 170 such that the threads 178 are
received in
an intermediate cutout 179A of the lock pin. A front portion of the lock pin
179 is
slidably received in the lock pin guide slot 158 of the breech cap sleeve 152
and,
when the breech cap assembly 150 is in the closed position, into the lock pin
recess
142 of the ejector sleeve 130. A rear portion of the lock pin 179 extends
rearwardly from the breech cap sleeve 130 and abuts the flange 176 of the pin
guide housing 170.
The pin guide 180 is disposed in the bore 172 of the pin guide housing 170.
External threads on the outer surface of the pin guide 180 mate with the
internal
threads 175. An axially extending passage 182 (Figure 12) is defined in the
pin
guide 180. The piercer pin 184 is slidably received in the passage 182.
According
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to some embodiments, the pin guide 180 and the pin guide housing 170 may be
unitarily formed.
The gas release knob 190 includes an end wall 191. A flange 193 (which
may be knurled) surrounds the end wall 191 for manipulating the gas release
knob
190. The piercer pin 184 is fixed within a pin bore 194 formed in the end wall
191. A pair of gas release passages 196 formed in the end wall 191 provide
fluid
communication between the breech chamber 106 and the environment. External
threads 197 are formed on the front end of the gas release knob 190 and mate
with
the threads 178 of the pin guide housing 170. A threaded stop screw hole 198
extends axially through the flange 193. The stop screw 199 is mounted in the
stop
screw hole 198 with a portion 199A (Figure 10) of the stop screw 199 extending
axially forward from the flange 193 such that the portion 199A engages the tab
177
of the pin guide housing 170 upon rotation of the knob 190. That is, the
portion
199A and the tab 177, or respective portions thereof, are located at the same
positions along the axis S-S and the same radial distance from the axis S-S.
According to some embodiments, the piercer pin guide 184 and the gas
release knob 190 may be unitarily formed. According to some embodiments, the
pin guide housing 170 may be omitted. In this case, the piercer pin guide 180
may
be secured to or formed as a part of the breech cap sleeve 152 and the lock
pin 179
may be mounted directly on and operatively engaged by the threads 197 in a
manner corresponding to that described above and illustrated for the pin guide
housing 170.
With reference to Figure 11, the cartridge 30 may be a cartridge of any
suitable design and construction. Suitable cartridges are available from Tyco
Electronics, Inc. The cartridge 30 as illustrated includes a shell 34 having a
side
wall 34A, an end wall 34B, and a radially outwardly extending flange 34C, and
defining a shell cavity 34D. A quantity of primer 36 and the main charge 32
are
disposed in the shell cavity 34D. The primer 36 may be, for example, a
quantity of
nitroglycerin packaged in a cap or the like. The charge 32 may be, for
example, a
quantity of gun powder or other suitable propellant. The charge 32 is
separated
from the primer by a gas check 39. The gas check has upstanding prongs 39A.
The cartridge may be formed of a polymeric material such as polyethylene, for
example.
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With reference to Figure 1, the tool head 80 includes an abutment 82, a
driver mount portion 84, and a cradle 88 defined therebetween. A threaded
coupling bore 86 is formed in the driver mount portion 84. The tool head 80 is
exemplary, and any suitable tool head may be employed.
The foregoing components may be formed of any suitable materials.
According to some embodiments, with the exception of the cartridge 30, all of
the
components are preferably formed of metal and, more preferably, steel of
appropriate strength and hardness.
The tool assembly 40 may be used to form the connection 5 in the
following manner. For the purposes of explanation, the procedure will be
described starting with an initially open configuration wherein no cartridge
30 is
installed in the drive assembly 100 and the drive assembly is in the open
position.
It will be appreciated from the description herein that certain of the steps
discussed
below can be revised in order.
The connection 5 may be temporarily formed by installing the sleeve 22 on
and about the conductors 7, 9, and forcing the wedge 24 into the sleeve 22 by
hand
or using a hammer.
When the drive assembly 100 is in the open position as shown in Figure 6,
the breech cap assembly 150 is located such that it does not cover the breech
opening 108B. The pin guide housing 170 and the gas release knob 190 are each
unscrewed or backed out to respective open positions as shown in Figure 10.
Accordingly, the piercer pin 184 is retracted with respect to the pin guide
180.
According to some embodiments, it is preferable to load the tool 45 with
the tool vertically oriented such that the coupling points upwardly. In order
to
maintain the breech cap assembly 150 in the open position, an edge of the
breech
cap sleeve 152 may be inserted into the support recess 144 whereby the breech
cap
assembly 150 is supported. Such a configuration, which is shown in Figure 6,
allows the user to use one hand to hold the tool 45 and the other hand to hold
the
cartridge 30 while the breech cap assembly 150 remains properly positioned.
The cartridge 30 is inserted into the breech chamber 106 through the breech
opening 108B. In doing so, the ram 70 is inserted into the forward portion of
the
shell cavity 38 such that the driven end 74 of the ram is positioned above the
primer 36 but separated therefrom by the prongs 39A. According to some
embodiments, the shell 34 is sized such that it will be temporarily retained
in the
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opening 134B by a moderate friction fit. The shell 34 may include compressible
ribs on its outer surface for this purpose.
With the cartridge 30 in place, the breech cap assembly 150 is lifted from
the support recess 144 and slid downwardly parallel to a slide axis S-S a
short
distance to assume the position illustrated in Figure 7. The breech cap
assembly
150 is then pivoted about the tabs 167 about a pivot axis P-P in a direction
B. The
breech cap assembly 150 is pivoted into a position as shown in Figure 8,
wherein
the breech cap assembly 150 is substantially coaxial with the breech 102. It
will be
appreciated that the pivoting path may not be restricted to pivoting about a
single
point, but may instead by somewhat accurate, for example.
The breech cap sleeve 152 is then pushed forward on the breech 102 along
the slide axis S-S in a direction D. The slide axis S-S is transverse (and,
according
to some preferred embodiments, perpendicular) to the pivot axis P-P. The tabs
167
slide within the axially extending channels 114A, 114B to thereby guide the
breech
cap sleeve 152 with respect to the breech 102. The breech cap sleeve 152 is
slid
onto the breech 102 until the breech cap assembly 150 reaches the position as
shown in Figure 9. This movement will serve to push the cartridge 30 fully
into
the breech 106 until the flange 34C abuts the flange 136 of the ejector sleeve
130 if
the cartridge 30 is not already so positioned.
The breech cap sleeve 152 is then rotated relative to the breech 102 about
the slide axis S-S in a rotational direction E (Figure 9). The tabs 167 slide
within
the circumferentially extending channels 116A, 116B to thereby guide the
breech
cap sleeve 152 with respect to the breech 102. The breech cap sleeve 152 is
rotated in this manner on the breech 102 until the breech cap sleeve 152
reaches
the position as shown in Figures 2 and 10. In this position, the tabs 167 and
the
circumferentially extending channels 116A, 116B cooperate to prevent relative
movement between the breech cap sleeve 152 and the breech 102 along the axis S-
S.
The pin guide housing 170 may then be rotated in a direction F (Figure 9)
about the axis S-S to screw the pin guide housing 170 into the breech cap
sleeve
152 along a lock axis T-T (Figure 10) and closer to the breech 102. According
to
some embodiments and as illustrated, the lock axis T-T is substantially
parallel to
the axis S-S about which the pin guide housing 170 is rotated. The threads
178
slide within the cutout 179A of the lock pin 179 so that the lock pin 179 does
not
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rotate but is driven forwardly through the slot 158 into the lock pin recess
142.
The pin guide housing 170 is screwed into the breech cap sleeve 152 until the
forward end of the pin guide housing 170 engages the ejector sleeve 130 and
forces
the ejector sleeve forwardly against the breech 102. The resulting position is
shown in Figure 11. In this position, the breech cap sleeve 152 is prevented
from
rotating relative to the breech 102 by the engagement between the lock pin 179
and
the ejector sleeve 130. Additionally, according to some embodiments the
cartridge
30 is driven forward by the housing 170 such that the prongs 39A are crushed
by
the ram 70.
The gas release knob 190 is then rotated in a direction G (Figure 9) about
the axis S-S to screw the gas release knob 190 into the pin guide housing 170
and
closer to the breech 102 until the gas release knob 190 reaches a sealing
position as
shown in Figure 12. In this manner, the piercer pin 184 is forced forwardly
such
that it pierces and the end wall 34B of the cartridge 30. The piercer pin 184
remains in the end wall 34B to seal the hole in the end wall 34B thus formed.
Using an alternative sequence, the housing 170 may not be screwed into the
breech cap sleeve 152 as described above prior to rotating the gas release
knob
190. Instead, the gas release knob 190 is first rotated in the direction G.
The
rotation of the gas release knob 190 will also rotate the housing 170 into the
proper
position after the gas release knob 190 has reached the proper position in
relation
to the housing 170. More particularly, at this time, the stop screw 199 will
engage
the tab 177, thereby causing the housing 170 to rotate with the gas release
knob
190. The gas release knob 190 and the housing 170 will continue to turn
together
until the forward end of the housing 170 engages the ejector sleeve 130. With
the
lock pin 179 and the ejector sleeve 130 interlocked in this manner, the breech
cap
sleeve 152 cannot be rotated relative to the breech 102 about the slide axis S-
S.
This procedure for rotating the housing 170 and the knob 190 may be more
convenient for execution by the operator.
The breech cap assembly 150 is now in the closed position as shown in
Figures 2 and 12. In this position, the rear breech opening 108B is covered by
the
breech cap assembly 150 and thereby effectively sealed. The front end opening
108A is substantially sealed by the ram 70. The ram 70 is positioned such that
its
forward end is substantially flush with the forward opening of the coupling
50.
According to some embodiments, the prongs 39A may be partially crushed by the
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rear end of the ram 70; however, the strike pin 76 is spaced apart from the
primer
36. A small gap 78 (Figure 10) is defined between the coupling 50 and the
breech
102 in the coupling nut 60. The tool 45 is now prepared for firing.
Prior to or following loading of the cartridge 30 as described above, the
coupling 50 of the tool assembly 40 is screwed into the coupling bore 86 of
the
tool head 80 such that sufficient spacing between the front end of the
coupling 50
and the abutment 86 remains for inserting the sleeve 7 and the wedge 9. The
tool
assembly 40 thus formed is then installed about the sleeve 7 and the wedge 9
as
shown in Figure 1 such that the components 7, 9 are received in the cradle 88.
The coupling is screwed into the bore 86 until the sleeve 22 abuts the
abutment 82
and the forward end of the coupling 50 abuts the wedge 24.
With the tool assembly 40 prepared and positioned as described above, the
user next strikes the end wall 191 of the gas release knob 190. The gas
release
knob 190 may be struck using a hammer 15 (Figure 1), for example. The strike
force may be directed generally along the axis S-S. By striking in this
manner, the
user forces the coupling 50 against the wedge 24, which in turn slides the
coupling
50 rearward in the coupling nut 60 to close the gap 78 (Figure 10). The ram 70
is
also thereby driven back into the cartridge 30 and the breech 102 such that
the
firing pin 76 is thereby driven into contact with the primer 36 to ignite the
primer
36. The primer 36 in turn ignites the main charge 32. The explosion of the
main
charge 32 is contained by the closed breech 102 so that the ram 70 is driven
forwardly by the explosion and forces the wedge 24 into the sleeve 22, thereby
forming the connection 5.
The fired cartridge 30 can be removed and the tool 40 reloaded with a fresh
cartridge using the following procedure. Typically, following the firing of
the
cartridge 30, a pressurized gas from the exploded charge 32 will remain in the
breech chamber 106. Immediately removing the breech cap sleeve 152 from the
breech 102 may cause the gas to be released in a manner potentially harmful to
the
user, bystanders, or the tool itself. Thus, it is desirable to first pre-
release the gas
in a controlled fashion. To accomplish this, the gas release knob 190 is
rotated in a
direction H (Figure 9) about the axis S-S to unscrew the gas release knob 190
from the pin guide housing 170 to the gas release position as shown in Figure
11.
In this manner, the piercer pin 184 is pulled rearwardly such that it is
withdrawn
from the end wall34B'of the cartridge 30. The pressurized gas trapped in the
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breech chamber 106 and the cartridge 30 is allowed to escape through the hole
in
the end wall 34B, the bore 182 in the pin guide 180, and the gas release
passage
196 in the gas release knob 190.
The user then continues to rotate the gas release knob 190 in the direction
H such that the stop screw 199 engages the tab 177 and causes the pin guide
housing 170 to rotate in the direction H with the gas release knob 190. The
rotation of the housing 170 causes the housing 170 to translate rearwardly
along
the axis S-S, thereby withdrawing the locking pin 179 from the locking pin
recess
142, and placing the drive assembly 100 in the position shown in Figure 10.
According to some embodiments, the stop screw 199 will engage and begin
rotating the housing 170 after the gas release knob 190 has been rotated less
than
360 degrees.
The breech cap sleeve 152 is thereafter rotated relative to the breech 102 in
a direction I (Figure 9) about the axis S-S to align the tabs 167 with the
axially
extending channels 114A, 114B, as shown in Figure 9.
The breech cap sleeve 152 is then slid (e.g., pulled) relative to the breech
102 in a direction J (Figure 8) along the axis S-S with the axially extending
channels 114A, 114B serving to guide the breech cap sleeve 152. The breech cap
sleeve 152 is slid such that the tabs 167 engage the ejector sleeve 130 and
force the
ejector sleeve 130 rearwardly relative to the breech 102. In this manner, the
cartridge 30 may be dislodged from the breech 102. The user may grasp and pull
the ejector sleeve 130 using the ribs 146 to facilitate removal of the
cartridge.
The breech cap assembly 150 is next pivoted about the axis P-P in a
direction K (Figure 8). In this manner, the breech cap assembly 150 is
returned to
the open position as shown in Figure 7. The breech cap assembly 150 may be
further lifted to the supported position of Figure 6. The spent cartridge 30
is now
partially exposed and dislodged and can be easily removed and discarded. After
the cartridge 30 has been removed, a new cartridge can be inserted into the
drive
assembly 100 and the tool 45 again prepared and fired in the manner described
above.
The tool assembly 40 according to the present invention may provide a
number of advantages. Because the drive assembly 100 is one integral or
interconnected unit, it can be conveniently loaded and unloaded. In
particular, it is
not necessary to remove the breech cap assembly 150 or any portion thereof to
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access the breech chamber 102. Nonetheless, when the breech cap assembly 152
is
in the open position, the breech opening 108B can be fully exposed to allow
easy
and effective insertion or removal of the cartridge. The drive assembly 100
may
provide an effective, durable and reliable mechanism for safely releasing
pressurized gas from the breech chamber 106 prior to opening the breech cap
assembly 150. Moreover, according to some embodiments including those
illustrated in the figures, the drive assembly 100 requires that the gas
release knob
190 be axially withdrawn relative to the breech 102 in order to withdraw the
locking pin 179 before the breech cap sleeve 152 can be rotated relative to
the
breech 102. This required sequence ensures that the piercer pin 184 will first
be
withdrawn from the cartridge, thereby ensuring that any pressurized gas will
be
released before the breech cap sleeve 152 is removed from its interlock with
the
circumferentially extending channels 116A, 116B.
While the drive assembly 100 includes the rotatable housing 170 and the
separately rotatable gas release knob 190, in accordance with other
embodiments
of the invention the housing and the gas release knob may be integrally formed
or
assembled. However, the separately rotatable housing and gas release knob of
the
drive assembly 100 may provide enhanced safety and convenience. For example,
the drive assembly 100 allows for release of pressurized gas by retracting the
gas
release knob 190 while still maintaining the breech cap sleeve 152 and the
cartridge 30 in a secure arrangement by means of the housing 170.
With reference to Figures 13-19, a drive assembly 200 according to further
embodiments of the present invention is shown therein. The drive assembly 200
can be used in place of the drive assembly 100, for example. Accordingly, the
foregoing discussion of the use and operation of the drive assembly 100 in
combination with the tool 45 and/or the anvil 80 to form the tool assembly 40
likewise applies to the drive assembly 200.
The drive assembly 200 includes a breech 202, an ejector sleeve 230
(Figure 14), and breech cap assembly 250.
The breech 202 corresponds generally to the breech 102 except as follows.
The end portion 220 of the breech 202 has opposed, upstanding flanges 206
adjacent the rear end 204B (Figures 14 and 15).
The ejector sleeve 230 is mounted on the end portion 220 in generally the
same manner as the ejector sleeve 130. Opposed crossbars 240 extend across the
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inner diameter of the ejector sleeve 230 and cooperate with the upstanding
flanges
206 to slidably retain the ejector sleeve 230 on the end portion 220. A lock
pin
recess 242 is formed in the rear end of the ejector sleeve 230.
The breech cap assembly 250 includes a breech cap sleeve 252, a pin guide
member 280, a retaining spring 281, a piercer pin 284, a gas release knob 290,
and
a lock pin assembly 287.
The breech cap sleeve 252 corresponds to the breech cap sleeve 152 except
as follows. The breech cap sleeve 252 has an enlarged head portion 253A and an
elongated grip portion 253B. The enlarged head portion 253A may provide
additional strength and protection of the front portion of the breech 202. The
elongated grip portion 253B may provide a longer and more ergonomic handle for
the operator. The breech cap sleeve 252 is tubular and defines an axial
passage
254. A lock pin guide slot 258 extends axially through the threads 256. A
second
axially extending lock pin guide slot 259 extends radially fully through the
breech
cap sleeve 252. A marker line 253C or other suitable indicia may be provided
on
the head portion 253A to assist in properly orienting the breech 202 with
respect to
the coupling nut 60.
The pin guide member 280 may be integrally or unitarily formed. The pin
guide member 280 is mounted in the passage 254 such that outer threads 283 of
the
pin guide member 280 operatively engage the threads 256. An axial pin guide
passage 282 extends through the pin guide member 280. A circumferential collar
280A (Figure 15) extends axially rearwardly from the pin guide member 280. An
integral tab 286 extends axially rearwardly from the pin guide member 280 and
is
radially spaced apart from the collar 280A.
The gas release knob 290 includes a flange 293, a pin bore 294, gas release
passages 296, and external threads 297 generally corresponding to the flange
193,
pin bore 194, gas release passages 196, and external threads 197 of the gas
release
knob 190. The front portion of the gas release knob 290 is mounted in the
passage
254 such that the outer threads 297 of the gas release knob 290 operatively
engage
the threads 256. The piercer pin 284 is mounted in the pin bore 294 in the
same
manner as the piercer pin 194 in the gas release knob 190. The piercer pin 284
may be removably retained in the pin bore 294 by a set screw 294A. An integral
collar 290A (Figure 14) extends axially forwardly from the front end of the
gas
release knob 290 and is rotatably positioned between the collar 280A and the
tab
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286. An integral tab 299 extends radially outwardly from the collar 290A such
that
at least a portion of the tab 299 engages the tab 286 of the pin guide member
180
upon rotation of the knob 290. That is, the tab 299 and the tab 286, or
respective
portions thereof, are located at the same positions along the axis S-S and the
same
radial distance from the axis S-S.
The lock pin assembly 287 includes a lock pin 279 and a slide member 288.
The slide member 288 is joined to the lock pin 279 by screws 289 that extend
through the slot 259 and holes 288A into threaded holes 289A in the lock pin
279.
A leaf spring 288B is interposed between the slide member 288 and the breech
cap
sleeve 252. The lock pin 279 is slidably mounted in the slot 258. The lock pin
279
may have an axial channel defined on its underside to provide clearance for
the
front portion of the gas release knob 290. An anti-bind washer 285 surrounds
the
gas release knob 290 between the front side of the flange 293 and the rear end
of
the lock pin 279.
The foregoing components may be formed of any suitable materials.
According to some embodiments, all of the components are preferably formed of
metal and, more preferably, steel of appropriate strength and hardness.
As noted above, the drive assembly 200 may be used in the same manner as
the drive assembly 100 in a tool assembly such as the tool assembly 40 to form
a
connection 5. The use of the drive assembly 200 differs from that of the drive
assembly 100 in the manner in which the cartridge 30 may be loaded and
unloaded
and pressurized gas may be released from the breech 202. Methods for releasing
gas from and for loading and unloading a cartridge 30 in and from the drive
assembly 200 will be described hereinafter. It will be appreciated from the
description herein that the order of certain of the steps discussed below can
be
revised.
The drive assembly 200 may be placed in an open position as shown in
Figure 16 and generally corresponding to the open position of the drive
assembly
100 as shown in Figure 6 and, alternatively, a closed position as shown in
Figure
17 and generally corresponding to the closed position of the drive assembly
100 as
shown in Figure 12.
Beginning with the drive assembly 200 in an open position corresponding
to that shown in Figure 6, the breech cap assembly 250 is located such that it
does
not cover the breech opening 208B. The pin guide member 280 and the gas
release
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knob 290 are each unscrewed or backed out to respective open positions as
shown
in Figure 16. Accordingly, the piercer pin 284 is retracted with respect to
the pin
guide member 280. In order to maintain the breech cap assembly 250 in the open
position, an edge of the breech cap sleeve 252 may be inserted into a support
recess to support the breech cap assembly 250 as discussed above for the drive
assembly 100. The lock pin 279 is in an unlocked or retracted position.
With the drive assembly 200 in the open position, the cartridge 30 is
inserted into the breech chamber 206 through the breech opening 208B. In doing
so, the ram is inserted into the forward portion of the shell cavity in the
manner
described above. With the cartridge 30 in place, the breech cap assembly 250
is
lifted and pivoted into a position corresponding to that shown in Figure 8,
wherein
the breech cap assembly 250 is substantially coaxial with the breech 202.
The breech cap sleeve 252 is then pushed forward on the breech 202 along
the slide axis S-S in a direction D. The tabs 267 slide within the axially
extending
channels 214A (opposing channel not shown in figures) to thereby guide the
breech cap sleeve 252 with respect to the breech 202. The breech cap sleeve
252 is
slid onto the breech 202 until the breech cap assembly 250 reaches the
position
corresponding to that as shown in Figure 9. This movement will serve to push
the
cartridge 30 fully into the breech chamber 206 as discussed above with regard
to
the drive assembly 100.
The breech cap sleeve 252 is then rotated relative to the breech 202 about
the slide axis S-S in a rotational direction corresponding to the rotational
direction
E (Figure 9). The tabs 267 slide within the circumferentially extending
channels
216A (opposing channel not shown in figures) to thereby guide the breech cap
sleeve 252 with respect to the breech 202. The breech cap sleeve 252 is
rotated in
this manner on the breech 202 until the breech cap sleeve 252 reaches the
position
as shown in Figure 13. In this position, the tabs 267 and the
circumferentially
extending channels cooperate to prevent relative movement between the breech
cap sleeve 252 and the breech 202 along the axis S-S.
The gas release knob 290 is then rotated relative to the breech 202 and the
breech cap sleeve 252 in a clockwise direction L about the axis S-S to screw
the
gas release knob 290 into the breech cap sleeve 252 and closer to the breech
202.
As the gas release knob 290 is rotated, the tab 299 thereof engages the tab
286 of
the pin guide member 280 so that the pin guide member 280 is thereafter also
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rotated clockwise (i.e., as a follower) into the breech cap sleeve 252 and
closer to
the breech 202. The gas release knob 290 and the pin guide member 280 continue
to turn together until the forward end of the pin guide member 280 engages the
ejector sleeve 230. In this manner, the pin guide member 280 and the gas
release
knob 290 are placed in a sealing position (as shown in Figure 17) whereby the
breech 202 is sealed. Additionally, the piercer pin 284 is advanced through
the
passage 282 and into the breech 202 to pierce the end wall 34B and the
cartridge
30.
When the gas release knob 290 is in the sealing position, the lock pin 279
will be in a locked position as shown in Figure 17. More particularly, when
the
lock pin 279 is in the locked position, a forward portion of the lock pin 279
is
disposed in the engagement recess 242. In this position, the lock pin 279
serves as
a safety latch that prevents the breech cap sleeve 252 from being rotated
relative to
the breech 202 as discussed above with regard to the lock pin 179 of the drive
assembly 100.
The lock pin 279 may be transitioned from the unlocked position of Figure
16 to the locked position of Figure 17 in two ways. While the gas release knob
290 and the breech cap sleeve 252 are positioned generally as shown in Figure
16,
the operator may slide the lock pin 279 forwardly in a direction M along a
slide
axis V-V into the locked position, and thereafter rotate the gas release knob
290
clockwise into the sealing position. If the operator fails to position the
lock pin
279 in this manner, the gas release knob 290 will automatically push the lock
pin
279 forward in the direction M into the locked position as the gas release
knob 290
advances toward the breech cap sleeve 252. In either case, when the gas
release
knob 290 is in the sealing position of Figure 17, the gas release knob 290
serves as
a limiting member by abutting the rear end of the lock pin 279 so as to
prevent the
lock pin from being slid rearwardly into its unlocked position until the gas
release
knob 290 is retracted (i.e., rotated counterclockwise into a gas release
position).
That is, the gas release knob 290 must be moved to the gas release position
before
moving the lock pin 279 to the unlocked position. According to some
embodiments and as shown, the slide axis V-V is substantially parallel to the
rotation axis S-S.
The breech cap assembly 250 is now in the closed position as shown in
Figure 17. In this position, the breech cap assembly 250 effectively seals the
rear
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breech opening 208B and the ram 70 substantially seals the front end opening
208A so that the tool 45 is now prepared for firing. The tool 45 may then be
positioned and fired to form a connection as described above.
The fired cartridge 30 can be removed from the drive assembly 200 and the
drive assembly 200 can be reloaded with a fresh cartridge using the following
procedure. Typically, and as discussed above, following the firing of the
cartridge
30, a pressurized gas from the exploded charge 32 will remain in the breech
chamber 206. To pre-release the pressurized gas in a controlled fashion, the
gas
release knob 290 is rotated counterclockwise in a direction N about the axis S-
S to
unscrew the gas release knob 290 from the pin guide member 280 to the gas
release position as shown in Figure 18. In this manner, the piercer pin 284 is
pulled rearwardly such that it is withdrawn from the end wall 34B of the
cartridge
30. The pressurized gas trapped in the breech chamber 206 and the cartridge 30
is
allowed to escape through the hole in the end wall 34B, the bore 282 in the
pin
guide member 280 (e.g., through the gap provided by the clearance between the
piercer pin 284 and the wall of the bore 282), and the gas release passages
296 in
the gas release knob 290.
The user then continues to rotate the gas release knob 290 counterclockwise
such that the tab 299 engages the tab 286 and causes the pin guide member 280
to
rotate counterclockwise as a follower with the gas release knob 290. The
rotation
of the pin guide member 280 causes the pin guide member 280 to translate
rearwardly along the axis S-S, placing the drive assembly 200 in the position
shown in Figure 19. The amount of rotation of the gas release knob 290
required
before the tab 299 will engage and begin rotating the pin guide member 280 may
depend on the locations of the tabs, the thread type and size, etc.
Thereafter, the operator slides the lock pin 279 rearwardly along the axis V-
V in a direction 0 from the locked position as shown in Figure 19 to the
unlocked
position as shown in Figure 16 using the slide member 288.
The breech cap sleeve 252 may thereafter be rotated, slid and pivoted to its
open position in the manner described above with regard to the drive member
100.
In doing so, the cartridge may be withdrawn or dislodged by the ejector sleeve
230
as discussed above.
It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the drive assembly
200
provides certain of the advantages as discussed above with regard to the drive
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assembly 100. In accordance with some embodiments and as shown, it is not
possible for the operator to accidentally or deliberately move the lock pin
279 from
the locked position to the unlocked position until after the gas release knob
290 has
been placed in the gas release position. Rather, the gas is released
automatically as
the gas release knob 290 is transitioned from a position limiting or blocking
the
lock pin 299 to a position permitting the lock pin 279 to be unlocked. In this
manner, the drive assembly 200 may prevent the operator from opening the
breech
cap sleeve 252 while the breech 202 is filled with potentially dangerous
pressurized gas.
The drive assembly 200 may provide enhanced ease of use. For example,
the independently operable lock pin 279 and the externally engageable slide
member allow the operator to lock the breech 202 and the breech cap sleeve 252
against relative rotation before rotating the gas release knob 290 into the
sealing
position. This prevents unintended rotation or disengagement of the breech 202
and the breech cap sleeve 252 as the gas release knob 290 is being
manipulated.
As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art upon reading the
description herein, the drive assemblies 100, 200 and other drive assemblies
in
accordance with the present invention may be used with explosive charge-
actuated
tools of other designs.
While the lock pins 179, 279 are discussed above, it will be appreciated that
lock members of other configurations may be used.
While the ejector sleeves 130, 230 are discussed above, it will be
appreciated that ejector members of other configurations may be used.
While gas release and locking mechanisms of the present invention have
been described herein in combination with tool members adapted to be opened
and
closed by sliding and pivoting, it will be appreciated that these and other
mechanisms and features described herein may be used in explosive charge
connector tools of other types and configurations.
The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be
construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this
invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that
many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without
materially
departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention.
Accordingly,
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this
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invention as defined in the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the
foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed
as
limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the
disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be
included
within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by the
following
claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
26
