Method and system for crimping a metal connector

摘要

This disclosure depicts a novel method and system for crimping an elongated malleable metal connector onto two cables or the like and deforming the connector so that in its final crimped condition it is of generally a semi-cruciform/semi-circular shape in transverse cross-section with offset tap cable lodgment. The method comprises placing the connector between first and second opposed pairs of crimping dies, the first pair each having a nose portion for biting into a tap portion of the connector and one of said second pair also having a nose portion for biting into the tap portion of the connector and the other of the second pair has a nest die for crimping a main portion of the connector; moving the dies simultaneously toward one another for gripping the connector at four locations spaced around the connector; applying pressure to the dies to cause them to crimp the connector and effect deformation of the connector to the generally semi-cruciform/semi-circular shape with offset tap cable lodgment, each of the dies being substantially equidistant from its respective two adjacent dies throughout the simultaneous movement thereof; and relasing the dies when an increase in pressure of the dies on the connector reaches a predetermined value, independent of the extent of die movement, thereby terminating the crimping operation. Apparatus is disclosed for implementing the described method.