Compression tool for installing a coaxial cable connector and method of operating thereof

Abstract

A hydraulic compression tool for securing a compression type cable connector to a prepared end of a coaxial cable. The tool can include a hydraulic assembly having an axially extendable ram, and a connector frame detachably attached to the hydraulic assembly. The connector frame can include a cable cradle configured to accommodate cables of various sizes and a sleeve for engaging a cable connector. The connector frame can further include a sliding guide structure attached to the cable cradle. The sliding guide structure can include a sliding bar and one or more sliding guides. The sleeve can be attached to the sliding bar. The sleeve can be configured to accommodate connectors of various sizes. Activating the hydraulic assembly can cause the ram to extend, which, in turn, can cause the sliding bar to move along the longitudinal axis of the cable connector compressing the compression member and connector body into operative engagement with the cable.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A connector frame assembly for use with a compression tool, said connector frame assembly being an attachment for a compression tool for applying an axially directed compression force to a coaxial cable connector to attach the coaxial cable connector to a coaxial cable, said connector frame assembly comprising:
 a connector frame having a connector for detachably coupling the connector frame to the compression tool;   a first receiver, attached to the connector frame, for engaging a first portion of the coaxial cable connector and for allowing a prepared end of a coaxial cable to be received into the first portion of the coaxial cable connector; and   a second receiver, attached to the connector frame, for receiving a second portion of the coaxial cable connector;   whereby upon applying a force by the compression tool, the first and second receiver move with respect to each other along the axis of the coaxial cable causing the first portion of the coaxial cable connector to compress with respect to the second portion of the cable connector for securing the cable connector to the coaxial cable.   
     
     
         2 . The connector frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the coaxial cable connector includes a compression member and the first receiver is configured to receive the compression member. 
     
     
         3 . The connector frame assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the first receiver is a cable cradle. 
     
     
         4 . The connector frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first receiver is a cable cradle. 
     
     
         5 . The connector frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first receiver is configured to accommodate cables of various sizes. 
     
     
         6 . The connector frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion of the coaxial cable connector includes a threaded nut rotatably secured to a post and the second receiver, receives the threaded nut rotatably secured to the post. 
     
     
         7 . The connector frame assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the second receiver is a sleeve. 
     
     
         8 . The connector frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the second receiver is a sleeve. 
     
     
         9 . The connector frame assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising the connector for detachably coupling the connector frame to the compression tool, wherein the connector is attachable to a ram of a compression tool for moving the connector frame. 
     
     
         10 . The connector frame assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising an orifice and pin for attaching the connector frame to more than one type of compression tool.