Appeal No. 1998-0502 Page 2
Application No. 08/571,323
wires. In particular, the invention relates to a fastening
tool/connector combination in which the connector deforms at a
predefined torque level, allowing the tool to turn freely about
the connector. This predefined torque level insures the wires
are twisted sufficiently to achieve a good electrical
connection, and yet be less than a level at which the wires or
the connector will be hazardously damaged.
Representative independent claim 1 is reproduced as
follows:
1. A system for joining ends of electrical wires to a
predefined torque level, which comprises:
a connector having a hollow body with an open end, a
closed end and an outer surface extending between the open and
closed ends, and at least a portion of the outer surface having
elements which form a cross section with a polygonal shape; and
a tool socket having a mechanism by which torque is
applied to the tool socket, and having an aperture within which
is removably received the closed end of the connector with side
walls of the aperture engaging the portion of the outer
surface, the aperture being larger in cross section than the
connector so that a gap exists between the side walls and the
outer surface, as a result of the gap the elements of the
connector deform when the tool socket applies greater than the
predefined torque level to the connector.
The references relied on by the Examiner are as follows:
Blaha Des. 315,139 Mar. 5,
1991
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